MERCANTILE BANCORPORATION INC
S-4, 1997-11-24
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE> 1
  AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 24, 1997
                                                   Registration No. 333--------
===============================================================================
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549
                           -----------------------
                                   FORM S-4
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                    Under
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                           ------------------------
                        MERCANTILE BANCORPORATION INC.
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           MISSOURI                         6712                    43-0951744
<C>                              <C>                            <C>
(State or other jurisdiction of  (Primary Standard Industrial     (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Classification Code Number)    Identification Number)
</TABLE>
                                 P.O. Box 524
                       St. Louis, Missouri  63166-0524
                                (314) 425-2525
(Address, including ZIP code, and telephone number, including area code, of
                  registrant's principal executive offices)
                           ------------------------
                            JON W. BILSTROM, ESQ.
                        General Counsel and Secretary
                        Mercantile Bancorporation Inc.
                                 P.O. Box 524
                       St. Louis, Missouri  63166-0524
                                (314) 425-2525
(Name, address, including ZIP code, and telephone number, including area code,
                             of agent for service)
                           ------------------------
                                   Copy to:
<TABLE>
<C>                               <C>                          <C>
         JOHN Q. ARNOLD             ROBERT M. LaROSE, ESQ.      GARLAND W. BINNS, JR., ESQ.
     Chief Financial Officer           Thompson Coburn         Horne, Hollingsworth & Parker
 Mercantile Bancorporation Inc.     One Mercantile Center       401 West Capitol, Suite 501
          P.O. Box 524            St. Louis, Missouri  63101   Little Rock, Arkansas  72203
 St. Louis, Missouri  63166-0524        (314) 552-6000                (501) 376-4731
         (314) 425-2525
</TABLE>
                           -------------------------

APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE OF THE SECURITIES TO THE
PUBLIC:  As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration
Statement.
If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection
with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General
Instruction G, check the following box.   / /
                          --------------------------

<TABLE>
                                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<CAPTION>
===================================================================================================================================
   Title of each class of             Amount to be           Proposed maximum             Proposed maximum             Amount of
securities to be registered            registered      offering price per unit<F2>  aggregate offering price<F3>   registration fee
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                         <C>                           <C>                        <C>
Common Stock, $0.01 par value<F1>   2,550,000 shares            $18.41                        $46,955,855                $14,230
===================================================================================================================================
<FN>
<F1> Includes one attached Preferred Share Purchase Right per share.
<F2> The proposed maximum offering price per unit has been determined by
     dividing the proposed maximum aggregate offering price by the number of
     shares being registered.
<F3> Estimated solely for purposes of computing the Registration Fee pursuant
     to the provisions of Rule 457(f), and based upon the $46,955,855
     aggregate book value of 632,743 shares of Common Stock, $1.00 par value, of
     Horizon Bancorp, Inc. as of  October 31, 1997.
</TABLE>
                         ---------------------------
      The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall
file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.
================================================================================



<PAGE> 2

                    [LETTERHEAD OF HORIZON BANCORP, INC.]

                            ----------------, 1997
Dear Fellow Shareholder:

      The Board of Directors cordially invites you to attend a Special Meeting
of Shareholders of Horizon Bancorp, Inc. ("Horizon") to be held at ----- a.m.
Central Time, on -----------------, -------------------, 1998, at the offices
of Horizon, 526 Main Street, Suite 204, Arkadelphia, Arkansas (the "Special
Meeting").  At the Special Meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote
upon a proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 31,
1997 (the "Merger Agreement"), and each of the transactions contemplated
thereby, pursuant to which Horizon will be merged (the "Merger") with and
into Ameribanc, Inc., a Missouri corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of
Mercantile Bancorporation Inc. ("MBI").  Upon consummation of the Merger,
each share of Horizon common stock will be converted into the right to
receive 4.0301 shares of MBI common stock, all as more fully described in the
accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

      I have enclosed the following items relating to the Special Meeting and
the Merger:

      1.    Proxy Statement/Prospectus;

      2.    Proxy card; and

      3.    A pre-addressed return envelope to Horizon for the proxy card.

The Proxy Statement/Prospectus and related proxy materials set forth, or
incorporate by reference, financial data and other important information
relating to Horizon and MBI and describe the terms and conditions of the
Merger.  The Board of Directors requests that you carefully review these
materials before completing the enclosed proxy card or attending the Special
Meeting.

      THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF HORIZON CAREFULLY CONSIDERED AND APPROVED THE
TERMS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AS BEING IN THE BEST INTEREST OF HORIZON AND ITS
SHAREHOLDERS. THE HORIZON BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE
                                                                  ---
PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE MERGER AGREEMENT.

      APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT BY THE HORIZON SHAREHOLDERS IS A
CONDITION TO THE CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER.  Accordingly, it is important that
your shares be represented at the Special Meeting, whether or not you plan to
attend the Special Meeting in person.  Please complete, date and sign the
enclosed proxy card and return it to Horizon in the enclosed pre-addressed
envelope, which requires no postage if mailed within the United States.  If you
later decide to attend the Special Meeting and vote in person, or if you wish
to revoke your proxy for any reason prior to the vote at the Special Meeting,
you may do so and your proxy will have no further effect.  You may revoke your
proxy by delivering to the Secretary of Horizon a written notice of revocation
or another proxy relating to the same shares bearing a later date than the
proxy being revoked or by attending the Special Meeting and voting in person.
Attendance at the Special Meeting will not in itself constitute a revocation of
an earlier dated proxy.

      If you need assistance in completing your proxy card or if you have any
questions about the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, please feel free to contact
me at (870) 246-8070.

                                          Sincerely,

                                          Ross M. Whipple
                                          Chairman and Chief Executive Officer



<PAGE> 3

                         HORIZON BANCORP, INC.
                      526 MAIN STREET, SUITE 204
                      ARKADELPHIA, ARKANSAS 71923

               NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                              TO BE HELD
                     ----------------------, 1998

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF HORIZON BANCORP, INC.:

      Notice is hereby given that a special meeting (the "Special Meeting") of
shareholders of HORIZON BANCORP, INC., an Arkansas corporation ("Horizon"),
will be held at the offices of Horizon, 526 Main Street, Suite 204,
Arkadelphia, Arkansas on ---------------, 1998, at ----- a.m. Central Time,
for the following purposes:

      (1)   To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 31, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement"),
by and among Mercantile Bancorporation Inc. ("MBI"), Ameribanc, Inc., a
wholly owned subsidiary of MBI ("Merger Sub"), and Horizon, pursuant to which
Horizon will be merged (the "Merger") with and into Merger Sub, in a
transaction that will result in the business and operations of Horizon being
continued through Merger Sub, and whereby, upon consummation of the Merger,
each outstanding share of Horizon common stock will be converted into the
right to receive 4.0301 shares of MBI common stock, as set forth in detail in
the attached Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

      (2)   To transact such other business as may properly come before the
Special Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

      The record date for determining the shareholders entitled to receive
notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting or any adjournments or
postponements thereof has been fixed as of the close of business on
- -----------------, 1997.  On the record date, Horizon had 632,743 shares of
common stock issued, outstanding and entitled to vote.  Such shares were held
by approximately [131] holders.  Each share will be entitled one vote on each
matter submitted to a vote at the Special Meeting.

      THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF THE HOLDERS OF A MAJORITY OF THE OUTSTANDING
SHARES OF HORIZON COMMON STOCK IS REQUIRED FOR APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU OWN.

      WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE,
DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT IN THE ACCOMPANYING
ENVELOPE.  THE PROXY MAY BE REVOKED AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE VOTE AT THE SPECIAL
MEETING BY FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURES SET FORTH IN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.  FAILURE TO RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD OR TO VOTE AT
THE MEETING WILL HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS A VOTE AGAINST THE MERGER.

      PLEASE DO NOT SEND IN ANY STOCK CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME. If the Merger
Agreement is approved, you will be sent instructions regarding the mechanics of
exchanging your existing Horizon Common Stock certificates for new certificates
representing shares of MBI.

                                    BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS


Arkadelphia, Arkansas
- --------------, 1997                Secretary



<PAGE> 4

                  MERCANTILE BANCORPORATION INC.
                            PROSPECTUS
                         ----------------

                       HORIZON BANCORP, INC.
                          PROXY STATEMENT
                  SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                TO BE HELD ON --------------, 1998

      This Prospectus of Mercantile Bancorporation Inc., a Missouri
corporation ("MBI"), relates to up to 2,550,000 shares of common stock, $0.01
par value (the "Common Stock"), and attached Preferred Share Purchase Rights
(the "Rights"), of MBI (the Common Stock and Rights are collectively referred
to herein as "MBI Common Stock"), to be issued to the shareholders of Horizon
Bancorp, Inc., an Arkansas corporation ("Horizon"), upon consummation of the
proposed merger (the "Merger") of Horizon with and into Ameribanc, Inc., a
Missouri corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of MBI ("Merger Sub").  Upon
receipt of the requisite shareholder and regulatory approvals, and the
satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions precedent, the Merger will be
consummated pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated
July 31, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among MBI, Merger Sub and
Horizon.  This Prospectus also serves as the Proxy Statement of Horizon for
use in connection with the Special Meeting of Shareholders of Horizon (the
"Special Meeting"), which will be held on ----------------, 1998, at the time
and place and for the purposes stated in the Notice of Special Meeting of
Shareholders accompanying this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

      Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, MBI will issue up to an aggregate of
2,550,000 shares of MBI Common Stock.  Upon consummation of the Merger, the
business and operations of Horizon will be continued through Merger Sub and
each share (other than shares as to which a shareholder has perfected
dissenters' rights) of common stock, $1.00 par value, of Horizon ("Horizon
Common Stock") will be converted into the right to receive 4.0301 shares of
MBI Common Stock.  The fair market value of MBI Common Stock to be received
pursuant to the Merger may fluctuate and at the consummation of the Merger
may be more or less than the current fair market value of such shares.  See
"TERMS OF THE PROPOSED MERGER - General Description of the Merger."  No
fractional shares of MBI Common Stock will be issued in the Merger, but cash
will be paid in lieu of such fractional shares.  See "TERMS OF THE PROPOSED
MERGER - Fractional Shares."

      The Merger is intended to qualify as a reorganization under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").  The Merger generally is
intended to achieve certain federal income tax tax-deferral benefits for
Horizon shareholders with respect to shares of MBI Common Stock received in
the Merger.  See "SUMMARY INFORMATION - Federal Income Tax Consequences in
General" and "CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER."

      MBI Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE")
under the symbol "MTL."  On November 21, 1997 the closing sale price for
MBI Common Stock as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape was $49.625.

      This Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the Notice of Special Meeting and the
form of proxy were first mailed to the shareholders of Horizon on or about
- -------------------, 1997.



<PAGE> 5

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

      THE SHARES OF MBI COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY ARE NOT SAVINGS
ACCOUNTS, DEPOSITS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK OR NON-BANK
SUBSIDIARY OF MBI AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT
INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE BANK INSURANCE FUND, THE SAVINGS
ASSOCIATION INSURANCE FUND OR ANY OTHER FEDERAL OR STATE
GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.

      All information contained in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus with
respect to MBI has been supplied by MBI and all information with respect to
Horizon has been supplied by Horizon.

  The date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus is -------------------, 1997.


                                    - 2 -
<PAGE> 6

                          AVAILABLE INFORMATION
                          ---------------------

      MBI is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance
therewith, files with the Commission reports, proxy statements and other
information.  Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed with
the Commission by MBI can be inspected and copied at the public reference
facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the Commission's regional offices located at
Suite 1300, Seven World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048 and Room 1400,
Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661.
The Commission maintains an Internet site on the World Wide Web containing
reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed
electronically by MBI with the Commission.  The address of the World Wide Web
site maintained by the Commission is http://www.sec.gov.  MBI Common Stock is
listed on the NYSE, and such reports, proxy statements and other information
concerning MBI also are available for inspection and copying at the offices
of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

      This Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not contain all of the information
set forth in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 and exhibits thereto (the
"Registration Statement") covering the securities offered hereby which has
been filed by MBI with the Commission.  As permitted by the rules and
regulations of the Commission, this Proxy Statement/Prospectus omits certain
information contained or incorporated by reference in the Registration
Statement.  Statements contained in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus provide a
summary of the contents of certain contracts or other documents referenced
herein but are not necessarily complete and in each instance reference is
made to the copy of each such contract or other document filed as an exhibit
to the Registration Statement.  For such further information, reference is
made to the Registration Statement.


          INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
          -------------------------------------------------

      THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE
DOCUMENTS THAT ARE NOT PRESENTED HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH.
DOCUMENTS RELATING TO MBI, EXCLUDING EXHIBITS UNLESS SPECIFICALLY
INCORPORATED THEREIN, ARE AVAILABLE, WITHOUT CHARGE TO ANY PERSON,
INCLUDING BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF HORIZON COMMON STOCK TO WHOM THIS
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL
REQUEST TO JON W. BILSTROM, GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY,
MERCANTILE BANCORPORATION INC., P.O. BOX 524, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
63166-0524, TELEPHONE (314) 425-2525.  IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY
DELIVERY OF THE DOCUMENTS PRIOR TO THE SPECIAL MEETING, ANY
REQUEST SHOULD BE MADE BY ------------, 1997.

      The following documents filed with the Commission by MBI under the
Exchange Act are incorporated herein by reference:

      (a)   MBI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
            1996, as amended by Form 10-K/A.

      (b)   MBI's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March
            31, 1997, June 30, 1997 and September 30, 1997.


                                    - 3 -
<PAGE> 7

      (c)   MBI's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated April 25, 1997 (as amended
            by Form 8-K/A dated May 22, 1997), May 13, 1997, July 1, 1997 and
            two dated September 25, 1997.

      (d)   The description of MBI's Common Stock set forth in Item 1 of MBI's
            Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated March 5, 1993, and any
            amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such
            description.

      (e)   The description of MBI's Preferred Share Purchase Rights set forth
            in Item 1 of MBI's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated March
            5, 1993, and any amendment or report filed for the purpose of
            updating such description.

      Such incorporation by reference shall not be deemed to incorporate by
reference the information referred to in Item 402(a)(8) of Regulation S-K.

      All documents filed by MBI pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and
15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date hereof and until the date of the
Special Meeting shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and
made a part hereof from the date any such document is filed.  The information
relating to MBI contained in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not purport
to be complete and should be read together with the information in the
documents incorporated by reference herein.  Any statement contained herein
or in a document incorporated herein by reference shall be deemed to be
modified or superseded for purposes hereof to the extent that a subsequent
statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement.  Any
such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part hereof.

      Any statements contained in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus involving
matters of opinion, whether or not expressly so stated, are intended as such
and not as representations of fact.

      NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO
MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/
PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY MBI OR HORIZON.  THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY
ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE SHARES OF MBI COMMON STOCK TO WHICH
IT RELATES OR AN OFFER TO ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE
SUCH AN OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.  NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS NOR ANY DISTRIBUTION OF SECURITIES
PURSUANT HERETO SHALL IMPLY OR CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE
HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF MBI OR HORIZON OR ANY OF
THEIR SUBSIDIARIES OR IN THE INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN
SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.


                                    - 4 -
<PAGE> 8

<TABLE>
                             TABLE OF CONTENTS
                             -----------------
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 Page
                                                                                 ----
<S>                                                                               <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION                                                              3

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE                                  3

SUMMARY INFORMATION                                                                8
      Business of MBI                                                              8
      Business of Merger Sub                                                       9
      Business of Horizon                                                          9
      The Proposed Merger                                                          9
      Voting Agreements                                                           10
      Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger                                  11
      Special Meeting of Horizon Shareholders                                     11
      Reasons for the Merger                                                      12
      Opinion of Financial Advisor to Horizon                                     12
      Fractional Shares                                                           12
      Waiver and Amendment                                                        13
      Federal Income Tax Consequences in General                                  13
      Regulatory Approval                                                         13
      Accounting Treatment                                                        14
      Dissenters' Rights                                                          14
      Markets and Market Prices                                                   14
      Comparative Unaudited Per Share Data                                        15
      Summary Financial Data                                                      16

INFORMATION REGARDING SPECIAL MEETING                                             20
      General                                                                     20
      Date, Time and Place                                                        20
      Record Date; Vote Required                                                  20
      Voting and Revocation of Proxies                                            20
      Solicitation of Proxies                                                     21

TERMS OF THE PROPOSED MERGER                                                      22
      General Description of the Merger                                           22
      Other Agreements                                                            23
      Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger                                  23
      Background of and Reasons for the Merger; Board Recommendations             25
      Opinion of Financial Advisor to Horizon                                     27
      Conditions of the Merger                                                    30
      Representations and Warranties                                              32
      Termination, Waiver and Amendment of the Merger Agreement                   33
      Indemnification                                                             34
      Closing Date                                                                34
      Surrender of Horizon Stock Certificates and Receipt of MBI Common Stock     34
      Fractional Shares                                                           35
      Regulatory Approval                                                         35
      Business Pending the Merger                                                 36
      Accounting Treatment                                                        38

CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER                             39


                                    - 5 -
<PAGE> 9
<S>                                                                               <C>
RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS OF HORIZON                                      41

PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                                   42
      Comparative Unaudited Per Share Data                                        42
      Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)            43

INFORMATION REGARDING HORIZON                                                     53
      Business                                                                    53
      Distribution of Average Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders'
        Equity and Interest Rates                                                 53
      Rate/Volume Analysis                                                        56
      Investment Portfolio                                                        56
      Loan Portfolio                                                              58
      Other Interest-bearing Assets                                               60
      Summary of Loan Loss Experience                                             61
      Return on Equity and Assets                                                 63
      Management's Discussion and Analysis for the Three Year Period
        Ended December 31, 1996                                                   63
      Management's Discussion and Analysis for the Nine Months Ended
        September 30, 1997 and 1996                                               70
      Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management              72

INFORMATION REGARDING MBI STOCK                                                   74
      Description of MBI Common Stock and Attached Preferred Share Purchase
        Rights                                                                    74
      Restrictions on Resale of MBI Stock by Affiliates                           76
      Comparison of the Rights of Shareholders of MBI and Horizon                 76

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION                                                        80
      General                                                                     80
      Certain Transactions with Affiliates                                        80
      Payment of Dividends                                                        80
      Capital Adequacy                                                            80
      FDIC Insurance Assessments                                                  81
      Proposals to Overhaul the Savings Association Industry                      82
      Support of Subsidiary Banks                                                 82
      FIRREA and FDICIA                                                           82
      Depositor Preference Statute                                                83
      The Interstate Banking and Community Development Legislation                84

RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS                                         84

LEGAL MATTERS                                                                     84

EXPERTS                                                                           84

OTHER MATTERS                                                                     85

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS                                                             85

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                                                 86


                                    - 6 -
<PAGE> 10

<S>                                                                               <C>
ANNEXES

Annex A --  Opinion of Stephens Inc.                                              A-1

Annex B --  Dissenters' Rights Provisions of the Arkansas Business
              Corporation Act of 1987, as amended                                 B-1
</TABLE>


                                    - 7 -
<PAGE> 11

                            SUMMARY INFORMATION
                            -------------------

      The following is a summary of the important terms of the proposed
Merger and related information discussed elsewhere in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus but does not purport to be complete and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to the more detailed information that appears
elsewhere in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the documents incorporated
by reference herein.  Shareholders of Horizon are urged to read this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus in its entirety.  All MBI per share data reflect
three-for-two stock splits distributed in the form of dividends on each of
April 11, 1994 and October 1, 1997.

BUSINESS OF MBI

      MBI, a Missouri corporation, was organized in 1970 and is a registered
bank holding company under the federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as
amended (the "BHCA"). At September 30, 1997, MBI owned, directly or
indirectly, all of the capital stock of Mercantile Bank National Association
("Mercantile Bank"), twenty-three other commercial banks and one federally
chartered thrift, all of which operate from five hundred eighty-three banking
offices and five hundred thirty-five Fingertip Banking automated teller
machines, including fifty-five off-premises machines, located throughout
Missouri, Illinois, eastern Kansas, northern and central Arkansas and Iowa.
MBI's services concentrate in three major lines of business: consumer;
corporate; and trust and investment advisory services. MBI also operates
non-banking subsidiaries that provide related financial services, including
investment management, brokerage services and asset-based lending.  As of
September 30, 1997, MBI had 130,289,361 shares of its Common Stock
outstanding.  As of September 30, 1997, MBI reported, on a consolidated
basis, total assets of $30.0 billion, total deposits of $22.1 billion, total
loans of $19.1 billion and shareholders' equity of $2.4 billion.

      On March 5, 1997, MBI completed the acquisition of Regional Bancshares,
Inc., an Illinois corporation and a bank holding company ("Regional").  The
acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.  As of
March 5, 1997, Regional reported, on a consolidated basis, total assets of
$172.0 million, total deposits of $136.0 million and shareholders' equity of
$25.0 million.

      On April 25, 1997, MBI completed the acquisition of Mark Twain
Bancshares, Inc., a Missouri corporation and bank holding company ("Mark
Twain").  This acquisition was accounted for under the pooling-of-interests
method of accounting.  As of April 25, 1997, Mark Twain reported, on a
consolidated basis, total assets of $3.2 billion, total deposits of $2.5
billion and shareholders' equity of $320.4 million.

      On July 1, 1997, MBI completed the acquisition of Roosevelt Financial
Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation and savings and loan holding company
("Roosevelt"). The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting.  As of July 1, 1997, Roosevelt reported, on a consolidated basis,
total assets of $7.3 billion, total deposits of $5.3 billion and
stockholders' equity of $409.6 million.

      On October 29, 1997, MBI announced the execution of an agreement to
acquire Homecorp, Inc., a Delaware corporation and savings and loan holding
company ("Homecorp"), headquartered in Rockford, Illinois. As of September
30, 1997, Homecorp reported, on a consolidated basis, total assets of $326.9
million, total deposits of $299.1 million and stockholders' equity of $22.3
million.


                                    - 8 -
<PAGE> 12

      In connection with the acquisition of Mark Twain, MBI restated its
consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994 and as of and for the three months ended March 31, 1997
and 1996.  MBI filed supplemental financial statements as of and for the
years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and as of and for the three
months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 in a Current Report on Form 8-K dated
May 13, 1997, which has been incorporated by reference into this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.

      MBI's principal executive offices are located at One Mercantile Center,
St. Louis, Missouri 63101 and its telephone number is (314) 425-2525.

      Additional information concerning MBI is included in the documents
incorporated by reference.  See "INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY
REFERENCE."

BUSINESS OF MERGER SUB

      Merger Sub, a Missouri corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary of MBI
that was organized in 1991.  Merger Sub is a registered bank holding company
under the BHCA.  At September 30, 1997, Merger Sub owned all of the capital
stock of twenty-four banks and one federally-chartered thrift, all of which
together operate from five hundred eighty-three locations in Missouri,
Illinois, eastern Kansas, northern and central Arkansas, and Iowa.  Merger
Sub, which will continue to be a subsidiary of MBI following the Merger, will
be the surviving corporation upon consummation of the Merger.

BUSINESS OF HORIZON

      Horizon, an Arkansas corporation, was formed in 1982 and is a registered
bank holding company under the BHCA.  Horizon currently owns all of the
issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Horizon Bank, an Arkansas
state-chartered bank that currently operates from its main office in Malvern,
Arkansas and sixteen additional branch offices.  As of September 30, 1997,
632,743 shares of Horizon Common Stock were issued and outstanding.  As of
September 30, 1997, Horizon reported, on a consolidated basis, total assets
of $550.7 million, total deposits of $470.4 million, total loans, net of
unearned discount, of $328.7 million and shareholders' equity of $46.7
million.  See "INFORMATION REGARDING HORIZON."

      Horizon's principal executive offices are located at 526 Main Street,
Suite 204, Arkadelphia, Arkansas and its telephone number is (870) 246-8070.

THE PROPOSED MERGER

      Subject to the satisfaction of the terms and conditions set forth in the
Merger Agreement,  Horizon will be merged with and into Merger Sub.  Upon
consummation of the Merger, Horizon's corporate existence will terminate and
Merger Sub will continue as the surviving entity.  Simultaneously with the
effectiveness of the Merger, each share of Horizon Common Stock will be
converted into the right to receive 4.0301 shares of MBI Common Stock.  Such
consideration is subject to certain anti-dilution protections but is not
adjustable based upon the operating results, financial condition or other
factors affecting either MBI or Horizon prior to the consummation of the
Merger.  The fair market value of MBI Common Stock to be received pursuant to
the Merger may fluctuate and at the consummation of the Merger may be more or
less than the current fair market value of such shares.


                                    - 9 -
<PAGE> 13

      Harris Trust and Savings Bank, the transfer agent for MBI Common Stock,
has been selected as the Exchange Agent (the "Exchange Agent") for purposes
of effecting the conversion of Horizon Common Stock into MBI Common Stock
upon consummation of the Merger.  As soon as practicable after consummation
of the Merger, a letter of transmittal (including instructions setting forth
the procedures for exchanging certificates representing shares of Horizon
Common Stock for the MBI Common Stock payable to each holder thereof pursuant
to the Merger Agreement) will be sent to each record holder as of the
Effective Time (as hereinafter defined).  Upon surrender to the Exchange
Agent of his or her certificate(s) representing shares of Horizon Common
Stock, together with a duly completed and executed letter of transmittal,
each such holder will receive certificates representing that whole number of
shares of MBI Common Stock to which such holder is entitled under the Merger
Agreement.  See "TERMS OF THE PROPOSED MERGER - Surrender of Horizon Stock
Certificates and Receipt of MBI Common Stock."

      The Merger Agreement provides that the consummation of the Merger is
subject to certain terms and conditions, including the approval of the Merger
Agreement by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Horizon Common Stock, the receipt of the requisite
regulatory approvals, an opinion of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP to the effect that
the Merger will qualify for pooling-of-interests accounting treatment and an
opinion of counsel for MBI regarding certain federal income tax aspects of
the transaction.  For a discussion of each of the conditions to the Merger,
see "TERMS OF THE PROPOSED MERGER - Conditions of the Merger."  The Merger
will be consummated and become effective (the "Effective Time") upon the
later of (i) the issuance of a certificate of merger by the Office of the
Secretary of State of the State of Missouri and (ii) the filing of Articles
of Merger with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Arkansas.

      Unless the parties otherwise agree, the date of the closing of the
Merger (the "Closing Date") shall occur on such date as MBI shall notify
Horizon in writing but (i) not earlier than the satisfaction of all
conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement and (ii) not later than the
first business day of the first full calendar month commencing at least five
days after all conditions to closing as set forth in the Merger Agreement are
satisfied.  The Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the
Closing Date by the mutual consent of the parties or, unilaterally, by either
party upon the occurrence of certain events or if the Merger is not
consummated by July 31, 1998.  See "TERMS OF THE PROPOSED MERGER - Conditions
of the Merger" and  "- Termination of the Merger Agreement."

VOTING AGREEMENTS

      Concurrent with the execution of the Merger Agreement, MBI and each of
the directors of Horizon executed separate Voting Agreements (the "Voting
Agreements") pursuant to which each such director agreed that he or she will
vote all of the shares of Horizon Common Stock then owned, controlled or
subsequently acquired in favor of the approval of the Merger Agreement at the
Special Meeting.  In addition, until the earliest to occur of the Closing
Date or the termination of the Merger Agreement, each director further agreed
he or she will not vote any such shares in favor of the approval of any other
competing acquisition proposal involving Horizon and a third party.  Each
director also agreed that he or she will not transfer shares of Horizon
Common Stock unless, prior to such transfer, the transferee executes an
agreement in substantially the same form as the Voting Agreement and
satisfactory to MBI.  As of the Record Date (as defined below), the directors
of Horizon who signed Voting Agreements owned beneficially, directly and
indirectly, an aggregate of 337,791 shares of Horizon Common Stock, or
approximately 53.4% of the issued and outstanding shares.


                                    - 10 -
<PAGE> 14

INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER

      EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS.  Each of Ross M. Whipple, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Horizon, and Steve L. DeMott, President of Horizon, has
entered into an employment agreement with MBI pursuant to which they will
continue to be employed by MBI or its affiliates following the consummation
of the Merger.  Pursuant to Mr. Whipple's employment agreement, in addition
to certain other terms and conditions, Mr. Whipple will be engaged as the
Chairman of MBI's Arkadelphia Community Banking unit and as a member of the
Board of Directors of Mercantile Bank of Arkansas National Association for a
period of three years commencing at the Effective Time.  Pursuant to Mr.
DeMott's employment agreement, in addition to certain other terms and
conditions, commencing at the Effective Time, MBI will engage Mr. DeMott as
an executive officer of Horizon or any successor thereto and as a member of
the Board of Directors of the appropriate MBI community bank.  See "TERMS OF
THE PROPOSED MERGER - Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger - Employment
Agreements."

      EMPLOYEE RETENTION BONUSES.  In addition to the employment
agreements with Mr. Whipple and Mr. DeMott, MBI has entered into an agreement
with Horizon pursuant to which certain full-time employees of Horizon will be
entitled to receive two bonus payments, each in an amount ranging from
$10,000 to $25,000, in the event such employees remain full-time employees of
Horizon, MBI, Merger Sub or any successor thereto as of each of the six-month
anniversary and the one-year anniversary of the Effective Time.  In addition,
each such employee will be entitled to receive his or her total bonus amount
(to the extent not previously paid) in a lump-sum payment if, on or prior to
the one-year anniversary of the Effective Time, the employment of such
employee is terminated for certain reasons or such employee dies or becomes
permanently disabled. See "TERMS OF THE PROPOSED MERGER - Interests of
Certain Persons in the Merger - Employee Retention Bonuses."

      INDEMNIFICATION.  MBI also has agreed that the Merger will not
diminish any indemnification obligations of Horizon or its subsidiaries in
favor of the employees, agents, directors or officers or Horizon or its
subsidiaries existing as of the Effective Time.  In addition, to the extent
that Horizon's existing directors' and officers' liability insurance policy
provides coverage for the acts or omissions of the director and officers of
Horizon and its subsidiaries, Horizon has agreed to give to such insurance
carrier and to MBI notice of any potential claims thereunder.  On and after
the Effective Time, MBI's directors' and officers' liability insurance policy
will provide coverage for the prior acts of the directors and officers of
Horizon and its subsidiaries. See "TERMS OF THE PROPOSED MERGER - Interests
of Certain Persons in the Merger - Indemnification."

SPECIAL MEETING OF HORIZON SHAREHOLDERS

      The Special Meeting will be held on -------------, 1998, at ------- a.m.
Central Time, at the offices of Horizon, 526 Main Street, Suite 204,
Arkadelphia, Arkansas.  Approval by the Horizon shareholders of the Merger
Agreement requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Horizon Common Stock.  Only holders of record of
Horizon Common Stock at the close of business on --------------, 1997 (the
"Record Date") will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special
Meeting.  At such date, there were 632,743 shares of Horizon Common Stock
outstanding.  Each share of Horizon Common Stock is entitled to one vote on
each matter submitted to a vote at the Special Meeting.

      As of the Record Date, directors and executive officers of Horizon and
their affiliates owned beneficially, or controlled the voting of, an
aggregate of 339,137 shares of Horizon Common


                                    - 11 -
<PAGE> 15

Stock, or approximately 53.6% of the shares entitled to vote at the Special
Meeting.  All of Horizon's directors and executive officers have indicated their
intention to vote their shares for the approval of the Merger Agreement.
Additionally, each of the directors of Horizon, pursuant to the terms of his or
her respective Voting Agreement, has committed to vote his or her shares of
Horizon Common Stock for the approval of the Merger Agreement.  As of the Record
Date, such persons who had executed Voting Agreements or otherwise indicated
they would vote for approval of the Merger Agreement owned beneficially,
directly and indirectly, an aggregate of 337,791 shares of Horizon Common Stock,
or approximately 53.4% of the issued and outstanding shares.

      THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF HORIZON CAREFULLY CONSIDERED AND
APPROVED THE TERMS OF THE MERGER AS BEING IN THE BEST INTEREST OF
HORIZON AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS.  THE HORIZON BOARD UNANIMOUSLY
RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE
                                  ---
MERGER AGREEMENT.

REASONS FOR THE MERGER

      HORIZON.  The Board of Directors of Horizon believes that the Merger
is in the best interests of Horizon and its shareholders.  In reaching the
decision to recommend the approval of the Merger Agreement to the
shareholders, the Board of Directors, without assigning any relative or
specific weights, considered a number of factors.  For a discussion of such
factors, see "TERMS OF THE PROPOSED MERGER - Background of and Reasons for
the Merger; Board Recommendations."

      MBI.  MBI's Board of Directors believes that the Merger will enable MBI
to (i) increase its presence in central Arkansas through the acquisition of
an established banking organization and (ii) enhance MBI's ability to compete
in the increasingly competitive banking and financial services industry.  See
"TERMS OF THE PROPOSED MERGER - Background of and Reasons for the Merger;
Board Recommendations."

OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR TO HORIZON

      On July 31, 1997, Stephens Inc. ("Stephens"), Horizon's financial
advisor, rendered to the Board of Directors of Horizon a written opinion, to
the effect that, as of the date of such opinion, the consideration to be
received by the disinterested holders of Horizon Common Stock in the Merger
was fair to them from a financial point of view.  Attached to this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus as Annex A is a copy of the opinion of Stephens, dated
                        -------
July 31, 1997, setting forth the procedures followed, assumptions made,
matters considered and qualifications and limitations of the review
undertaken by Stephens in connection with rendering its opinion.  Holders of
Horizon Common Stock are urged to read Stephens' opinion in its entirety.
See "TERMS OF THE PROPOSED MERGER - Background of and Reasons for the Merger;
Board Recommendations" and "- Opinion of Financial Advisor to Horizon."

FRACTIONAL SHARES

      No fractional shares of MBI Common Stock will be issued to the
shareholders of Horizon in connection with the Merger.  Each holder of
Horizon Common Stock who otherwise would have been entitled to receive a
fraction of a share of MBI Common Stock shall receive in lieu thereof cash,
without interest, in an amount equal to the holder's fractional share
interest multiplied by the closing stock price of MBI Common Stock on the
NYSE Composite Tape as reported in The Wall Street Journal on the Closing
Date.  Cash received by Horizon shareholders in lieu of fractional shares may


                                    - 12 -
<PAGE> 16

give rise to taxable income.  See "CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF
THE MERGER."

WAIVER AND AMENDMENT

      Any provision of the Merger Agreement, including, without limitation,
the conditions to the consummation of the Merger and the restrictions
described under the caption "TERMS OF THE PROPOSED MERGER - Business Pending
the Merger," may be (i) waived in writing at any time by the party that is,
or whose shareholders are, entitled to the benefits thereof or (ii) amended
at any time by written agreement of the parties approved by or on behalf of
their respective Boards of Directors, whether before or after the approval of
the Merger Agreement by the shareholders of Horizon; provided, however, that
after approval of the Merger Agreement by the shareholders of Horizon at the
Special Meeting no such modification may (i) alter or change the amount or
kind of the consideration to be received by the Horizon shareholders pursuant
to the Merger Agreement or (ii) adversely affect the tax treatment to the
Horizon shareholders as a result of receiving shares of MBI Common Stock in
the Merger.

FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES IN GENERAL

      Thompson Coburn, MBI's legal counsel, has delivered its opinion to the
effect that, assuming the Merger occurs in accordance with the Merger
Agreement and conditioned on the accuracy of certain representations made by
MBI, Horizon and certain shareholders of Horizon, the Merger will constitute
a "reorganization" for federal income tax purposes and that, accordingly,
assuming the Horizon Common Stock is a capital asset in the hands of the
holder at the Effective Time, no gain or loss will be recognized by Horizon
shareholders who exchange their shares of Horizon Common Stock solely for
shares of MBI Common Stock in the Merger. However, cash received in lieu of
fractional shares may give rise to taxable income. EACH HORIZON
SHAREHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN TAX ADVISOR TO
DETERMINE THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO SUCH
SHAREHOLDER, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY OF VARIOUS STATE, LOCAL
AND FOREIGN TAX LAWS.  See "CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF
THE MERGER."

REGULATORY APPROVAL

      The Merger is subject to prior approval of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve Board"), the Arkansas State Bank
Department (the "Arkansas Commissioner") and any other bank regulatory
authority that may be necessary or appropriate (the Federal Reserve Board,
the Arkansas Commissioner and any other bank regulatory authority that may be
necessary or appropriate are collectively referred to herein as the
"Regulatory Authorities" and, individually, as a "Regulatory Authority").  On
December 1, 1997 and December 15, 1997, MBI will file the required
applications regarding the Merger with the Federal Reserve Board and the
Arkansas Commissioner, respectively.  In reviewing the applications and the
proposed Merger, the Federal Reserve Board will consider various factors,
including possible anti-competitive effects of the Merger, and examine the
financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the combined
organization and the Arkansas Commissioner will review the record of MBI's
subsidiary financial institutions in meeting the credit needs of the local
communities they serve.  There can be no assurance that the requisite
regulatory approvals will be granted or as to the timing of such approvals.
See "TERMS OF THE PROPOSED MERGER - Regulatory Approval" and "SUPERVISION AND
REGULATION."


                                    - 13 -
<PAGE> 17

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

      It is intended that the Merger will be accounted for under the
pooling-of-interests method of accounting.  See "TERMS OF THE PROPOSED MERGER
- - Accounting Treatment."

DISSENTERS' RIGHTS

      Under Arkansas law, a holder of Horizon Common Stock may dissent from
the Merger and receive payment of the "fair value" of his or her shares by
following certain procedures set forth in Sections 4-27-1302 through
4-27-1328 of the Arkansas Business Corporation Act of 1987, as amended (the
"Arkansas Act"), the text of which is attached hereto as Annex B.  Failure to
                                                         -------
follow such procedures may result in a loss of dissenters' rights.  Any
Horizon shareholder returning a blank executed proxy card will be deemed to
have approved the Merger Agreement, thereby waiving any such dissenters'
rights.  See "RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS OF HORIZON."

MARKETS AND MARKET PRICES

      MBI Common Stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol "MTL."  The
closing per share sale price reported for MBI Common Stock on July 30, 1997,
the last trading date preceding the public announcement of the Merger, was
$47.1875.  There is no established public trading market for Horizon Common
Stock.  The last sale price for Horizon Common Stock known to management of
Horizon was $75.00 per share on July 11, 1997.  Because of this lack of
established trading market, Management of Horizon does not have knowledge of
the prices paid in all transactions involving its shares and has not
necessarily verified the prices indicated on this table with both parties to
the relevant transaction.  Thus, the sale prices listed below may not reflect
the prices that would have been paid in an active market.  As of the Record
Date, Horizon had [131] shareholders of record.

      The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and
low prices per share of MBI Common Stock as reported on the NYSE and of
Horizon Common Stock as known to management of Horizon along with the
quarterly cash dividends per share declared.  The per share prices do not
include adjustments for markups, markdowns or commissions.  All stock prices
and dividend amounts shown reflect a ten-for-one stock split effected by
Horizon on May 22, 1996.


                                    - 14 -
<PAGE> 18
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 MBI<F1>                                HORIZON
                                ------------------------------------      -------------------------------------
                                      SALES PRICE             CASH             SALES PRICE               CASH
                                ----------------------      DIVIDEND      ----------------------       DIVIDEND
                                  HIGH           LOW        DECLARED       HIGH            LOW         DECLARED
                                  ----           ---        --------       ----            ---         --------
<S>                             <C>            <C>            <C>         <C>            <C>          <C>
1995
First Quarter                   $24.813        $20.813        $.22        $52.10         $47.80       $      --
Second Quarter                   29.938         24.000         .22         52.10          52.00              --
Third Quarter                    31.313         27.750         .22         52.10          52.00              --
Fourth Quarter                   31.000         27.688         .22         52.10          52.10             .45

1996
First Quarter                   $31.000        $27.688        $.273       $ <F2>         $ <F2>             .10
Second Quarter                   31.938         29.000         .273        52.10          52.10             .10
Third Quarter                    35.250         28.938         .273         <F2>           <F2>             .10
Fourth Quarter                   36.000         32.688         .273         75.00          75.00            .71

1997
First Quarter                   $39.688        $33.313        $.287       $ 75.00        $ 75.00      $     .25
Second Quarter                   41.688         35.000         .287         75.00          60.00            .25
Third Quarter<F3>                53.500         40.500         .287         75.00          75.00            .33
Fourth Quarter
(through November 21, 1997)      53.500         45.500         .287         <F2>           <F2>              --

<FN>
- ------------------------
<F1>  For a recent sale price of MBI Common Stock, see the cover of this Proxy
      Statement/Prospectus.
<F2>  No trades are known to have occurred during this period for Horizon.
<F3>  The last transaction in Horizon Common Stock for which a price is known
      to the management of Horizon occurred July 11, 1997 and involved 50
      shares of Horizon Common Stock.
</TABLE>

COMPARATIVE UNAUDITED PER SHARE DATA

      The following table sets forth for the periods indicated selected
historical per share data of MBI and Horizon and the corresponding pro forma
and pro forma equivalent per share amounts giving effect to the proposed
Merger and the acquisition of Roosevelt.  The data presented is based upon
the supplemental consolidated financial statements and related notes of MBI
and the consolidated financial statements and related notes of Horizon and
Roosevelt included in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus or in documents
incorporated herein by reference, and the pro forma combined consolidated
balance sheet and income statements, including the notes thereto, appearing
elsewhere herein.  This information should be read in conjunction with such
historical and pro forma financial statements and related notes thereto.  The
assumptions used in the preparation of this table appear in the notes to the
pro forma financial information appearing elsewhere in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.  See "PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION--Notes to Pro
Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Statements."  This data is not
necessarily indicative of the results of the future operations of the
combined organization or the actual results that would have occurred if the
Merger and the completed acquisition of Roosevelt had been consummated prior
to the periods indicated.


                                    - 15 -
<PAGE> 19
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     MBI/                              MBI/          HORIZON/
                                                                   HORIZON           HORIZON       ALL ENTITIES    ALL ENTITIES
                                            MBI     HORIZON       PRO FORMA         PRO FORMA       PRO FORMA       PRO FORMA
                                         REPORTED   REPORTED     COMBINED<F1>     EQUIVALENT<F2>   COMBINED<F3>   EQUIVALENT<F2>
                                         --------   --------     ------------     --------------   ------------   --------------
<S>                                       <C>        <C>            <C>             <C>              <C>            <C>
Book Value per Share:
  September 30, 1997                      $18.07     $76.09         $18.04          $ 72.70          $18.04         $ 72.70
  December 31, 1996                        16.74      65.45          16.34            65.85           16.92           68.19

Cash Dividends Declared per Share:
  Nine months ended September 30, 1997    $  .861    $  .83         $  .861         $  3.47          $  .861        $  3.47
  Year ended December 31, 1996              1.090      1.01           1.090            4.39            1.090           4.39
  Year ended December 31, 1995               .880       .45            .880            3.55             .880           3.55
  Year ended December 31, 1994               .750       .03            .750            3.02             .750           3.02

Earnings per Share:
  Nine months ended September 30, 1997    $  .92     $ 8.28         $  .94          $  3.79          $  .57         $  2.30
  Year ended December 31, 1996              2.11       9.04           2.11             8.50            1.47            5.92
  Year ended December 31, 1995              2.41       5.89           2.39             9.63            2.39            9.63
  Year ended December 31, 1994              2.06       7.73           2.06             8.30            2.06            8.30

Market Price per Share:
  At July 30, 1997<F4>                    $47.1875   $75.00         $47.1875        $190.17          $47.1875       $190.17
  At November 21, 1997<F4>                 49.6250   $75.00          49.6250         195.46           49.6250        195.46

<FN>
- ------------------------
<F1>  Includes the effect of pro forma adjustments for Horizon and Roosevelt,
      as appropriate.  See "PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION - Notes to Pro
      Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Statements."

<F2>  Based on the pro forma combined per share amounts multiplied by 4.0301,
      the conversion ratio applicable to one share of Horizon Common Stock
      in the Merger.  Further explanation of the assumptions used in the
      preparation of the pro forma combined consolidated financial
      statements is included in the notes to pro forma financial
      statements.  See "PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION - Notes to Pro
      Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Statements."

<F3>  Includes the effect of pro forma adjustments for Horizon and Roosevelt,
      as appropriate.  Due to the immateriality of the financial condition
      and results of operations of Regional and Homecorp to that of MBI,
      does not include the effect of pro forma adjustments for Regional or
      Homecorp.  See "PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION--Notes to Pro Forma
      Combined Consolidated Financial Statements."

<F4>  The market value of MBI Common Stock disclosed as of July 30, 1997, the
      last trading day preceding the public announcement of the Merger, and
      as of November 21, 1997, the latest available date prior to the
      filing of the Registration Statement, is based on the last sale price
      as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape.  There are no publicly
      available quotations of Horizon Common Stock.  The last sale price
      for Horizon Common Stock known to management of Horizon was $75.00
      per share on July 11, 1997.
</TABLE>

SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA

      The following table sets forth for the periods indicated certain summary
historical consolidated financial information for MBI and Horizon.  The
balance sheet data and income statement data of MBI included in the summary
financial data as of and for the five years ended December 31, 1996 are taken
from MBI's audited supplemental consolidated financial statements.  The
balance sheet data and income statement data of Horizon included in the
summary financial data as of and for the five years ended December 31, 1996
are taken from Horizon's audited consolidated financial statements.  The
balance sheet data and income statement data included in the summary
financial data as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and
1996 are taken from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of MBI
and the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Horizon as of and for
the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996.  These data include all
adjustments which are, in the opinion of the respective managements of MBI
and Horizon, necessary to present a fair statement of these periods and are
of a normal recurring nature.  Results for the nine months ended September
30, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year.  The
following information should be


                                    - 16 -
<PAGE> 20

read in conjunction with the supplemental consolidated financial statements
of MBI and the consolidated financial statements of Horizon, and the related
notes thereto, included herein or in documents incorporated herein by reference,
and in conjunction with the unaudited pro forma combined consolidated financial
information, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. See "INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE"
and "PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION."


                                    - 17 -
<PAGE> 21



<TABLE>
                                                MERCANTILE BANCORPORATION INC.
                                                  SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
<CAPTION>
                              ALL ENTITIES
                               PRO FORMA
                                COMBINED
                              CONSOLIDATED
                              AS OF OR FOR
                                THE NINE       AS OF OR FOR THE
                              MONTHS ENDED     NINE MONTHS ENDED                           AS OF OR FOR THE
                              SEPTEMBER 30,      SEPTEMBER 30,                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                              ------------ -----------------------   --------------------------------------------------------------
                                  1997        1997         1996         1996         1995         1994         1993         1992
                              ------------ ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
PER COMMON SHARE DATA
   Net income<F1>             $      .65   $      .92   $     1.41   $     2.11   $     2.41   $     2.06   $     1.81   $     1.55
   Dividends declared               .861         .861         .819         1.09          .88          .75          .66          .62
   Book value at period end        18.04        18.07        16.05        16.74        16.29        14.48        13.41        12.11
   Average shares outstanding
      (Thousands)                130,609      119,079      116,249      115,938      115,755      112,324      110,167      103,495

EARNINGS (THOUSANDS)
   Interest income            $1,654,271   $1,352,187   $1,156,323   $1,552,863   $1,516,156   $1,311,928   $1,269,680   $1,316,560
   Interest expense              882,728      672,529      541,610      724,910      715,466      521,542      508,469      628,837
                              ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
   Net interest income           771,543      679,658      614,713      827,953      800,690      790,386      761,211      687,723
   Provision for possible
      loan losses                 77,901       73,616       57,915       73,015       41,533       48,791       70,584       88,238
   Other income                  269,765      279,263      242,065      337,480      311,649      272,368      290,380      264,534
   Other expense                 802,569      702,404      541,961      718,668      640,519      645,011      666,067      616,159
   Income taxes                   76,260       73,071       92,614      128,535      149,898      135,896      114,768       83,773
                              ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
     Net income before extra-
        ordinary items        $   84,578   $  109,830   $  164,288   $  245,215   $  280,389   $  233,056   $  200,172   $  164,087
                              ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========

ENDING BALANCE SHEET
   (MILLIONS)
   Total assets               $   30,524   $   29,980   $   21,264   $   22,030   $   20,883   $   19,397   $   18,878   $   18,398
   Earning assets                 27,435       26,915       19,574       20,061       18,997       17,904       17,390       16,846
   Investment securities           7,507        7,320        5,027        4,746        4,964        4,895        5,234        5,148
   Loans and leases, net of
      unearned income             19,450       19,121       14,272       14,953       13,703       12,764       11,637       11,183
   Deposits                       22,583       22,112       16,976       17,336       16,172       15,137       15,435       15,295
   Long-term debt                  1,196        1,169          305          305          344          351          340          365
   Shareholders' equity            2,394        2,355        1,824        1,946        1,915        1,643        1,510        1,322
   Reserve for possible loan
      losses                         262          257          234          230          232          245          233          224

SELECTED RATIOS
   Return on average assets          .37%         .59%        1.05%        1.16%        1.39%        1.22%        1.08%         .93%
   Return on average equity         4.70         7.12        11.58        12.95        15.64        14.57        14.06        13.32
   Net interest rate
      margin<F2>                    3.79         4.08         4.33         4.34         4.38         4.61         4.58         4.36
   Equity to assets                 7.84         7.85         8.58         8.83         9.17         8.47         8.00         7.19
   Reserve for possible loan
      losses
     Outstanding loans              1.35         1.35         1.64         1.54         1.69         1.92         2.00         2.00
     Non-performing loans         219.48       221.85       356.05       318.99       241.79       552.34       289.13       155.54
   Dividend payout ratio              --        93.59        58.09        51.74        36.46        36.13        36.53        39.91

<FN>
- ------------------------
<F1>  Based on weighted average common shares outstanding.
<F2>  Taxable-equivalent basis.  Includes tax-equivalent adjustments of $11,612,000, $12,263,000, $16,353,000,
      $17,758,000, $17,962,000, $18,598,000 and $17,891,000 for September 30, 1997 and 1996 and December 31, 1996, 1995,
      1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively.  The tax-equivalent adjustment used for the pro forma nine month period ending
      September 30, 1997 was $12,782,000.  These adjustments are based upon a federal tax rate of 35% for all periods
      except 1992, when a federal tax rate of 34% was used.
</TABLE>


                                    - 18 -
<PAGE> 22

<TABLE>
                                             HORIZON BANCORP, INC.
                                            SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
<CAPTION>
                                          AS OF OR FOR THE
                                          NINE MONTHS ENDED                       AS OF OR FOR THE
                                            SEPTEMBER 30,                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                         -------------------    -------------------------------------------------------
                                           1997       1996        1996        1995        1994        1993       1992
                                         --------   --------    --------    --------    --------    --------   --------
<S>                                      <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>
PER SHARE DATA
   Net income<F1>                        $   8.28   $   7.16    $   9.04    $   5.89    $   7.73    $   6.56   $   6.89
   Cash dividends declared                    .83        .30        1.01         .45         .03         .03        .89

   Book value at period end                 76.09      64.42       65.45       59.39       48.88       47.33      45.14
   Average common shares outstanding      614,370    599,887     600,575     600,930     591,680     606,300    545,268

EARNINGS (THOUSANDS)
   Interest income                       $ 30,186   $ 27,041    $ 36,588    $ 33,216    $ 28,197    $ 23,495   $ 23,044
   Interest expense                        15,313     13,907      18,762      17,343      12,175       9,499     10,363
                                         --------   --------    --------    --------    --------    --------   --------
   Net interest income                     14,873     13,134      17,826      15,873      16,022      13,996     12,681
   Provision for possible loan losses         811        900       1,241         875         695         885      1,690
   Other income                             3,076      3,005       4,052       3,292       3,337       2,275      2,612
   Other expense                           10,425      9,468      13,588      13,743      12,484      10,246      8,367
   Income taxes                             1,625      1,477       1,622       1,004       1,604       1,665      1,480
                                         --------   --------    --------    --------    --------    --------   --------
   Net income                            $  5,088   $  4,294    $  5,427    $  3,542    $  4,576    $  3,975   $  3,756
                                         ========   ========    ========    ========    ========    ========   ========

ENDING BALANCE SHEET (THOUSANDS)
   Total assets                          $550,679   $499,732    $509,356    $424,962    $425,962    $335,484   $309,495
   Earning assets                         519,205    463,084     476,619     437,860     402,791     315,290    291,258
   Investments                            187,301    163,235     166,431     169,731     152,164     119,633    122,069
   Loans and leases, net of  unearned
      income                              328,798    293,948     299,807     264,285     240,602     195,202    168,164
   Deposits                               470,385    428,153     439,535     417,908     372,247     285,752    267,182
   Long-term debt                              10      4,332       2,386       5,394       6,221       2,147      2,008
   Shareholders' equity                    46,746     38,642      39,305      35,690      28,923      28,694     24,611
   Allowance for possible loan losses       4,479      4,320       4,226       4,117       4,246       3,577      3,039

SELECTED RATIOS
   Return on average assets                  1.26%      1.18%       1.10%        .80%       1.11%       1.20%      1.29%
   Return on average equity                 16.88      15.50       14.40       10.45       15.59       18.57      16.79
   Net interest rate margin<F2>              4.20       4.21        4.21        4.17        4.56        4.37       4.59
   Equity to assets                          8.49       7.73        7.72        7.61        6.81        8.55       7.95
   Reserve for possible loan losses to:
   Outstanding loans                         1.36       1.47        1.41        1.56        1.76        1.83       1.81
   Non-performing loans                    131.08     173.98      186.25      307.93      581.64      473.77     716.75

<FN>
<F1>  Based on weighted average common shares outstanding.
<F2>  Based on interest income on a fully tax-equivalent basis.
</TABLE>


                                    - 19 -
<PAGE> 23

                 INFORMATION REGARDING SPECIAL MEETING
                 -------------------------------------

GENERAL

      This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to holders of Horizon
Common Stock in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of
Directors of Horizon for use at the Special Meeting and any adjournments or
postponements thereof at which the shareholders of Horizon will consider and
vote upon a proposal to approve the Merger Agreement and consider and vote
upon any other business that may properly be brought before the Special
Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.  Each copy of this
Proxy Statement/Prospectus is accompanied by the Notice of Special Meeting of
Shareholders of Horizon, a proxy card and related instructions and a return
envelope to Horizon for the proxy card.

      This Proxy Statement/Prospectus also is furnished by MBI to each holder
of Horizon Common Stock as a prospectus in connection with the issuance by
MBI of shares of MBI Common Stock upon the consummation of the Merger.  This
Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Notice of Special Meeting, proxy card and
related materials are being first mailed to shareholders of Horizon on
- -----------------, 1997.

DATE, TIME AND PLACE

      The Special Meeting will be held at the offices of Horizon, 526 Main
Street, Suite 204, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, on ---------------, 1998,
at ------ a.m. Central Time.

RECORD DATE; VOTE REQUIRED

      On the Record Date, there were 632,743 shares of Horizon Common Stock
outstanding and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.  Each such share is
entitled to one vote on each matter properly brought before the Special
Meeting.  The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Horizon Common Stock is required to approve the Merger
Agreement.

      As of the Record Date, directors and executive officers of Horizon and
their affiliates owned beneficially, or controlled the voting of, an
aggregate of 339,137 shares of Horizon Common Stock, or approximately 53.6%
of the outstanding shares of Horizon Common Stock entitled to vote at the
Special Meeting.  All directors and executive officers of Horizon have
indicated their intention to vote their shares for the approval of the Merger
Agreement at the Special Meeting.  Additionally, each director of Horizon,
pursuant to the terms of his or her respective Voting Agreement, has
committed to vote his or her shares of Horizon Common Stock for approval of
the Merger Agreement.  As of the Record Date, such persons who had executed
Voting Agreements or otherwise indicated they would vote for approval of the
Merger Agreement owned beneficially, directly or indirectly, an aggregate of
337,791 shares of Horizon Common Stock, or approximately 53.4% of the issued
and outstanding shares.  See "TERMS OF THE PROPOSED MERGER - Other
Agreements."

VOTING AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES

      Shares of Horizon Common Stock that are represented by a properly
executed proxy received prior to the vote at the Special Meeting will be
voted at such Special Meeting in the manner directed on the proxy card,
unless such proxy is revoked in the manner set forth herein in advance of


                                    - 20 -
<PAGE> 24

such vote.  ANY HORIZON SHAREHOLDER RETURNING AN EXECUTED PROXY CARD THAT DOES
NOT PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTE AGAINST THE APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT
WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE APPROVED THE MERGER AGREEMENT.  Failure to return a
properly executed proxy card or to vote in person at the Special Meeting will
have the practical effect of a vote against the approval of the Merger
Agreement.

      Shares subject to abstentions will be treated as shares that are present
and voting at the Special Meeting for purposes of determining the base number
of shares voting on the proposal.  Such votes will, therefore, have the
effect of votes against the approval of the Merger Agreement.  Broker
"non-votes" (i.e., proxies from brokers or nominees indicating that such persons
have not received instructions from the beneficial owners or other persons
entitled to vote shares with respect to which the brokers or nominees do not
have discretionary power to vote without such instructions) will be
considered as present for the purposes of determining the presence of a
quorum but will not be considered as voting at the Special Meeting.  Broker
non-votes will, therefore, have the effect of votes against the approval of
the Merger Agreement.

      Any shareholder of Horizon giving a proxy may revoke it at any time
prior to the vote at the Special Meeting.  Shareholders of Horizon wishing to
revoke a proxy prior to the vote may do so by delivering to the Secretary of
Horizon at 526 Main Street, Suite 204, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923, a written
notice of revocation bearing a later date than the proxy or a later dated
proxy relating to the same shares, or by attending the Special Meeting and
voting such shares in person.  Attendance at the Special Meeting will not in
itself constitute the revocation of a proxy.

      The Board of Directors of Horizon currently is not aware of any business
to be brought before the Special Meeting other than that described herein.
If, however, other matters are properly brought before such Special Meeting,
or any adjournments or postponements thereof, the persons appointed as
proxies will have discretionary authority to vote the shares represented by
duly executed proxies in accordance with their discretion and judgment as to
the best interest of Horizon.

SOLICITATION OF PROXIES

      Horizon will bear its own costs of soliciting proxies, except that MBI
will pay printing and mailing expenses and registration fees incurred in
connection with preparing this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.  Proxies will
initially be solicited by mail, but directors, officers and selected other
employees of Horizon also may solicit proxies in person or by telephone.
Directors, executive officers and any other employees of Horizon who solicit
proxies will not be specially compensated for such services.  Brokerage
houses, nominees, fiduciaries and other custodians will be requested to
forward proxy materials to beneficial owners and will be reimbursed for their
reasonable expenses incurred in sending proxy materials to beneficial owners.

      HOLDERS OF HORIZON COMMON STOCK ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE, DATE AND SIGN
THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED
POSTAGE-PREPAID ENVELOPE.


                                    - 21 -
<PAGE> 25

                     TERMS OF THE PROPOSED MERGER
                     ----------------------------

      The following is a summary of the material terms and conditions of the
Merger Agreement, which document is incorporated by reference herein.  This
summary is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Merger
Agreement.  MBI, upon written or oral request, will furnish a copy of the
Merger Agreement, without charge, to any person who receives a copy of this
Proxy Statement/Prospectus.  Such requests should be directed to Jon W.
Bilstrom, General Counsel and Secretary, Mercantile Bancorporation Inc., P.O.
Box 524, St. Louis, Missouri 63166-0524, telephone (314) 425-2525.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE MERGER

      Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, subject to satisfaction or waiver of
certain conditions precedent, including receipt of all applicable regulatory
approvals, Horizon will be merged on the Closing Date with and into Merger
Sub.  Upon consummation of the Merger, Horizon's corporate existence will
terminate and Merger Sub will continue as the surviving entity.
Simultaneously with the effectiveness of the Merger, each share of Horizon
Common Stock will be converted into the right to receive 4.0301 shares of MBI
Common Stock.  Such consideration is subject to certain anti-dilution
protections but is not adjustable based upon the operating results, financial
condition or other factors affecting either MBI or Horizon prior to the
consummation of the Merger.  The fair market value of MBI Common Stock
received pursuant to the Merger may fluctuate and at the consummation of the
Merger may be more or less than the current fair market value of such shares.

      The amount and nature of the consideration was established through
arm's-length negotiations between MBI and Horizon and their respective
advisors, and reflects the balancing of a number of countervailing factors.
The total amount of the consideration reflects a price both parties concluded
was appropriate.  See "-Background of and Reasons for the Merger; Board
Recommendations."  The fact that the consideration is payable in shares of
MBI Common Stock reflects the potential for change in the value of the MBI
Common Stock and the desire of the parties to the Merger to have the
favorable tax attributes of a "reorganization" for federal income tax
purposes.  See "CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER."

      NO ASSURANCE CAN BE GIVEN THAT THE CURRENT FAIR MARKET VALUE
OF MBI COMMON STOCK WILL BE EQUIVALENT TO THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF
MBI COMMON STOCK ON THE DATE SUCH STOCK IS RECEIVED BY A HORIZON
SHAREHOLDER OR AT ANY OTHER TIME.  THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF MBI
COMMON STOCK RECEIVED BY A HORIZON SHAREHOLDER MAY BE GREATER OR
LESS THAN THE CURRENT FAIR MARKET VALUE OF MBI COMMON STOCK DUE TO
NUMEROUS MARKET FACTORS.

      Following the Closing Date, each shareholder of Horizon will be
required
to submit to the Exchange Agent a properly executed letter of transmittal and
surrender to the Exchange Agent the stock certificate(s) formerly
representing the shares of Horizon Common Stock in order to receive a new
stock certificate(s) evidencing the shares of MBI Common Stock to which such
shareholder is entitled.  As soon as practicable following the Effective
Time, the Exchange Agent will mail to each Horizon shareholder a notice of
consummation of the Merger and a form of letter of transmittal, together with
instructions and a return envelope to facilitate the exchange of such
holder's certificate(s) formerly representing Horizon Common Stock for
certificate(s) evidencing MBI Common Stock.  No dividends or


                                    - 22 -
<PAGE> 26

other distributions will be paid to a former Horizon shareholder with respect to
shares of MBI Common Stock until such shareholder's letter of transmittal and
stock certificate(s) formerly representing Horizon Common Stock, or
documentation reasonably acceptable to the Exchange Agent in lieu of lost or
destroyed certificates, is delivered to the Exchange Agent.  See "TERMS OF
THE PROPOSED MERGER - Surrender of Horizon Stock Certificates and Receipt of
MBI Common Stock."  No fractional shares of MBI Common Stock will be issued
in the Merger, but cash will be paid in lieu of such fractional shares, such
cash being calculated by multiplying the holder's fractional share interest
by the closing stock price of MBI Common Stock on the NYSE Composite Tape as
reported in The Wall Street Journal on the Closing Date of the Merger.  See
"- Fractional Shares."  The shares of MBI Common Stock to be issued pursuant
to the Merger will be freely transferable except by certain shareholders of
Horizon who are deemed to be "affiliates" of Horizon.  The shares of MBI
Common Stock issued to such affiliates will be restricted in their
transferability in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by
the Commission.  See "INFORMATION REGARDING MBI STOCK - Restrictions on
Resale of MBI Stock by Affiliates."

OTHER AGREEMENTS

      Concurrent with the execution of the Merger Agreement, MBI and each of
the directors of Horizon executed a separate Voting Agreement pursuant to
which each such director agreed that he or she will vote all of the shares of
Horizon Common Stock that he or she then owned, controlled or subsequently
acquires in favor of the approval of the Merger Agreement at the Special
Meeting.  In addition, until the earliest to occur of the Effective Time, the
termination of the Voting Agreements or the abandonment of the Merger, each
such director further agreed that he or she will not vote any such shares in
favor of the approval of any other competing acquisition proposal involving
Horizon and a third party.  Each such director also agreed that he or she
will not transfer shares of Horizon Common Stock unless, prior to such
transfer, the transferee executes an agreement in substantially the same form
as the Voting Agreement.  As of the Record Date, such directors owned
beneficially, directly or indirectly, an aggregate of 337,791 shares of
Horizon Common Stock, or approximately 53.4% of the issued and outstanding
shares.

INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER

      EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS.  Each of Ross M. Whipple, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Horizon, and Steve L. DeMott, President of Horizon, has
entered into an employment agreement with MBI pursuant to which they will
continue to be employed by MBI or its affiliates following the consummation
of the Merger.

      Pursuant to Mr. Whipple's employment agreement, Mr. Whipple will serve
as a member of the Board of Directors of Mercantile Bank of Arkansas National
Association (the "Arkansas Bank") and as Chairman of the Advisory Board of
the Arkadelphia Community Bank division of the Arkansas Bank for a period of
three years commencing at the Effective Time.  In consideration of such
services, Mr. Whipple will receive for the first year of such services an
annual base salary of $100,000, inclusive of all customary directors' fees,
and for the second and third years of such services, customary directors'
fees.  In addition, in the event that Mr. Whipple is employed by the Arkansas
Bank upon the one-year anniversary of the Effective Time, MBI will pay to Mr.
Whipple a one-time cash payment of $150,000.  If, on or before the first
anniversary of the Effective Time, (i) Mr. Whipple's engagement with the
Arkansas Bank is terminated involuntarily by MBI other than for "cause" (as
defined in the employment agreement), (ii) Mr. Whipple voluntarily terminates
his engagement with the Arkansas Bank for "good


                                    - 23 -
<PAGE> 27

reason" (as defined in the employment agreement) or (iii) Mr. Whipple dies or
becomes permanently disabled, Mr. Whipple will be entitled to receive the
remaining portion of his first year base salary and any unpaid portion of the
$150,000 one-time cash payment that is to be received upon such one-year
anniversary.  Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Whipple also has agreed
not to compete with MBI or its affiliates while engaged by the Arkansas Bank and
until the later of (i) the second anniversary of the Effective Time, if Mr.
Whipple's employment is terminated prior to the first anniversary of the
Effective Time, or (ii) in all other cases, one year following the date Mr.
Whipple ceases his engagement with the Arkansas Bank.

      Pursuant to Mr. DeMott's employment agreement, commencing at the
Effective Time, Mr. DeMott will serve as an executive officer of Horizon or
any successor thereto (the "Continuing Bank") and a member of the advisory
Board of Directors of the appropriate MBI community bank.  In consideration
of such services, Mr. DeMott will receive an annual base salary of $120,000,
inclusive of all customary directors' fees, and will be eligible to
participate in the Continuing Bank's incentive compensation plan.  Mr.
DeMott's base salary is guaranteed to remain at least $120,000 for 1998 and
1999, and Mr. DeMott's bonus payments under the incentive compensation plan
are guaranteed to be not less than $30,000 for 1998 and $40,000 for 1999.
Future base salary and bonus amounts will be subject to an annual performance
review.  In addition, in the event that Mr. DeMott is employed with the
Continuing Bank thirty days following the Effective Time, Mr. DeMott will
receive a one-time cash payment of $120,000.  If Mr. DeMott is employed with
the Continuing Bank upon the one-year anniversary of the Effective Time, MBI
will pay to Mr. DeMott an additional one-time cash payment of $75,000.  If,
on or before July 31, 1999, (i) Mr. DeMott's engagement with the Continuing
Bank is terminated involuntarily by the Continuing Bank or MBI other than for
"cause" (as defined in the employment agreement), (ii) Mr. DeMott voluntarily
terminates his engagement with the Bank for "good reason" (as defined in the
employment agreement) or (iii) Mr. DeMott dies or becomes permanently
disabled, then Mr. DeMott will be entitled to receive the remaining portion
of his base salary and guaranteed bonus payments for 1998 and 1999 and any
unpaid portion of the $120,000 and $75,000 one-time cash payments that are to
be received thirty days and one year following the Effective Time,
respectively.

      During Mr. Whipple's first year of employment with the Arkansas Bank and
during Mr. DeMott's employment with the Continuing Bank each of Mr. Whipple
and Mr. DeMott will be entitled to receive employee benefits and customary
perquisites equivalent to those provided by MBI to similarly situated senior
officers.

      EMPLOYEE RETENTION BONUSES.  In addition to the employment
agreements with Mr. Whipple and Mr. DeMott, MBI has entered into a bonus
agreement (the "Bonus Agreement") with Horizon pursuant to which certain
full-time employees of Horizon will be entitled to receive:  (i) a bonus in
an amount ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 if such employee is a full-time
employee of Horizon, MBI, Merger Sub or any successor thereto (the
"Employer") as of the six-month anniversary of the Effective Time; (ii) an
additional bonus in an amount ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 if such
employee is a full-time employee of the Employer also as of the one-year
anniversary of the Effective Time; and/or (iii) in the event that on or prior
to the one-year anniversary of the Effective Time (A) such employee's
employment is terminated involuntarily by the Employer other than for "cause"
(as defined in the Bonus Agreement), (B) such employee's employment is
terminated voluntarily by such employee for "good reason" (as defined in the
Bonus Agreement) or (C) such employee dies or becomes permanently disabled, a
lump sum payment equal to the sum of the bonuses paid pursuant to (i) and
(ii) for such employee, less any portions of such bonuses already paid.


                                    - 24 -
<PAGE> 28

      INDEMNIFICATION.  MBI also has agreed that the Merger will not
diminish any indemnification obligations of Horizon or its subsidiaries in
favor of the employees, agents, directors or officers or Horizon or its
subsidiaries existing as of the Effective Time by operation of law or by
virtue of the Articles of Incorporation, by-laws, contracts, resolutions or
other agreements or documents of Horizon or its subsidiaries in effect as of
the Effective Time.  In addition, to the extent that Horizon's existing
directors' and officers' liability insurance policy provides coverage for the
acts or omissions of the director and officers of Horizon and its
subsidiaries, Horizon has agreed to give to such insurance carrier and to MBI
notice of any potential claims thereunder.  On and after the Effective Time,
MBI's directors' and officers' liability insurance policy will provide
coverage for the prior acts of the directors and officers of Horizon and its
subsidiaries.

BACKGROUND OF AND REASONS FOR THE MERGER; BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS

     BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER. In early April 1997, a representative of
MBI contacted Horizon regarding the acquisition by MBI of all of the
outstanding capital stock of Horizon in a transaction that would be a
tax-deferred exchange to the shareholders of Horizon.  On April 8, 1997, MBI
sent Horizon a letter that discussed the advantages of shareholders of
Horizon owning shares of MBI as a publicly traded company on the NYSE and the
merits of a tax-deferred exchange of stock.

      On May 21, 1997, MBI met with management of Horizon to present an
initial merger offer and to obtain additional information concerning
Horizon's pricing and earnings.  The parties held additional discussions
during May and early June regarding Horizon's earnings.

      During May and June of 1997, management of Horizon had discussions with
Stephens, as well as with its lawyers and accountants, for the purpose of
considering the advantages of a sale or merger transaction.

      MBI toured Horizon's various markets on June 12, 1997.  On July 11,
1997, MBI presented Horizon with a revised merger offer and on July 14, 1997,
the parties discussed various social issues and agreed to proceed with merger
negotiations.

      On July 16, 1997, Horizon executed an engagement letter with Stephens
in which Stephens agreed to serve as financial advisor to Horizon in connection
with any merger transaction.  Stephens also agreed, if requested by Horizon,
to give its written opinion as to whether any proposed transaction would be
fair, from a financial point of view, to Horizon's disinterested
shareholders.

                  Both parties began the process of due diligence review on
July 23, 1997 and continued  further negotiations.

      Following discussions between the parties, the Board of Directors of
Horizon met on July 30, 1997 and approved the Merger Agreement providing for
each issued and outstanding share of Horizon Common Stock to be exchanged for
4.0301 shares of MBI Common Stock in a tax-deferred transaction.  At this
meeting, the Horizon Board received information from Stephens that the terms
of the Merger Agreement were fair to the disinterested shareholders of
Horizon from a financial point of view.

      On July 31, 1997,  MBI and Horizon signed the Merger Agreement.


                                    - 25 -
<PAGE> 29

     HORIZON'S REASONS AND BOARD RECOMMENDATION. The Board of
Directors of Horizon has determined that the Merger Agreement is in the best
interests of Horizon and its shareholders.  In evaluating the Merger
Agreement, the Board of Directors of Horizon considered a variety of factors,
including:

      (1)  The fact that the price offered by MBI represents a substantial
gain to Horizon shareholders (in the Merger, Horizon shareholders will
receive 4.0301 shares of MBI Common Stock for each share of Horizon Stock
held immediately prior to the Effective Time);

      (2)  The value being offered to Horizon shareholders by MBI in relation
to the market value, book value and earnings per share of Horizon Common
Stock;

      (3)  The fact that MBI Common Stock is traded on the NYSE, which would
increase the liquidity of the securities held by Horizon shareholders;

      (4)  The trend in the banking industry toward consolidation and
increased regulation and the ability of MBI's expertise and training to
assist Horizon in keeping abreast of such changes;

      (5) The fact that the interest in most regional bank holding companies
has decreased, MBI is aggressive in merging and acquiring community banks and
Horizon's desire to take advantage of the characteristics of such philosophy;

      (6) The advice of its financial advisor, Stephens, and the detailed
financial analysis and other information from Stephens;

      (7)  The financial terms and the income tax consequences of the Merger;

      (8)  The likelihood of the Merger being approved by regulatory
authorities without undue conditions or delay; and

      (9)  The fairness of the terms of the Merger to the Horizon
shareholders.

      In reaching its determination to approve the Merger Agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby, the Board of Directors of Horizon did not
assign any relative or specific weights to the various factors considered by
it, and individual directors may have given differing weights to different
factors.  The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered
by the Board of Directors of Horizon is not intended to be exhaustive but
includes all material factors considered by the Board of Directors.

      The Board of Directors of Horizon believes that the Merger Agreement is
in the best interests of Horizon and its shareholders and has recommended the
matter to be voted upon by the Horizon shareholders. The Board of Directors
of Horizon believes that the Merger would result in a company with expanded
opportunities for profitable growth and that the combined resources and
capital of Horizon and MBI would provide an enhanced ability to compete in
the changing and competitive financial services industry.


                                    - 26 -
<PAGE> 30

     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF HORIZON UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS
OF HORIZON VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
                ---

     MBI'S REASONS AND BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS.  The Executive Committee
of the Board of Directors of MBI considered a number of factors, including,
among other things, the financial condition of Horizon and projected
synergies that are anticipated to result from the Merger.  The Executive
Committee concluded that the Merger presents an unique opportunity for MBI to
increase its presence in central Arkansas through the acquisition of an
established banking organization having operations in the targeted area.
MBI's decision to pursue discussions with Horizon was primarily a result of
MBI's assessment of the value of Horizon's banking franchise, its substantial
asset base within that area and the compatibility of the businesses of the
two banking organizations.

OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR TO HORIZON

      Stephens has acted as financial advisor to Horizon in connection with
the Merger.  As part of its engagement, Stephens agreed, if requested by
Horizon, to render an opinion with respect to the fairness to the
disinterested shareholders of Horizon from a financial point of view of the
consideration proposed to be received by them in the Merger.  For purposes of
the opinion, the term "disinterested shareholders" was defined to exclude ()
directors, officers and employees, () any holder of five percent (5%) or more
of the outstanding stock, and () Horizon and its affiliates.  Stephens is a
nationally recognized investment banking firm and, as part of its investment
activities, is regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses and their
securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated
underwritings, competitive biddings, secondary distributions of listed and
unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate
and other purposes.  Horizon selected Stephens as its financial advisor on
the basis of its experience and expertise in merger transactions, and its
reputation in the banking and investment communities.

      In connection with its engagement, a written opinion dated July 31, 1997
was delivered by Stephens to Horizon to the effect that, based upon and
subject to certain assumptions and matters considered, and limitations set
out therein, the consideration to be received by the disinterested
shareholders of Horizon in the Merger was fair to them from a financial point
of view.

     THE FULL TEXT OF STEPHENS' WRITTEN OPINION TO HORIZON DATED
JULY 31, 1997, WHICH SETS FORTH THE ASSUMPTIONS, MATTERS
CONSIDERED AND LIMITATIONS OF THE OPINION IS ATTACHED HERETO AS
ANNEX A AND IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE AND SHOULD BE READ
- -------
CAREFULLY AND IN ITS ENTIRETY IN CONNECTION WITH THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.  THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY OF STEPHENS' OPINION
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE FULL TEXT OF THE
OPINION.  THE OPINION, WHICH IS ADDRESSED TO THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS OF HORIZON, IS DIRECTED ONLY TO THE FAIRNESS FROM A
FINANCIAL POINT OF VIEW TO THE DISINTERESTED SHAREHOLDERS OF
HORIZON OF THE CONSIDERATION TO BE RECEIVED BY THEM IN THE MERGER,
DOES NOT ADDRESS ANY OTHER ASPECT OF THE PROPOSED MERGER OR ANY
RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A RECOMMENDATION TO
ANY SHAREHOLDER AS TO HOW SUCH SHAREHOLDER SHOULD VOTE AT THE
SPECIAL MEETING.


                                    - 27 -
<PAGE> 31

      In connection with its review, Stephens did not assume any obligation
independently to verify any of the information provided by either Horizon and
MBI utilized in its analyses and relied on all such information being
complete and accurate in all material respects.  Stephens also assumed, with
Horizon's consent, that there were no material changes in Horizon or MBI's
assets, financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects
since the respective dates of their last financial statements reviewed by
Stephens and that any off-balance sheet activities of Horizon and MBI,
including derivatives and other similar financial instruments, if any, would
not materially and adversely affect the future financial condition or results
of operations of Horizon or MBI.  Stephens further assumed, with Horizon's
consent, that in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory and third
party consents for the Merger, no restrictions would be imposed that would
have a material adverse effect on the contemplated benefits of the Merger or
the transactions contemplated thereby.  Stephens further assumed, with
Horizon's consent, that the Merger would be consummated in accordance with
the terms and provisions of the Merger Agreement, without any amendments to,
and without any waiver by Horizon of, any of the material conditions to its
obligations thereunder.  Stephens noted that it is not an expert in the
evaluation of loan portfolios for purposes of assessing the adequacy of the
allowances for losses with respect thereto and assumed, with Horizon's
consent, that such allowances for each of Horizon and MBI, are in the
aggregate, adequate to cover such possible losses.  In addition, Stephens did
not assume responsibility for reviewing any individual credit files or making
an independent evaluation, appraisal or physical inspection of the assets or
individual properties of Horizon or MBI, nor was Stephens furnished with any
such evaluations or appraisals.  Finally, Stephens' opinion was based on
economic, monetary and market and other conditions as in effect on, and the
information made available to Stephens as of the dates thereof.  No other
limitations were imposed by Horizon on Stephens with respect to the
investigations made or procedures followed in rendering its opinion.

      Set forth below is a summary of the material analyses performed by
Stephens in connection with its opinion delivered to Horizon on July 31,
1997.

     PRO FORMA CONTRIBUTION ANALYSIS.  Stephens computed the
contribution of Horizon to the combined entity's pro forma balance sheet and
income statement at and for the six months ended June 30, 1997.  The
computation showed, among other things, that based on the merger
consideration, Horizon contributed to the combined entity approximately: 2.4%
of total assets; 2.0% of total loans and net loans; 2.7% of total deposits;
1.6% of non-interest-bearing deposits; 2.2% of net interest income (before
provision for loan losses); 1.1% of non-interest income; 2.2% of net income;
and 2.2% of pro forma ownership of the combined company.

     PRO FORMA DILUTION ANALYSIS.  Stephens reviewed the pro forma
impact of the Merger on Horizon's earnings per share and book value per share
from 1994 through June 30, 1997 on a historical basis, and at and for the
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998 on an estimated basis.  Earnings
estimates for MBI were based on the median of analysts' estimates as
published by the Institutional Brokers Estimate System ("I/B/E/S").  I/B/E/S
is a data service that monitors and publishes a compilation of earnings
estimates produced and provided by selected research analysts.  Stephens did
not assume any cost savings (or revenue enhancements) by MBI resulting from
the Merger.  This analysis showed that the Merger was accretive (dilutive) to
Horizon's historical earnings per share for 1994, 1995, 1996 and the six
months ended June 30, 1997, by 14.2%, 64.8%, 24.8% and (0.8)%, respectively
and 3.1% and 5.0% accretive to estimated earnings per share for 1997 and
1998, respectively.  The analysis also showed that the Merger was accretive
(dilutive) to Horizon's book value per share at December 31, 1994, 1995 and
1996 and June 30, 1997, by 30.9%, 19.7%, 9.8% and (9.4)%, respectively.


                                    - 28 -
<PAGE> 32

     ANALYSIS OF SELECTED COMPARABLE BANK MERGER TRANSACTIONS.
Stephens reviewed the consideration paid in eighteen transactions announced
since January 1, 1996 with transaction values between $50 million and $250
million and involving acquired banks located in Arkansas or its contiguous
states (the "Comparable Transactions").  For each company merged or to be
merged in such transactions, Stephens compiled data comparing, among other
things, the transaction price to the latest twelve months' earnings per
share, the transaction price to book value and the transaction price to
tangible book value.

      The characteristics of the Comparable Transactions announced since 1996
are as follows: (i) a mean and median ratio of transaction price to latest
twelve months' earnings per share of 18.5x and 18.0x, respectively; (ii) a
mean and median ratio of transaction price to book value of 2.3x and 2.4x,
respectively; and (iii) a mean and median ratio of transaction price to
tangible book value of 2.4x and 2.4x, respectively.  In comparison, based
upon a price per share of $47.2083 for MBI ($70.8125 on a pre-split basis and
using the last reported price on July 30, 1997) and an implied offer value of
$120.7 million, the consideration to be paid to the holders of Horizon Common
Stock represented a ratio of transaction price to latest twelve months'
earnings per share (through June 30, 1997) of 20.5x, a ratio of transaction
price to book value of 2.7x and ratio of transaction price to tangible book
value of 2.8x.

      No other company or transaction used in the above analysis as a
comparison is identical to MBI, Horizon or the proposed Merger.  Accordingly,
an analysis of the results of the foregoing is not mathematical; rather, it
involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in
financial and operating characteristics of the companies and other factors
that could affect the acquisition or public trading multiples of the
companies to which MBI, Horizon and the proposed Merger are being compared.

     POTENTIAL MERGER VALUATION RANGE.  Stephens prepared an analysis
that provided an estimate of the potential value that selected potential
merger partners including MBI might offer to acquire Horizon.  The analysis
showed that, based on closing stock market prices on July 30, 1997 and
management's assumption of potential cost savings of 0% to 10% of Horizon's
non-interest expense, the selected potential merger partners might offer
between $95.6 million and $138.6 million in a merger transaction.  The
potential merger partners selected for the analysis included six
publicly-traded bank holding companies that in recent years have acquired
community banks in Arkansas, north Louisiana or east Texas.  The analysis was
predicated on the assumption that each potential merger partner would be
willing to issue that number of shares that would cause no dilution to
analysts' consensus estimates of their expected 1997 earnings per share and
was based on management's estimate of Horizon's then-expected 1997 earnings.

      In rendering its opinion, Stephens considered certain other factors and
performed other comparative analyses, including, among other things, analyses
of: (i) the historical financial results of MBI and Horizon; (ii) the
historical trading prices and volume of the stock of MBI and Horizon; (iii)
the market share of MBI; and (iv) the stock prices and market multiples of
MBI relative to those of selected publicly traded banking companies.

      The foregoing is a summary of the material analyses performed by
Stephens in connection with its opinion delivered to Horizon on July 31,
1997.  The summary set forth above does not purport to be a complete
description of the analyses performed by Stephens.  The preparation of a
fairness opinion is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or
summary description.  Stephens


                                    - 29 -
<PAGE> 33

believes that its analyses and the summary set forth above must be considered
as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and of the factors
considered, without considering all analyses and factors, would create an
incomplete view of the process underlying the analyses.  In addition,
Stephens may have given various analyses more or less weight than other
analyses, and may have deemed various assumptions more or less probable that
other assumptions, so that the ranges of valuations resulting from any
particular analysis described above should not be taken to be Stephens' view
of the actual values of Horizon, MBI or the combined company.  The fact that
any specific analysis has been referred to in the summary above is not meant
to indicate that such analysis was given greater weight than any other
analysis.

      In performing its analyses, Stephens made numerous assumptions with
respect to industry performance, regulatory, general business and economic
conditions and other matters many of which are beyond the control of Horizon
and MBI.  The analyses performed by Stephens are not necessarily indicative
of actual values or actual future results, which may be significantly more or
less favorable than those suggested by such analyses.  Such analyses were
prepared solely as part of Stephens' analysis of the fairness of the
consideration to be received from a financial point of view in connection
with the delivery of Stephens' opinion.  The analyses do not purport to be
appraisals or to reflect the prices at which a company might actually be sold
or the prices at which any securities may trade at the present time or at any
time in the future.

      Pursuant to the terms of Stephens' engagement as financial advisor
(including rendering its opinion as to the fairness of the proposed
transaction), Horizon has agreed to pay Stephens a fee of $450,000, of which
$50,000 was paid upon signing of the Merger Agreement, and the balance of
which is contingent and payable on completion of the Merger.

      Horizon has also agreed to indemnify Stephens, its affiliates and their
respective partners, directors, officers, agents, consultants, employees and
controlling persons against certain liabilities, including liabilities under
federal securities law.

CONDITIONS OF THE MERGER

      The respective obligations of MBI, Merger Sub and Horizon to consummate
the Merger are subject to the satisfaction of certain mutual conditions,
including the following:

            (1)   The Merger Agreement shall be approved by the requisite vote
      of holders of Horizon Common Stock at the Special Meeting.

            (2)   The Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated
      therein shall have been approved by the Federal Reserve Board and any
      other federal and/or state regulatory agency whose approval is
      required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated
      therein, and all waiting periods after such approvals required by law
      or regulation shall have expired.

            (3)   The Registration Statement of which this Proxy
      Statement/Prospectus is a part, registering shares of MBI Common
      Stock to be issued in the Merger, shall have been declared effective
      and not be subject to a stop order or any threatened stop order.


                                    - 30 -
<PAGE> 34

            (4)   Neither Horizon, MBI nor Merger Sub shall be subject to any
      order, decree or injunction of a court or agency of competent
      jurisdiction that enjoins or prohibits the consummation of the
      Merger.

            (5)   Horizon, MBI and Merger Sub each shall have received from
      Thompson Coburn an opinion (which opinion shall not have been
      withdrawn at or prior to the Effective Time) reasonably satisfactory
      in form and substance to it to the effect that the Merger will
      constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the
      Code and to the effect that, as a result of the Merger, except with
      respect to cash received in lieu of fractional share interests,
      holders of Horizon Common Stock who receive MBI Common Stock in the
      Merger will not recognize gain or loss for federal income tax
      purposes, the basis of such MBI Common Stock will equal the basis of
      the Horizon Common Stock for which it is exchanged and the holding
      period of such MBI Common Stock will include the holding period of
      the Horizon Common Stock for which it is exchanged, assuming that
      such Horizon Common Stock is a capital asset in the hands of the
      holder thereof as of the Effective Time.

      The obligation of MBI and Merger Sub to consummate the Merger is subject
to the satisfaction, unless waived, of certain other conditions, including
the following:

            (1)   The representations and warranties of Horizon made in the
      Merger Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects
      as of the Effective Time except (i) to the extent such
      representations and warranties are by their express provisions made
      as of a specific date, (ii) where the facts caused the failure of any
      representations or warranty to be so true and correct have not
      resulted, and are not likely to result, in a Material Adverse Effect
      (as defined in the Merger Agreement) on Horizon and its subsidiaries,
      taken as a whole, and (iii) for the effect of transactions
      contemplated by the Merger Agreement, and all obligations required to
      be performed by Horizon prior to the Effective Time shall have been
      performed in all material respects, and MBI shall have received a
      certificate of the Chairman and President of Horizon to that effect.

            (2)   Horizon shall have obtained any and all material permits,
      authorizations, consents, waivers and approvals required of Horizon
      for the lawful consummation of the Merger.

            (3)   MBI and Merger Sub shall have received an opinion of KPMG
      Peat Marwick LLP, satisfactory to MBI and Merger Sub, that the Merger
      will qualify for pooling-of-interests accounting treatment, which
      opinion shall not have been withdrawn at or prior to the Effective
      Time.

            (4)   Horne, Hollingsworth & Parker, counsel to Horizon, shall
      have delivered to MBI an opinion dated as of the Closing Date
      regarding certain legal matters.

            (5)   Since July 31, 1997, there shall have been no Material
      Adverse Effect on Horizon and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

            (6)   Unless otherwise waived by MBI in its sole discretion,
      holders of less than five percent (5%) of the total value of shares
      of Horizon Common Stock


                                    - 31 -
<PAGE> 35

      outstanding shall have taken such steps as are then possible to
      dissent from the Merger pursuant to the Arkansas Act.

      Horizon's obligation to consummate the Merger is subject to the
satisfaction, unless waived, of certain other conditions, including the
following:

            (1)   The representations and warranties of MBI and Merger Sub
      made in the Merger Agreement shall be true and correct, in all
      material respects, as of the Effective Time except (i) to the extent
      such representations and warranties are by their express provisions
      made as of a specific date, (ii) where the facts caused the failure
      of any representation or warranty to be so true and correct have not
      resulted, and are not likely to result, in a Material Adverse Effect
      on MBI and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and (iii) for the
      effect of transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, and all
      obligations required to be performed by MBI and Merger Sub prior to
      the Effective Time shall have been performed in all material
      respects, and Horizon shall have received a certificate from any
      Executive Vice President of MBI to that effect.

            (2)   MBI and Merger Sub shall have obtained any and all material
      permits, authorizations, consents, waivers and approvals required of
      MBI or Merger Sub for the lawful consummation of the Merger.

            (3)   Since July 31, 1997, there shall have been no Material
      Adverse Effect on MBI and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

            (4)   Thompson Coburn, counsel to MBI, shall have delivered to
      Horizon an opinion dated as of the Closing Date regarding certain
      legal matters.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

      The Merger Agreement contains extensive representations and warranties
by Horizon, MBI and Merger Sub.  These include, among other things,
representations and warranties of Horizon as to (i) the organization and good
standing of it and its subsidiaries, (ii) its capital structure, (iii) its
authority relative to the execution and delivery of, and performance of its
obligations under, the Merger Agreement, (iv) the documents, including
financial statements and other reports, filed by Horizon with the applicable
regulatory authorities, (v) title to and condition of assets, (vi) real
property, (vii) taxes, (viii) the absence of material adverse changes since
March 31, 1997, (ix) loans, commitments and contracts, (x) the absence of
material conflicts between its obligations under the Merger Agreement and its
charter documents and material contracts to which it is a party or by which
it is bound, (xi) litigation, (xii) directors' and officers' insurance,
(xiii) compliance with laws, (xiv) labor, (xv) the existence of certain
material interests of certain persons, (xvi) allowance for loan and lease
losses and non-performing assets, (xvii) employee benefit plans and related
matters, (xviii) the absence of undisclosed liabilities, (xix) the accuracy
of the information supplied by Horizon for inclusion in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and related documents, (xx) the absence of registration
obligations with respect to Horizon Common Stock, (xxi) the absence of
actions that would jeopardize the qualification of the Merger as a
reorganization or the receipt of certain regulatory approvals, (xxii)
obligations to brokers and finders, (xxiii) the absence of interest rate
management instruments, (xxiv) the accuracy of the statements contained in
the Merger Agreement and related documents and (xxv) Year 2000 compliance for
all computer software and hardware.


                                    - 32 -
<PAGE> 36

      MBI's and Merger Sub's representations and warranties include, among
other things, those as to (i) their respective organization and good
standing, (ii) their respective capital structures, (iii) their authority
relative to the execution and delivery of, and performance of their
respective obligations under, the Merger Agreement, (iv) the documents,
including financial statements and other reports, filed by MBI with
applicable regulatory authorities, (v) the absence of material adverse
changes since March 31, 1997, (vi) the accuracy of the information supplied
by MBI or Merger Sub for inclusion in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and
related documents and (vii) the absence of obligations to brokers and
finders.

TERMINATION, WAIVER AND AMENDMENT OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT

      The Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing
Date, whether before or after approval by the shareholders of Horizon, (i) by
mutual consent of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of MBI
and the respective Boards of Directors of Horizon and Merger Sub, or (ii)
unilaterally by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of MBI or
the Boards of Directors of Horizon or Merger Sub:  (A) at any time after July
31, 1998, if the Merger has not been consummated by such date (provided that
the terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation,
warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in the Merger Agreement); (B)
if the Federal Reserve Board or any other Regulatory Authority whose approval
is required for consummation of the Merger shall have issued a final
non-appealable denial of such approval; (C) if the shareholders of Horizon
shall not have approved the Merger Agreement at the Special Meeting; or (D)
in the event of a breach by the other party of any representation, warranty
or agreement contained in the Merger Agreement, which breach is not cured
within 30 days after written notice thereof is given to the party committing
such breach or is not waived by such other party.  The Executive Committee of
the Board of Directors of Mercantile may terminate the Agreement in certain
circumstances if Horizon acquires property after July 31, 1997 and if
environmental investigations of such acquired property, together with all
previously acquired property after such date, indicate that the estimated
cost of corrective or remedial action with regard to such properties would
exceed $500,000 in the aggregate.  No assurance can be given that the Merger
will be consummated on or before July 31, 1998 or that MBI, Merger Sub or
Horizon will not elect to terminate the Merger Agreement if the Merger has
not been consummated on or before such date.

      In the event of the termination of the Merger Agreement, it shall become
void and there shall be no liability on the part of any party except, that
(i) confidentiality and indemnification obligations shall survive
termination, (ii) MBI shall pay all printing, mailing and filing expenses
with respect to the Registration Statement and this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and (iii) in the case of termination due to continued
material breach after notice and opportunity to cure, the breaching party
shall not be relieved of liability to the non-breaching party arising from
the willful nonperformance of any covenant in the Merger Agreement.

      Any provision of the Merger Agreement, including, without limitation,
the conditions to the consummation of the Merger and the restrictions
described under "- Business Pending the Merger," may be (i) waived in writing
at any time by the party that is, or whose shareholders are, entitled to the
benefits thereof, or (ii) amended at any time by written agreement of the
parties approved by or on behalf of their respective Boards of Directors or
Executive Committees, whether before or after the Special Meeting; provided,
however, that after approval of the Merger Agreement by the shareholders of
Horizon at the Special Meeting no such modification may (i) alter or change
the amount or kind of consideration


                                    - 33 -
<PAGE> 37

to be received by the Horizon shareholders pursuant to the Merger, or (ii)
adversely affect the tax treatment to Horizon shareholders as a result of
receiving the shares of MBI Common Stock in the Merger.

INDEMNIFICATION

      Horizon, MBI and Merger Sub have agreed to indemnify each other and the
officers, directors and controlling persons of each other against any losses,
claims, damages or liabilities to which any such party may become subject
under federal or state laws or regulations, to the extent that such loss,
claim, damage or liability is based primarily upon information furnished to
the party subject to such liability by the other party, or out of an omission
by such other party to state a necessary or material fact in the Registration
Statement of which this Proxy Statement/Prospectus is a part.

CLOSING DATE

      The Merger will be consummated and become effective upon the later of
(i) the issuance of a certificate of merger by the Office of the Secretary of
State of the State of Missouri or (ii) the filing of Articles of Merger with
the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Arkansas.  Under the
Merger Agreement, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, the Closing Date
shall occur on such date as MBI shall notify Horizon in writing but (i) not
earlier than the satisfaction of the following conditions (a) the receipt of
the requisite approval of the Merger Agreement by the shareholders of Horizon
and (b) the approval of the Merger by the Federal Reserve Board and any other
Regulatory Agency whose approval is required, and all waiting periods for
such approvals have been satisfied (the "Approval Date"), and (ii) not later
than the first business day of the first full calendar month beginning at
least five business days after the Approval Date.

SURRENDER OF HORIZON STOCK CERTIFICATES AND RECEIPT OF MBI COMMON STOCK

      At the Effective Time, each outstanding share of Horizon Common Stock
will be converted into the right to receive 4.0301 shares of MBI Common
Stock.  See "- General Description of the Merger."  Each holder of Horizon
Common Stock, upon submission to the Exchange Agent of a properly executed
letter of transmittal and surrender to the Exchange Agent of the stock
certificate(s) formerly representing shares of Horizon Common Stock, will be
entitled to receive a stock certificate(s) evidencing the shares of MBI
Common Stock to which such shareholder is entitled.

      As soon as practicable following the Effective Time, the Exchange Agent
will mail to each Horizon shareholder of record as of the Effective Time
notification of the consummation of the Merger.  The Exchange Agent also will
provide a letter of transmittal and instructions as to the procedure for the
surrender of the stock certificates evidencing the Horizon Common Stock and
the receipt of shares of MBI Common Stock.  It will be the responsibility of
each holder of Horizon shares to submit all certificates formerly evidencing
such holder's shares of Horizon Common Stock to the Exchange Agent.  No
dividends or other distribution will be paid to a former Horizon shareholder
with respect to shares of MBI Common Stock until such shareholder's properly
completed letter of transmittal and stock certificates formerly representing
Horizon Common Stock, or, in lieu thereof, such evidence of a lost, stolen or
destroyed certificate and/or such insurance bond as the Exchange Agent may
reasonably require in accordance with customary exchange practices, are
delivered to the Exchange Agent.  All dividends or other distributions on the
MBI Common Stock declared between the Closing Date and the date of the
surrender of a Horizon stock certificate will be held for the benefit of the
shareholder and will be paid to


                                    - 34 -
<PAGE> 38

the shareholder, without interest thereon, upon the surrender of such stock
certificate(s) or documentation and/or insurance bond in lieu thereof.

FRACTIONAL SHARES

      No fractional shares of MBI Common Stock will be issued to the former
shareholders of Horizon in connection with the Merger.  Each holder of
Horizon Common Stock who otherwise would have been entitled to receive a
fraction of a share of MBI Common Stock shall receive in lieu thereof cash,
without interest, in an amount equal to the holder's fractional share
interest multiplied by the closing stock price of MBI Common Stock on the
NYSE Composite Tape as reported in The Wall Street Journal on the Closing
Date.  Cash received by Horizon shareholders in lieu of fractional shares may
give rise to taxable income.  See "CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF
THE MERGER."

REGULATORY APPROVAL

      In addition to the approval of the Merger Agreement by the Horizon
shareholders, the obligations of the parties to effect the Merger are subject
to prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board and the Arkansas Commissioner.
As a bank holding company, MBI is subject to regulation under the BHCA.  MBI
will file all required applications seeking approval of the Merger with the
Regulatory Authorities.

      Under the BHCA, the Federal Reserve Board can withhold approval of the
Merger if, among other things, it determines that the effect of the Merger
would be to substantially lessen competition in the relevant market.  In
addition, the Federal Reserve Board is required to consider whether the
combined organization meets the requirements of the Community Reinvestment
Act of 1977, as amended, by assessing the involved entities' respective
records of meeting the credit needs of the local communities in which they
are chartered, consistent with the safe and sound operation of such
institutions.  In its review, the Federal Reserve Board also is required to
examine the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the
combined organization and analyze the capital structure and soundness of the
resulting entity.  The Federal Reserve Board has the authority to deny an
application if it concludes that the combined organization would have
inadequate capital.  MBI will also file an application with the Arkansas
Commissioner, which will review the record of MBI's subsidiary financial
institutions in meeting the credit needs of the local communities they serve.

      The Merger cannot be consummated prior to receipt of all required
approvals.  There can be no assurance that the required regulatory approvals
for the Merger will be obtained, and, if the Merger is approved, as to the
date of such approvals or whether the approvals will contain any unacceptable
conditions.  There can likewise be no assurance that the United States
Department of Justice will not challenge the Merger during the waiting period
set aside for such challenges after receipt of approval from the Federal
Reserve Board.  See "SUPERVISION AND REGULATION."

      MBI and Horizon are not aware of any governmental approvals or actions
that may be required for consummation of the Merger other than as described
above.  Should any other approval or action be required, it is presently
contemplated that such approval or action would be sought.  There can be no
assurance that any necessary regulatory approvals or actions will be timely
received or taken, that no action will be brought challenging such approval
or action or, if such a challenge is brought, as to the


                                    - 35 -
<PAGE> 39

result thereof, or that any such approval or action will not be conditioned
in a manner that would cause the parties to abandon the Merger.  See
"SUPERVISION AND REGULATION."

BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER

      The Merger Agreement provides that, during the period from July 31, 1997
to the Effective Time, Horizon will conduct its business according to the
ordinary and usual course consistent with past practices and use its best
efforts to maintain and preserve its business organization, employees and
advantageous business relationships and retain the services of its officers
and key employees.

      Furthermore, from July 31, 1997 to the Effective Time, except as
provided in the Merger Agreement, Horizon will not, and will not permit any
of its subsidiaries to, without the prior written consent of MBI:

            (1)   declare, set aside or pay any dividends or other
      distributions, directly or indirectly, in respect of its capital
      stock (other than dividends from any of the Horizon subsidiaries to
      Horizon), except that Horizon may pay regular quarterly cash
      dividends of not more than $0.32 per share; provided, however, that
      if the Effective Time shall not have occurred on or before March 1,
      1998, Horizon may declare, set aside or pay a dividend for each share
      of Horizon Common Stock for each quarter thereafter in which the MBI
      Board of Directors shall declare a dividend on shares of MBI Common
      Stock that equals the product or (i) 4.0301 and (ii) the amount of
      the dividend per share declared by the Board of Directors of MBI;
      provided, further, however, that Horizon shall not declare or pay a
      quarterly dividend for any quarter in which Horizon shareholders will
      be entitled to receive a regular quarterly dividend on the shares of
      MBI Common Stock to be issued in the Merger;

            (2)   enter into or amend any employment, severance or similar
      agreement or arrangement with any director, officer or employee, or
      materially modify any of the Horizon employee plans or grant any
      salary or wage increase or materially increase any employee benefit
      (including incentive or bonus payments), except normal individual
      increases in compensation to employees consistent with past practice,
      or as required by law or contract, and except for such increases of
      which Horizon notifies MBI in writing and which MBI does not
      disapprove within ten days of the receipt of such notice;

            (3)   authorize, recommend, propose or announce an intention to
      authorize, recommend or propose, or enter into an agreement in
      principle with respect to, any merger, consolidation or business
      combination (other than the Merger), any acquisition of a material
      amount of assets or securities, any disposition of a material amount
      of assets or securities or any release or relinquishment of any
      material contract rights;

            (4)   propose or adopt any amendments to the Articles of
      Incorporation or Charter of Horizon or any subsidiary of Horizon, as
      the case may be, or its respective by-laws or charter;

            (5)   issue, sell, grant, confer or award any capital stock
      options, warrants, conversion rights or other rights or effect any
      stock split or adjust, combine, reclassify or otherwise change its
      capitalization as it existed on July 31, 1997;


                                    - 36 -
<PAGE> 40

            (6)   purchase, redeem, retire, repurchase or exchange, or
      otherwise acquire or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any capital
      stock, options, warrants, conversion rights or other rights, whether
      pursuant to the terms of such capital stock, options, warrants,
      conversion rights or other rights or otherwise;

            (7)   (i) without first consulting with and obtaining the written
      consent of MBI, enter into, renew or increase any loan or credit
      commitment (including stand-by letters of credit) to, or invest or
      agree to invest in any person or entity or modify any of the material
      provisions or renew or otherwise extend the maturity date of any
      existing loan or credit commitment (collectively, "Lend to") in an
      amount in excess of $500,000 or in any amount which, when aggregated
      with any and all loans or credit commitments of Horizon and its
      subsidiaries to such person or entity, would be equal to or in excess
      of $500,000; provided, however, that Horizon or any of its
      subsidiaries may make any such loan or credit commitment in the event
      (A) Horizon or any of its subsidiaries has delivered to MBI or its
      designated representative a notice of its intention to make such loan
      and such information as MBI or its designated representative may
      reasonably require in respect thereof and (B) MBI or its designated
      representative shall not have reasonably objected to such loan by
      giving written or facsimile notice of such objection within two (2)
      business days following the delivery to MBI or its designated
      representative of the notice of intention and information as
      aforesaid; provided further, however, that nothing shall prohibit
      Horizon or any of its subsidiaries from honoring any contractual
      obligation in existence on the date of the Merger Agreement.
      Notwithstanding the above, Horizon shall be authorized, without first
      consulting with MBI or obtaining MBI's prior written consent, to
      increase the aggregate amount of any credit facilities theretofore
      established in favor of any person or entity (each a "Pre-Existing
      Facility"), provided that the aggregate amount of any and all such
      increases shall not be in excess of the lesser of ten percent (10%)
      of such Pre-Existing Facilities or $25,000;

            (8)   directly or indirectly, including through its officers,
      directors, employees or other representatives:

                  (i)   initiate, solicit or encourage any discussions,
            inquiries or proposals with any third party (other than MBI or
            Merger Sub) relating to the disposition of any significant
            portion of the business or assets of Horizon or any of its
            subsidiaries or the acquisition of the capital stock (or rights
            or options exercisable for, or securities convertible or
            exchangeable into, capital stock) of Horizon or any of its
            subsidiaries or the merger of Horizon or any of its
            subsidiaries with any person (other than MBI or Merger Sub) or
            any similar transaction (each such transaction being referred
            to herein as an "Acquisition Transaction"), or

                  (ii)  provide any third party with information or assistance
            or negotiate with any third party with respect to an
            Acquisition Transaction, and Horizon shall promptly notify MBI
            orally of all the relevant details relating to all inquiries,
            indications of interest and proposals which it or any of its
            subsidiaries may receive with respect to any Acquisition
            Transaction;


                                    - 37 -
<PAGE> 41

            (9)   knowingly take any action or omit to take any action that
      would (i) materially impede or delay the consummation of the
      transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or the ability of
      MBI or Horizon to obtain any approval of any Regulatory Authority
      required for the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or
      to perform its covenants and agreements under the Merger Agreement,
      (ii) prevent or impede the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization
      within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code or (iii) prevent the
      merger from qualifying for pooling-of-interests accounting treatment;

            (10)  other than in the ordinary course of business consistent
      with past practice, incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or
      assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become
      responsible or liable for the obligations of any other individual,
      corporation or other entity;

            (11)  materially restructure or change its investment securities
      portfolio, through purchases, sales or otherwise, or the manner in
      which the portfolio is classified or reported, or execute individual
      investment transactions of greater than $2,000,000 for U.S. Treasury
      or Federal Agency Securities and $250,000 for all other investment
      instruments;

            (12)  agree in writing or otherwise to take any of the foregoing
      actions or engage in any activity, enter into any transaction or
      knowingly take or omit to take any other action which would make any
      of Horizon's representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement
      untrue or incorrect in any material respect if made anew after
      engaging in such activity, entering into such transaction, or taking
      or omitting such other act; or

            (13)  enter into, increase or renew any loan or credit commitment
      (including standby letters of credit) to any executive officer or
      director of Horizon or any subsidiary of Horizon, any holder of 10%
      or more of the outstanding shares of Horizon Common Stock, or any
      entity controlled, directly or indirectly, by any of the foregoing or
      engage in any transaction with any of the foregoing which is of the
      type or nature sought to be regulated in 12 U.S.C. Section 371c and
      12 U.S.C. Section 371c-1, without first obtaining the prior written
      consent of MBI, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

      The Merger Agreement also provides that during the period from July 31,
1997 to the Effective Time, MBI and Merger Sub shall not, and shall not
permit any of their subsidiaries to, without the prior written consent of
Horizon, agree in writing or otherwise take any action that is prohibited of
Horizon by subsections (9) and (12) above.

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

      The Merger is intended to be accounted for under the
pooling-of-interests method of accounting.  It is a condition to MBI's and
Merger Sub's consummation of the Merger, unless otherwise waived, that KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP, MBI's independent accountants, deliver to MBI and Merger Sub an
opinion that the Merger will qualify for pooling-of-interests accounting
treatment.


                                    - 38 -
<PAGE> 42

       CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER
       -----------------------------------------------------

      The following discussion is based upon an opinion of Thompson Coburn,
counsel to MBI ("Counsel"), and except as otherwise indicated, reflects
Counsel's opinion.  The discussion is a general summary of the material
United States federal income tax ("federal income tax") consequences of the
Merger to certain Horizon shareholders and does not purport to be a complete
analysis or listing of all potential tax considerations or consequences
relevant to a decision whether to vote for the approval of the Merger.  The
discussion does not address all aspects of federal income taxation that may
be applicable to Horizon shareholders in light of their status or personal
investment circumstances, nor does it address the federal income tax
consequences of the Merger that are applicable to Horizon shareholders
subject to special federal income tax treatment including (without
limitation) foreign persons, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities,
retirement plans, dealers in securities, persons who acquired their Horizon
Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise
as compensation, and persons who hold their Horizon Common Stock as part of a
"straddle," "hedge" or "conversion transaction."  Each shareholder's
individual circumstances may affect the tax consequences of the Merger to
such shareholder. In addition, the discussion does not address the effect of
any applicable state, local or foreign tax laws, or the effect of any federal
tax laws other than those pertaining to the federal income tax.  AS A
RESULT, EACH HORIZON SHAREHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER
OWN TAX ADVISOR TO DETERMINE THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE
MERGER TO SUCH SHAREHOLDER.  The discussion assumes that shares of
Horizon Common Stock are held as capital assets (within the meaning of
Section 1221 of the Code) at the Effective Time.

      Horizon has received an opinion from Counsel to the effect that,
assuming the Merger occurs in accordance with the Merger Agreement, the
Merger will constitute a "reorganization" for federal income tax purposes
with the following federal income tax consequences:

                  (1)   Horizon shareholders will recognize no gain or loss as
      a result of the exchange of their Horizon Common Stock solely for
      shares of MBI Common Stock pursuant to the Merger, except with
      respect to cash received in lieu of fractional shares, if any, as
      discussed below.

                  (2)   The aggregate adjusted tax basis of the shares of MBI
      Common Stock received by each Horizon shareholder in the Merger
      (including any fractional share of MBI Common Stock deemed to be
      received, as described in paragraph 4 below) will be equal to the
      aggregate adjusted tax basis of the shares of Horizon Common Stock
      surrendered.

                  (3)   The holding period of the shares of MBI Common Stock
      received by each Horizon shareholder in the Merger (including any
      fractional share of MBI Common Stock deemed to be received, as
      described in paragraph 4 below) will include the holding period of
      the shares of Horizon Common Stock exchanged therefor.

                  (4)   A Horizon shareholder who receives cash in the Merger
      in lieu of a fractional share of MBI Common Stock will be treated as
      if the fractional share had been received by such shareholder in the
      Merger and then redeemed by MBI in return for the cash. The receipt
      of such cash will cause the recipient to recognize capital gain or
      loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and
      the portion of such holder's adjusted tax basis in the shares of MBI
      Common Stock allocable to the fractional share.


                                    - 39 -
<PAGE> 43

      Counsel's opinion is subject to the conditions and assumptions stated
therein and relies upon various representations made by MBI, Horizon and
certain shareholders of Horizon.  If any of these representations or
assumptions is inaccurate, the tax consequences of the Merger could differ
from those described herein. Counsel's opinion also is based upon the Code,
regulations proposed or promulgated thereunder, judicial precedent relating
thereto, and current administrative rulings and practice, all of which are
subject to change.  Any such change, which may or may not be retroactive,
could alter the tax consequences discussed herein.  The opinion is available
without charge upon written request to Jon W. Bilstrom, General Counsel and
Secretary, Mercantile Bancorporation Inc., P.O. Box 524, St. Louis, Missouri
63166-0524.  The receipt of Counsel's opinion again as of the Closing Date is
a condition to the consummation of the Merger.  An opinion of counsel, unlike
a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the "Service"),
has no binding effect on the Service.  The Service could take a position
contrary to Counsel's opinion and, if the matter were litigated, a court may
reach a decision contrary to the opinion.  Neither MBI nor Horizon has
requested an advance ruling as to the federal income tax consequences of the
Merger, and the Service is not expected to issue such a ruling.

      THE FOREGOING IS A GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE MATERIAL FEDERAL
INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO CERTAIN HORIZON
SHAREHOLDERS AND IS INCLUDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. THE
FOREGOING DISCUSSION DOES NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE PARTICULAR
FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH HORIZON SHAREHOLDER'S TAX STATUS
AND ATTRIBUTES. AS A RESULT, THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
ADDRESSED IN THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION MAY NOT APPLY TO EACH
HORIZON SHAREHOLDER.  ACCORDINGLY, EACH HORIZON SHAREHOLDER SHOULD
CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE SPECIFIC TAX
CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION AND EFFECT
OF FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND THE POSSIBLE
EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN FEDERAL AND OTHER TAX LAWS.


                                    - 40 -
<PAGE> 44

           RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS OF HORIZON
           --------------------------------------------

      Each holder of Horizon Common Stock has the right to dissent from the
Merger and receive the fair value of such holder's shares of Horizon Common
Stock if the shareholder follows the procedures set forth in the Arkansas
Act, included as Annex B hereto and the material provisions of which are
                 -------
summarized below.  Pursuant to the Arkansas Act, a holder of Horizon Common
Stock may dissent and Horizon will pay to such shareholder the fair value of
such shareholder's shares of Horizon Common Stock if such shareholder (1)
files with Horizon prior to the vote being taken a written demand for payment
for his or her shares if the Merger is consummated and (2) does not vote in
favor thereof.  Within 10 days after the consummation of the Merger, Horizon
shall send a letter to all dissenting shareholders notifying them of the
procedures for demanding payment.  A dissenting shareholder must demand
payment pursuant to the procedures set forth in the dissenters' notice.
After the shareholder delivers to Horizon the written demand for payment,
Horizon shall send each shareholder who has delivered a written demand for
payment the amount Horizon estimates to be the fair value of the shares, plus
accrued interest, accompanied by a written explanation of how the interest
was calculated, a statement setting forth the opinion of Horizon as to the
estimated fair value of the shares, Horizon's latest balance sheet as of the
end of a fiscal year ended not earlier than 16 months before the delivery of
the statement, together with the statement of income for that year and the
latest available interim financial statements, a statement of the
shareholder's right to demand payment under the Arkansas Act and a copy of
the pertinent provisions of the Arkansas Act.  A VOTE AGAINST THE
MERGER, WHETHER BY PROXY OR IN PERSON, WILL NOT, BY ITSELF, BE
REGARDED AS A WRITTEN DEMAND FOR PAYMENT FOR PURPOSES OF ASSERTING
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS. Upon payment of the agreed value, the dissenting
shareholder shall cease to have any interest in such shares or in Horizon or
MBI.

      If the dissenting shareholder does not agree with the opinion of Horizon
as to the estimated fair value of the shares or the amount of interest due,
the dissenting shareholder must, within 30 days from the delivery of
Horizon's statement of value, notify Horizon in writing of the shareholder's
estimated fair value and interest due and demand payment for the difference
between the shareholder's estimate of fair value and interest due and the
amount of the payment by Horizon.  If Horizon and the dissenting shareholder
do not agreed upon the fair value of the shares and interest due, Horizon
shall file a petition in the circuit court of the county in which either the
registered office or the principal office of Horizon is located, requesting
the court to determine the fair value of the shares and interest due.  The
"fair value" determined by the court may be more or less than the amount
offered to Horizon shareholders under the Merger Agreements. Upon the payment
of the judgment, the dissenting shareholder shall cease to have any interest
in such shares or in Horizon or MBI.

      THE FOREGOING SUMMARY OF THE PROVISIONS REGARDING DISSENTERS'
RIGHTS UNDER THE ARKANSAS ACT IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY THE
COMPLETE TEXT OF THE ARKANSAS ACT WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AS
ANNEX B.
- -------

      Horizon shareholders who are interested in perfecting dissenters' rights
pursuant to the Arkansas Act in connection with the Merger should consult
with their counsel for advice as to the procedures required to be followed.


                                    - 41 -
<PAGE> 45




                      PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                      -------------------------------

COMPARATIVE UNAUDITED PER SHARE DATA

      The following table sets forth for the periods indicated selected
historical per share data of MBI and Horizon and the corresponding pro forma
and pro forma equivalent per share amounts giving effect to the proposed
Merger and the acquisition of Roosevelt. The data presented is based upon the
supplemental consolidated financial statements and related notes of MBI and
the consolidated financial statements and related notes of Horizon and
Roosevelt included in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus or in documents
incorporated herein by reference, and the pro forma combined consolidated
balance sheet and income statements, including the notes thereto, appearing
elsewhere herein.  This information should be read in conjunction with such
historical and pro forma financial statements and related notes thereto.  The
assumptions used in the preparation of this table appear in the notes to the
pro forma financial information appearing elsewhere in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. This data is not necessarily indicative of the results
of the future operations of the combined organization or the actual results
that would have occurred if the Merger or the completed acquisition of
Roosevelt had been consummated prior to the periods indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                         MBI/                                         HORIZON/
                                                                       HORIZON        HORIZON     MBI/ALL ENTITIES  ALL ENTITIES
                                             MBI           HORIZON    PRO FORMA      PRO FORMA        PRO FORMA       PRO FORMA
                                           REPORTED       REPORTED   COMBINED<F1>  EQUIVALENT<F2>   COMBINED<F3>    EQUIVALENT<F2>
                                           --------       --------   ------------  --------------   ------------    --------------
<S>                                       <C>              <C>        <C>            <C>             <C>              <C>
Book Value per Share:
  September 30, 1997                      $  18.07         $76.09     $  18.04       $ 72.70          $  18.04         $ 72.70
  December 31, 1996                          16.74          65.45        16.34         65.85             16.92           68.19

Cash Dividends Declared per Share:
  Nine months ended September 30, 1997    $    .861        $  .83     $    .861      $  3.47          $    .861        $  3.47
  Year ended December 31, 1996                1.090          1.01         1.090         4.39              1.090           4.39
  Year ended December 31, 1995                 .880           .45          .880         3.55               .880           3.55
  Year ended December 31, 1994                 .750           .03          .750         3.02               .750           3.02

Earnings per Share:
  Nine months ended September 30, 1997    $    .92         $ 8.28     $    .94       $  3.79          $    .57         $  2.30
  Year ended December 31, 1996                2.11           9.04         2.11          8.50              1.47            5.92
  Year ended December 31, 1995                2.41           5.89         2.39          9.63              2.39            9.63
  Year ended December 31, 1994                2.06           7.73         2.06          8.30              2.06            8.30

Market Price per Share:
  At July 30, 1997<F4>                    $47.1875         $75.00     $47.1875       $190.17          $47.1875         $190.17
  At November 21, 1997<F4>                 49.6250         $75.00      49.6250        195.46           49.6250          195.46


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

<F1>  Includes the effect of pro forma adjustments for Horizon and Roosevelt, as appropriate.  See "PRO FORMA
      FINANCIAL INFORMATION - Notes to Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Statements."

<F2>  Based on the pro forma combined per share amounts multiplied by 4.0301, the conversion ratio applicable to
      one share of Horizon Common Stock in the Merger.  Further explanation of the assumptions used in the
      preparation of the pro forma combined consolidated financial statements is included in the notes to pro
      forma financial statements.  See "PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION - Notes to Pro Forma Combined
      Consolidated Financial Statements."

<F3>  Includes the effect of pro forma adjustments for Horizon and Roosevelt, as appropriate.  Due to the
      immateriality of the financial condition and results of operations of Regional and Homecorp  to that of
      MBI, does not include the effect of pro forma adjustments for Regional or Homecorp.  See "PRO FORMA
      FINANCIAL INFORMATION--Notes to Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Statements."

<F4>  The market value of MBI Common Stock disclosed as of July 30, 1997, the last trading day preceding the
      public announcement of the Merger, and as of November 21, 1997, the latest available date prior to the
      filing of the Registration Statement, is based on the last sale price as reported on the NYSE Composite
      Tape.  There are no publicly available quotations of Horizon Common Stock.  The last sale price for
      Horizon Common Stock known to management of Horizon was $75.00 per share on July 11, 1997.

</TABLE>


                                    -42-
<PAGE> 46

PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

      RECENT ACQUISITIONS.  MBI has completed or announced a number of
acquisitions during the years covered by the pro forma financial statements
that follow.  Set forth below is a table that summarizes the completed and
pending acquisitions, including the name of the acquired entity, the date of
consummation of the acquisition, the assets and deposits of the acquired
entities at the date of consummation for the completed acquisitions or at
September 30, 1997 for the pending acquisition the consideration paid in cash
and/or shares of MBI stock and the accounting method utilized.


<TABLE>
                                              ACQUISITIONS COMPLETED BY MBI
                                                    (1994-PRESENT)
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     CONSIDERATION
                                                                                 --------------------
                                                                                               GROSS        ACCOUNTING
NAME                                        DATE         ASSETS      DEPOSITS    CASH          SHARES         METHOD
- ----                                        ----         ------      --------    ----          ------         ------
                                                                (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                     <C>            <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>             <C>
Roosevelt Financial Group, Inc.         July 1, 1997   $7,251,985   $5,317,514  $374,477     18,948,884      Purchase
Mark Twain Bancshares, Inc.             Apr. 25, 1997   3,227,972    2,519,474        73     24,088,713      Pooling
Regional Bancshares, Inc.               Mar. 5, 1997      171,979      135,954    12,300        900,625      Purchase
TODAY'S Bancorp, Inc.                   Nov. 7, 1996      501,418      432,104    34,912      1,690,587      Purchase
First Financial Corporation of America  Nov. 1, 1996       87,649       76,791     3,253        388,113      Purchase
Peoples State Bank                      Aug. 22, 1996      95,657       75,149        --        488,756      Purchase
Metro Savings Bank, F.S.B.              Mar. 7, 1996       80,857       73,843         5        296,853      Purchase
Security Bank of Conway, F.S.B.         Feb. 9, 1996      102,502       89,697         1        482,946      Purchase
Hawkeye Bancorporation                  Jan. 2, 1996    1,978,540    1,739,811        80     11,838,294      Pooling
First Sterling Bancorp, Inc.            Jan. 2, 1996      167,610      147,588         1        782,126      Pooling<F1>
Southwest Bancshares, Inc.              Aug. 1, 1995      187,701      155,628         1      1,012,463      Pooling<F1>
AmeriFirst Bancorporation, Inc.         Aug. 1, 1995      155,521      130,179         1        992,034      Pooling<F1>
Plains Spirit Financial Corporation     July 7, 1995      400,754      276,887     6,697      1,951,770      Purchase
TCBankshares, Inc.                      May 1, 1995     1,422,798    1,217,740        --       7,124,99<F2>  Pooling
Central Mortgage Bancshares, Inc.       May 1, 1995       654,584      571,105         8      3,806,585      Pooling
UNSL Financial Corp.                    Jan. 3, 1995      508,346      380,716        11      2,367,161      Pooling
Wedge Bank                              Jan. 3, 1995      195,716      152,865         1      1,454,931      Pooling<F1>
United Postal Bancorp, Inc.             Feb. 1, 1994    1,260,765    1,025,252        39      8,447,930      Pooling
Metro Bancorporation                    Jan. 3, 1994      370,175      333,183         6      2,457,417      Pooling

<CAPTION>
                                              PENDING ACQUISITION BY MBI

<S>                                     <C>            <C>           <C>              <C>       <C>          <C>
Homecorp, Inc.                          1st Qtr. 1998  $  326,877    $ 299,148        --        951,380<F3>  Pooling
Horizon Bancorp, Inc.                   1st Qtr. 1998  $  550,678    $ 470,385        --      2,550,000<F3>  Pooling

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

<F1>  The historical financial statements of MBI were not restated for the acquisition due to the immateriality
      of the acquiree's financial condition and results of operations to those of MBI.

<F2>  In addition to MBI Common Stock issued, MBI assumed, through an exchange, the outstanding, non-convertible
      preferred stock of TCBankshares, Inc.  Such preferred stock was redeemed in the first quarter of 1996.

<F3>  Estimated number of shares to be issued in acquisition.

</TABLE>

      PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  The following unaudited pro forma
combined consolidated balance sheet gives effect to the Merger as if it was
consummated on September 30, 1997.

      MBI acquired Roosevelt on July 1, 1997, which acquisition was accounted
for under the purchase method of accounting.  Accordingly, the historical
results of operations of MBI include the results of operations of Roosevelt
from July 1, 1997 forward.  The following pro forma combined consolidated
income statements include the results of operations of Roosevelt from January
1, 1996 through the date of acquisition.


                                    -43-
<PAGE> 47

      The following pro forma combined consolidated income statements for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997 and for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994 set forth the results of operations of MBI combined with
the results of operations of Horizon as if the Merger had occurred as of the
first day of the period presented.  As stated above, the pro forma combined
consolidated income statements for the year ended December 31, 1996 and for
the nine months ended September 30, 1997 include the results of operations of
Roosevelt from January 1, 1996 through the date of acquisition.

      The unaudited pro forma combined consolidated financial statements
should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Notes to the Pro Forma
Combined Consolidated Financial Statements and with the historical financial
statements of MBI, Horizon and Roosevelt.  The historical interim financial
information for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, used as a basis for
the pro forma combined consolidated financial statements, includes all
necessary adjustments, which, in management's opinion, are necessary to
present the data fairly.  These pro forma combined consolidated financial
statements may not be indicative of the results of operations that actually
would have occurred if the completed and proposed acquisitions had been
consummated on the dates assumed above or of the results of operations that
may be achieved in the future.

      Due to the immateriality of the results of operations of Regional and
Homecorp to that of MBI, individually and in the aggregate, the unaudited pro
forma combined consolidated financial statements contained herein do not
reflect the completed acquisition of Regional period prior to the acquisition
date of such entity or the pending acquisition of Homecorp.


                                    -44-
<PAGE> 48

<TABLE>
                                    MERCANTILE BANCORPORATION INC.
                             PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                          SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                              (THOUSANDS)
                                              (UNAUDITED)
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                           PRO FORMA
                                                                                            HORIZON        COMBINED
                                                          MBI<F1>           HORIZON       ADJUSTMENTS     CONSOLIDATED
                                                          -------           -------       -----------     ------------

<S>                                                    <C>                  <C>           <C>              <C>
ASSETS
   Cash and due from banks                             $ 1,043,236          $ 11,036      $ (7,220)<F2>    $ 1,047,052
   Due from banks - interest-bearing                       303,276                --                           303,276
   Federal funds sold and repurchase agreements            171,703             3,106                           174,809
   Investments in debt and equity securities
      Trading                                              137,761                --                           137,761
      Available-for-sale                                 6,904,529           172,811                         7,077,340
      Held-to-maturity                                     277,311            14,490                           291,801
                                                       -----------          --------      --------         -----------
        Total                                            7,319,601           187,301            --           7,506,902
   Loans and leases                                     19,120,797           328,798                        19,449,595
   Reserve for possible loan losses                       (257,261)           (4,479)                         (261,740)
                                                       -----------          --------      --------         -----------
        Net loans and leases                            18,863,536           324,319            --          19,187,855
   Intangible assets                                       821,726             2,009                           823,735
   Receivable for credit card loans sold                   372,835                                             372,835
   Other assets                                          1,084,450            22,908        46,746 <F3>      1,107,358
                                                                                           (46,746)<F4>
                                                       -----------          --------      --------         -----------
          Total Assets                                 $29,980,363          $550,679      $ (7,220)        $30,523,822
                                                       ===========          ========      ========         ===========

LIABILITIES
   Deposits
      Non-interest-bearing                             $ 3,134,713          $ 51,623      $                $ 3,186,336
      Interest-bearing                                  18,308,044           418,762                        18,726,806
      Foreign                                              669,483                --                           669,483
                                                       -----------          --------      --------         -----------

          Total Deposits                                22,112,240           470,385            --          22,582,625
   Short-term borrowings                                 3,771,713             3,136                         3,774,849
   Bank notes                                              175,000                --                           175,000
   Long-term debt                                        1,019,092            27,352                         1,046,444
   Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
      preferred securities of Mercantile Capital
      Trust I                                              150,000                --                           150,000
   Other liabilities                                       397,639             3,060                           400,699
                                                       -----------          --------      --------         -----------
          Total Liabilities                             27,625,684           503,933            --          28,129,617

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
   Common stock                                              1,304               666            24 <F3>          1,328
                                                                                              (666)<F4>
   Capital surplus                                         939,387            12,372         3,896 <F3>        943,283
                                                                                           (12,372)<F4>
   Retained earnings                                     1,419,402            35,606        35,606 <F3>      1,455,008
                                                                                           (35,606)<F4>
   Treasury stock                                           (5,414)           (1,898)       (7,220)<F2>         (5,414)
                                                                                             7,220 <F3>
                                                                                             1,898 <F4>
                                                       -----------          --------      --------         -----------
          Total Shareholders' Equity                     2,354,679            46,746        (7,220)          2,394,205
                                                       -----------          --------      --------         -----------
          Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity   $29,980,363          $550,679      $ (7,220)        $30,523,822
                                                       ===========          ========      ========         ===========

See Notes to Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Statements.

</TABLE>


                                    -45-
<PAGE> 49

<TABLE>

                                    MERCANTILE BANCORPORATION INC.
                           PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
                             FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                   (THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                              (UNAUDITED)
<CAPTION>


                                                                                MBI,   FOR THE SIX
                                                                              HORIZON  MONTHS ENDED                   ALL ENTITIES
                                                                             PRO FORMA JUNE 30, 1997                   PRO FORMA
                                                                 HORIZON     COMBINED  -------------   ROOSEVELT        COMBINED
                                            MBI<F1>    HORIZON ADJUSTMENTS CONSOLIDATED  ROOSEVELT   ADJUSTMENTS<F7>  CONSOLIDATED
                                            -------    ------- ----------- ------------  ---------   ---------------  ------------
<S>                                      <C>           <C>      <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>
Interest Income                          $  1,352,187  $30,186  $(271)<F5> $  1,381,922  $272,169      $              $  1,654,271

Interest Expense                              672,529   15,313                  687,842   178,306           858 <F9>       882,728
                                                                                                         15,722 <F10>
                                         ------------  -------  -----      ------------  --------      --------       ------------
   Net Interest Income                        679,658   14,873   (271)          694,080    93,863       (16,580)           771,543
Provision for Possible Loan Losses             73,616      811                   74,427     3,474            --             77,901
                                         ------------  -------  -----      ------------  --------      --------       ------------
   Net Interest Income after Provision
      for Possible Loan Losses                606,042   14,062   (271)          619,653    90,389       (16,580)           693,642

Other Income
   Trust                                       71,688      119                   71,807        --                           71,807
   Service charges                             72,625    1,564                   74,189    13,018                           87,207
   Credit card fees                            16,421       --                   16,421        --                           16,421
   Net loss from financial instruments             --       --                       --   (35,630)                         (35,630)
   Securities gains                             4,901       42                    4,943        --                            4,943
   Other                                      113,628    1,351                  114,979    10,038                          125,017
                                         ------------  -------  -----      ------------  --------      --------       ------------
      Total Other Income                      279,263    3,076     --           282,339   (12,574)           --            269,765

Other Expense
   Salaries and employee benefits             307,350    5,650                  313,000    23,717                          336,717
   Net occupancy and equipment                 86,031    1,712                   87,743     9,291                           97,034
   Loss on the sale of credit card loans       50,000       --                   50,000                                     50,000
   Other                                      259,023    3,063                  262,086    36,555        20,177 <F8>       318,818
                                         ------------  -------  -----      ------------  --------      --------       ------------
      Total Other Expense                     702,404   10,425     --           712,829    69,563        20,177            802,569

                                         ------------  -------  -----      ------------  --------      --------       ------------
      Income Before Income Taxes              182,901    6,713   (271)          189,343     8,252       (36,757)           160,838
Income Taxes                                   73,071    1,625    (97)<F6>       74,599     7,630        (5,969)<F11>       76,260
                                         ------------  -------  -----      ------------  --------      --------       ------------
      Net Income                         $    109,830  $ 5,088  $(174)     $    114,744  $    622      $(30,788)      $     84,578
                                         ============  =======  =====      ============  ========      ========       ============

Per Share Data
   Average Common Shares
      Outstanding<F12>                    119,079,189                       121,476,189                                130,608,778
   Net Income                            $        .92                      $        .94                               $        .65

See Notes to Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Statements.

</TABLE>


                                    -46-
<PAGE> 50



<TABLE>
                                             MERCANTILE BANCORPORATION INC.
                                    PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
                                         FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                           (THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                                     (UNAUDITED)
<CAPTION>



                                                                               MBI,
                                                                              HORIZON                                  ALL ENTITIES
                                                                            PRO FORMA                                   PRO FORMA
                                                                HORIZON      COMBINED                   ROOSEVELT        COMBINED
                                           MBI<F1>    HORIZON ADJUSTMENTS  CONSOLIDATED ROOSEVELT     ADJUSTMENTS<F7>  CONSOLIDATED
                                           -------    ------- -----------  ------------ ---------     ---------------  ------------
<S>                                     <C>           <C>      <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>
Interest Income                         $  1,552,863  $36,588  $(361)<F5>  $  1,589,090  $640,311      $               $  2,229,401

Interest Expense                             724,910   18,762                   743,672   462,724        10,290 <F9>      1,252,061
                                                                                                         35,375 <F10>

                                        ------------  -------  -----       ------------  --------      --------        ------------
   Net Interest Income                       827,953   17,826   (361)           845,418   177,587       (45,665)            977,340
Provision for Possible Loan Losses            73,015    1,241                    74,256     1,262                            75,518
                                        ------------  -------  -----       ------------  --------      --------        ------------
   Net Interest Income after Provision
      for Possible Loan Losses               754,938   16,585   (361)           771,162   176,325       (45,665)            901,822

Other Income
   Trust                                      86,616       68                    86,684        --                            86,684
   Service charges                            88,916    2,035                    90,951    17,157                           108,108
   Credit card fees                           27,962       --                    27,962        --                            27,962
   Net loss from financial instruments            --       --                        --   (76,634)                          (76,634)
   Securities losses                             (83)      (1)                      (84)       --                               (84)
   Other                                     134,069    1,950                   136,019    23,510                           159,529
                                        ------------  -------  -----       ------------  --------      --------        ------------
      Total Other Income                     337,480    4,052    --            341,532   (35,967)           --             305,565
Other Expense
   Salaries and employee benefits            365,729    7,275                   373,004    42,304                           415,308
   Net occupancy and equipment               103,715    2,169                   105,884    18,081                           123,965
   Other                                     249,224    4,144                   253,368    63,024        40,355 <F8>        356,747
                                        ------------  -------  -----       ------------  --------      --------        ------------
      Total Other Expense                    718,668   13,588     --            732,256   123,409        40,355             896,020

                                        ------------  -------  -----       ------------  --------      --------        ------------
      Income Before Income Taxes             373,750    7,049   (361)           380,438    16,949       (86,020)            311,367
Income Taxes                                 128,535    1,622   (130)<F6>       130,027     5,835       (16,439)<F11>       119,423
                                        ------------  -------  -----       ------------  --------      --------        ------------
      Income Before Extraordinary Items $    245,215  $ 5,427  $(231)      $    250,411  $ 11,114      $(69,581)       $    191,944
                                        ============  =======  =====       ============  ========      ========        ============


Per Share Data
   Average Common Shares
      Outstanding<F12>                   115,938,311                        118,335,311                                 130,615,744
   Net Income Before Extraordinary
      Items                             $       2.11                       $       2.11                                $       1.47

</TABLE>


                                    -47-
<PAGE> 51

<TABLE>
                                           MERCANTILE BANCORPORATION INC.
                                  PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
                                        FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                         (THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                                    (UNAUDITED)
<CAPTION>


                                                                                                         PRO FORMA
                                                                                            HORIZON      COMBINED
                                                                     MBI<F1>     HORIZON  ADJUSTMENTS  CONSOLIDATED
                                                                     -------     -------  -----------  ------------
<S>                                                               <C>            <C>       <C>          <C>
Interest Income                                                   $  1,516,156   $33,216   $(361)<F5>   $  1,549,011

Interest Expense                                                       715,466    17,343                     732,809

                                                                  ------------   -------   -----        ------------
   Net Interest Income                                                 800,690    15,873    (361)            816,202
Provision for Possible Loan Losses                                      41,533       875                      42,408
                                                                  ------------   -------   -----        ------------
   Net Interest Income after Provision for Possible Loan Losses        759,157    14,998    (361)            773,794

Other Income
   Trust                                                                77,115        29                      77,144
   Service charges                                                      82,459     1,574                      84,033
   Credit card fees                                                     20,366        --                      20,366
   Securities gains                                                      4,338        48                       4,386
   Other                                                               127,371     1,641                      29,012
                                                                  ------------   -------   -----        ------------
      Total Other Income                                               311,649     3,292      --             314,941

Other Expense
   Salaries and employee benefits                                      346,156     7,280                     353,436
   Net occupancy and equipment                                          95,896     1,981                      97,877
   Other                                                               198,467     4,482                     202,949
                                                                  ------------   -------   -----        ------------
      Total Other Expense                                              640,519    13,743      --             654,262

                                                                  ------------   -------   -----        ------------
      Income Before Income Taxes                                       430,287     4,547    (361)            434,473
Income Taxes                                                           149,898     1,005    (130)<F6>        150,773
                                                                  ------------   -------   -----        ------------
      Net Income                                                  $    280,389   $ 3,542   $(231)       $    283,700
                                                                  ============   =======   =====        ============


Per Share Data
   Average Common Shares Outstanding<F12>                          115,754,877                           118,151,877
   Net Income                                                     $       2.41                          $       2.39

See Notes to Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Statements.

</TABLE>


                                    -48-
<PAGE> 52

<TABLE>
                                        MERCANTILE BANCORPORATION INC.
                               PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
                                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
                                      (THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                                (UNAUDITED)
<CAPTION>



                                                                                                          PRO FORMA
                                                                                             HORIZON       COMBINED
                                                                    MBI<F1>      HORIZON   ADJUSTMENTS   CONSOLIDATED
                                                                    -------      -------   -----------   ------------
<S>                                                              <C>             <C>        <C>          <C>
Interest Income                                                  $  1,311,928    $28,197    $(361)<F5>   $  1,339,764

Interest Expense                                                      521,542     12,175                      533,717

                                                                 ------------    -------    -----        ------------
   Net Interest Income                                                790,386     16,022     (361)            806,047
Provision for Possible Loan Losses                                     48,791        695                       49,486
                                                                 ------------    -------    -----        ------------
   Net Interest Income after Provision for Possible Loan Losses       741,595     15,327     (361)            756,561

Other Income
   Trust                                                               71,972         --                       71,972
   Service charges                                                     80,057      1,289                       81,346
   Credit card fees                                                    27,352         --                       27,352
   Securities gains                                                     2,888         --                        2,888
   Other                                                               90,099      2,048                       92,147
                                                                 ------------    -------    -----        ------------
      Total Other Income                                              272,368      3,337       --             275,705

Other Expense
   Salaries and employee benefits                                     336,426      6,531                      342,957
   Net occupancy and equipment                                         91,755      1,444                       93,199
   Other                                                              216,830      4,509                      221,339
                                                                 ------------    -------    -----        ------------
      Total Other Expense                                             645,011     12,484       --             657,495

                                                                 ------------    -------    -----        ------------
      Income Before Income Taxes                                      368,952      6,180     (361)            374,771
Income Taxes                                                          135,896      1,604     (130)<F6>        137,370
                                                                 ------------    -------    -----        ------------
      Net Income                                                 $    233,056    $ 4,576    $(231)       $    237,401
                                                                 ============    =======    =====        ============


Per Share Data
   Average Common Shares Outstanding<F12>                         112,323,722                             114,720,722
   Net Income                                                    $       2.06                            $       2.06

See Notes to Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Statements.

</TABLE>


                                    -49
<PAGE> 53




                  MERCANTILE BANCORPORATION INC.
   NOTES TO PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                            (UNAUDITED)


<F1>  Represents MBI's restated historical consolidated financial statements
      reflecting the acquisition of Hawkeye Bancorporation, effective
      January 2, 1996, and Mark Twain, effective April 25, 1997.  Such
      acquisitions were accounted for as poolings-of-interests.  The
      acquisition of First Sterling Bancorp, Inc. ("Sterling") by MBI and
      the acquisition of Northland Bancshares, Inc. by Mark Twain were also
      accounted for as poolings-of-interests; however, due to the
      immateriality of the financial condition and results of operations of
      Sterling and Northland Bancshares, Inc. to that of MBI and Mark
      Twain, the historical financial statements were not restated.
      Therefore, Sterling and Northland Bancshares, Inc. are included in
      these pro forma financial statements only from their respective
      acquisition dates forward.  Each of Security Bank of Conway, F.S.B.,
      Metro Savings Bank, F.S.B., Peoples State Bank, First Financial
      Corporation of America, TODAY'S Bancorp, Inc., Regional Bancshares, Inc.
      and First City Bancshares, Incorporated, each of which was accounted for
      as a purchase, is included in these pro forma financial statements only
      from its respective acquisition date forward.  The full impact of these
      acquisitions is immaterial to the Pro Forma Combined Consolidated
      Financial Statements.

      MBI completed its acquisition of Roosevelt on July 1, 1997.  The
      acquisition of Roosevelt was accounted for as a purchase; as such,
      historical financial statements will not be restated.  The full
      impact of the Roosevelt acquisition is included in the pro forma
      combined consolidated income statement for the nine months ended
      September 30, 1997 and for the year ended December 31, 1996.

      The proposed acquisition of Homecorp, which will be accounted for as a
      pooling-of-interest, is not material to the financial condition and
      results of operations of MBI.  As such, Homecorp is not included in
      these Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements.

      All per share data reflects the 3-for-2 stock split declared by MBI on
      July 16, 1997, which was distributed on October 1, 1997.

<F2>  In conjunction with the proposed acquisition of Horizon, MBI plans to
      repurchase up to 153,000 shares of MBI Common Stock in the open
      market.  The assumed repurchase price per share is $47.1875, the
      closing price of MBI Common Stock on July 30, 1997, the last business
      date before the announcement of the Merger Agreement between MBI and
      Horizon.

<F3>  Acquisition of Horizon with 2,550,000 shares of issued MBI Common Stock,
      including up to 153,000 reissued treasury shares, based on the
      exchange ratio of 4.0301 shares of MBI Common Stock per share of
      Horizon Common Stock.  The number of shares of MBI Common Stock,
      which represents the aggregate number of shares to be issued in the
      Merger, was calculated as follows:

                                    - 50 -
<PAGE> 54

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                           <C>
            Shares of Horizon Common Stock outstanding at September 30,
              1997                                                                 632,743

            Exchange Ratio                                                    x     4.0301
                                                                              ------------
            Aggregate number of shares of MBI Common Stock to be issued
              in the Merger                                                      2,550,000
                                                                              ============
</TABLE>

<F4>  Elimination of MBI's investment in Horizon.

<F5>  Interest income foregone as the result of MBI repurchasing 153,000
      treasury shares in conjunction with the acquisition of Horizon by
      MBI.  The assumed interest rate is 5%.

<F6>  Income tax benefit associated with interest income foregone as the
      result of repurchasing shares in conjunction with the acquisition of
      Horizon by MBI.  The assumed effective tax rate is 36%.

<F7>  The acquisition of Roosevelt was accounted for as a purchase
      transaction.  Included herein is the amortization of goodwill over a
      15-year period (see footnote 8 below) and interest expense related to
      the issuance of subordinated debt securities and notes as described
      in footnotes 9 and 10 below.  MBI issued these subordinated debt
      securities and notes primarily to finance the Roosevelt acquisition.
      The impact of interest income lost on the cash consideration and
      stock buybacks is immaterial to the Pro Forma Combined Consolidated
      Financial Statements through September 30, 1997.  Goodwill is
      considered nondeductible.  The income tax benefit associated with
      taxable income statement adjustments is computed at an effective tax
      rate of 36%.

<F8>  The pro forma excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired was
      $605,320,000 for Roosevelt as of June 30, 1997.  The annual amount of
      goodwill amortization, given a 15-year amortization period, is
      $40,355,000.

<F9>  On January 29, 1997, MBI issued $150,000,000 of subordinated debt
      securities, which were issued at a floating rate equal to the
      three-month LIBOR plus 85 basis points.  The rate assumed in
      calculating the expense for the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined
      Consolidated Financial Statements is 6.86%.

<F10> On June 11, 1997, MBI issued $200,000,000 of subordinated notes due 2007
      at 7.3%, $150,000,000 of senior notes due 2001 at 6.8% and
      $150,000,000 of senior notes due 2004 at 7.05%.

<F11> Income tax benefit associated with interest expense on debt issues (see
      footnotes 9 and 10 above).  The assumed effective tax rate is 36%.

                                    - 51 -
<PAGE> 55

<F12> The computation of year-to-date average shares as restated for the
      poolings-of-interests with Mark Twain and Hawkeye Bancorporation, as
      well as for the 3-for-2 stock split distributed on October 1, 1997,
      is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        FOR THE NINE           FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                        MONTHS ENDED         ------------------------------------
                                                       SEPT. 30, 1997        1996            1995            1994
                                                       --------------        ----            ----            ----
<S>                                                    <C>                <C>             <C>             <C>
            Shares of MBI Common Stock issued
              and outstanding                            119,079,189      115,938,311     115,754,877     112,323,722
            Shares of MBI Common Stock to be issued in
              the Horizon acquisition, net of treasury
              shares                                       2,397,000        2,397,000       2,397,000       2,397,000
            Shares of MBI Common Stock issued
              in the Roosevelt acquisition                18,948,884       18,948,884
            Less effect of MBI shares issued
              in the Roosevelt acquisition being
              outstanding since July 1, 1997              (6,316,295)
            Less effect of treasury share purchases       (3,500,000)      (6,668,451)
                                                         -----------      -----------     -----------     -----------

                Pro Forma Combined                       130,608,778      130,615,744     118,151,877     114,720,722
                                                         ===========      ===========     ===========     ===========
</TABLE>


                                    - 52 -
<PAGE> 56
                   INFORMATION REGARDING HORIZON
                   -----------------------------
BUSINESS

      Horizon, an Arkansas corporation, was formed in 1982 and is registered
as a bank holding company under the BHCA.  As of September 30, 1997, Horizon
reported, on a consolidated basis, total assets of $550.7 million, total
deposits of $470.4 million, loans, net of unearned discount, of $328.8
million and shareholders' equity of $46.7 million.  Horizon owns all of the
issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Horizon Bank, an Arkansas
state-chartered bank, and Horizon Financial Services, Inc., an Arkansas
corporation.  Horizon Bank owns all the issued and outstanding shares of
capital stock of Landau, Inc. and Horizon Mortgage Company, each of which is
an Arkansas corporation.

      Horizon operates sixteen banking offices in the following Arkansas
markets:  Arkadelphia, Bismarck, Gurdon, Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village,
Malvern and Sheridan.  A new facility is under construction in Bryant,
Arkansas (Saline County) which will be open for operations in mid-November
1997.  Horizon is a leading commercial banking organization in its markets
with the primary focus on long-term customer relationships and quality
service and conducts full service community banking and trust services
throughout its market area.

      In the following pages, statistical information about Horizon is
presented.  Such information should be read in conjunction with "Management's
Discussion and Analysis for the Three Year Period Ended December 31, 1996"
and "Management's Discussion and Analysis for the Nine Months Ended September
30, 1997 and 1996" and the consolidated financial statements included
elsewhere herein.

DISTRIBUTION OF AVERAGE ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND
INTEREST RATES

      The following table sets forth the condensed average balance sheets for
the periods presented and the percentage of each principal category of assets
and liabilities to total assets.  Also shown is the average yield on each
category of interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on
interest-bearing liabilities for each of the periods presented.  Such yields
and rates are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of
assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented.


                                    - 53 -
<PAGE> 57


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           1997
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                    PERCENT      INTEREST         AVERAGE
                                                                    AVERAGE        OF TOTAL       INCOME/          YIELD/
                                                                    BALANCE         ASSETS        EXPENSE         RATE<F1>
                                                                    -------         ------        -------         --------
ASSETS:                                                                             (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                                <C>              <C>           <C>             <C>
Interest-earning assets
   Loans<F2>                                                       $310,929          57.82%       $20,993           9.00%
   Taxable investment securities                                     54,612          10.15          2,688           6.56
   Non-taxable investment securities-fed<F3>                          5,322            .99            382           9.57
   Non-taxable investment securities-state<F3>                       95,671          17.79          4,892           6.82
   Non-taxable investment securities-fed and state<F3>               30,877           5.74          1,925           8.31
   Other investment securities                                        3,422            .64            150           5.84
   Interest-bearing deposits                                          3,985            .74            158           5.29
   Federal funds sold                                                 4,018            .75            168           5.57
                                                                   --------         ------        -------           ----
   Total interest-earning assets                                    508,836          94.62         31,356           8.22
Non-interest-earning assets:
   Cash and due from banks                                           12,099           2.25
   Premises and equipment                                            10,853           2.02
   Other assets                                                      10,313           1.91
   Allowance for possible loan losses                                (4,310)          (.80)
                                                                   --------         ------

      Total assets                                                 $537,791         100.00%
                                                                   ========         ======

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Interest-bearing liabilities
   Interest-bearing demand deposits                                $ 93,089          17.31%       $ 1,935           2.77%
   Savings deposits                                                  75,549          14.05          2,385           4.21
   Time deposits                                                    240,434          44.71          9,569           5.31
   Other borrowings                                                  33,518           6.23          1,424           5.66
                                                                   --------         ------        -------           ----
   Total interest-bearing liabilities                               442,590          82.30         15,313           4.61
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
   Demand deposits                                                   49,555           9.21
   Other liabilities                                                  5,445           1.01
                                                                   --------         ------
      Total liabilities                                             497,590          92.52
      Shareholders equity                                            40,201           7.48
                                                                   --------         ------
      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                   $537,791         100.00%
                                                                   ========         ======

Net interest income                                                                               $16,043
                                                                                                  =======

Interest rate spread                                                                                                3.61%
                                                                                                                    ====

Net interest rate margin                                                                                            4.20%
                                                                                                                    ====

Interest-bearing liabilities to earning assets ratio                  86.98%
                                                                   ========

<FN>
- ------------------------------
<F1>  Average Yield/Rate for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and
      1996 are annualized.
<F2>  Average balances include non-accrual loans.  The income on such loans
      is included in interest but is recognized only upon receipt.
<F3>  Non-taxable investment income presented on a fully tax-equivalent basis
      assuming a tax rate of 6.5% (state), 34% (federal) and 37.5% (state and
      federal).

<CAPTION>
                                                                             NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           1996
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                    PERCENT      INTEREST         AVERAGE
                                                                    AVERAGE        OF TOTAL       INCOME/          YIELD/
                                                                    BALANCE         ASSETS        EXPENSE         RATE<F1>
                                                                    -------         ------        -------         --------
ASSETS:                                                                             (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                                <C>              <C>           <C>             <C>
Interest-earning assets
   Loans<F2>                                                       $278,696          57.40%       $19,085           9.13%
   Taxable investment securities                                     45,596           9.39          2,165           6.33
   Non-taxable investment securities-fed<F3>                          5,860           1.21            423           9.62
   Non-taxable investment securities-state<F3>                       78,982          16.27          3,903           6.59
   Non-taxable investment securities-fed and state<F3>               37,287           7.68          2,328           8.32
   Other investment securities                                        2,649            .55            110           5.54
   Interest-bearing deposits                                          2,199            .45             89           5.40
   Federal funds sold                                                 5,117           1.05            208           5.42
                                                                   --------         ------        -------           ----
   Total interest-earning assets                                    456,386          94.00         28,311           8.27
Non-interest-earning assets:
   Cash and due from banks                                           12,479           2.57
   Premises and equipment                                            10,977           2.26
   Other assets                                                       9,986           2.06
   Allowance for possible loan losses                                (4,308)          (.89)
                                                                   --------         ------

      Total assets                                                 $485,520         100.00%
                                                                   ========         ======

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Interest-bearing liabilities
   Interest-bearing demand deposits                                $ 96,308          19.84%       $ 1,991           2.76%
   Savings deposits                                                  29,830           6.14            521           2.33
   Time deposits                                                    246,731          50.82         10,235           5.53
   Other borrowings                                                  27,672           5.70          1,160           5.59
                                                                   --------         ------        -------           ----
   Total interest-bearing liabilities                               400,541          82.50         13,907           4.63
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
   Demand deposits                                                   44,854           9.23
   Other liabilities                                                  3,192            .66
                                                                   --------         ------
      Total liabilities                                             448,587          92.39
      Shareholders equity                                            36,933           7.61
                                                                   --------         ------
      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                   $485,520         100.00%
                                                                   ========         ======

Net interest income                                                                               $14,404
                                                                                                  =======

Interest rate spread                                                                                                3.64%
                                                                                                                    ====

Net interest rate margin                                                                                            4.21%
                                                                                                                    ====

Interest-bearing liabilities to earning assets ratio                  87.76%
                                                                   ========
<FN>
- ------------------------------
<F1>  Average Yield/Rate for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and
      1996 are annualized.
<F2>  Average balances include non-accrual loans.  The income on such loans
      is included in interest but is recognized only upon receipt.
<F3>  Non-taxable investment income presented on a fully tax-equivalent
      basis assuming a tax rate of 6.5% (state), 34% (federal) and 37.5% (state
      and federal).

</TABLE>

                                    - 54 -
<PAGE> 58

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           1996
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                    PERCENT      INTEREST         AVERAGE
                                                                    AVERAGE        OF TOTAL       INCOME/          YIELD/
                                                                    BALANCE         ASSETS        EXPENSE           RATE
                                                                    -------         ------        -------           ----
ASSETS:                                                                             (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                                <C>              <C>           <C>             <C>
Interest-earning assets
   Loans<F1>                                                       $283,390          57.67%       $25,898           9.14%
   Taxable investment securities                                     45,549           9.27          2,890           6.34
   Non-tax investment securities-fed<F2>                              5,569           1.13            533           9.57
   Non-tax investment securities-state<F2>                           78,739          16.02          5,185           6.59
   Non-tax investment securities-fed & state<F2>                     36,734           7.48          3,053           8.31
   Other investment securities                                        2,672            .54            157           5.88
   Interest-bearing deposits                                          3,753            .76            202           5.38
   Federal funds sold                                                 6,157           1.25            333           5.41
                                                                   --------         ------        -------           ----
      Total interest-earning assets                                 462,563          94.12         38,251           8.27
Non-interest-earning assets:
   Cash and due from banks                                           12,842           2.62
   Premises and equipment                                            11,028           2.25
   Other assets                                                       9,283           1.89
   Allowance for possible loan losses                                (4,315)          (.88)
                                                                   --------         ------

      Total assets                                                 $491,401         100.00%
                                                                   ========         ======

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Interest-bearing liabilities
   Interest-bearing demand deposits                                $ 98,795          20.10%       $ 2,764           2.80%
   Savings deposits                                                  30,239           6.15            742           2.45
   Time deposits                                                    247,828          50.43         13,654           5.51
   Other borrowings                                                  28,823           5.87          1,602           5.56
                                                                   --------         ------        -------           ----
      Total interest-bearing liabilities                            405,685          82.55         18,762           4.62
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
   Demand deposits                                                   44,946           9.15
   Other liabilities                                                  3,089            .63
                                                                   --------         ------
      Total liabilities                                             453,720          92.33
Shareholders' equity                                                 37,681           7.67
                                                                   --------         ------
      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                   $491,401         100.00%
                                                                   ========         ======

Net interest income                                                                               $19,489
                                                                                                  =======

Interest rate spread                                                                                                3.65%
                                                                                                                    ====

Net interest rate margin                                                                                            4.21%
                                                                                                                    ====

Interest-bearing liabilities to earning assets ratio                  87.70%
                                                                   ========

<CAPTION>
                                                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           1995
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                    PERCENT      INTEREST         AVERAGE
                                                                    AVERAGE        OF TOTAL       INCOME/          YIELD/
                                                                    BALANCE         ASSETS        EXPENSE           RATE
                                                                    -------         ------        -------           ----
ASSETS:                                                                             (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                                <C>              <C>           <C>             <C>
Interest-earning assets
   Loans<F1>                                                       $248,672          56.22%       $22,579           9.08%
   Taxable investment securities                                     50,381          11.39          3,606           7.16
   Non-tax investment securities-fed<F2>                              1,483            .34            183          12.34
   Non-tax investment securities-state<F2>                           70,082          15.84          4,580           6.54
   Non-tax investment securities-fed & state<F2>                     34,353           7.77          3,061           8.91
   Other investment securities                                        2,597            .59            142           5.47
   Interest-bearing deposits                                          5,068           1.15            307           6.06
   Federal funds sold                                                 4,541           1.03            266           5.86
                                                                   --------         ------        -------          -----
      Total interest-earning assets                                 417,177          94.31         34,724           8.32
Non-interest-earning assets:
   Cash and due from banks                                           10,548           2.38
   Premises and equipment                                            10,012           2.26
   Other assets                                                       8,758           1.98
   Allowance for possible loan losses                                (4,147)          (.94)
                                                                   --------         ------

      Total assets                                                 $442,348         100.00%
                                                                   ========         ======

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Interest-bearing liabilities
   Interest-bearing demand deposits                                $ 73,524          16.62%       $ 1,721           2.34%
   Savings deposits                                                  30,393           6.87            819           2.69
   Time deposits                                                    237,998          53.80         13,433           5.64
   Other borrowings                                                  21,436           4.85          1,370           6.39
                                                                   --------         ------        -------          -----
      Total interest-bearing liabilities                            363,351          82.14         17,343           4.77
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
   Demand deposits                                                   42,081           9.52
   Other liabilities                                                  3,014            .68
                                                                   --------         ------
      Total liabilities                                             408,446          92.34
Shareholders' equity                                                 33,902           7.66
                                                                   --------         ------
      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                   $442,348         100.00%
                                                                   ========         ======

Net interest income                                                                               $17,381
                                                                                                  =======

Interest rate spread                                                                                                3.55%
                                                                                                                   =====

Net interest rate margin                                                                                            4.17%
                                                                                                                   =====

Interest-bearing liabilities to earning assets ratio                  87.10%
                                                                   ========

<CAPTION>
                                                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           1994
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                    PERCENT      INTEREST         AVERAGE
                                                                    AVERAGE        OF TOTAL       INCOME/          YIELD/
                                                                    BALANCE         ASSETS        EXPENSE           RATE
                                                                    -------         ------        -------           ----
ASSETS:                                                                             (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                                <C>              <C>           <C>             <C>
Interest-earning assets
   Loans<F1>                                                       $227,022          54.92%       $18,798           8.28%
   Taxable investment securities                                     38,669           9.35          1,554           4.02
   Non-tax investment securities-fed<F2>                              1,130            .27             83           7.35
   Non-tax investment securities-state<F2>                           75,205          18.19          5,811           7.73
   Non-tax investment securities-fed & state<F2>                     34,159           8.26          3,150           9.22
   Other investment securities                                        2,881            .70            113           3.92
   Interest-bearing deposits                                          3,482            .84             98           2.81
   Federal funds sold                                                 3,542            .86            177           5.00
                                                                   --------         ------        -------           ----
      Total interest-earning assets                                 386,090          93.39         29,784           7.71
Non-interest-earning assets:
   Cash and due from banks                                           11,648           2.82
   Premises and equipment                                            10,027           2.43
   Other assets                                                       9,707           2.35
   Allowance for possible loan losses                                (4,081)          (.99)
                                                                   --------         ------

      Total assets                                                 $413,391         100.00%
                                                                   ========         ======

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Interest-bearing liabilities
   Interest-bearing demand deposits                                $ 79,689          19.28%       $ 1,730           2.17%
   Savings deposits                                                  32,950           7.97            891           2.70
   Time deposits                                                    203,942          49.33          8,182           4.01
   Other borrowings                                                  20,795           5.03          1,372           6.60
                                                                   --------         ------        -------           ----
      Total interest-bearing liabilities                            337,376          81.61         12,175           3.61
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
   Demand deposits                                                   42,494          10.28
   Other liabilities                                                  4,172           1.01
                                                                   --------         ------
      Total liabilities                                             384,042          92.90
Shareholders' equity                                                 29,349           7.10
                                                                   --------         ------
      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                   $413,391         100.00%
                                                                   ========         ======

Net interest income                                                                               $17,609
                                                                                                  =======

Interest rate spread                                                                                                4.10%
                                                                                                                    ====

Net interest rate margin                                                                                            4.56%
                                                                                                                    ====

Interest-bearing liabilities to earning assets ratio                  87.38%
                                                                   ========
<FN>
- ------------------------------
<F1>  Average balances include non-accrual loans.  The income on such
      loans is included in interest but is recognized only upon receipt.
<F2>  Non-taxable investment income presented on a fully tax-equivalent
      basis is assuming a tax rate of 6.5% (state), 34% (federal) and
      37.5% (state and federal).
</TABLE>

                                    - 55 -
<PAGE> 59

RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS

      The following table presents the dollar amount of changes in interest
income and interest expense for major components of interest-earning assets
and interest-bearing liabilities, respectively.  The table distinguishes
between the changes related to average outstanding balances (changes in
volume while holding the initial rate constant) and the changes related to
average interest rates (changes in average rates while holding the initial
balance constant).  Investments are shown at book value.  The change in
interest due to both rate and volume has been allocated to rate and volume
changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of
the change in each.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     AMOUNT OF INCREASE (DECREASE)
                                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      1996 COMPARED TO 1995               1995 COMPARED TO 1994
                                                    INCREASE (DECREASE) DUE TO          INCREASE (DECREASE) DUE TO
                                                 -------------------------------        ---------------------------
                                                 VOLUME<F1>   RATE<F2>       NET        VOLUME<F1>  RATE<F2>    NET
                                                 ----------   --------       ---        ----------  --------    ---
                                                                         (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                <C>          <C>        <C>            <C>       <C>         <C>
Interest-earning assets:
   Loans                                           $3,172        $147      $3,319         $1,879     $1,902     $3,781
   Taxable investment securities                     (328)       (388)       (716)           573      1,479      2,052
   Non-taxable investment securities-fed              400         (50)        350             31         69        100
   Non-taxable investment securities-state            570          35         605           (377)      (854)    (1,231)
   Non-tax investment securities-fed and state        205        (213)         (8)            18       (107)       (89)
   Other investments                                    4          11          15            (12)        41         29
   Interest-bearing deposit                           (73)        (32)       (105)            59        150        209
   Federal funds sold                                  89         (22)         67             55         34         89
                                                   ------       -----      ------         ------    -------     ------
     Total interest-earning assets                  4,039        (512)      3,527          2,226      2,714      4,940

Interest-bearing liabilities:
   Interest-bearing demand deposits                   665         378       1,043           (139)       130         (9)
   Savings deposits                                    (4)        (73)        (77)           (69)        (3)       (72)
   Time deposits                                      546        (325)        221          1,528      3,723      5,251
   Other borrowings                                   427        (195)        232             42        (44)        (2)
                                                   ------       -----      ------         ------    -------     ------
     Total interest-bearing liabilities             1,634        (215)      1,419          1,362      3,806      5,168
                                                   ------       -----      ------         ------    -------     ------

Net interest income                                $2,405       $(297)     $2,108         $  864    $(1,092)    $ (228)
                                                   ======       =====      ======         ======    =======     ======
<FN>
- -------------------
<F1>  Change in volume multiplied by yield/rate of prior period.
<F2>  Change in yield/rate multiplied by volume of prior period.
Note 1:  Investments are shown at book value.
Note 2:  The change in interest due to both rate and volume has been allocated to rate and volume changes in proportion
         to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the changes in each.
Note 3:  Non-taxable investment income presented on a fully tax-equivalent basis assuming a tax rate of 6.5% (state),
         34% (federal) and 37.5% (state and federal).
</TABLE>

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

      The following table presents the composition of Horizon's investment
securities portfolio by major category at December 31, 1996 and 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      DECEMBER 31,
                             ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  1996                                            1995
                             ---------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
                             AVAILABLE-   PERCENT    HELD-TO-   PERCENT OF   AVAILABLE-   PERCENT OF  HELD-TO-   PERCENT OF
                              FOR-SALE    OF TOTAL   MATURITY      TOTAL      FOR-SALE       TOTAL    MATURITY      TOTAL
                             ----------   --------   --------   ----------   ----------   ----------  --------   ----------
<S>                           <C>          <C>       <C>           <C>        <C>            <C>      <C>           <C>
U.S. Treasury securities
   and U.S. government
   agencies and corporations  $112,634      76.3%    $13,766        73.3%     $105,753        73.5%   $19,440        75.5%
State and municipal             35,029      23.7       4,703        25.1        38,235        26.5      6,133        23.8
Other                               --        --         300         1.6            --          --        170         0.7
                              --------     -----     -------       -----      --------       -----    -------       -----
   Total                      $147,663     100.0%    $18,769       100.0%     $143,988       100.0%   $25,743       100.0%
                              ========     =====     =======       =====      ========       =====    =======       =====
</TABLE>

                                    - 56 -
<PAGE> 60
      On January 1, 1994, Horizon adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
Securities ("SFAS 115"), which requires classification of debt securities
into the following three categories:  held-to-maturity ("HTM"),
available-for-sale ("AFS") or trading.  Securities classified as HTM are
carried at amortized cost and securities classified as AFS or trading are
carried at fair market value.  Accordingly, certain securities were
reclassified as AFS on January 1, 1994.  Prior to January 1, 1994, all
securities were considered HTM and carried at amortized cost.  Horizon has
never maintained a trading account.

      The objectives of the securities portfolio are to provide Horizon with a
source of liquidity and a maximum return within predetermined risk limitations.
 The securities portfolio is an integral part of the overall interest rate risk
management process. As of December 31, 1996, investment securities classified
as AFS and HTM constituted 88.72% and 11.28%, respectively, of Horizon's
securities portfolio.

      As of December 31, 1996, Horizon held no securities of any single
issuer, other than the U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies and
corporations (including Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and Ginnie Mae), that
exceeded 10% of shareholders' equity.

      The following table sets forth the maturities and weighted average
yields of Horizon's investment securities at December 31, 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                                               MATURING
                                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 AFTER ONE          AFTER FIVE
                                               IN ONE             THROUGH             THROUGH            OVER
                                            YEAR OR LESS         FIVE YEARS          TEN YEARS         TEN YEARS      TOTAL
                                         ------------------  ------------------  ----------------- ----------------- ------
                                         AMOUNT   YIELD<F1>  AMOUNT  YIELD<F1>  AMOUNT  YIELD<F1> AMOUNT  YIELD<F1> AMOUNT
                                         ------   ---------  ------  ---------  ------  --------- ------  --------- ------
                                                                     (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                      <C>        <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>
Available-for-Sale
   U.S. Treasury securities and other
       U.S. government agencies and
       corporations                      $ 8,311     6.08%   $57,016    6.07%   $14,353    6.46%  $32,954    6.70%  $112,634
   State and municipal                     2,754     7.95     11,369    7.20     11,970    8.42     8,935    9.04     35,029
                                         -------    -----    -------   -----    -------   -----   -------   -----   --------
       Total                             $11,065     6.55%   $68,385    6.26%   $26,323    7.35%  $41,890    7.20%  $147,663
                                         =======    =====    =======   =====    =======   =====   =======   =====   ========

Held-to-Maturity
   U.S. Treasury securities and other
       U.S. government agencies and
       corporations                      $ 3,755     5.62%   $ 7,354    6.00%   $   751    7.43%  $ 1,907    6.63%  $ 13,767
   State and municipal                       264     6.63      1,689    7.55      1,840    7.85     1,109    9.38      4,902
   Other                                      --       --        100    8.74         --      --        --      --        100
                                         -------    -----    -------   -----    -------   -----   -------   -----   --------
       Total                             $ 4,019     5.69%   $ 9,143    6.32%   $ 2,591    7.73%  $ 3,016    7.64%  $ 18,769
                                         =======    =====    =======   =====    =======   =====   =======   =====   ========

<FN>
- --------------------
<F1> Presented at book value.
</TABLE>

                                    - 57 -
<PAGE> 61

LOAN PORTFOLIO

      TYPES OF LOANS.  The following table sets forth information
concerning the composition of Horizon's loan portfolio, as of the date
indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                          --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  1996                1995                1994                1993               1992
                          ------------------    ----------------    ----------------    ----------------    ----------------
                                                                 (dollars in thousands)

                                      PERCENT             PERCENT             PERCENT             PERCENT             PERCENT
                                      OF TOTAL            OF TOTAL            OF TOTAL            OF TOTAL            OF TOTAL
                           AMOUNT      LOANS     AMOUNT    LOANS     AMOUNT    LOANS     AMOUNT    LOANS     AMOUNT    LOANS
                          --------     -----    --------   -----    --------   -----    --------   -----    --------   -----
<S>                       <C>          <C>      <C>         <C>    <C>         <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>
Commercial, financial
  and agricultural        $ 82,841      27.6%   $ 58,900    22.1%   $ 65,820    26.7%   $ 46,644    23.1%   $ 35,910    20.7%
                          --------     -----    --------   -----    --------   -----    --------   -----    --------   -----

Real estate:
  Commercial                39,485      13.1      41,186    15.4      17,840     7.2      20,932    10.4      22,561    13.0
  Residential               98,441      32.8      85,787    32.2      74,525    30.2      59,807    29.7      57,770    33.4
  Construction              11,951       4.0       5,627     2.1       7,124     2.9       3,463     1.8       1,745     1.0
                          --------     -----    --------   -----    --------   -----    --------   -----    --------   -----
   Total                   149,877               132,600              99,489              84,202              82,076

Consumer and other          67,841      22.5      75,309    28.2      81,637    33.0      70,651    35.0      55,323    31.9
                          --------     -----    --------   -----    --------   -----    --------   -----    --------   -----
   Total loans            $300,559     100.0%   $266,809   100.0%   $246,946   100.0%   $201,497   100.0%   $173,309   100.0%
                          ========     =====    ========   =====    ========   =====    ========   =====    ========   =====

Less:
  Unearned discount            753                 2,525               6,344               6,295               5,146
  Allowance for
   loan loss                 4,226                 4,117               4,246               3,577               3,039
                          --------              --------            --------            --------            --------
   Total loans, net       $295,580              $260,167            $236,356            $191,625            $165,124
                          ========              ========            ========            ========            ========
</TABLE>

     Commercial and real estate loans have experienced 90.2%, or
$106,713,000, growth since December 1992.  This growth rate was influenced by
three major factors: (i) Horizon's acquisition of Grant County Bank, January
3, 1994, which included $12,586,000 in commercial and real estate loans; (ii)
growth within the Hot Springs market due to the increase in tourism; and
(iii) Horizon's increased emphasis on commercial and real estate loans.  In
early 1995, Horizon sought to restructure its projected loan growth in each
of the major categories (commercial, real estate and installment) due to
market factors and internal economic forecasts.  The forecasted growth in
installment loans was revised to little or no growth (as discussed further
below) while commercial and real estate loans became the primary focus for
future growth.  This restructuring was in response to two overriding factors:
(a) the need to continue diversifying the mix of the loan portfolio; and (b)
the quality of the commercial and real estate loan portfolios which is
supported by experienced lenders and stringent underwriting standards.

      Installment loans experienced strong growth during 1993 and 1994, due in
part to Horizon's acquisition of Grant County Bank, which included $3,473,000
in installment loans.  In addition, Horizon aggressively pursued indirect
automobile paper during 1993 and 1994.  From January 1, 1995 forward,
installment loans have experienced little or no growth due to three factors:
(i) aggressive pricing by competitors; (ii) more conservative bank
underwriting practices; and (iii) the alarming rise (and forecasted rise) in
personal bankruptcies and personal credit card debt.


                                    - 58 -
<PAGE> 62

      LOAN MATURITY SCHEDULE.  The following table sets forth the
contractual maturity of Horizon's loan portfolio at December 31, 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 LOANS AT
                                                             DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                                 MATURING
                                       --------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          AFTER ONE
                                          IN ONE           THROUGH            AFTER
                                       YEAR OR LESS       FIVE YEARS        FIVE YEARS          TOTAL
                                       ------------       ----------        ----------          -----
                                                            (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                      <C>               <C>                <C>              <C>
Commercial and agricultural              $36,136           $37,179            $9,526           $82,841
Real estate-construction                   8,833             2,847               271            11,951
                                         -------           -------            ------           -------
      Total                              $44,969           $40,026            $9,797           $94,792
                                         =======           =======            ======           =======
</TABLE>

      At December 31, 1996, the total amount of commercial and agricultural
and real estate construction loans due after one year that have predetermined
interest rates was $46,335 and the total amount of commercial and
agricultural and real estate construction loans due after one year that have
floating or adjustable interest rates was $3,488.

      RISK ELEMENTS INVOLVED IN LENDING ACTIVITIES.  The following
table sets forth the amounts of non-performing loans and other real estate
for the periods presented.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                                                    DECEMBER 31,
                                            SEPTEMBER 30, --------------------------------------------------------
                                                1997        1996        1995        1994        1993        1992
                                                ----        ----        ----        ----        ----        ----
                                                                    (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                           <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Non-accrual loans                             $  3,294    $  1,986    $    974    $    479    $    326    $    351
Loans past due 90 days or more                     123         283         363         251         429          73
Restructured loans                                  --          --          --          --          --          --
                                              --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
   Total non-performing loans                    3,417       2,269       1,337         730         755         424
Foreclosed property                              1,642       1,503         923       1,035       1,069       1,087
                                              --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Total non-performing assets                   $  5,059    $  3,772    $  2,260    $  1,765    $  1,824      $1,511
                                              ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========

Non-performing loans to loans                     1.04%        .76%        .51%        .30%        .39%        .25%
Non-performing assets to loans plus
   foreclosed property                            1.53        1.25         .85         .73         .93         .89
Non-performing assets to total assets              .92         .74         .48         .42         .54         .49

Total assets                                  $550,679    $509,356    $469,153    $424,962    $335,484    $309,495
Total loans, net of unearned discount          328,798     299,807     264,285     240,602     195,202     168,164
Total loans plus foreclosed property           330,440     301,310     265,208     241,637     196,271     169,251
</TABLE>


                                    - 59 -
<PAGE> 63

     The table above summarizes Horizon's non-performing loan trends.  The
increase in non-performing assets is a result of management's aggressive
approach to the identification of problem credits.  Management is not presently
aware of any loan or portion of the loan portfolio not included in the table
above with respect to which there are serious doubts as to the ability of the
borrower(s) to comply with the present loan payment terms.

      When it becomes questionable that the collection of all principal or
interest will take place, the accrual of interest is discontinued.  Usually,
loans ninety days or more past due are placed on non-accrual status, unless
the loan is well secured and in the process of collection.  However, all
loans over 105 days past due are placed on non-accrual status.  The interest
on non-accrual loans which would have been accrued, as well as the interest
collected on such loans, was not material for periods presented in the table
above.

      POTENTIAL PROBLEM LOANS.  Management uses risk ratings to track the
quality of the loan portfolio.  The ratings are used in the calculation of
the allowance for loan losses by assigning a weighted value to each rating.
The ratings are also used in the production of "watch lists" that show
potential problem credits.  The internal loan review department is
responsible for the evaluation of the overall credit quality of the bank and
has the responsibility, along with the servicing officer, to identify loan
ratings that need to be adjusted.  The review process is intended to identify
borrowers who might be experiencing financial difficulties.

      The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered
adequate to cover potential losses that are anticipated based on past loss
experience, past due trends, economic conditions, portfolio trends, areas
with a concentration of credit, information about a specific borrower
including their financial position and collateral values, and other factors
that are subject to change over time. Specific allowance allocations can be
made as warranted on any loan with respect to which management determines the
need exists.

      Horizon has four divisional loan committees, one for each geographical
area.  Each committee works closely with the servicing officers in the credit
approval and review process.  All large lines of credit, as well as any other
lines of credit that the officer believes necessary, are submitted to Horizon
Bank's loan committee, which is made up of Horizon Bank's senior officers.
The approval process is designed to help assure that underwriting standards
are maintained as loans are originated.

      FOREIGN OUTSTANDINGS.  Horizon had no loans to any foreign countries
on any of the dates specified in the tables.

      LOAN CONCENTRATIONS.  Horizon does not have a particular concentration
of credit in any one economic or geographic sector.

OTHER INTEREST-BEARING ASSETS

      Other interest-bearing assets consists of interest-bearing deposits and
federal funds sold at September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996 and 1995.
Interest-bearing deposits and federal funds sold are highly rate sensitive.


                                    - 60 -
<PAGE> 64

SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE

      The following table sets forth an analysis of the allowance for loan
losses activity for the periods presented, including the ratio of net
charge-offs to average loans.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                                                       DECEMBER 31,
                                            SEPTEMBER 30, --------------------------------------------------------
                                                1997        1996        1995        1994        1993        1992
                                                ----        ----        ----        ----        ----        ----
                                                                   (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                           <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Reserve balance at beginning of period        $  4,226    $  4,117    $  4,246    $  3,577    $  3,039    $  1,848

Loans charged off:
Commercial, financial and agricultural             114         264         269         128         138         257
Real estate mortgage                                53         288         327          80         164         143
Installment and consumer                           578         852         742         585         303         248
                                              --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
     Total charge-offs                             745       1,404       1,338         793         605         648

Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
Commercial, financial and agricultural              45          18          56         134          74          49
Real estate mortgage                                10          20          63         216          36          13
Installment and consumer                           132         234         215         178         148          87
                                              --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
     Total recoveries                              187         272         334         528         258         149
                                              --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Net charge-offs                                    558       1,132       1,004         265         347         499
Additions to reserve charged to expense            811       1,241         875         695         885       1,690
Allowance acquired in business
   combinations                                     --          --          --         239          --          --
                                              --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Reserve balance at end of period              $  4,479    $  4,226    $  4,117    $  4,246    $  3,577    $  3,039
                                              ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========

Net charge-offs to
   average loans                                   .18%        .40%        .40%        .12%        .18%        .34%
Allowance for possible loan losses
   to loans                                       1.36        1.41        1.56        1.76        1.83        1.81
Allowance for possible loan losses
   to non-performing loans                      131.08      186.25      307.93      581.64      473.77      716.75

Average loans                                 $310,929    $283,390    $248,672    $227,022    $195,068    $148,425
Total loans (net of unearned income)           328,798     299,807     264,285     240,602     195,202     168,164
Non-performing loans                             3,417       2,269       1,337         730         755         424
</TABLE>

      The increase in charge-offs in 1995 and 1996 was primarily due to
management's emphasis on improving the quality of the loan portfolio.

      Horizon Bank utilizes a ratings system whereby loans are grouped
according to the identified risk in each credit.  The rating is assigned
initially by the account officer.  A rating can be downgraded, as conditions
warrant.  A rating can be upgraded only by approval from the loan review
department and the senior loan officer.

      Commercial and real estate loans utilize the a rating system numbering
from 1 to 7.  These loans are rated, grouped and the corresponding reserve
amount is calculated.  Unfunded loans and lines-of-credit also utilize the
same numbering system.

      Installment loans utilize the rating system whereby loans are grouped
based on past due status and the corresponding reserve amount is calculated.


                                    - 61 -
<PAGE> 65

      The sum total of all the required reserves for commercial loans, real
estate loans, unfunded loans, lines-of-credit and installment loans are then
compared against the book balance of loan loss reserve and any
excess/shortage is identified.  Horizon performs this analysis on a monthly
basis utilizing internal guidelines, as well as taking into account the
requirements set forth in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan ("SFAS 114"), as
amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 118, Accounting by
Creditors for Impairment of a Loan - Income Recognition and Disclosure ("SFAS
118").

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    PROJECTED 1998 CHARGE-OFFS                         ALLOCATION OF PROJECTED CHARGE-OFFS
                    --------------------------                         -----------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>                        <S>                                 <C>
Average loans projected for 1998       $365,000,000               Commercial                          $228,250
Charge-off rate                        0.25% of average loans     Real Estate                          182,600
Total projected charge-offs            $913,000                   Installment                          502,150
</TABLE>


DEPOSITS

      The following table shows, for each type of deposit, the average amount
and the average rate paid on each type of deposit for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         1996                                       1995
                                          ----------------------------------          --------------------------------
                                                                     (dollars in thousands)

                                           AVERAGE      INTEREST                      AVERAGE        INTEREST
                                           BALANCE      EXPENSE         RATE          BALANCE        EXPENSE      RATE
                                          --------      -------         ----          -------        -------      ----
<S>                                       <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits      $ 44,946      $    --           --%         $ 42,081       $    --        --%
Interest-bearing demand deposits            98,795        2,764         2.80            73,524         1,721      2.34
Savings deposits                            30,239          742         2.45            30,393           819      2.69
Time deposits                              247,828       13,654         5.51           237,998        13,433      5.64
                                          --------      -------                       --------       -------
                                          $421,808      $17,160         4.07%         $383,996       $15,973      4.16%
                                          ========      =======                       ========       =======
</TABLE>

      The following table sets forth the amount of Horizon's time deposits of
$100,000 or more by time remaining until maturity at December 31, 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                      -----------------
                                                   (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                        <C>
Three months or less                                       $21,140
Over three through six months                               20,465
Over six through twelve months                              10,797
Over twelve months                                          10,108
                                                           -------
                                                           $62,510
                                                           =======
</TABLE>


                                    - 62 -
<PAGE> 66

      As presented in the table above, average deposits increased $62,733,000,
or 17.47%, from December 31, 1994 to December 31, 1996.  The primary growth
areas were interest-bearing demand deposits and time deposits. Interest-bearing
demand deposits grew mainly due to Horizon's offering of two different account
packages that had higher interest rates and more restrictions on withdrawals.
Time deposits grew because Horizon offered several new certificate of deposit
products at rates higher than in previous years.

      Overall, the effect of the 300-basis-point rise and fall in rates
experienced during the last interest rate cycle can be seen in the increased
cost of deposits from December 31, 1994 to December 31, 1996.  Despite this
rise in the cost of funds, Horizon maintained its net yield on
interest-earning assets at 4.17% or above. This was accomplished through more
effective asset/liability management and Horizon's focus on higher yield
commercial loan products.

      The maturity of time deposits over $100,000 presented above is
indicative of Horizon's liability-sensitive balance sheet position, with
83.83% of the large time deposits maturing or repricing within twelve months.
Horizon manages its liability sensitive position through short term borrowing
and access to available for sale investment securities.

RETURN ON EQUITY AND ASSETS

      The following are certain selected ratios of Horizon as of December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994 used in analyzing performance of banks and bank holding
companies.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                1996              1995              1994
                                              --------          --------          --------
<S>                                           <C>               <C>               <C>
Return on average assets:
   Net Income                                 $  5,427          $  3,542          $  4,576
   Average Assets                              491,401           442,348           413,391
                                              --------          --------          --------
                                                  1.10%              .80%             1.11%
                                              ========          ========          ========
Return on average equity:
   Net Income                                    5,427             3,542             4,576
   Average Equity                               37,681            33,902            29,349
                                              --------          --------          --------
                                                 14.40%            10.45%            15.59%
                                              ========          ========          ========

Dividend payout ratio:
   Dividend per share                             1.01               .45               .03
   Average Equity                                 9.04              5.89              7.73
                                              --------          --------          --------
                                                 11.17%             7.64%              .39%
                                              ========          ========          ========

Equity to assets ratio:
   Average Equity                               37,681            33,902            29,349
   Average Assets                              491,401           442,348           413,391
                                              --------          --------          --------
                                                  7.67%             7.66%             7.10%
                                              ========          ========          ========
</TABLE>

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE YEAR PERIOD
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996

      The following discussion and analysis is intended to review the
significant factors affecting the financial condition and results of
operations of Horizon for the three years ended December 31, 1996.  It
provides a more comprehensive review that is not otherwise apparent from the
financial statements alone.  Reference should be made to those statements and
the selected financial data presented elsewhere herein for an understanding
of the following review.

     NET INCOME ANALYSIS.  Horizon's net income for 1996 was $5,427,000,
as compared to


                                    - 63 -
<PAGE> 67

net income of $3,542,000 for 1995, and $4,576,000 for 1994. Net interest income
grew $1,953,000 in 1996 which was offset by a $366,000 increase in provision for
possible loan losses.  Non-interest income also increased from 1995 to 1996 by
$759,000, and non-interest expense declined $157,000 over the same period.  The
decrease in net income between 1994 and 1995 can partly be attributed to a
decrease of $149,000 in net interest income, and the $45,000 decrease in
non-interest income, however, the primary cause for the decline is the increase
in non-interest expenses of $1,259,000. The increase in non-interest expenses
relates to merger expenses (both one-time expenses and capitalized costs)
incurred for the reorganization undertaken during 1995.

     NET INTEREST INCOME.  Net interest income represents the difference
between interest earned on loans, securities and other earning assets, and
the interest expense on deposits and other borrowings used to fund them.  Net
interest income is the principal source of earnings for Horizon.   The Bank's
net interest income increased 12.30% to $17,826,000 during 1996 after a
decrease of 0.93% in 1995 and an increase of 14.47% in 1994.  These
fluctuations are attributable to Horizon's liability sensitive balance sheet.

      Changes in interest rates and the mix of interest-earning assets and
interest-bearing liabilities are prominent factors affecting net interest
income.  Another important factor is the ratio of interest-bearing
liabilities to interest-earning assets, which was 87.70%, 87.10% and 87.38%
in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

      Horizon's net interest rate spread equals the excess of the yield on
interest-earning assets over the interest-bearing liabilities.  The Bank's
net interest rate spread was 3.65% in 1996 as compared to 3.55% and 4.10% in
1995 and 1994, respectively.  The net yield on average earning assets equals
the net interest income divided by average earning assets.  The net yield on
interest-earning assets was 4.21% in 1996 as compared to 4.17% and 4.56% in
1995 and 1994, respectively.  A summary of Horizon's net interest rate
spread, net yield on interest-earning assets and net interest income follows,
presented on a fully tax-equivalent basis.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1996              1995              1994
                                                 ----              ----              ----
                                                          (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                            <C>               <C>               <C>
      Net interest rate spread                    3.65%             3.55%             4.10%
      Net yield on interest-earning assets        4.21              4.17              4.56
      Net interest income                      $19,489           $17,381           $17,609
</TABLE>

      Horizon has experienced a liability-sensitive balance sheet for the past
several years.  This accounts for the decrease in net interest spread from
1994 to 1995 when the markets experienced a 300 basis point rise and fall in
interest rates before stabilizing in early 1996.  In an effort to actively
mitigate the effects of interest rate cycles, Horizon began to restructure
the balance sheet by targeting growth in savings accounts and demand deposits
(interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing), which are historically lower
costing liabilities.  As part of this asset reallocation, Horizon also
increased its position in adjustable rate securities and adjustable rate
loans. The effects of this restructuring can be seen in the increase in net
interest rate spread from 1995 to 1996.


                                    - 64 -
<PAGE> 68


     PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES.  The provision for possible loan losses
charged to expense was $1,241,000 in 1996 compared to $875,000 in 1995 and
$695,000 in 1994. The provision for loan losses is maintained at a level
considered adequate to cover potential losses that are anticipated based on
past loss experience, past due trends, economic conditions, portfolio trends,
areas with a concentration of credit, information about a specific borrower
including their financial position and collateral values, and other factors
that are subject to change over time. Specific allocations can be made to the
allowance as warranted on any loan, as determined by management.  The
following table includes ratios that describe trends in the allowance for
possible loan losses during the three years ending:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     DECEMBER 31,
                                                                     ------------
                                                       1996              1995              1994
                                                       ----              ----              ----
      <S>                                             <C>               <C>               <C>
      Non-Performing Loans/Loans                        0.76%             0.51%             0.30%
      Allowance For Possible Loans Losses/Loans         1.41              1.56              1.76
      Allowance For Possible Loan Losses/Non-
        Performing Loans                              186.25            307.93            581.64
      Net Charge-offs/Average Loans                     0.40              0.40              0.12
</TABLE>

      The table above summarizes Horizon's non-performing loan trends.  The
increase in non-performing loans is a result of management's aggressive
approach to the identification of problem credits netted with the moderate
increase in the allowance.  Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans
remained steady at 0.40% in 1996 and 1995 due to increased charge-offs offset
by increased average loans.

      Horizon has an internal loan review committee whose function whose
duties include review of existing and new loans and analysis of the portfolio
to determine adequacy of loan loss reserve.  Horizon takes into account the
effects of SFAS 114 and SFAS 118, which require that loans considered to be
impaired be reduced to the present value of expected future cash flows or to
the fair value of collateral. The driving forces behind the annual provision
are:  (i) Horizon's desired reserve ratio (loan loss reserve to net loans);
and (ii) the actual and projected charge-offs Horizon has experienced. Based
upon its analysis, management believes the allowance for loan losses was
adequate at September 30, 1997 to cover future possible loan losses.

     NON-INTEREST INCOME.  Non-interest income includes service charges
on deposit accounts, security gains/(losses), trust fees, income from
subsidiaries and other commissions and fees.  Horizon's 1996 non-interest
income was $4,052,000, an increase of $759,000 over 1995 results, which  was
a decrease of $45,000 from 1994 results.  The ratio of non-interest income to
average total assets was .82%, .74% and .81% for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.  The primary factor behind the decrease
from 1994 to 1995 relates to the merger during July 1995 in which Horizon
consolidated four banks into one financial institution.  In an effort to
enhance customer satisfaction, Horizon reduced or waived most service charges
(from July 1 through October 1, 1995) to mitigate the merger effects on the
customer.


                                    - 65 -
<PAGE> 69

     NON-INTEREST EXPENSE. Non-interest expense includes salaries and
employee benefits, occupancy and equipment expense and other operating
expenses.  Horizon Bank's non-interest expense decreased 1.14% in 1996 to
$13,587,000 as compared to increases of 10.09% in 1995 and 21.84% in 1994.
For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, Horizon Bank's ratio of
non-interest expense to average total assets was 2.77%, 3.11% and 3.02%,
respectively.  Salaries and benefits, which account for almost half of total
non-interest expenses, decreased $5,052 in 1996, increased $748,201 in 1995
and increased $1,310,575 in 1994.  The decline in 1996 is a result of the
merger, which consolidated operations and thus reduced staffing.  The
increases in 1994 and 1995 are due to increased staffing needs and the
acquisition of Grant County Bank on January 3, 1994.

     INCOME TAXES.  Horizon recorded income tax expense of $1,622,000 for
1996, $1,005,000 for 1995 and $1,604,000 for 1994.  The ratio of income tax
expense to pre-tax income was 23.01%, 22.09% and 25.95% for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 respectively.  The  fluctuations were
primarily due to changes in pretax income.

      Horizon reduces federal and state income tax expense through investments
in tax exempt securities.  Historically, Horizon has earned a higher fully
tax-equivalent yield on tax exempt investments than on taxable securities.
The presence of the alternative minimum tax effectively limits Horizon's tax
exempt investments to certain desired levels.

      Horizon adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 109,
Accounting for Income Taxes ("SFAS 109") on January 1, 1993.

     IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS.  Horizon adopted SFAS
115 on January 1, 1994 and SFAS 114 and SFAS 118 on January 1, 1995.

     LIQUIDITY AND INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY. The primary functions of
asset/liability management are to assure adequate liquidity and maintain an
appropriate balance between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing
liabilities.  The matching of assets and liabilities may be examined by
analyzing a financial institution's interest rate sensitivity "gap."  An
asset or liability is considered interest rate sensitive within a specific
time period if it will mature or reprice within that time period.  The
interest rate sensitivity gap is defined as the difference between the amount
of interest-earning assets maturing or repricing within a specific time
period and the amount of interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing
within the same time period.  A positive gap reflects an asset-sensitive
balance sheet position, while a negative gap reflects a liability-sensitive
balance sheet position.  During a period of rising interest rates, a negative
gap position would tend to adversely affect net interest income, while a
positive gap would tend to result in an increase in net interest income.
During a period of falling interest rates, a negative gap position would tend
to result in an increase in net interest income, while a positive gap
position would tend to adversely affect net interest income.  Liquidity
management involves the ability to meet the cash flow requirements of deposits
made or withdrawn and loans originated or paid off. Horizon's gap position is
illustrated in tables below.


                                    - 66 -
<PAGE> 70

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   OVER          OVER
                                                                 3 MONTHS       1 YEAR
                                                 3 MONTHS       THROUGH 12      THROUGH         AFTER
                                                 OR LESS          MONTHS        5 YEARS        5 YEARS        TOTAL
                                                ---------       ---------       --------       -------       --------
                                                                      (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                             <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>           <C>
Assets:
   Investment securities                        $  59,879       $   9,512       $ 71,134       $46,776       $187,301
   Interest-earning deposits                        3,106                                                       3,106
   Loans, net of unearned discount                 50,990          49,526        177,998        50,284        328,798
                                                ---------       ---------       --------       -------       --------
      Total interest-sensitive assets             113,975          59,038        249,132        97,060        519,205
                                                ---------       ---------       --------       -------       --------

Liabilities:
   Fed funds purchased                              6,285                                                       6,285
   Regular money market deposits                   34,001                                                      34,001
   Savings                                         92,827                                                      92,827
   NOW accounts                                    62,591                                                      62,591
   Time deposits                                   55,533         128,019         39,210           296        223,058
   Short-term borrowings                            2,520             615         27,342            10         30,487
                                                ---------       ---------       --------       -------       --------
      Total interest-sensitive liabilities        253,757         128,634         66,552           306        449,249
                                                ---------       ---------       --------       -------       --------

Interest-sensitivity gap at
September 30, 1997:
   Incremental                                  $(139,782)      $ (69,596)      $182,580       $96,754       $ 69,956
                                                =========       =========       ========       =======       ========
   Cumulative                                   $(139,782)      $(209,378)      $(26,798)      $69,956
                                                =========       =========       ========       =======
</TABLE>



                                    - 67 -
<PAGE> 71

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   OVER          OVER
                                                                 3 MONTHS       1 YEAR
                                                 3 MONTHS       THROUGH 12      THROUGH         AFTER
                                                 OR LESS          MONTHS        5 YEARS        5 YEARS        TOTAL
                                                ---------       ---------       --------       -------       --------
                                                                      (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                             <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>           <C>
Assets:
   Investment securities                        $  38,474       $  13,321       $ 70,226       $44,410       $166,431
   Loans, net of unearned discount                 47,659          56,589        153,954        41,605        299,807
   Federal funds sold                              10,381                                                      10,381
                                                ---------       ---------       --------       -------       --------
     Total interest-sensitive assets               96,514          69,910        224,180        86,015        476,619
                                                ---------       ---------       --------       -------       --------

Liabilities:
   Regular money market deposits                   42,004                                                      42,004
   Savings                                         42,806                                                      42,806
   NOW accounts                                    63,259                                                      63,259
   Time deposits                                   73,969         116,732                          296        246,464
   Short-term borrowings                           12,048                                                      24,756
   Note payable                                                                                  2,386          2,386
                                                ---------       ---------       --------       -------       --------
     Total interest-sensitive liabilities         234,086         116,732         68,175         2,682        421,675
                                                ---------       ---------       --------       -------       --------

Interest-sensitivity gap at
December 31, 1996:
   Incremental                                  $(137,572)      $ (46,822)      $156,005       $83,333       $ 54,944
                                                =========       =========       ========       =======       ========
   Cumulative                                   $(137,572)      $(184,394)      $(28,389)      $54,944
                                                =========       =========       ========       =======
</TABLE>

     CAPITAL ADEQUACY. Risk-based capital guidelines for financial
institutions were adopted by regulatory authorities effective January 1,
1991.  These guidelines were designed to relate regulatory capital
requirements to the risk profile of the specific institutions and to provide
for uniform requirements among the various regulators.  Currently the
risk-based capital guidelines require Horizon to meet a minimum total capital
ratio of 8% of which at least 4% must consist of Tier 1 capital.  Tier 1
capital generally consists of: (a) common shareholders' and equity; (b)
qualifying perpetual preferred stock and related surplus subject to certain
limitations specified by the FDIC; and (c) minority interests in the equity
accounts of consolidated securities less goodwill and any other intangible
assets and investments in subsidiaries that the FDIC determines should be
deducted from Tier 1 capital.  The FDIC also requires a minimum leverage
ratio of 3%, defined as the ratio of Tier 1 capital less purchased mortgage
servicing rights to total assets, for banking organizations deemed the
strongest and most highly rated by banking regulators.  A higher minimum
leverage ratio is required of less highly rated banking organizations.  The
following table summarizes Horizon's risk-based capital and leverage ratios:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               RISK-BASED TOTAL               RISK-BASED TIER 1
                                CAPITAL RATIO                  CAPITAL RATIO                LEVERAGE RATIO
                                -------------                  -------------                --------------
         December 31,      Actual        Required          Actual      Required           Actual     Required
         -----------       ------        --------          ------      --------           ------     --------
<S>                        <C>           <C>               <C>         <C>                <C>        <C>
            1996           12.23%         8.00%             7.45%       4.00%             11.01%      3.00%
            1995           13.59          8.00              7.76        4.00              12.34       3.00
            1994           11.75          8.00              6.60        4.00              10.49       3.00
</TABLE>

     RISK MANAGEMENT. Horizon's management objective in structuring the
balance sheet is to maximize the return on shareholders' equity  while
minimizing the associated risks.  The major risks involved in the banking
industry are market, credit and liquidity risks.  The following is a
discussion of Horizon's management of these risks.

            Market Risk Management. Horizon's management believes its loan and
           -----------------------
investment portfolios are sufficiently diversified to minimize the effect of a
downturn in any


                                    - 68 -
<PAGE> 72

particular industry or market.

            Horizon does not have any particular concentration of credit in
any one economic sector.  The bank did have $169,417,000 or 56.5% of
its loan portfolio, net of unearned discount, concentrated and
secured by real estate as of December 31, 1996.  Of the loans secured
by real estate $98,441,0000 or 32.8% of total loans were secured by
one to four family residential mortgages.  The commercial loan
portfolio which includes loans made primarily to businesses located
and served by Horizon Bank, is generally secured by business assets
such as real estate, inventory, accounts receivable, and equipment,
comprised $55,618,000 or 18.6% of the total loan portfolio, net of
unearned discount, as of the end of 1996.   Consumer loans as of
December 31, 1996 totaled $74,772,000 or 24.9% of the loan portfolio,
net of unearned discount.  At December 31, 1996 the total investment
portfolio was $166,431,000, a decrease of 1.9% from the same period
in 1995.  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, approximately 75.0% of the
portfolio was comprised of U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government
agencies or corporate (including Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and Ginnie
Mae) issues.

            Credit Risk Management.  Management of the risks Horizon assumes
           -----------------------
in providing credit products to customers is fundamental to its
business operation. Credit risk management includes defining an
acceptable level of risk and return, establishing policies and
procedures to govern the credit process and maintaining a thorough
portfolio review function. Of equal importance in this risk
management process are the ongoing, monitoring procedures performed
by management.

            Non-performing loans increased to 0.76% at December 31, 1996 from
0.51% and 0.30% at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.  This
increase in non-performing loans  is a result of management's
increased emphasis on improving the banks overall credit quality in
both 1995 and 1996, in part by the aggressive identification of problem
credits.  Other real estate owned by Horizon as a result of
foreclosure transactions was $1,503,000 at December 31, 1996 compared
to $923,000 and $1,035,000 at December 31, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.  Fluctuations in other real estate owned is due to more
aggressive identification and time of disposition of foreclosed
properties.

                  Liquidity Risk Management.  Liquidity is a measurement of
                 --------------------------
Horizon's ability to meet the borrowing needs and the deposit
withdrawal requirements of its customers.  Horizon actively manages
the composition of its assets and liabilities to maintain the
appropriate level of liquidity in the balance sheet.  Management is
guided by regularly reviewed policies when determining the
appropriate portion of total assets that should be comprised of
readily marketable assets available to meet future liquidity needs.

     EFFECT OF INFLATION.  Persistent high rates of inflation can have a
significant effect on the reported financial condition and results of
operations of all industries.  However, the asset and liability structure of
commercial banks is substantially different from that of an industrial
company in that virtually all assets and liabilities of commercial banks are
monetary in nature.  Accordingly, changes in interest rates may have a
significant impact on a commercial bank's performance.  Interest rates do no
necessarily move in the same direction or in the same magnitude as the prices
of goods and services.

      Inflation does have an impact on the growth of total assets in the
banking industry, often resulting in a need to increase equity capital at
higher than normal rates to maintain an appropriate equity


                                    - 69 -
<PAGE> 73

to assets ratio. One of the most important effects that inflation has had on
the commercial banking industry is to reduce the proportion of earnings paid out
in the form of dividends.

      Interest rates in particular are significantly affected by inflation
but neither the timing nor the magnitude of the changes coincide with changes in
standard measurements of inflation such as the consumer price index.
Additionally, the effect of changes in interest rates on some kinds of
consumer deposits may be delayed.  These factors in turn affect the
composition of sources of funds by reducing the growth of deposits that are
less interest sensitive and increasing the need for funds that are more
interest sensitive.

     CASH FLOWS.  As shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows
for the three years ended December 31, 1996 and the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 and 1997, Horizon's net cash flows exceeded net income for
all time periods shown except 1994.  Management expects this trend to
continue for the foreseeable future.

      The December 31, 1994 statement of cash flows shows a sizable increase
in deposits; however, this increase is due to the Grant County Bank
acquisition on January 3, 1994, which included $44,449,000 in deposits.  The
December 31, 1994 statement of cash flows was also influenced by the
$16,059,000 in loans and $26,872,000 in securities from the Grant County Bank
acquisition.  Net of these acquisition effects, the statement of cash flow
for the year ended December 31, 1994 appears consistent with the later time
periods presented.

      The change in other operating assets was influenced by the increase in
prepaids due to branch expansions that are currently under construction and
not yet capitalized.

      The increase in loans and securities has been funded primarily through
growth in deposits and wholesale funding.  Horizon continues to focus growth
efforts on demand deposits and other low-cost liabilities while making use of
wholesale funding to create arbitrages that leverage the bank with little or
no increase in risk.  Loan growth that exceeds deposit growth is funded by a
decrease in securities.

      Cash and cash equivalents continues to rise each year as Horizon
proactively manages its balance sheet.  Horizon is vigilant in its effort to
meet its customers' loan funding and deposit withdrawal requirements.  Also,
Horizon continues to monitor its interest rate risk position, which is
influenced by total cash and cash equivalents.

      Horizon has no planned significant capital outlays that would place a
burden on its cash flows.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND 1996

      The following discussion focuses on the consolidated financial condition
of Horizon Bancorp at September 30, 1997 and the consolidated results of
operations for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 compared to the same
period in 1996.  This discussion should be read in conjunction with the
interim condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

      NET INCOME ANALYSIS.  Net income for the nine-month period ended
September 30, 1997 was $5,088,000 as compared to $4,294,000 for the same
period in 1996.  Net interest income increased


                                    - 70 -
<PAGE> 74

$1,739,000, or 13.24%, for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, compared to
the same period in 1996. The net yield on average earning assets at September
30, 1997 was 4.20%, compared to a net yield of 4.21% for the same period in
1996.

      PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES.  The provision for possible loan losses
charged to expense was $811,002 for the first nine months of 1997 compared to
$900,435 through September 30, 1996.  Non-performing loans over the same time
periods were 1.04% and 0.84%, respectively.  Net charge-offs as a percentage
of average loans improved slightly to 0.18% at September 30, 1997 from 0.24%
at September 30, 1996.

      NON-INTEREST INCOME.  Non-interest income experienced 2.37% growth
for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 over September 30, 1996 results
increasing from $3,005,000 at September 30, 1996 to $3,076,000 at September
30, 1997.  Non-interest expense experienced a 10.11% growth from September
30, 1996 to the September 30, 1997 level of $10,425,000.  This increase
primarily was due to higher salaries and employee benefits and other
operating expenses.

      INCOME TAXES.  Income tax expense through September 30, 1997 was
$1,625,000 as compared to $1,477,000 for the same period in 1996.  The
fluctuation primarily was due to a change in pretax income.

      BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS.  Horizon's total assets increased
$41,323,000, or 8.11%, from December 31, 1996 to September 30, 1997.  The
total assets increased $50,947,000, or 10.19%, from September 30, 1996 to
September 30, 1997.  Total assets at September 30, 1997 were $550,679,000
which is at or near a record level high for Horizon.  Average assets for the
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 were $537,791,000 and
$485,520,000, respectively.

      The growth in assets in 1997, as compared to December 31, 1996, was
funded by: (i)  a 14.71% increase in non-interest-bearing demand deposits;
(ii) a 6.14% increase in interest-bearing liabilities; and (iii) a 12.32%
increase in borrowed funds.  The non-interest demand deposit account growth
and interest-bearing liabilities growth represents the continuing concerted
effort by Horizon Bank to re-align the balance sheet.  The increase in
borrowed funds is centered around arbitrage opportunities taken by Horizon
Bank in 1997.  Shareholders' equity increased due to net income through
September 30, 1997 of $5,088,000 as well as the elimination of debt at the
holding company level.

      The total book value of securities was $187,301,000 at September 30,
1997, which represents an increase of $20,869,000 from the book value at
December 31, 1996.  This growth was due to an increase in deposits/borrowed
funds and modest loan growth.  The fair value of securities improved relative
to amortized cost during 1997.

      The remaining growth in assets occurred in the loan portfolio.  As of
September 30, 1997, loans, net of unearned discount, increased approximately
$28,991,000, or 9.67%, since December 31, 1996.  Management continues to seek
loan growth provided underwriting standards are not compromised. Business
development and marketing efforts have fueled the growth in
residential/commercial real estate loans and commercial loans in general.  As
of September 30, 1997, real estate mortgage loans increased $22,389,000, or
13.29%, from December 31, 1996.  Commercial loans also increased by
$10,464,000, or 16.93%, during the nine months ended September 30, 1997.  As
of September 30, 1997 installment loans were down $4,114,000, or 7.56%, from
December 31, 1996.  This is reflective of more conservative underwriting
standards in relation to indirect automobile lending.


                                    - 71 -
<PAGE> 75

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

      The following table sets forth as of the Record Date the number of
shares of Horizon Common Stock beneficially owned and the percentage of
ownership of outstanding shares of Horizon Common Stock by (a) each director
and executive officer of Horizon, (b) each person who is known by Horizon to
own beneficially 5% or more of such stock and (c) all directors and executive
officers of Horizon as a group:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            BENEFICIALLY              PERCENT OF
      NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER<F1>                              OWNED                   CLASS
      ----------------------------                              -----                   -----
<S>                                                            <C>                       <C>
      Ross M. Whipple<F2>                                      307,809                   48.65%
      Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director

      Horizon Bancorp, Inc.                                     84,755                   13.39
      Employee Stock Ownership and Savings Plan

      Joe C. Keith<F3>                                          14,140                    2.24
      Director

      Paul L. Offutt<F4>                                         8,870                    1.40
      Director

      Steve L. DeMott<F5>                                        5,168                     <F*>
      President and Director

      Michael F. Lax<F6>                                         1,804                     <F*>
      Director

      John A. Bryant<F7>                                         1,000                     <F*>

      Kathie L. Bledsoe<F8>                                        346                     <F*>

      Directors and Executive                                  339,137                   53.60
      Officers as a group
      (7 persons)

<FN>
- ---------------------------
<F*>  Less than 1%

<F1>  The business address for each of the beneficial owners listed is 526
      Main Street, Suite 204, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923.

<F2>  Includes 304,102 shares owned by Whipple Family Ltd., a limited
      partnership of which Ross M. Whipple is managing general partner,
      3,577 shares held by Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith in an IRA
      for Mr. Whipple and 130 shares held by Stephens in an IRA for Mary M.
      Whipple.

<F3>  Includes 6,670 shares owned of record by Joe C. Keith, 4,430 shares
      owned by the Keith Family Trust, of which Mr. Keith is Trustee, 925
      shares owned of record by Dorothy M. Keith, Mr. Keith's spouse, 2,015
      shares owned by the Joe and Dorothy Keith Trust, of which Mr. Keith
      is a beneficiary.

<F4>  Includes 8,100 shares owned of record by Paul L. Offutt and 770 shares
      held in a heir-account for the benefit of Mr. Offutt.

<F5>  Includes 5,040 shares owned of record by Steve L. DeMott and 128 shares
      held by Stephens in an IRA for Mr. DeMott.

<F6>  Includes 707 shares held by Stephens in an IRA for Michael F. Lax and
      616 shares held by Stephens in an IRA for Billie M. Lax, Mr. Lax's
      spouse.

<F7>  Such shares are owned jointly by John A. and Leonette T. Bryant.

<F8>  Includes 110 shares owned of record by Kathie L. Bledsoe and 236 shares
      held by Stephens in an IRA for Ms. Bledsoe.
</TABLE>

      For purposes of the above table, a person is deemed to be a beneficial
owner of shares of Horizon Common Stock if the person has or shares the power
to vote or to dispose of such shares.


                                    - 72 -
<PAGE> 76

Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes, each person has sole voting and
investment power with respect to shares shown in the table as beneficially owned
by such person.


                                    - 73 -
<PAGE> 77

                     INFORMATION REGARDING MBI STOCK
                     -------------------------------

DESCRIPTION OF MBI COMMON STOCK AND ATTACHED PREFERRED SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS

      GENERAL.  MBI has authorized 5,000,000 shares of MBI Preferred Stock, no
par value, and 200,000,000 shares of MBI Common Stock, $0.01 par value.  At
September 30, 1997, MBI had no shares of MBI Preferred Stock issued and
outstanding and 130,289,361 shares of MBI Common Stock outstanding.  Under
Missouri law, MBI's Board of Directors may generally approve the issuance of
authorized shares of Preferred Stock and Common Stock without shareholder
approval.

      MBI's Board of Directors also is authorized to fix the number of shares
and determine the designation of any series of Preferred Stock and to
determine or alter the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions
granted to or imposed upon any series of MBI Preferred Stock.  Except for the
designation and reservation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock
pursuant to MBI's Preferred Share Purchase Rights Plan described below, MBI's
Board of Directors has not acted to designate or issue any shares of MBI
Preferred Stock.  The existence of a substantial number of unissued and
unreserved shares of MBI Common Stock and undesignated shares of MBI
Preferred Stock may enable the Board of Directors to issue shares to such
persons and in such manner as may be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect.

      The following summary of the terms of MBI's capital stock does not
purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
applicable provisions of MBI's Restated Articles of Incorporation, as
amended, and by-laws and Missouri law.

      DIVIDENDS.  The holders of MBI Common Stock are entitled to share
ratably in dividends when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors from
funds legally available therefor, after full cumulative dividends have been
paid or declared, and funds sufficient for the payment thereof set apart, on
all series of MBI Preferred Stock ranking superior as to dividends to MBI
Common Stock.

      The Board of Directors of MBI intends to maintain its present policy of
paying quarterly cash dividends on MBI Common Stock, when justified by the
financial condition of MBI and its subsidiaries.  The declaration and amount
of future dividends will depend on circumstances existing at the time,
including MBI's earnings, financial condition and capital requirements as
well as regulatory limitations, note and indenture provisions and such other
factors as the Board of Directors may deem relevant.  The payment of
dividends to MBI by subsidiary banks is subject to extensive regulation by
various state and federal regulatory agencies.  See "SUPERVISION AND
REGULATION."

      VOTING RIGHTS.  Each holder of MBI Common Stock has one vote for each
share held on matters presented for consideration by the shareholders, except
that, in the election of directors, each shareholder has cumulative voting
rights that entitle each such shareholder to the number of votes that equals
the number of shares held by the shareholder multiplied by the number of
directors to be elected.  All such votes may be cast for one candidate for
election as a director or may be distributed among two or more candidates.

      PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS.  The holders of MBI Common Stock have no preemptive
right to acquire any additional unissued shares or treasury shares of MBI.


                                    - 74 -
<PAGE> 78

      LIQUIDATION RIGHTS.  In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of MBI, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of MBI Common Stock
will be entitled to share ratably in any of its assets or funds that are
available for distribution to its shareholders after the satisfaction of its
liabilities (or after adequate provision is made therefor) and after
preferences on any outstanding MBI Preferred Stock.

      ASSESSMENT AND REDEMPTION.  Shares of MBI Common Stock are and will be,
when issued, fully paid and non-assessable.  Such shares do not have any
redemption provisions.

      PREFERRED SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS PLAN.  One preferred share purchase
right is attached to each share of MBI Common Stock.  The MBI Rights trade
automatically with shares of MBI Common Stock, and become exercisable and
will trade separately from the MBI Common Stock on the tenth day after public
announcement that a person or group has acquired, or has the right to
acquire, beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of MBI
Common Stock, or upon commencement or announcement of intent to make a tender
offer for 20% or more of the outstanding shares of MBI Common Stock, in
either case without prior written consent of the Board.  When exercisable,
each MBI Right will entitle the holder to buy 1/100 of a share of MBI Series
A Junior Participating Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $100 per MBI
Right.  In the event a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 20%
or more of MBI Common Stock, holders of MBI Rights (other than the acquiring
person or group) may purchase MBI Common Stock having a market value of twice
the then current exercise price of each MBI Right.  If MBI is acquired by any
person or group after the Rights become exercisable, each MBI Right will
entitle its holder to purchase stock of the acquiring company having a market
value of twice the current exercise price of each MBI Right.  The MBI Rights
are designed to protect the interests of MBI and its shareholders against
coercive takeover tactics.  The purpose of the MBI Rights is to encourage
potential acquirors to negotiate with MBI's Board of Directors prior to
attempting a takeover and to give the Board leverage in negotiating on behalf
of all shareholders the terms of any proposed takeover.  The MBI Rights may
deter certain takeover proposals.  The MBI Rights, which can be redeemed by
MBI's Board of Directors in certain circumstances, expire by their terms on
June 3, 1998.

      CLASSIFICATION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  The Board of Directors of MBI is
divided into three classes, and  the directors are elected by classes to
three-year terms, so that one of the three classes of the directors of MBI
will be elected at each annual meeting of the shareholders.  While this
provision promotes stability and continuity of the Board of Directors,
classification of the Board of Directors also may have the effect of
decreasing the number of directors that could otherwise be elected at each
annual meeting of shareholders by a person who obtains a controlling interest
in the MBI Common Stock and thereby could impede a change in control of MBI.
Because fewer directors will be elected at each annual meeting, such
classification also will reduce the effectiveness of cumulative voting as a
means of establishing or increasing minority representation on the Board of
Directors.

      OTHER MATTERS.  MBI's Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended,
and by-laws also contain provisions that:  (i) require the affirmative vote
of holders of at least 75% of the voting power of all of the shares of
outstanding capital stock of MBI entitled to vote in the election of
directors to remove a director or directors without cause; (ii) require the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the voting power of all
shares of the outstanding capital stock of MBI to approve certain "business
combinations" with "interested parties" unless at least two-thirds of the
Board of Directors first approves such business combinations; and (iii)
require an affirmative vote of at least 75% of the voting power of all shares
of the outstanding capital stock of MBI for the amendment, alteration, change
or repeal of any of the above provisions unless at least two-thirds of the
Board of Directors first approves such an


                                    - 75 -
<PAGE> 79

amendment, alteration, change or repeal.  Such provisions may be deemed to
have an anti-takeover effect.

RESTRICTIONS ON RESALE OF MBI STOCK BY AFFILIATES

      Under Rule 145 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), certain persons who receive MBI Common Stock pursuant to
the Merger and who are deemed to be "affiliates" of Horizon will be limited
in their right to resell the stock so received.  The term "affiliate" is
defined to include any person who, directly or indirectly, controls, or is
controlled by, or is under common control with Horizon at the time the Merger
is submitted to a vote of the shareholders of Horizon.  Each affiliate of
Horizon (generally any director or executive officer or shareholder of
Horizon who beneficially owns a substantial number of outstanding shares of
Horizon Common Stock) who desires to resell the MBI Common Stock received in
the Merger must sell such stock either pursuant to an effective registration
statement or in accordance with an applicable exemption, such as the
applicable provisions of Rule 145(d) under the Securities Act.

      Rule 145(d) provides that persons deemed to be affiliates may resell
their stock received in the Merger pursuant to certain of the requirements of
Rule 144 under the Securities Act if such stock is sold within the first year
after the receipt thereof.  After one year if such person is not an affiliate
of MBI and if MBI is current with respect to its required public filings, a
former affiliate of Horizon may resell the stock received in the Merger
without limitation.  After two years from the issuance of the stock, if such
person is not an affiliate of MBI at the time of sale and for at least three
months prior to such sale, such person may resell such stock, without
limitation, regardless of the status of MBI's required public filings.  The
shares of MBI Common Stock to be received by affiliates of Horizon in the
Merger will be legended as to the restrictions imposed upon resale of such
stock.

      Horizon has agreed to provide MBI with a list of those persons who may
be deemed to be affiliates at the time of the Special Meeting.  Horizon has
agreed to use all reasonable efforts to cause each such person to deliver to
MBI prior to the Effective Time a written agreement to the effect that no
sale will be made of any shares of MBI Common Stock received in the Merger by
an affiliate of MBI except in accordance with the Securities Act and until
such time as MBI shall first publish the financial results of at least 30
days of post-merger combined operations of Horizon and MBI.  The certificates
of MBI Common Stock issued to affiliates of Horizon in the Merger may contain
an appropriate restrictive legend, and appropriate stop transfer orders may
be given to the transfer agent for such certificates.

COMPARISON OF THE RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS OF MBI AND HORIZON

      MBI is incorporated under the laws of the State of Missouri, while
Horizon is incorporated under the laws of the State of Arkansas.  The rights
of the shareholders of MBI are governed by MBI's Restated Articles of
Incorporation, as amended, and by-laws and Chapter 351 of the Missouri
Revised Statutes (the "Missouri Act").  The rights of Horizon shareholders
are governed by Horizon's Articles of Incorporation and by-laws and by the
Arkansas Act.  The rights of Horizon shareholders who receive shares of MBI
Common Stock in the Merger will thereafter be governed by MBI's Restated
Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and by-laws and by the Missouri Act.
The material rights of such shareholders, and, where applicable, the
differences between the rights of MBI shareholders and Horizon shareholders,
are summarized below.


                                    - 76 -
<PAGE> 80

      PREFERRED SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS PLAN.  As described above under
"-Preferred Share Purchase Rights Plan," MBI Common Stock has attached Rights,
which may deter certain takeover proposals.  Horizon does not have a rights
plan.

      SUPERMAJORITY PROVISIONS.  MBI's Restated Articles of Incorporation, as
amended, and MBI's by-laws contain provisions requiring a supermajority vote
of the shareholders of MBI to approve certain proposals.  Under both MBI's
Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and by-laws, removal by the
shareholders of the entire Board of Directors or any individual director from
office without cause requires the affirmative vote of not less than 75% of
the total votes entitled to be voted at a meeting of shareholders called for
the election of directors.  Amendment by the shareholders of MBI's Restated
Articles of Incorporation, as amended, or by-laws relating to (i) the number
or qualification of directors; (ii) the classification of the Board of
Directors; (iii) the filling of vacancies on the Board of Directors; or (iv)
the removal of directors, requires the affirmative vote of not less than 75%
of the total votes of MBI's then outstanding shares of capital stock entitled
to vote, voting together as a single class, unless such amendment has
previously been expressly approved by at least two-thirds of the Board of
Directors.  The Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, of MBI
additionally provide that, in addition to any shareholder vote required under
the Missouri Act, the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 75% of
the total votes to which all of the then outstanding shares of capital stock
of MBI are entitled, voting together as a single class (the "Voting Stock"),
shall be required for the approval of any Business Combination.  A "Business
Combination" is defined generally to include sales, exchanges, leases,
transfers or other dispositions of assets, mergers or consolidations,
issuances of securities, liquidations or dissolutions of MBI,
reclassifications of securities or recapitalizations of MBI, involving MBI on
the one hand, and an Interested Shareholder or an affiliate of an Interested
Shareholder on the other hand.  An "Interested Shareholder" is defined
generally to include any person, firm, corporation or other entity which is
the beneficial owner of 5% or more of the voting power of the outstanding
Voting Stock.  If, however, at least two-thirds of the Board of Directors of
MBI approve the Business Combination, such Business Combination shall require
only the vote of shareholders as provided by Missouri law or otherwise.  The
amendment of the provisions of MBI's Restated Articles relating to the
approval of Business Combinations requires the affirmative vote of the
holders of at least 75% of the Voting Stock unless such amendment has
previously been approved by at least two-thirds of the Board of Directors.

      To the extent that a potential acquiror's strategy depends on the
passage of proposals that require a supermajority vote of MBI's shareholders,
such provisions requiring a supermajority vote may have the effect of
discouraging takeover attempts that do not have Board approval by making
passage of such proposals more difficult.  Neither Horizon's Articles of
Incorporation nor Horizon's by-laws require a supermajority vote of
shareholders with respect to any item.

      VOTING FOR DIRECTORS.  MBI's by-laws provide for cumulative voting in
the election of directors.  Cumulative voting entitles each shareholder to
cast an aggregate number of votes equal to the number of voting shares held,
multiplied by the number of directors to be elected.  Each shareholder may
cast all such votes for one nominee or distribute them among two or more
nominees, thus permitting holders of less than a majority of the outstanding
shares of voting stock to achieve board representation.  Neither Horizon's
Articles of Incorporation or by-laws provide for cumulative voting.

      CLASSIFIED BOARD.  As described under "- Classification of Board of
Directors," the Board of Directors of MBI is divided into three classes of
directors, with each class being elected to a staggered three-year term.  By
reducing the number of directors to be elected in any given year, the


                                    - 77 -
<PAGE> 81

existence of a classified Board diminishes the benefits of the cumulative
voting rights to minority shareholders.  Horizon does not have a classified
Board of Directors.

      ANTI-TAKEOVER STATUTES.  The Missouri Act contains certain provisions
applicable to Missouri corporations such as MBI which may be deemed to have
an anti-takeover effect.  Such provisions include Missouri's business
combination statute and the control share acquisition statute.

      The Missouri business combination statute protects domestic corporations
after hostile takeovers by prohibiting certain transactions once an acquiror
has gained control.  The statute restricts certain "Business Combinations"
between a corporation and an "Interested Shareholder" or affiliates of the
Interested Shareholder for a period of five years unless certain conditions
are met.  A "Business Combination" includes a merger or consolidation,
certain sales, leases, exchanges, pledges and similar dispositions of
corporate assets or stock and certain reclassifications and
recapitalizations.  An "Interested Shareholder" includes any person or entity
which beneficially owns or controls 20% or more of the outstanding voting
shares of the corporation.

      During the initial five-year restricted period, no Business Combination
may occur unless such Business Combination or the transaction in which an
Interested Shareholder becomes "interested" (the "Acquisition Transaction")
was approved by the board of directors of the corporation on or before the
date of the Acquisition Transaction.  Business Combinations may occur after
the five-year period following the Acquisition Transaction only if: (i) prior
to the stock acquisition by the Interested Shareholder, the board of
directors approves the transaction in which the Interested Shareholder became
an Interested Shareholder or approves the Business Combination in question;
(ii) the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting stock, other than
stock owned by the Interested Shareholder, approve the Business Combination;
or (iii) the Business Combination satisfies certain detailed fairness and
procedural requirements.

      The Missouri Act exempts from its provisions: (i) corporations not
having a class of voting stock registered under Section 12 of the Exchange
Act; (ii) corporations which adopt provisions in their articles of
incorporation or by-laws expressly electing not to be covered by the statute;
and (iii) certain circumstances in which a shareholder inadvertently becomes
an Interested Shareholder.  MBI's Restated Articles of Incorporation and
by-laws do not contain an election to "opt out" of the Missouri business
combination statute.

      The Missouri Act also contains a "Control Share Acquisition Statute"
which provides that an "Acquiring Person" who after any acquisition of shares
of a publicly traded corporation has the voting power, when added to all
shares of the same corporation previously owned or controlled by the
Acquiring Person, to exercise or direct the exercise of:  (i) 20% but less
than 33 1/3%, (ii) 33 1/3% or more but less than a majority or (iii) a
majority, of the voting power of outstanding stock of such corporation, must
obtain shareholder approval for the purchase of the "Control Shares."  If
approval is not given, the Acquiring Person's shares lose the right to vote.
The statute prohibits an Acquiring Person from voting its shares unless
certain disclosure requirements are met and the retention or restoration of
voting rights is approved by both: (i) a majority of the outstanding voting
stock, and (ii) a majority of the outstanding voting stock after exclusion of
"Interested Shares."  Interested Shares are defined as shares owned by the
Acquiring Person, by directors who are also employees, and by officers of the
corporation.  Shareholders are given dissenters' rights with respect to the
vote on Control Share Acquisitions and may demand payment of the fair value
of their shares.


                                    - 78 -
<PAGE> 82

      A number of acquisitions of shares are deemed not to constitute Control
Share Acquisitions, including good faith gifts, transfers pursuant to wills,
purchases pursuant to an issuance by the corporation, mergers involving the
corporation which satisfy the other requirements of the Missouri Act,
transactions with a person who owned a majority of the voting power of the
corporation within the prior year, or purchases from a person who has
previously satisfied the provisions of the Control Share Acquisition Statute
so long as the transaction does not result in the purchasing party having
voting power after the purchase in a percentage range (such ranges are as set
forth in the immediately preceding paragraph) beyond the range for which the
selling party previously satisfied the provisions of the statute.
Additionally, a corporation may exempt itself from application of the statute
by inserting a provision in its articles of incorporation or by-laws
expressly electing not to be covered by the statute.  MBI's Restated Articles
of Incorporation and by-laws do not contain an election to "opt out" of the
Control Share Acquisition Statute.

      The Arkansas Act does include an anti-takeover statute; however, the
provisions of such antitake-over statute are not applicable to the Merger.

      DISSENTERS' RIGHTS.  Under both Section 351.455 of the Missouri Act and
Section 4-27-1302 of the Arkansas Act, a shareholder of any corporation which
is a party to a merger or consolidation, or which sells all or substantially
all of its assets, has the right to dissent from such corporate action and to
demand payment of the value of such shares. The provisions of the Arkansas
Act are applicable to the shareholders of Horizon, the complete text of which
is attached hereto as Annex B.
                      -------

      SHAREHOLDERS' RIGHT TO INSPECT.  Under Section 351.215 of the Missouri
Act, any shareholder of MBI may inspect the corporation's books and records
for any reasonable and proper purpose.  Such inspection may be made at any
reasonable time or times.  Shareholders of Horizon have similar rights under
Section 4-27-1602 of the Arkansas  Act.

      SIZE OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  As permitted under the Missouri Act, the
number of directors on the Board of Directors of MBI is set forth in MBI's
by-laws, which provide that the number of directors may be fixed from time to
time at not less than 12 nor more than 24 by an amendment of the by-laws or
by a resolution of the Board of Directors, in either case, adopted by the
vote or consent of at least two-thirds of the number of directors then
authorized under the by-laws.  MBI's Board of Directors currently has twelve
(12) members.  Horizon's Board of Directors currently has five members.  The
supermajority vote required for the amendment of MBI's by-laws regarding a
change in the number of directors may have the effect of making it more
difficult to force an immediate change in the composition of a majority of
the Board of Directors and may be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect.


                                    - 79 -
<PAGE> 83

                          SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
                          --------------------------

GENERAL

      As a bank holding company, MBI is subject to regulation under the BHCA
and its examination and reporting requirements.  Under the BHCA, a bank
holding company may not directly or indirectly acquire the ownership or
control of more than 5% of the voting shares or substantially all of the
assets of any company, including a bank or savings and loan association,
without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board.  In addition, bank
holding companies are generally prohibited under the BHCA from engaging in
nonbanking activities, subject to certain exceptions.

      MBI and its subsidiaries are subject to supervision and examination by
applicable federal and state banking agencies.  The earnings of MBI's
subsidiaries, and therefore the earnings of MBI, are affected by general
economic conditions, management policies and the legislative and governmental
actions of various regulatory authorities, including the Federal Reserve
Board, the Office of Thrift Supervision, the FDIC, the Office of the
Comptroller of the Currency (the "Comptroller") and various state financial
institution regulatory agencies. In addition, there are numerous governmental
requirements and regulations that affect the activities of MBI and its
subsidiaries.

CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

      There are various legal restrictions on the extent to which a bank
holding company and certain of its nonbank subsidiaries can borrow or
otherwise obtain credit from its bank subsidiaries.  In general, these
restrictions require that any such extensions of credit must be on
non-preferential terms and secured by designated amounts of specified collateral
and be limited, as to any one of the holding company or such nonbank
subsidiaries, to 10% of the lending bank's capital stock and surplus, and as
to the holding company and all such nonbank subsidiaries in the aggregate, to
20% of such capital stock and surplus.

PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS

      MBI is a legal entity separate and distinct from its wholly owned
financial institutions and other subsidiaries.  The principal source of MBI's
revenues is dividends from its financial institution subsidiaries.  Various
federal and state statutory provisions limit the amount of dividends the
affiliate financial institutions can pay to MBI without regulatory approval.
The approval of the appropriate federal or state bank regulatory agencies is
required for any dividend if the total of all dividends declared by the bank
in any calendar year would exceed the total of the institutions net profits,
as defined by regulatory agencies, for such year combined with its retained
net profits for the preceding two years.  In addition, a national bank or a
state member bank may not pay a dividend in an amount greater than its net
profits then on hand.  The payment of dividends by any financial institution
subsidiary may also be affected by other factors, such as the maintenance of
adequate capital.

CAPITAL ADEQUACY

      The Federal Reserve Board has issued standards for measuring capital
adequacy for bank holding companies.  These standards are designed to provide
risk-responsive capital guidelines and to incorporate a consistent framework
for use by financial institutions operating in major international


                                    - 80 -
<PAGE> 84

financial markets.  The banking regulators have issued standards for banks
that are similar to, but not identical with, the standards for bank holding
companies.

      In general, the risk-related standards require financial institutions
and financial institution holding companies to maintain capital levels based
on "risk-adjusted" assets, so that categories of assets with potentially
higher credit risk will require more capital backing than categories with
lower credit risk.  In addition, financial institutions and financial
institution holding companies are required to maintain capital to support
off-balance sheet activities such as loan commitments.

FDIC INSURANCE ASSESSMENTS

      The subsidiary depository institutions of MBI are subject to FDIC
deposit insurance assessments.  The FDIC has adopted a risk-based premium
schedule. Each financial institution is assigned to one of three capital
groups -- well capitalized, adequately capitalized or undercapitalized -- and
further assigned to one of three subgroups within a capital group, on the
basis of supervisory evaluations by the institution's primary federal and, if
applicable, state supervisors, and on the basis of other information relevant
to the institution's financial condition and the risk posed to the applicable
insurance fund.  The actual assessment rate applicable to a particular
institution will, therefore, depend in part upon the risk assessment
classification so assigned to the institution by the FDIC.  See "- FIRREA and
FDICIA."

      The Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989
("FIRREA"), adopted in August 1989 to provide for the resolution of insolvent
savings associations, required the FDIC to establish separate deposit
insurance funds-- the BIF for banks and the Savings Association Insurance
Fund ("SAIF") for savings associations.  FIRREA also required the FDIC to set
deposit insurance assessments at such levels as would cause BIF and SAIF to
reach their "designated reserve ratios" of 1.25 percent of the deposits
insured by them within a reasonable period of time.  Due to low costs of
resolving bank insolvencies in the last few years, BIF reached its designated
reserve ratio in May 1995.  As a result, effective January 1, 1996, the FDIC
eliminated deposit insurance assessments (except for the minimum $2,000
payment required by law) for banks that are well capitalized and well managed
and reduced the deposit insurance assessments for all other banks.  As of
January 1, 1996, the SAIF had not reached the designated reserve ratio.  MBI,
which has acquired substantial amounts of SAIF-insured deposits during the
years from 1989 to the present, is required to pay SAIF deposit insurance
premiums on these SAIF-insured deposits.

      The Deposit Insurance Funds Act of 1996 (the "Funds Act"), enacted on
September 30, 1996, required the FDIC to take immediate steps to recapitalize
the SAIF and to change the basis on which funds are raised to make the
scheduled payments on the FICO bonds issued in 1987 to replenish the Federal
Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation.  The new legislation, combined with
regulations issued by the FDIC immediately after enactment of the Funds Act,
provides for the following:

            (i)   A special assessment in the amount of 65.7 basis points on
      SAIF-insured deposits held by depository institutions on March 31,
      1995 (the special assessment was required by the Funds Act to
      recapitalize the SAIF to the designated reserve ratio of 1.25 percent
      of the deposits insured by SAIF).  Payments of this assessment were
      made in November 1996, but were accrued by financial institutions in
      the third calendar quarter of 1996.  Institutions such as MBI that
      have deposits insured by both the BIF and the SAIF ("Oakar Banks")
      were required to pay the special assessment on 80% of their


                                    - 81 -
<PAGE> 85

      "adjusted attributable deposit amounts" ("AADA").  In addition, for
      purposes of future regular deposit insurance assessments, the AADA on
      which Oakar Banks pay assessments to SAIF was also reduced by 20%.

            (ii)  Commencing January 1, 1997, BIF insured institutions will be
      responsible for a portion of the annual carrying costs of the FICO
      bonds.  Such institutions will be assessed at 80% of the rate
      applicable to SAIF-insured institutions until December 31, 1999.
      Additionally, pursuant to the Funds Act, if the reserves in BIF at
      the end of any semiannual assessment period exceed 1.25% of insured
      deposits, the FDIC is required to refund the excess to the
      BIF-insured institutions.

            (iii) The merger of the BIF and the SAIF on January 1, 1999 to
      create the Deposit Insurance Fund, but only if no more savings
      associations are in existence at that time.  The Deposit Act also
      directs the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a study and submit
      recommendations to Congress regarding the establishment of a common
      charter for depository institutions.

PROPOSALS TO OVERHAUL THE SAVINGS ASSOCIATION INDUSTRY

      Proposals have been introduced in the U.S. Congress that, if adopted,
would overhaul the savings association industry.  The most significant of
these proposals would merge the Comptroller and the OTS, abolish the federal
savings association charter and require federal thrifts to convert to
commercial banks.  MBI cannot predict whether these or any other legislative
proposals will be enacted, or, if enacted, the final form of the law.

SUPPORT OF SUBSIDIARY BANKS

      Under Federal Reserve Board policy, MBI is expected to act as a source
of financial strength to each subsidiary bank and to commit resources to
support each of the subsidiaries in circumstances where it might not choose
to do so absent such a policy.  This support may be required at times when
MBI may not find itself able to provide it.  In addition, any capital loans
by MBI to any of its subsidiaries would also be subordinate in right of
payment to deposits and certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary.

      Consistent with this policy regarding bank holding companies serving as
a source of financial strength for their subsidiary banks, the Federal
Reserve Board has stated that, as a matter of prudent banking, a bank holding
company generally should not maintain a rate of cash dividends unless its net
income available to common shareholders has been sufficient to fully fund the
dividends and the prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent
with the bank holding company's capital needs, asset quality and overall
financial condition.

FIRREA AND FDICIA

      FIRREA contains a cross-guarantee provision which could result in
insured depository institutions owned by MBI being assessed for losses
incurred by the FDIC in connection with assistance provided to, or the
failure of, any other insured depository institution owned by MBI.  Under
FIRREA, failure to meet the capital guidelines could subject a banking
institution to a variety of enforcement


                                    - 82 -
<PAGE> 86

remedies available to federal regulatory authorities, including the
termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC.

      The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991
("FDICIA") made extensive changes to the federal banking laws.  FDICIA
instituted certain changes to the supervisory process, including provisions
that mandate certain regulatory agency actions against undercapitalized
institutions within specified time limits.  FDICIA contains various other
provisions that may affect the operations of banks and savings institutions.

      The prompt corrective action provision of FDICIA requires the federal
banking regulators to assign each insured institution to one of five capital
categories ("well capitalized," "adequately capitalized" or one of three
"undercapitalized" categories) and to take progressively more restrictive
actions based on the capital categorization, as specified below.  Under
FDICIA, capital requirements would include a leverage limit, a risk-based
capital requirement and any other measure of capital deemed appropriate by
the federal banking regulators for measuring the capital adequacy of an
insured depository institution.  All institutions, regardless of their
capital levels, are restricted from making any capital distribution or paying
any management fees that would cause the institution to fail to satisfy the
minimum levels for any relevant capital measure.

      The FDIC and the Federal Reserve Board adopted capital-related
regulations under FDICIA. Under those regulations, a bank will be well
capitalized if it:  (i) had a risk-based capital ratio of 10% or greater;
(ii) had a ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-adjusted assets of 6% or greater;
(iii) had a ratio of Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets of 5% or
greater; and (iv) was not subject to an order, written agreement, capital
directive, or prompt corrective action directive to meet and maintain a
specific capital level for any capital measure.  An association will be
adequately capitalized if it was not "well capitalized" and:  (i) had a
risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater; (ii) had a ratio of Tier 1 capital
to risk-adjusted assets of 4% or greater; and (iii) had a ratio of Tier 1
capital to adjusted total assets of 4% or greater (except that certain
associations rated "Composite 1" under the federal banking agencies' CAMEL
rating system may be adequately capitalized if their ratios of core capital
to adjusted total assets were 3% or greater).

      FDICIA also makes extensive changes in existing rules regarding audits,
examinations and accounting.  It generally requires annual on-site, full
scope examinations by each bank's primary federal regulator.  It also imposes
new responsibilities on management, the independent audit committee and
outside accountants to develop or approve reports regarding the effectiveness
of internal controls, legal compliance and off-balance sheet liabilities and
assets.

DEPOSITOR PREFERENCE STATUTE

      Legislation enacted in August 1993 provides a preference for deposits
and certain claims for administrative expenses and employee compensation
against an insured depository institution, in the liquidation or other
resolution of such an institution by any receiver.  Such obligations would be
afforded priority over other general unsecured claims against such an
institution, including federal funds and letters of credit, as well as any
obligation to shareholders of such an institution in their capacity as such.


                                    - 83 -
<PAGE> 87

THE INTERSTATE BANKING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LEGISLATION

      In September 1994, legislation was enacted that is expected to have a
continued effect in restructuring the banking industry in the United States.
The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994
("Riegle-Neal") facilitates the interstate expansion and consolidation of
banking organizations by permitting (i) bank holding companies that are
adequately capitalized and managed to acquire banks located in states outside
their home states regardless of whether such acquisitions are authorized
under the law of the host state, (ii) the interstate merger of banks after
June 1, 1997, subject to the right of individual states to "opt in" or to
"opt out" of this authority before that date, (iii) banks to establish new
branches on an interstate basis provided that such action is specifically
authorized by the law of the host state, (iv) foreign banks to establish,
with approval of the regulators in the United States, branches outside their
home states to the same extent that national or state banks located in the
home state would be authorized to do so, and (v) banks to receive deposits,
renew time deposits, close loans, service loans and receive payments on loans
and other obligations as agent for any bank or thrift affiliate, whether the
affiliate is located in the same state or a different state.  One effect of
Riegle-Neal is to permit MBI to acquire banks located in any state and to
permit bank holding companies located in any state to acquire banks and bank
holding companies in Missouri.  Overall, Riegle-Neal is likely to have the
effects of increasing competition and promoting geographic diversification in
the banking industry.

                   RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                   -----------------------------------------

      KPMG Peat Marwick LLP served as MBI's independent accountants for the
year ended December 31, 1996 and continues to serve in such capacity.
Services provided in connection with the audit function included examination
of the annual consolidated financial statements, review and consultation
regarding filings with the Commission and other regulatory authorities and
consultation on financial accounting and reporting matters.

      Moore Stephens Frost served as Horizon's independent accountants for the
year ended December 31, 1996 and continues to serve in such capacity.
Services provided in connection with the audit function included examination
of the annual consolidated financial statements and consultation on financial
accounting and reporting matters.

      Deloitte & Touche LLP served as Horizon's independent accountants for
the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994.  Services provided in connection
with the audit function included examination of the annual consolidated
financial statements and consultation on financial accounting and reporting
matters.

                                 LEGAL MATTERS
                                 -------------

      Certain legal matters will be passed upon for MBI by Thompson Coburn,
St. Louis, Missouri and for Horizon by Horne, Hollingsworth & Parker, Little
Rock, Arkansas.

                                    EXPERTS
                                    -------

      The consolidated financial statements of MBI as of December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1996, incorporated by reference in MBI's Annual Report on Form
10-K, and the supplemental consolidated financial statements of


                                    - 84 -
<PAGE> 88

Mercantile Bancorporation Inc. as of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, and
for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996,
contained in MBI's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 13, 1997 (as amended
by Form 8-K/A dated May 22, 1997), have been incorporated by reference herein
in reliance upon the reports of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified
public accountants, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority
of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

      The consolidated financial statements of Horizon as of December 31, 1996
and for the year then ended have been included herein in reliance upon the
report of Moore Stephens Frost, independent certified public accountants,
whose report is included herein, and upon the authority of such firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.

      The consolidated financial statements of Horizon as of December 31, 1995
and 1994, and for the years then ended included in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent
auditors, as stated in their report appearing herein and have been so
included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority
as experts in accounting and auditing.

      The consolidated financial statements of Roosevelt as of December 31,
1996 and 1995, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1996, incorporated by reference in MBI's Current Report on Form
8-K, dated July 1, 1997, have been incorporated herein in reliance upon the
reports of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent accountants, incorporated by
reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.

                                 OTHER MATTERS
                                 -------------

      The Board of Directors of Horizon, at the date hereof, is not aware of
any business to be presented at the Special Meeting other than that referred
to in the Notice of Special Meeting and discussed herein.  If any other
matter should properly come before the Special Meeting, the persons named as
proxies will have discretionary authority to vote the shares represented by
proxies in accordance with their discretion and judgment as to the best
interests of Horizon.

                             SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
                             ---------------------

      If the Merger is approved, the other conditions to the Merger are
satisfied and the Merger is consummated, shareholders of Horizon will become
shareholders of MBI at the Effective Time.  MBI shareholders may submit to
MBI proposals for formal consideration at the annual meeting of MBI's
shareholders and inclusion in MBI's proxy statement for such meeting.  All
proposals for the 1998 annual meeting of MBI's shareholders must have been
received in writing by the Corporate Secretary at Mercantile Bancorporation
Inc., P.O. Box 524, St. Louis, Missouri 63166-0524 by November 22, 1997. All
proposals for the 1999 annual meeting of MBI's shareholders must be received in
writing by the Corporate Secretary at Mercantile Bancorporation Inc., P.O. Box
524, St. Louis, Missouri 63166-0524 by ___________, 1998.


                                    - 85 -
<PAGE> 89

                       CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

<TABLE>
                                     INDEX
                                     -----
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Page
                                                                  ----
<S>                                                               <C>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS - MOORE
STEPHENS FROST                                                    F-1

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS - DELOITTE &
TOUCHE, LLP                                                       F-2

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF
SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED) AND
DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995                                        F-3

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND 1996
(UNAUDITED) AND THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995  AND 1994                                 F-4

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE NINE MONTHS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED) AND THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995  AND 1994                     F-5

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR
THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND
1996 (UNAUDITED) AND THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994                                  F-6

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS                                                        F-7 to F-21
</TABLE>


                                    - 86 -
<PAGE> 90

                     [Letterhead of Moore Stephens Frost]


                         INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
                         ----------------------------

Board of Directors
Horizon Bancorp, Inc.
Arkadelphia, Arkansas

      We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of HORIZON
BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES as of December 31, 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for
the year then ended.  These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

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

      In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of HORIZON
BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES as of December 31, 1996, and the consolidated
results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.


                                    /s/ Moore Stephens Frost

                                    Certified Public Accountants

Little Rock, Arkansas
February 28, 1997


                                    F-1
<PAGE> 91

         [Letterhead of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Little Rock, Arkansas]





                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
                         ----------------------------

To the Board of Directors of
Horizon Bancorp, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Horizon
Bancorp, Inc. (former Central Arkansas Bancshares, Inc.) and its subsidiaries
(the "Company") as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the related
consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for
the years then ended.  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 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, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Horizon Bancorp, Inc. and its
subsidiaries at December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

March 6, 1996


                                    F-2
<PAGE> 92

<TABLE>
                                      HORIZON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                            CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                         SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED) AND DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     DECEMBER 31,
                                                                        SEPT. 30,          --------------------------------
                                                                          1997                  1996               1995
                                                                      -----------               ----               ----
                                                                      (Unaudited)
<S>                                                                   <C>                  <C>                 <C>
ASSETS
- ------
Cash and due from banks                                               $ 11,036,152         $ 14,231,320        $ 15,610,173
Federal funds sold                                                       3,106,417           10,381,438           2,705,000
Investment securities
      Available for sale, at fair value (cost of $172,231,920,
            $147,918,021 and $142,982,622, respectively)               172,811,273          147,662,833         143,988,279
      Held-to-maturity, at cost (fair value of $14,573,487,
            $18,675,008 and $25,809,149, respectively)                  14,489,760           18,768,604          25,742,786
                                                                      ------------         ------------        ------------
      Total Investment Securities                                      187,301,033          166,431,437         169,731,065
Net loans                                                              324,318,968          295,580,345         260,167,463
Bank premises and equipment                                             10,542,148           11,232,112          11,089,990
Other assets
      Accrued interest receivable                                        5,066,194            4,305,249           4,263,584
      Other investments                                                  3,050,000            2,951,200           2,248,100
      Other real estate                                                    934,706              807,342             216,022
      Other                                                              5,322,937            3,435,062           3,121,318
            Total Other Assets                                          14,373,837           11,498,853           9,849,024
                                                                      ------------         ------------        ------------

            Total Assets                                              $550,678,555         $509,355,505        $469,152,715
                                                                      ============         ============        ============

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
- ------------------------------------

Deposits                                                              $470,385,496         $439,535,350        $417,908,190
Borrowed funds                                                          30,486,668           27,142,346          12,413,072
Accrued expenses and other liabilities                                   3,060,244            3,373,180           3,141,333
                                                                      ------------         ------------        ------------
            Total Liabilities                                          503,932,406          470,050,876         433,462,595
                                                                      ------------         ------------        ------------

Shareholders' equity:
      Common stock, $1 par value:
            666,240 shares authorized and issued at
            September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996,
            66,624 shares authorized and issued in 1995                    666,240              666,240              66,624
      Surplus                                                           12,372,017           11,566,234          12,159,109
      Reduction for ESOP loan guaranty                                          --             (374,940)           (594,940)
      Retained earnings                                                 35,224,106           30,648,726          25,830,769
      Unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities,
            net of deferred income taxes (benefit) of
            $196,980 in 1997, $(97,734) in 1996 and
            $341,923 in 1995                                               382,373             (157,445)            663,734

      Treasury stock, at cost, 33,497 shares at September 30, 1997,
            59,238 shares in 1996 and 5,124 shares in 1995              (1,898,589)          (3,044,186)         (2,435,176)
                                                                      ------------         ------------        ------------
            Total Shareholders' Equity                                  46,746,147           39,304,629          35,690,120
                                                                      ------------         ------------        ------------

            Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                $550,678,555         $509,355,505        $469,152,715
                                                                      ============         ============        ============

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</TABLE>


                                    F-3
<PAGE> 93

<TABLE>
                                      HORIZON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                         CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

                           NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND 1996 (UNAUDITED) AND
                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
<CAPTION>
                                                      NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                         SEPTEMBER 30,                      YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                 ---------------------------      ------------------------------------------
                                                     1997           1996             1996           1995            1994
                                                 -----------     -----------      -----------    -----------     -----------
                                                          (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                              <C>             <C>              <C>            <C>             <C>
Interest Income:
      Loans, including fees                      $20,993,386     $19,085,154      $25,897,745    $22,579,413     $18,798,371
      Investments securities                       8,734,950       7,554,768       10,009,473     10,063,458       9,133,893
      Other                                          457,900         400,636          680,440        573,071         264,626
                                                 -----------     -----------      -----------    -----------     -----------
            Total Interest Income                 30,186,236      27,040,558       36,587,658     33,215,942      28,196,890
                                                 -----------     -----------      -----------    -----------     -----------

Interest Expense:
      Deposits                                    13,889,198      12,746,751       17,160,136     15,972,001      10,803,461
      Other borrowed funds                         1,423,889       1,159,919        1,601,818      1,370,857       1,371,598
                                                 -----------     -----------      -----------    -----------     -----------
            Total Interest Expense                15,313,087      13,906,670       18,761,954     17,342,858      12,175,059
                                                 -----------     -----------      -----------    -----------     -----------

Net Interest Income                               14,873,149      13,133,888       17,825,704     15,873,084      16,021,831

      Provision for Loan Losses                     (811,002)       (900,435)      (1,241,435)      (875,000)       (695,000)
                                                 -----------     -----------      -----------    -----------     -----------

            Net Interest Income After
            Provision for Loan Losses             14,062,147      12,233,453       16,584,269     14,998,084      15,326,831

Other Income:
      Service charges on deposit accounts          1,563,970       1,434,514        2,035,492      1,574,104       1,289,379
      Other service charges                          436,963         464,139          594,392        389,948         466,568
      Insurance commissions                               --              --               --        116,132         201,428
      Other                                        1,075,458       1,106,520        1,421,776      1,212,062       1,379,853
                                                 -----------     -----------      -----------    -----------     -----------
            Total Other Income                     3,076,391       3,005,173        4,051,660      3,292,246       3,337,228

Other Expense:
      Salaries                                     5,115,380       4,531,716        6,150,362      6,531,920       5,516,006
      Employee benefits                              534,844         464,192        1,124,110        747,604       1,015,317
      Occupancy                                      395,784         302,763          450,921      1,055,420         931,417
      Equipment                                    1,316,113       1,296,225        1,718,066        926,146         513,025
      Other                                        3,063,194       2,873,251        4,143,195      4,482,636       4,508,483
                                                 -----------     -----------      -----------    -----------     -----------
            Total Other Expense                   10,425,315       9,468,147       13,586,654     13,743,726      12,484,248
                                                 -----------     -----------      -----------    -----------     -----------

Income Before Income Taxes                         6,713,223       5,770,479        7,049,275      4,546,604       6,179,811

Income Taxes                                       1,624,909       1,476,855        1,621,920      1,004,536       1,603,526
                                                 -----------     -----------      -----------    -----------     -----------

Net Income                                       $ 5,088,314     $ 4,293,624      $ 5,427,355    $ 3,542,068     $ 4,576,285
                                                 ===========     ===========      ===========    ===========     ===========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</TABLE>


                                    F-4
<PAGE> 94

<TABLE>
                                         HORIZON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                      YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
                                  AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED)
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           UNREALIZED
                                                                  ESOP                     GAIN (LOSS)
                                         COMMON                   LOAN         RETAINED   ON INVESTMENT   TREASURY
                                         STOCK      SURPLUS     GUARANTY       EARNINGS    SECURITIES      STOCK         TOTAL
                                        --------  -----------  ----------     -----------  -----------  -----------   -----------
<S>                                     <C>       <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
Balance, December 31, 1993              $ 66,624  $11,929,813  $(1,048,160)   $18,929,566  $        --  $(1,184,154)  $28,693,689

      Effect of adoption of SFAS 115          --           --           --             --    2,668,288           --     2,668,288
      Purchase of treasury stock              --           --           --             --           --   (1,306,837)   (1,306,837)
      Principal reduction on ESOP loan        --           --      226,670             --           --           --       226,670
      Issuance of stock dividend from
        treasury shares and cash
        paid for fractional shares            --      205,414           --       (608,620)          --      383,004       (20,202)
      Sales of treasury stock                 --       22,570           --             --           --      103,622       126,192
      Change in unrealized gain on
        AFS securities                        --           --           --             --  $(6,041,008)          --    (6,041,008)
      Net income                              --           --           --      4,576,285           --           --     4,576,285
                                        --------  -----------  -----------    -----------  -----------  -----------   -----------
Balance, December 31, 1994              $ 66,624  $12,157,797  $  (821,490)   $22,897,231  $(3,372,720) $(2,004,365)  $28,923,077

      Purchase of treasury stock              --           --           --             --           --     (880,685)     (880,685)
      Principal reduction on ESOP loan        --           --      226,550             --           --           --       226,550
      Issuance of stock dividend from
        treasury shares and cash
        paid for fractional shares            --           --           --       (608,530)          --      337,087      (271,443)
      Sale of treasury stock                  --        1,312           --             --           --      112,787       114,099
      Change in unrealized gain on AFS
        securities                            --           --           --             --    4,036,454           --     4,036,454
      Net income                              --           --           --      3,542,068           --           --     3,542,068
                                        --------  -----------  -----------    -----------  -----------  -----------   -----------
Balance, December 31, 1995              $ 66,624  $12,159,109  $  (594,940)   $25,830,769  $   663,734  $(2,435,176)  $35,690,120

      10-for-1 stock split               599,616     (599,616)          --             --           --           --            --
      Purchase of treasury stock              --           --           --             --           --     (690,929)     (690,929)
      Principal reduction on ESOP loan        --           --      220,000             --           --           --       220,000
      Dividend paid                           --           --           --       (609,398)          --           --      (609,398)
      Sale of treasury stock                  --        6,741           --             --           --       81,919        88,660
      Change in unrealized gain on
        AFS securities                        --           --           --             --     (821,179)          --      (821,179)
      Net income                              --           --           --      5,427,355           --           --     5,427,355
                                        --------  -----------  -----------    -----------  -----------  -----------   -----------
Balance, December 31, 1996              $666,240  $11,566,234  $  (374,940)   $30,648,726  $  (157,445) $(3,044,186)  $39,304,629

      Purchase of treasury stock              --           --           --             --           --      (86,070)      (86,070)
      Principal reduction on ESOP loan        --           --      374,940             --           --           --       374,940
      Dividend paid and declared              --           --           --       (512,934)          --           --      (512,934)
      Sale of treasury stock                  --      805,783           --             --           --    1,231,667     2,037,450
      Change in unrealized gain on
        AFS securities                        --           --           --             --      539,818           --       539,818
      Net income                              --           --           --      5,088,314           --           --     5,088,314
                                        --------  -----------  -----------    -----------  -----------  -----------   -----------
Balance, September 30, 1997
 (unaudited)                            $666,240  $12,372,017  $        --    $35,224,106  $   382,373  $(1,898,589)  $46,746,147
                                        ========  ===========  ===========    ===========  ===========  ===========   ===========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</TABLE>

                                    F-5
<PAGE> 95


<TABLE>
                                         HORIZON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

       NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND 1996 (UNAUDITED) AND YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
<CAPTION>
                                                             NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                               SEPTEMBER 30,                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                       ---------------------------   ------------------------------------------
                                                           1997           1996           1996           1995           1994
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
                                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
 Net income                                            $  5,088,314   $  4,293,624   $  5,427,355   $  3,542,068   $  4,576,285
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
  cash provided (used) by operating activities:
    Depreciation                                            851,093      1,071,018      1,145,645        760,552        819,701
    Amortization                                            152,610        146,183        302,746        145,704        207,229
    Provision for other real estate losses                   31,699          8,175         38,042         13,908             --
    Provision for loan losses                               811,002        900,435      1,241,435        875,000        695,000
    Gain on sale of bank premises and equipment              (2,325)        (5,230)        (5,230)            --             --
    (Gain) loss on sale of other assets                     (43,103)        44,997         (6,981)            --             --
    Amortization (accretion) of premium or discount
     on investments, net                                     13,036         73,832         98,042        (55,976)        70,454
    Net loss on sales of investment securities              (42,134)        (3,860)        (1,180)       (46,480)       (29,840)
    Deferred income taxes                                        --       (514,168)      (221,393)        12,905        559,595
    Change in operating assets and liabilities:
       Increased in accrued interest receivable            (760,945)      (669,816)       (41,665)      (900,329)      (752,893)
       (Increase) decrease in other assets               (2,332,312)      (292,353)        44,560        (98,930)    (1,139,004)
       Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and
        other liabilities                                  (515,415)       129,892        231,847        190,332        306,352
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities                 3,251,520      5,182,729      8,253,223      4,438,754      5,312,879
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
 Proceeds from sale of bank premises and equipment          240,780         75,373        107,801        375,399        623,163
 Purchases of bank premises and equipment                  (399,584)    (1,008,607)    (1,390,338)    (2,104,517)    (4,113,343)
 Proceeds from sale of other real estate                  1,243,478        485,047        215,655        157,485        707,611
 Additions to other real estate                            (337,760)            --       (838,036)            --             --
 Loan origination, net of repayments                    (30,574,190)   (31,239,850)   (36,654,317)   (24,687,217)   (45,884,993)
 Proceeds from sales and maturities of
  available-for-sale securities                          61,727,925     46,991,017     67,889,680     61,523,071     26,649,369
 Purchases of available-for-sale securities             (85,983,648)   (46,081,665)   (72,848,265)   (83,979,542)   (58,592,403)
 Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity
  securities                                              4,249,757      5,341,175      9,507,765     17,409,006     13,110,358
 Purchases of held-to-maturity securities                        --     (2,107,250)    (2,607,250)    (5,862,345)   (21,346,851)
 Purchases of other investments                            (123,800)      (664,500)      (703,100)            --             --
 Proceeds from sales of other investments                    25,000             --             --             --             --
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
Net Cash Used by Operating Activities                   (49,932,042)   (28,209,260)   (37,320,405)   (37,168,660)   (88,847,089)
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
 Net increase in deposits                                30,850,146     10,244,764     21,627,160     45,661,663     77,765,034
 Repayment of notes payable                              (3,391,872)            --     (2,801,040)    (1,225,000)    (3,933,000)
 Proceeds from notes payable                              3,909,787             --         12,436             --      6,650,000
 Proceeds from advances from FHLB                        55,200,000     32,600,000     22,055,205      3,750,000     45,828,274
 Repayments of advances from FHLB                       (51,998,653)   (15,233,699)    (4,317,327)   (10,664,952)   (37,700,369)
 Proceeds from sale of treasury stock                     2,037,450         88,660         88,660        114,099        126,192
 Purchase of treasury stock                                 (86,070)       (61,079)      (690,929)      (880,685)    (1,306,837)
 Dividends paid                                            (310,455)       (39,111)      (609,398)      (271,443)       (20,202)
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
  Net cash provided by financing activities              36,210,333     27,599,535     35,364,767     36,483,682     87,409,092
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents    (10,470,189)     4,573,004      6,297,585      3,753,776      3,874,882

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period          24,612,758     18,315,173     18,315,173     14,561,397     10,686,515
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------

Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period              $ 14,142,569   $ 22,888,177   $ 24,612,758   $ 18,315,173   $ 14,561,397
                                                       ============   ============   ============   ============   ============

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
 Income taxes paid                                     $  1,762,017   $  1,557,013   $  1,800,631   $  1,160,040   $  1,648,740
                                                       ============   ============   ============   ============   ============
 Interest paid                                         $ 15,534,654   $ 14,134,326   $ 19,682,517   $ 16,954,261   $ 11,537,836
                                                       ============   ============   ============   ============   ============


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</TABLE>


                                    F-6
<PAGE> 96

                      HORIZON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                         DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994


1.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

      The accounting and reporting policies of Horizon Bancorp, Inc. and
subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") conform with generally accepted
accounting principles and practices within the banking industry.  The
policies that materially affect financial position and the results of
operations are summarized as follows:

            a.    PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION - Horizon Bancorp, Inc.
      ("Horizon") is a one bank holding company which owns 100% of the
      outstanding stock of Horizon Bank (the "Bank") and Horizon Financial
      Services, Inc.  The Bank owns 100% of the outstanding stock of Landau,
      Inc., which was formed for the purpose of holding, developing and
      managing other real estate acquired by the Bank through foreclosure.
      The Bank also owns 100% of the outstanding stock of Horizon Mortgage
      Company, which originates and sells fixed mortgage loans.

            On July 3, 1995, the Board of Directors of Central Arkansas
      Bancshares, Inc., a four bank holding company, adopted a plan whereby
      its four wholly owned subsidiaries, Merchants and Planters Bank, the
      Bank of Hot Springs, Grant County Bank and Bank of Malvern were
      consolidated into one bank, which would use the Bank of Malvern's
      charter and assume the name of  "Horizon Bank."

            The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
      Horizon Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries.  All material
      intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

            b.    NATURE OF OPERATIONS - The Bank operates under an Arkansas
      bank charter and provides full banking services, including trust
      services.  As a state bank, the Bank is subject to regulation of the
      Arkansas State Bank Department and the Federal Deposit Insurance
      Corporation.  The area served by the Bank includes Clark, Garland,
      Grant and Hot Spring counties in southern Arkansas with services
      provided at 16 branch offices.

            c.    USE OF ESTIMATES - The preparation of financial statements
      in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires
      management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
      amount 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 and such
      differences could be significant.

            d.    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - For the purpose of reporting
      cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, amounts on
      deposit with other banks and Federal funds sold.  Generally, Federal
      funds are sold for one day periods.

            e.    INVESTMENT SECURITIES - Investments in debt and equity
      securities are classified into three categories:  (i) securities
      held as trading securities; (ii) securities which are
      available-for-sale; and (iii) securities being held-to-maturity.
      These categories are defined as follows:


                                    F-7
<PAGE> 97

                      HORIZON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                         DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994




                  (i) TRADING SECURITIES - Securities held principally for
            resale in the near term are classified as trading account
            securities and recorded at their fair values.  Unrealized gains
            and losses on trading accounts securities are included in other
            income.  The Bank had no such securities for 1996, 1995 or 1994.

                  (ii) HELD-TO-MATURITY SECURITIES - Securities which the Bank
            has the intent and ability to hold to maturity are reported at
            cost, adjusted for premiums and discounts that are recognized in
            interest income using the constant yield method over the period
            to maturity.

                  (iii) AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES - Bonds, notes,
            debentures, and certain equity securities not classified as
            trading securities or held-to-maturity securities.

            Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, on available-for-sale
securities are reported as a net amount in a separate component of
shareholders' equity.  Gains and losses on the sale of
available-for-sale securities are determined using the specific
identification method.

            Premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the
constant yield method over the period to maturity.

            f.    OTHER INVESTMENTS - The Bank is a member of the Federal Home
      Loan Bank ("FHLB") system.  As a member of FHLB, the Bank is required
      to maintain an investment in capital stock of the FHLB in an amount
      equal to the greater of 1% of outstanding home loans or 5% of
      outstanding advances from the FHLB of Dallas.  No ready market exists
      for such stock and it has no quoted market value.  At December 31,
      1996 and 1995, the Bank's investment in such stock amounted to
      $2,776,200 and $2,223,100, respectively.  The Bank also held stock in
      Arkansas Bankers' Bank, for which no ready market exists and which has
      no quoted market value.  The Bank's investment in such stock amounted
      to $25,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995.  During 1996, the Company
      purchased less than 5% of the stock of Horizon Bank of Columbia
      County.  The investment in such stock amounted to $150,000 at December
      31, 1996.  These investments are stated at cost.

            g.    LOANS AND ALLOWANCES FOR LOAN LOSSES - Effective January 1,
      1995, the Bank adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
      114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan ("SFAS 114") as
      amended by SFAS No. 118, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a
      Loan - Income Recognition and Disclosure ("SFAS 118").  This adoption
      had no material effect on the Company's financial position or results
      of operations.  SFAS 114 applies only to impaired loans.  Groups of
      smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively reviewed for
      impairment.  A loan is defined as impaired by SFAS 114 when, based on
      current information and events, it is probable that a creditor will
      be unable to collect all amounts due, both interest and principal,
      according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.
      Specifically, SFAS 114 requires that the allowance for credit losses
      related to impaired loans be determined based on the


                                    F-8
<PAGE> 98

                      HORIZON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                         DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

      present value of cash flows discounted at the loan's effective
      interest rate or, as a practical expedient, the loan's observable
      market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is
      collateral dependent.  Prior to the adoption of SFAS 114, the Bank's
      methodology for determining the adequacy of the allowance for credit
      losses did not incorporate the concept of the time value of money and
      the expected future interest cash flow.  As permitted by SFAS 118,
      interest revenue received on impaired loans continues to be either
      applied against principal or realized as interest revenue, according
      to management's judgment as to the collectibility of principal.  All
      loans are charged off when management determines that principal and
      interest are not collectible.  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the
      Company had 16 and 13 loans, respectively, that management considered
      impaired.  Balances of these loans were considered immaterial as were
      balances of loans considered to be impaired throughout the years
      ended December 31, 1996 and 1995.

            When the payment of principal or interest on a loan is delinquent
      for 90 days, or earlier in some cases, the loan is placed on
      non-accrual status and all accrued but unpaid interest is charged to
      operations.  In certain cases where the loan is in the process of
      collection and the underlying collateral fully supports the carrying
      value of the loan, the accrued but unpaid interest may not be reversed
      at the time the loan is placed on a non-accrual status.  Generally,
      any payments received on non-accrual loans are applied first to
      outstanding loan amounts and next to the recovery of lost interest.

            The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for future
      potential losses incurred on loans.  All losses are charged to the
      allowance when the loss actually occurs or when a determination is
      made that a loss is likely to occur.  Recoveries are credited to the
      allowance at the time of recovery.

            Throughout the year management estimates the likely level of
      losses to determine whether the allowance for loan losses is adequate
      to absorb reasonably anticipated losses in the existing portfolio.
      Based on these estimates, an amount is charged to the provision for
      loan losses and credited to the allowance for loan losses in order to
      adjust the allowance to a level determined to be adequate to absorb
      losses.  Management's judgment as to the level of losses on existing
      loans involves, among other things, the consideration of current and
      anticipated economic conditions and their potential effects on
      specific borrowers, results of examination of the loan portfolio by
      regulatory agencies, and management's internal review of the loan
      portfolio.  In determining the collectibility of certain loans,
      management also considers the estimated fair value of any underlying
      collateral.  The amounts ultimately realized may differ from the
      carrying value of these assets due to economic, operating or other
      conditions beyond the Company's control.

            Estimates of anticipated loan losses involve judgment.  While it
      is possible that in particular periods the Company may sustain
      losses which are substantial relative to the allowance for loan
      losses, it is the judgment of management that the allowance for loan
      losses reflected in the consolidated balance sheet is adequate to
      absorb anticipated losses which may exist in the current loan
      portfolio.


                                    F-9
<PAGE> 99

                      HORIZON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                         DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

            h.    BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT - Land is carried at cost. Bank
      premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated
      depreciation.  Depreciation of buildings and related improvements is
      computed using the straight-line method and accelerated methods based
      on estimated useful lives.  Depreciation of furniture and equipment is
      computed using accelerated methods.

            i.    OTHER REAL ESTATE - Real estate properties acquired through,
      or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value
      at the date of foreclosure establishing a new cost basis.  After
      foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and
      the real estate is carried at the lower of cost or fair value minus
      estimated costs to sell.  Revenue and expenses from operations and
      additions to the valuation allowance are included in profit or loss
      on foreclosed real estate.  The historical average holding period for
      such properties is 22 months.

            j.    INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Intangible assets, including goodwill
      and deposit premium included in other assets on the consolidated
      balance sheet, are being amortized on the straight-line basis over
      periods ranging from 5 to 15 years.

            k.    INCOME TAXES - The Company files its income tax returns on a
      consolidated basis with its subsidiaries.  The separate income tax
      provision of the Company and its subsidiaries is determined in
      accordance with an allocation agreement between the Company and its
      subsidiaries which provides that such provision will essentially be
      determined on a separate return basis.

            The Company utilizes the liability method in accounting for
      deferred income taxes.  Deferred income taxes are reported for
      temporary differences between the bases of the Company's  assets and
      liabilities for financial statement and income tax purposes at the
      presently enacted tax rates for the periods when these differences are
      expected to reverse.  These differences relate primarily to
      depreciation of bank premises and equipment, provision for valuation
      of foreclosed assets, and provisions to the allowance for loan losses.

            l.    TREASURY STOCK - The Company determines the basis of
      treasury shares bought and sold using the specific identification
      method.

            m.    ADVERTISING - The Bank expenses the costs of advertising as
      incurred.  Total advertising expense was $304,293 and $327,379 for
      the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

            n.    TRUST DIVISION ASSETS - Property other than cash deposits
      held by the Bank in a fiduciary or agency capacity for its customers
      is not included in the balance sheets since such items are not assets
      of the Bank.

            o.    TRUST FEES - Trust fees are recorded on the cash basis.


                                    F-10
<PAGE> 100

                      HORIZON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                         DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

            p.    RECLASSIFICATIONS - Certain reclassifications of 1995 and
      1994 balances have been made to conform to the 1996 presentation.


2.    CASH AND CASH DUE FROM BANKS

      Under the provisions of Federal Reserve Board Regulation D, the
Company's Bank subsidiary is required to maintain certain minimum cash
reserves based upon liabilities to depositors.  The minimum cash reserve
requirements at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, were approximately
$6,307,000, $3,559,000 and $164,000, respectively.  The Bank was in
compliance with these requirements.

3.    INVESTMENT SECURITIES

      Debt and equity securities have been classified in the consolidated
statements of financial condition according to management's intent.  The
amortized costs of investment securities and their approximate fair values at
December 31 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                                     -----------------
                                               AMORTIZED         UNREALIZED         UNREALIZED        MARKET
                                                 COST              GAINS              LOSSES          VALUE
                                                 ----              -----              ------          -----
<S>                                          <C>                  <C>                <C>           <C>
Available-For-Sale Securities
- -----------------------------
United States government
      and agency securities                  $ 71,744,422         $ 29,785           $317,740      $ 71,456,467
State and municipal
      securities                               34,511,189          518,075                 --        35,029,264
Mortgage backed securities                     41,662,410            1,600            486,908        41,177,102
                                             ------------         --------           --------      ------------
Total available-for-sale                     $147,918,021         $549,460           $804,648      $147,662,833
                                             ============         ========           ========      ============

Held-To-Maturity Securities
- ---------------------------
United States government
      and agency securities                  $  8,194,704         $ 20,014           $ 31,764      $  8,182,954
State and political
      subdivisions                              4,702,531           59,086                 --         4,761,617
Mortgage backed securities                      5,571,369           15,351            160,905         5,425,815
Other securities                                  300,000            4,622                 --           304,622
                                             ------------         --------           --------      ------------
Total held-to-maturity                       $ 18,768,604         $ 99,073           $192,669      $ 18,675,008
                                             ============         ========           ========      ============
</TABLE>


                                    F-11
<PAGE> 101

                      HORIZON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                         DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                                    -----------------
                                               AMORTIZED        UNREALIZED          UNREALIZED        MARKET
                                                 COST             GAINS               LOSSES          VALUE
                                                 ----             -----               ------          -----
<S>                                          <C>                <C>                  <C>           <C>
Available-For-Sale Securities
- -----------------------------
United States government
      and agency securities                  $ 61,442,436       $  422,789           $187,774      $ 61,677,451
State and municipal
      securities                               37,338,142          975,619             78,271        38,235,490
Mortgage backed securities                     44,202,044          138,796            265,502        44,075,338
                                             ------------       ----------           --------      ------------
Total available-for-sale                     $142,982,622       $1,537,204           $531,547      $143,988,279
                                             ============       ==========           ========      ============

Held-To-Maturity Securities
United States government
      and agency securities                  $ 15,260,684       $  119,973           $ 96,527      $ 15,284,130
State and political
      subdivisions                              6,133,449          108,395             17,653         6,224,191
Mortgage backed securities                      4,178,653           21,384             77,535         4,122,502
Other securities                                  170,000            8,326                 --           178,326
                                             ------------       ----------           --------      ------------
Total held-to-maturity                       $ 25,742,786       $  258,078           $191,715      $ 25,809,149
                                             ============       ==========           ========      ============
</TABLE>

      The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments securities at
December 31, 1996, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Expected
maturities may differ from contractual maturities with or without call or
prepayment penalties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       AVAILABLE FOR SALE                     HELD TO MATURITY
                                                -------------------------------        -----------------------------
                                                  AMORTIZED            MARKET            AMORTIZED          MARKET
                                                    COST               VALUE               COST             VALUE
                                                    ----               -----               ----             -----
<S>                                             <C>                <C>                 <C>               <C>
Due in one year or less                         $ 10,017,534       $ 10,034,425        $ 4,019,091       $ 4,027,647
Due after one year through
      five years                                  62,750,106         62,721,801          6,229,076         6,225,382
Due after five years through
      ten years                                   23,184,536         23,320,894          1,840,000         1,846,999
Due after ten years                               10,303,435         10,405,521          1,109,068         1,152,812
                                                ------------       ------------        -----------       -----------
                                                 106,255,611        106,485,731         13,197,235        13,252,840
Mortgage-backed securities                        41,662,410         41,177,102          5,571,369         5,422,168
                                                ------------       ------------        -----------       -----------

                                                $147,918,021       $147,662,833        $18,768,604       $18,675,008
                                                ============       ============        ===========       ===========
</TABLE>


                                    F-12
<PAGE> 102

                      HORIZON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                         DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

      Gross realized gains and gross unrealized losses on sales of securities
available for sale during the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996               1995                1994
                                                   ----               ----                ----
<S>                                              <C>                <C>                 <C>
      Gross realized gains:
            U.S. Government and agency           $ 31,159           $ 26,302            $122,019
            State and municipal securities          8,073             14,516              65,873
            Mortgage-backed securities/Other       72,412            170,908                 532
                                                 --------           --------            --------
                                                 $111,644           $211,726            $188,424
                                                 ========           ========            ========

      Gross realized losses:
            U.S. Government and agency           $ 12,951           $  1,410            $ 48,091
            State and political subdivisions       19,034             16,676             110,493
            Mortgage-backed securities             80,839            147,160                  --
                                                 --------           --------            --------

                                                 $112,824           $165,246            $158,584
                                                 ========           ========            ========
</TABLE>

      Investment securities with amortized cost of approximately $77,133,000,
$66,200,000 and $56,719,000 and estimated market values of approximately
$76,859,000, $66,500,000 and $54,533,000 were pledged to collateralize public
deposits and for other purposes as required or permitted by law at December
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

      The overall return or yield earned on mortgage-backed securities depends
on the amount of interest collected over the life of the security and the
amortization of any premium or discount.  Premiums and discounts are
recognized in income using the level-yield method over the assets' remaining
lives adjusted for anticipated prepayments.  Although the Company receives
the full amount of principal if prepaid, the interest income that would have
been collected during the remaining period to maturity, net of any discount
or premium amortization, is lost.  Accordingly, the actual yields and
maturities of mortgage-backed securities depend on when the underlying
mortgage principal and interest are repaid.  Prepayments result when market
interest rates fall below a mortgage's contractual interest rate and it is to
the borrower's advantage to prepay the existing loan and obtain new, lower
rate financing.  In addition to changes in interest rates, mortgage
prepayments depend on other factors such as loan types and geographic
location of the related properties.

      The Company's asset base is exposed to risk, including the risk
resulting from changes in interest rates, market values of collateral for
borrowings and changes in the timing of cash flows.  The Company monitors the
effect of such risk by considering the mismatch of the maturities of its
assets and liabilities in the current interest rate environment and the
sensitivity of assets and liabilities to changes in interest rates.  The
Company's management has considered the effect of significant increases and
decreases in interest rates and believes such changes, if they occurred,
would be manageable and would not affect the ability of the Company to hold
its assets to maturity.  However, the Company is exposed to significant
market risk in the unlikely event of significant and prolonged interest rate
changes.


                                    F-13
<PAGE> 103

                      HORIZON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                         DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

4.    LOANS
      -----

      The components of loans in the consolidated balance sheet were as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1996                     1995
                                                    ----                     ----
      <S>                                       <C>                      <C>
      Real estate                               $149,877,144             $132,599,468
      Commercial and industrial                   82,840,748               58,900,158
      Consumer loans                              67,841,277               75,309,290
                                                ------------             ------------
                                                 300,559,169              266,808,916
      Less unearned income                          (752,327)              (2,523,979)

      Less allowance for loan losses              (4,226,497)              (4,117,474)
                                                ------------             ------------

      Net loans                                 $295,580,345             $260,167,463
                                                ============             ============
</TABLE>

      Certain of the directors and officers of the Company and the entities in
which it had a significant interest were customers of and had transactions
with the Bank in the ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of
management, all loans and commitments to loan included in such transactions
were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and
collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with
other persons and did not involve more than a normal risk of collectibility
or any unfavorable features.  The aggregate amount of loans to these
directors, officers and their affiliates totaled $736,381 and $2,669,626 at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  Loans on which the accrual of
interest has been discontinued aggregated $2,170,840 at December 31, 1996.

5.    ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

      An analysis of the activity in the allowance for loan losses is as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1996                         1995
                                                  ----                         ----
      <S>                                     <C>                          <C>
      Balance - beginning of year             $ 4,117,474                  $ 4,246,223

            Allowance acquired in business
              combination
            Provision for loan losses           1,241,435                      875,000
            Charge-offs                        (1,404,403)                  (1,337,544)
            Recoveries                            271,991                      333,795
                                              -----------                  -----------
      Balance - end of year                   $ 4,226,497                  $ 4,117,474
                                              ===========                  ===========
</TABLE>


6.    BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

      Bank premises and equipment consisted of:


                                    F-14
<PAGE> 104

                      HORIZON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                         DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1996                     1995
                                                     ----                     ----
      <S>                                        <C>                      <C>
      Land                                       $ 2,564,680              $ 1,934,348
      Buildings and improvements                   9,008,921                8,862,353
      Furniture and equipment                      7,633,024                7,189,582
                                                 -----------              -----------
                                                  19,206,625               17,986,283
      Accumulated depreciation                    (7,974,513)              (6,896,293)
                                                 -----------              -----------
                                                 $11,232,112              $11,089,990
                                                 ===========              ===========
</TABLE>

7.    DEPOSITS

      Deposits consisted of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1996                     1995
                                                    ----                     ----
<S>                                             <C>                      <C>
      Non-interest-bearing                      $ 45,002,623             $ 45,005,797
      Interest-bearing transaction accounts      105,263,385               92,964,026
      Savings                                     42,805,592               30,689,083
      Time, $100,000 and over                     62,510,495               30,007,448
      Other time                                 183,953,255              219,241,836
                                                ------------             ------------
      Total                                     $439,535,350             $417,908,190
                                                ============             ============
</TABLE>

      The aggregate amount of short-term jumbo certificate of deposits, each
with a minimum denomination of $100,000, was approximately $62,510,000 in
1996, and $62,572,000 in 1995.  At December 31, 1996, the scheduled
maturities of time deposits were as follows:

<TABLE>
                  <S>                              <C>
                  1997                             $194,912,750
                  1998                               36,145,000
                  1999                                9,870,000
                  2000                                2,126,000
                  2001 and thereafter                 3,410,000
                                                   ------------
                                                   $246,463,750
                                                   ============
</TABLE>


                                    F-15
<PAGE> 105

                      HORIZON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                         DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994


8.    BORROWED FUNDS

      The Company had advances from the FHLB at December 31, 1996 as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           ADVANCES
                                                           --------
            <S>                                          <C>
            Maturing during year ending
              December 31:
                  1997                                   $ 2,047,672
                  1998                                       422,309
                  1999                                    10,202,691
                  2000                                     2,028,319
               Thereafter                                 10,055,019
                                                         -----------
                                                         $24,756,010
                                                         ===========
</TABLE>

      The interest rate on the FHLB borrowings is currently LIBOR less 9 basis
points.  The average rate of interest paid in 1996 was approximately 5.24%.

      At December 31, 1995, the Company had advances from the FHLB of
$7,018,132.  The Company had pledged all of its FHLB stock, with a carrying
value of $2,776,200 and $2,223,100 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, as
collateral for these advances.  Additionally, the Bank has an agreement with
the FHLB whereby the Bank provides Blanket Floating Lien collateral on
borrowings in an aggregate amount of 65% of the unpaid principal balance of
the Bank's qualifying collateral or 35% of the Bank's assets.

      Notes payable consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1996                    1995
                                                                       ----                    ----
<S>                                                                 <C>                     <C>
Guaranty of Employee Stock Ownership and
      Savings Plan ("ESOP") notes payable at
      a variable interest rate (8.5% at December 31,
      1996), due in quarterly installments with
      balance due April 15, 1997, collateralized
      by common stock of the Bank.                                  $  374,940              $  594,940

Note payable to First Tennessee Bank at a
      variable interest rate (7.96% at December 1,
      1996), due in annual installments with
      balance due January 15, 2004, collateralized
      by common stock of Bank.                                       2,000,000               4,800,000

Note payable to Sungard Trust Systems,
      payable in monthly installments of
      $208, through June 30, 2001                                       11,396                      --
                                                                    ----------              ----------
                                                                    $2,386,336              $5,394,940
                                                                    ==========              ==========
</TABLE>


                                    F-16
<PAGE> 106

                     HORIZON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                       DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

Aggregate maturities of notes payable were as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                     <C>
                        1997                            $  377,436
                        1998                                 2,496
                        1999                                 2,496
                        2000                                 2,496
                        2001                                 1,412
                     Thereafter                          2,000,000
                                                        ----------

                                                        $2,386,336
                                                        ==========
</TABLE>

9.    REGULATORY MATTERS

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

      Management believes that, as of December 31, 1996, the Bank meets all
capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

      Banking regulators have specified guidelines for purposes of evaluating
a bank and a bank holding company's capital adequacy.  The following is a
summary of the Bank's capital ratios at December 31, 1996 and 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1996                           1995
                                                            ------------------             ------------------
                                                            ACTUAL     MINIMUM             ACTUAL     MINIMUM
                                                            RATIO     REQUIRED             RATIO     REQUIRED
                                                            -----     --------             -----     --------
<S>                                                         <C>       <C>                  <C>       <C>
      Total risk based capital ratio                        13.00%      8.00%              13.00%      8.00%

      Tier 1 risk based capital ratio                       12.00       4.00               11.75       4.00

      Leverage ratio                                         8.00       4.00                7.12       4.00
</TABLE>

      Dividends paid by the Company are substantially funded by dividends from
the Company's subsidiaries.  The amount of dividends a subsidiary bank may
pay without prior regulatory approval is 50% of the Bank's net income.


                                    F-17
<PAGE> 107

                     HORIZON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                       DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

10.   EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN

      The Company has established an Employee Stock Ownership and Savings Plan
("ESOP").  The ESOP has borrowings which are collateralized by 1,200 shares
of the Bank's stock and a guaranty of the Company.  Since the notes payable
are guaranteed by the Company, they are included on the consolidated balance
sheets as a liability and as a corresponding reduction of shareholders'
equity.  Contributions to the ESOP totaling $231,600, $175,150 and $295,500
were made by the Company during the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively.

11.   INCOME TAXES

      The consolidated provision for income taxes consisted of:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1996             1995              1994
                                                             ----             ----              ----
<S>                                                       <C>              <C>               <C>
Current provision                                         $1,843,313       $  991,631        $1,043,931
Deferred provision (benefit)                                (221,393)          12,905           559,595
                                                          ----------       ----------        ----------

                                                          $1,621,920       $1,004,536        $1,603,526
                                                          ==========       ==========        ==========
</TABLE>

      The provision for federal income taxes differs from the amount computed
by applying the federal income tax statutory rate to income before income
taxes primarily due to differences resulting from tax-exempt interest income.
Deferred taxes are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of
temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of
assets and liabilities.

      Deferred tax assets and liabilities included in other assets at December
31, 1996 and 1995 consists of:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1996              1995
                                                            ----              ----
<S>                                                       <C>              <C>
Deferred tax assets:
      Reserve for loan losses                             $1,259,910       $1,099,813
      Deferred compensation                                  220,589          315,976
      Securities available for sale                           97,734               --
      Other                                                   14,462           17,590
                                                          ----------       ----------
Total deferred tax assets                                  1,592,695        1,433,379
                                                          ----------       ----------

Deferred tax liabilities:
      Securities available for sale                               --          341,923
      Intangibles                                            636,770          687,091
      Bank premises and equipment                            301,406          246,065
      Other                                                  156,750          321,581
                                                          ----------       ----------
Total deferred tax liabilities                             1,094,926        1,596,660
                                                          ----------       ----------

Net deferred tax asset (liability)                        $  497,769       $ (163,281)
                                                          ==========       ==========
</TABLE>

12.   FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

      The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company
using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies.
However, considerable judgment is necessarily

                                    F-18
<PAGE> 108

                     HORIZON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                       DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

required to interpret market data to develop the estimates of fair value.
Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of
the amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange.  The use
of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies (below) may
have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

      (a)   CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - For cash and cash equivalents, the
carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

      (b)   INVESTMENT SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS - For investment
securities, fair values are based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes.
FHLB stock is valued at par value as par is comparable to the redemption
value.

      (c)   LOANS - The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting the
future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be
made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining
maturities and anticipated prepayment speeds.

      (d)   ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE AND PAYABLE - For accrued interest
receivable and payable, the carrying amounts approximates their fair values.

      (e)   DEMAND DEPOSITS AND TIME DEPOSITS - The fair value of demand
deposits, savings accounts and certain money market deposits is the amount
payable on demand at the reporting date.  The fair value of fixed-maturity
certificates of deposit is estimated using the rates currently offered for
deposits of similar remaining maturities.

      (f)   ADVANCES FROM FHLB AND NOTES PAYABLE - Rates currently available to
the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to
estimate fair value of existing debt.

      (g)   COMMITMENTS TO EXTEND CREDIT, STANDBY LETTERS OF CREDIT AND
FINANCIAL GUARANTEES WRITTEN - The fair values of commitment is estimated
using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking
into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present
creditworthiness of the counterparties.  For fixed-rate loan commitments,
fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest
rates and the committed rates.  The fair value of guarantees and letters of
credit is based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the
estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligations with the
counterparties at the reporting date.  The fair value estimates at December
31, 1996 and 1995 revealed no material differences between the committed or
guaranteed amounts and the fair value of such items.

      The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments
in thousands at December 31, 1996 and 1995, were as follows:


                                    F-19
<PAGE> 109


                                    HORIZON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                       DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          DECEMBER 31, 1996              DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                          -----------------              -----------------
                                                       CARRYING           FAIR        CARRYING           FAIR
                                                        AMOUNT           VALUE         AMOUNT           VALUE
                                                        ------           -----         ------           -----
<S>                                                    <C>              <C>           <C>              <C>
Financial assets:
- -----------------
      Cash and federal funds sold                      $ 24,613         $ 24,613      $ 18,315         $ 18,315
      Available-for-sale securities                     147,663          147,663       143,988          143,988
      Held-to-maturity securities                        18,769           18,675        25,743           25,809
      Loans                                             295,580          295,970       260,167          251,028
      Accrued interest receivable                         4,305            4,305         4,264            4,264
      Other investments                                   2,951            2,951         2,248            2,248

Financial liabilities:
- ----------------------
      Demand deposits                                  $193,072         $193,072      $168,659         $168,659
      Time deposits                                     246,463          242,614       249,249          251,555
      Advances from FHLB                                 24,756           24,763         7,018            7,018
      Notes payable                                       2,386            2,374         5,395            5,395
      Accrued interest payable                            1,744            1,744         1,984            1,984
      Federal Funds Purchased                                --               --            --               --
</TABLE>

13.   OFF-BALANCE SHEET AND CREDIT RISK

      The Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk
in the normal course of  business to meet the financing needs of its
customers and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.
These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby
letters of credit, and financial guarantees.  These instruments involve, to
varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the
amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet.  The contract or
notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of the Bank's
involvement in particular classes of financial instruments.

      The Bank's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the
other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit,
standby letters of credit, and financial guarantees written is represented by
the contractual notional amount of those instruments.  The Bank uses the same
credit policies in making commitments and conditions as it does for
on-balance sheet instruments.

      Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to
guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  These guarantees
are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements,
including commercial paper, bond financing and similar transactions.  The
credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as
that involved in extending loans to customers.  Outstanding letters of credit
totaled approximately $376,683 at December 31, 1996.

      Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as
long as there is no violation of any condition established in the lending
contract.  Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other
termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.  Since a portion of the
commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts
do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  Each customer's
creditworthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  The amount of
collateral obtained, if deemed necessary, upon extension of credit is based
on management's credit evaluation of the counterparty.  Collateral held
varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and
equipment, commercial real estate and residential real estate.

                                    F-20
<PAGE> 110

                     HORIZON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                       DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

      At December 31, 1996, outstanding commitments to originate loans totaled
approximately $29,509,000.  Commitments are typically for less than one year
at fixed and variable rates of interest.  All of the Bank's loans,
commitments and standby letters of credit have been granted to customers in
the Company's market area.  Investments in state and municipal securities
also involve governmental entities within the Company's market area.
Commercial and standby letters of credit were granted primarily to commercial
borrowers.

14.   FORECLOSED REAL ESTATE

      Loss on foreclosed real estate in 1996 included net expense of $33,557
and net revenue of $23,450 from the operation of foreclosed real estate.

15.   RESTRICTIONS ON RETAINED EARNINGS

      The Bank is subject to certain restrictions on the amount of dividends
that it may declare without prior regulatory approval.  During 1996, the Bank
sought and obtained regulatory approval to pay dividends in excess of 50% of
current year earnings.  Accordingly, at December 31, 1996 no retained
earnings were available for dividend declaration.

16.   SUBSEQUENT EVENT (UNAUDITED)

      On July 31, 1997, Horizon entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
(the "Merger Agreement") with Mercantile Bancorporation Inc. ("MBI"). At
September 30, 1997, MBI reported, on a consolidated basis, total assets of
approximately $30.0 billion and operated 24 commercial banks and one
federally-chartered thrift located throughout Missouri, Illinois, eastern
Kansas, Iowa and Arkansas.  The Merger Agreement provides for shareholders of
Horizon to receive approximately 4.0301 (on a post-split basis; MBI completed
a three-for-two stock split, effective October 1, 1997) shares of MBI common
stock for each share of outstanding common stock of Horizon upon consummation
of the merger ("the "Merger") of Horizon with and into Ameribanc, Inc., a
wholly owned subsidiary of MBI.  The Merger is contingent upon approval of
various regulatory authorities and the shareholders of Horizon.


                                    F-21
<PAGE> 111

                                    ANNEX A
                                    -------

                         [Letterhead of Stephens Inc.]

                                 July 31, 1997

Board of Directors
Horizon Bancorp, Inc.
576 Main Street, P.O. Box 515
Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923


Members of the Board:

      We have acted as your financial advisor in connection with the proposed
merger with Mercantile Bancorporation Inc. ("Mercantile") (the
"Transaction").  The terms and conditions of the Transaction are more fully
set forth in the Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Horizon Bancorp,
Inc. ("Horizon" or the "Company") and Mercantile (the "Merger Agreement").

      The Merger Agreement provides for, among other things, that each
outstanding share of common stock, par value $1.00, of Horizon is to be
converted into the right to receive 2.6867 shares (the "Exchange Ratio") of
common stock, $0.01 par value of Mercantile (which number shall be adjusted
to 4.0301 after giving effect to the stock dividend to be declared by
Mercantile on October 1, 1997 and will be further adjusted for any other
stock splits and stock dividends).  The Exchange Ratio was computed by
dividing 1,700,000 (the number of shares of Mercantile Common Stock to be
issued in the Transaction) by the number of outstanding shares of Horizon as
of the date of the Merger Agreement.  On July 30, 1997, the last reported
sale price per share of Mercantile was $70.81.

      You have requested our opinion as to the fairness to the disinterested
shareholders of the Company from a financial point of view of the
consideration to be received by them in the Transaction.  For purposes of
this opinion, the term "disinterested shareholders" means holders of the
Company's one class of common stock (the "Common Stock") other than (1)
directors, officers and employees of the Company, (2) any holder of five
percent or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and (3) Horizon and
its affiliates.

      In connection with our opinion, we have, among other things:

      (i)    analyzed certain financial and other data publicly available or
             made available to us with respect to Horizon and Mercantile,
             including the consolidated financial statements for recent years
             and interim periods to June 30, 1997 and certain other relevant
             financial and operating data relating to Horizon and Mercantile
             made available to us from published sources and from the internal
             records of Horizon and Mercantile;

      (ii)   reviewed the Merger Agreement dated July 31, 1997;

      (iii)  compared the respective contributions of loans, deposits, equity,
             and income by Horizon and Mercantile to the combined entity;

                                    A-1
<PAGE> 112

      (iv)   analyzed, on a pro forma basis, the effect of the Transaction of
             the Company's earnings, book value, balance sheet, and
             capitalization ratios, both in the aggregate, and where applicable,
             on a per share basis;

      (v)    reviewed the historical market prices and trading volumes of the
             common stock of Horizon and Mercantile;

      (vi)   compared Horizon and Mercantile from a financial point of view with
             certain other companies which we deemed to be relevant;

      (vii)  considered the financial terms, to the extent publicly available,
             of selected business combinations in the banking industry;

      (viii) reviewed and discussed with representatives of the management of
             Horizon and Mercantile certain information of a business and
             financial nature regarding Horizon and Mercantile furnished to us
             by Horizon and Mercantile;

      (ix)   assisted in your deliberations regarding the material terms of the
             Transaction and your negotiations with Mercantile; and

      (x)    performed such other analyses and examinations as we have deemed
             appropriate.

      In connection with our review, we have not assumed any obligation to
independently verify any of the forgoing information and have relied on all
such information being complete and accurate in all material respects.  We
are not an expert in the evaluation of loan portfolios for purposes of
assessing the adequacy of the allowances for losses with respect thereto and
have assumed, with your consent, that such allowances for each of Horizon and
Mercantile are in the aggregate adequate to cover such losses.  In addition,
we have not assumed responsibility for reviewing any individual credit files
or making an independent evaluation, appraisal or inspection of the real,
personal, tangible or intangible assets (including investment securities) or
individual properties of Horizon or Mercantile, nor have we been furnished
with any such evaluations or appraisals.

      We have also assumed, with your consent, that there have been no
material changes in Horizon's or Mercantile's assets, financial condition,
results of operations, business or prospects since the respective dates of
their last financial statement reviewed by us and that any off-balance sheet
activities of Horizon and Mercantile, including derivatives and other similar
financial instruments, will not materially and adversely affect the future
financial position or results of operations of Horizon or Mercantile.  We
have further assumed, with your consent, that in the course of obtaining the
necessary regulatory and third party consents for the Transaction, no
restriction, limitation or order will be imposed that would have or would be
expected to have a material adverse effect on the contemplated benefits of
the Transaction or the transactions contemplated thereby, and that the
Transaction will be consummated in accordance with the terms of the Merger
Agreement (including provisions relating to the consideration to be exchanged
in the Transaction), without any amendments to, and without any waiver by
Horizon of, any of the material conditions to its obligations thereunder.
Finally, our opinion is based on economic, monetary, market and other
conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to us as of,
the date hereof.

                                    A-2
<PAGE> 113

      As part of our investment banking business, we are continually engaged
in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with
mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings,
secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements
and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes.  We will receive a
fee for acting as financial advisor to Horizon, a substantial portion of
which is contingent upon the consummation of the Transaction.  In the
ordinary course of our business, we may from time to time trade the equity
securities of Horizon or Mercantile for our own account and for the accounts
of customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position
in such securities.

      Based upon the foregoing and in reliance thereon, it is our opinion as
investment bankers that, as of the date hereof, the consideration to be
received by the disinterested shareholders in the Transaction is fair to them
from a financial point of view.

      This opinion is furnished pursuant to our engagement letter dated July
16, 1997.  It is addressed to the Board of Directors of Horizon and is not
intended to be and shall not be deemed to constitute a recommendation to any
shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote with respect to the
Transaction.  This opinion and a summary discussion of our underlying
analyses and role as your financial advisor may be included in the
communications to the shareholders of Horizon and Mercantile provided that we
approve of such disclosures prior to publication.  In furnishing this
opinion, we do not admit that we are experts within the meaning of the term
"experts" as used in the Securities Act and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, nor do we admit this opinion constitutes a report or
valuation within the meaning of Section 11 of the Securities Act.


                                    Very truly yours,

                                    /s/ Stephens Inc.

                                    Stephens Inc.

                                    A-3
<PAGE> 114

                                    ANNEX B
                                    -------

      Following is the text of the dissenters' rights provisions set forth at
Sections 4-27-1302 through 4-27-1328 of the Arkansas Business Corporation Act
of 1987, as amended:

4-27-1302   RIGHT OF DISSENT

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

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

                  (i)   If shareholder approval is required for the merger by
            Sec. 4-27-1103 or the articles of incorporation and the shareholder
            is entitled to vote on the merger, or

                  (ii)  If the corporation is a subsidiary that is merged with
            its parent under Sec. 4-27-1104;

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

            3.    Consummation of a sale or exchange of all, or substantially
      all, of the property of the corporation other than in the usual and
      regular course of business, if the shareholder is entitled to vote on the
      sale or exchange, including a sale in dissolution, but not including a
      sale pursuant to court order or a sale for cash pursuant to a plan by
      which all or substantially all of the net proceeds of the sale will be
      distributed to the shareholders within one (1) year after the date of the
      sale;

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

                  (i)   Alters or abolishes a preferential right of the shares;

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

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

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

                  (v)   Reduces the number of shares owned by the shareholder
            to a fraction of a share if the fractional share so created is
            to be acquired for cash under Sec. 4-27-604; or


                                    B-1
<PAGE> 115
            5.    Any corporate action taken pursuant to a shareholder vote to
      the extent the articles of incorporation, by-laws, or a resolution of the
      board of directors provides that voting or nonvoting shareholders are
      entitled to dissent and obtain payment for their shares.

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

4-27-1303   DISSENT BY NOMINEES AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS

      A.    A record shareholder may assert dissenters' rights as to fewer
than all the shares registered in his name only if he dissents with respect
to all shares beneficially owned by any one (1) person and notifies the
corporation in writing of the name and address of each person on whose behalf
he asserts dissenters' rights.  The rights of a partial dissenter under this
subsection are determined as if the shares as to which he dissents and his
other shares were registered in the names of different shareholders.

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

            1.    He submits to the corporation the record shareholder's
      written consent to dissent not later than the time the beneficial
      shareholder asserts dissenters' rights; and

            2.    He does so with respect to all shares of which he is the
      beneficial shareholder or over which he has power to direct the vote.

                 PROCEDURE FOR EXERCISE OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS

4-27-1320   NOTICE OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS

      A.    If proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under
Sec. 4-27-1302 is submitted to a vote at a shareholders' meeting, the meeting
notice must state that shareholders are or may be entitled to assert
dissenters' rights under this chapter and be accompanied by a copy of this
chapter.

      B.    If corporate action creating dissenters' rights under Sec. 4-27-1302
is taken without a vote of shareholders, the corporation shall notify in writing
all shareholders entitled to assert dissenters' rights that the action was taken
and send them the dissenters' notice described in Sec. 4-27-1322.

4-27-1321   NOTICE OF INTENT TO DEMAND PAYMENT

      A.    If proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under
Sec. 4-27-1302 is submitted to a vote at a shareholders' meeting, a
shareholder who wishes to assert dissenters' rights:

            1.    Must deliver to the corporation before the vote is taken
      written notice of his intent to demand payment for his shares if the
      proposed action is effectuated; and

            2.    Must not vote his shares in favor of the proposed action.


                                    B-2
<PAGE> 116

      B.    A shareholder who does not satisfy the requirements of subsection A.
of this section is not entitled to payment for his shares under this subchapter.

4-27-1322   DISSENTERS' NOTICE

      A.    If proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under
Sec. 4-27-1302 is authorized at a shareholders' meeting, the corporation shall
deliver a written dissenters' notice to all shareholders who satisfied the
requirements of Sec. 4-27-1321.

      B.    The dissenters' notice must be sent no later than ten (10) days
after the corporate action was taken, and must:

            1.    State where the payment demand must be sent and where and
      when certificates for certified shares must be deposited;

            2.    Inform holders of uncertificated shares to what extent
      transfer of the shares will be restricted after the payment demand
      is received;

            3.    Supply a form for demanding payment that includes the date
      of the first announcement to news media or to shareholders of the
      terms of the proposed corporate action and requires that the person
      asserting dissenters' rights certify whether or not he acquired
      beneficial ownership of the shares before that date;

            4.    Set a date by which the corporation must receive the payment
      demand, which date may not be fewer than thirty (30) nor more than
      sixty (60) days after the date the notice required by subsection A. of
      this section is delivered; and

            5.    Be accompanied by a copy of this subchapter.

4-27-1323   DUTY TO DEMAND PAYMENT

      A.    A shareholder sent a dissenters' notice described in Sec. 4-27-1322
must demand payment, certify whether he acquired beneficial ownership of the
shares before the date required to be set forth in the dissenters' notice
pursuant to Sec. 4-27-1322B.3. and deposit his certificates in accordance with
the terms of the notice.

      B.    The shareholder who demands payment and deposits his share
certificates under subsection A. of this section retains all other rights of
a shareholder until these rights are cancelled or modified by the taking of
the proposed corporate action.

      C.    A shareholder who does not demand payment or deposit his share
certificates where required, each by the date set in the dissenters' notice,
is not entitled to payment for his shares under this subchapter.


                                    B-3
<PAGE> 117

4-27-1324   SHARE RESTRICTIONS

      A.    The corporation may restrict the transfer of uncertificated shares
from the date the demand for their payment is received until the proposed
corporate action is taken or the restrictions released under Sec. 4-27-1326.

      B.    The person for whom dissenters' rights are asserted as to
uncertificated shares retains all other rights of a shareholder until these
rights are cancelled or modified by the taking of the proposed corporate
action.

4-27-1325   PAYMENT

      A.    Except as provided in Sec. 4-27-1327, as soon as the proposed
corporate action is taken, or upon receipt of a payment demand, the
corporation shall pay each dissenter who complied with Sec. 4-27-1323 the
amount the corporation estimates to be the fair value of his shares, plus
accrued interest.

      B.    The payment must be accompanied by:

            1.    The corporation's balance sheet as of the end of a fiscal
      year ending not more than sixteen (16) months before the date of
      payment, an income statement for that year, a statement of changes in
      shareholders' equity for that year, and the latest available interim
      financial statements, if any;

            2.    A statement of the corporation's estimate of the fair value
      of the shares;

            3.    An explanation of how the interest was calculated;

            4.    A statement of the dissenter's right to demand payment under
      Sec. 4-27-1328; and

            5.    A copy of this subchapter.

4-27-1326   FAILURE TO TAKE ACTION

      A.    If the corporation does not take the proposed action within sixty
(60) days after the date set for demanding payment and depositing share
certificates, the corporation shall return the deposited certificates and
release the transfer restrictions imposed on uncertificated shares.

      B.    If after returning deposited certificates and releasing transfer
restrictions, the corporate takes the proposed action, it must send a new
dissenters' notice under Sec. 4-27-1322 and repeat the payment demand
procedure.

4-27-1327   AFTER-ACQUIRED SHARES

      A.    A corporation may elect to withhold payment required by
Sec. 4-27-1325 from a dissenter unless he was the beneficial owner of the
shares before the date set forth in the dissenters' notice as the date of the
first announcement to news media or to shareholders of the terms of the proposed
corporate action.


                                    B-4
<PAGE> 118

      B.    To the extent the corporation elects to withhold payment under
subsection A. of this section, after taking the proposed corporate action, it
shall estimate the fair value of the shares, plus accrued interest, and shall
pay this amount to each dissenter who agrees to accept it in full
satisfaction of his demand.  The corporation shall send with its offer a
statement of its estimate of the fair value of the shares, an explanation of
how the interest was calculated, and a statement of the dissenter's right to
demand payment under Sec. 4-27-1328.

4-27-1328   PROCEDURE IF SHAREHOLDER DISSATISFIED WITH PAYMENT OR OFFER

      A.    A dissenter may notify the corporation in writing of his own
estimate of the fair value of his shares and amount of interest due, and
demand payment of his estimate (less any payment under Sec. 4-27-1325), or
reject the corporation's offer under Sec. 4-27-1327 and demand payment of the
fair value of his shares and interest due, if

            1.    The dissenter believes that the amount paid under
      Sec. 4-27-1325, or offered under Sec. 4-27-1327, is less than the
      fair value of his shares or that the interest due is incorrectly
      calculated;

            2.    The corporation fails to make payment under Sec. 4-27-1325
      within sixty (60) days after the date set for demanding payment; or

            3.    The corporation, having failed to take the proposed action
      does not return the deposited certificates or release the transfer
      restrictions imposed on uncertificated shares within sixty (60) days
      after the date set for demanding payment.

      B.    A dissenter waives his right to demand payment under this section
unless he notifies the corporation of his demand in writing under subsection
A. of this section within thirty (30) days after the corporation made or
offered payment of his shares.

4-27-1330   COURT ACTION

      A.    If a demand for payment under Sec. 4-27-1328 remains unsettled, the
corporation shall commence a proceeding within sixty (60) days after
receiving the payment demand and petition the court to determine the fair
value of the shares and accrued interest.  If the corporation does not
commence the proceeding within the sixty-day period, it shall pay each
dissenter whose demand remains unsettled the amount demanded.

      B.    The corporation shall commence the proceeding in the circuit court
of the county where the corporation's principal office (or, if none in this
state, its registered office) is located.  If the corporation is a foreign
corporation without a registered office in this state, it shall commence the
proceeding in the county in this state where the registered office of the
domestic corporation merged with or whose shares were acquired by the foreign
corporation was located.

      C.    The corporation shall make all dissenters (whether or not
residents of this state) whose demands remain unsettled parties to the
proceeding as in an action against their shares and all parties must be
served with a copy of the petition.  Nonresidents may be served by registered
or certified mail or by publication as provided by law.


                                    B-5
<PAGE> 119

      D.    The jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding is commenced
under subsection B of this section is plenary and exclusive.  The court may
appoint one (1) or more persons as appraisers to receive evidence and
recommend decision on the question of fair value.  The appraisers have the
powers described in the order appointing them, or in any amendment to it.
The dissenters are entitled to the same discovery rights as parties in other
civil proceedings.

      E.    Each dissenter made a party to the proceeding is entitled to
judgment:

            1.    For the amount, if any, by which the court finds the fair
      value of his shares, plus interest, exceeds the amount paid by the
      corporation; or

            2.    For the fair value, plus accrued interest, of his after-
      acquired shares for which the corporation elected to withhold
      payment under Sec. 4-27-1327.

4-27-1331   COURT COSTS AND COUNSEL FEES

      A.    The court in an appraisal proceeding commenced under Sec. 4-27-1330
shall determine all costs of the proceeding, including the reasonable
compensation and expenses of appraisers appointed by the court.  The court
shall assess the costs against the corporation, except that the court may
assess costs against all or some of the dissenters, in amounts the court
finds equitable, to the extent the court finds the dissenters acted
arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith in demanding payment under
Sec. 4-27-1328.

      B.    The court may also assess the fees and expenses of counsel and
experts for the respective parties, in amounts the court finds equitable:

            1.    Against the corporation and in favor of any or all
      dissenters if the court finds the corporation did not substantially
      comply with the requirements of Sections 4-27-1320--4-27-1328; or

            2.    Against either the corporation or a dissenter, in favor of
      any other party, if the court finds that the party against whom the
      fees and expenses are assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not
      in good faith with respect to the rights provided by this chapter.

      C.    If the court finds that the services of counsel for any dissenter
were of substantial benefit to other dissenters similarly situated, and that
the fees for those services should not be assessed against the corporation,
the court may award to these counsel reasonable fees to be paid out of the
amounts awarded the dissenters who were benefited.


                                    B-6
<PAGE> 120



PROXY                        HORIZON BANCORP, INC.
                          526 MAIN STREET, SUITE 204
                          ARKADELPHIA, ARKANSAS 71923

     FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ------------, 1998

               THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

      The undersigned shareholder(s) of HORIZON BANCORP, INC. ("Horizon"),
does hereby nominate, constitute and appoint --------- and ---------- or each
of them (with full power to act alone), true and lawful proxies and
attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, for the undersigned and
in the name, place and stead of the undersigned to vote all of the shares of
Common Stock, $1.00 par value, of Horizon standing in the name of the
undersigned on its books at the close of business on ---------, 1997 at the
Special Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the offices of Horizon, 526
Main Street, Suite 204, Arkadelphia, Arkansas on -------, -----------, 1998,
at ------ a.m. Central Time, and at any adjournments or postponements
thereof, with all the powers the undersigned would possess if personally
present, as follows:

      1.    To consider and vote upon the adoption and approval of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 31, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement"),
pursuant to which Horizon will be merged with and into Ameribanc, Inc., a
Missouri corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Mercantile Bancorporation
Inc. ("MBI"), in a transaction that would result in the business and
operations of Horizon being continued through such wholly owned subsidiary,
and whereby, upon consummation of the merger, each share of Horizon Common
Stock will be converted into the right to receive 4.0301 shares of MBI Common
Stock, as set forth in detail in the accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

                 / / FOR           / / AGAINST             / / ABSTAIN

      2.    To transact such other business as may properly come before the
Special Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

      THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF
THE MERGER AGREEMENT.

      The undersigned hereby revokes any other proxies to vote at such meeting
and hereby ratifies and confirms all that the proxies and attorneys-in-fact,
or each of them, appointed hereunder may lawfully do by virtue hereof.  Said
proxies and attorneys-in-fact, without limiting their general authority, are
specifically authorized to vote in accordance with their best judgment with
respect to all matters incident to the conduct of the Special Meeting.


           (PLEASE SIGN AND DATE ON REVERSE SIDE)    (Continued on Reverse Side)


      THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED
HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER(S).  IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN HEREIN,
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE PROPOSAL LISTED ABOVE.

Dated:  ---------------


                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Signature of Shareholder



                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Signature of Shareholder

When signing as an attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian,
please give full title.  If more than one person holds the power to vote the
same shares, all must sign.  All joint owners must sign.  The undersigned
hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Special Meeting and the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus (with all enclosures and attachments), dated ----------,
1997, relating to the Special Meeting.

PLEASE MARK, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THIS PROXY PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.



<PAGE> 121
                                    PART II

                  INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
                  ------------------------------------------

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

      Sections 351.355(1) and (2) of The General and Business Corporation Law
of the State of Missouri provide that a corporation may indemnify any person
who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened,
pending or completed action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he
is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or
was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust
or other enterprise, against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such
action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful, except that, in the
case of an action or suit by or in the right of the corporation, the
corporation may not indemnify such persons against judgments and fines and no
person shall be indemnified as to any claim, issue or matter as to which such
person shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in
the performance of his duty to the corporation, unless and only to the extent
that the court in which the action or suit was brought determines upon
application that such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity
for proper expenses.  Section 351.355(3) provides that, to the extent that a
director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation has been successful
in the defense of any such action, suit or proceeding or any claim, issue or
matter therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses, including
attorneys' fees, actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such
action, suit or proceeding.  Section 351.355(7) provides that a corporation
may provide additional indemnification to any person indemnifiable under
subsection (1) or (2), provided such additional indemnification is authorized
by the corporation's articles of incorporation or an amendment thereto or by
a shareholder-approved bylaw or agreement, and provided further that no
person shall thereby be indemnified against conduct which was finally
adjudged to have been knowingly fraudulent, deliberately dishonest or willful
misconduct or which involved an accounting for profits pursuant to Section
16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

      Article 12 of the Restated Articles of Incorporation of MBI provides
that MBI shall extend to its directors and executive officers the
indemnification specified in subsections (1) and (2) and the additional
indemnification authorized in subsection (7) and that it may extend to other
officers, employees and agents such indemnification and additional
indemnification.

      Pursuant to directors' and officers' liability insurance policies, with
total annual limits of $45,000,000, MBI's directors and officers are insured,
subject to the limits, retention, exceptions and other terms and conditions
of such policy, against liability for any actual or alleged error,
misstatement, misleading statement, act or omission, or neglect or breach of
duty by the directors or officers of MBI, individually or collectively, or
any matter claimed against them solely by reason of their being directors or
officers of MBI.


                                    II-1
<PAGE> 122

Item 21.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
- ----------------------------------------------------

      A.    Exhibits.  See Exhibit Index.
            --------

      B.    Financial Statement Schedules.  Not Applicable.
            -----------------------------

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

      (1)   Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and
controlling persons of MBI pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
otherwise, MBI has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a
claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by
MBI of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person
of MBI in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with
the securities being registered, MBI will, unless in the opinion of its
counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a
court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

      (2)   MBI hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of MBI's annual
report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's
annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall
be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

      (3)   MBI hereby undertakes as follows:  that prior to any public
reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a prospectus
which is a part of this Registration Statement, by any person or party who is
deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the issuer
undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information
called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by
persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called
for by the other Items of the applicable form.

      (4)   MBI undertakes that every prospectus (i) that is filed pursuant to
paragraph (3) immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet the
requirements of section 10(a)(3) of the Act and is used in connection with an
offering of securities subject to Rule 415 (Section 230.415 of this chapter),
will be filed as a part of an amendment to the Registration Statement and
will not be used until such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offering therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.

      (5)   MBI hereby undertakes to respond to requests for information that
is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b),
11 or 13 of this Form, within one

                                    II-2
<PAGE> 123
business day of receipt of such request and to send the incorporated
documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means.  This includes
information contained in the documents filed subsequent to the effective date
of the Registration Statement through the date of responding to the request.

      (6)   MBI hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-effective
amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being
acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the
Registration Statement when it became effective.

      (7)   MBI hereby undertakes:

            (a)   To file during any period in which offers and sales are
            being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration
            Statement:

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

                  (ii)  To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
                  after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the
                  most recent post-effective amendment thereof), which
                  individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental
                  change in the information set forth in the Registration
                  Statement; notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
                  decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar
                  value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
                  registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the
                  estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form
                  of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule
                  424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price
                  represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate
                  offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration
                  Fee" table in the effective Registration Statement.

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

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

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


                                    II-3
<PAGE> 124


                                  SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of St.
Louis, State of Missouri, on November 24, 1997.

                            MERCANTILE  BANCORPORATION  INC.


                            By  /s/ Thomas H. Jacobsen
                              --------------------------------------------------
                              Thomas H. Jacobsen, Chairman of the Board
                              President and Chief Executive Officer


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               -----------------

      We, the undersigned officers and directors of Mercantile Bancorporation
Inc., hereby severally and individually constitute and appoint Thomas H.
Jacobsen and John Q. Arnold, and each of them, the true and lawful attorneys
and agents of each of us to execute in the name, place and stead of each of
us (individually and in any capacity stated below) any and all amendments to
this Registration Statement on Form S-4, registering the offering by
Mercantile Bancorporation Inc. of shares of its common stock, and the
preferred share purchase rights which trade therewith, with respect to the
acquisition of Horizon Bancorp, Inc., and all instruments necessary or
advisable in connection therewith and to file the same with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, each of said attorneys and agents to have the power
to act with or without the others and to have full power and authority to do
and perform in the name and on behalf of each of the undersigned every act
whatsoever necessary or advisable to be done in the premises as fully and to
all intents and purposes as any of the undersigned might or could do in
person, and we hereby ratify and confirm our signatures as they may be signed
by our said attorneys and agents or each of them to any and all such
amendments and instruments.

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

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

/s/ Thomas H. Jacobsen        Chairman of the Board            November 24, 1997
- ----------------------------  President and Chief Executive
Thomas H. Jacobsen            Officer
Principal Executive Officer


/s/ John Q. Arnold            Vice Chairman and                November 24, 1997
- ----------------------------  Chief Financial Officer
John Q. Arnold
Principal Financial Officer


                                    II-4
<PAGE> 125
<CAPTION>

      Signature                     Title                         Date
      ---------                     -----                         ----
<S>                           <C>                             <C>

/s/ Michael T. Normile        Senior Vice President - Finance November 24, 1997
- ----------------------------  and Control
Michael T. Normile
Principal Accounting Officer


/s/ Richard E. Beumer         Director                        November 24, 1997
- ----------------------------
Richard E. Beumer


/s/ Harry M. Cornell, Jr.     Director                        November 24, 1997
- ----------------------------
Harry M. Cornell, Jr.


                              Director                                   , 1997
- ----------------------------
Carlene M. Ellis


/s/ William A. Hall           Director                        November 24, 1997
- ----------------------------
William A. Hall


/s/ Thomas A. Hays            Director                        November 11, 1997
- ----------------------------
Thomas A. Hays


/s/ Frank Lyon, Jr.           Director                        November 9, 1997
- ----------------------------
Frank Lyon, Jr.


/s/ Robert W. Murray          Director                        November 10, 1997
- ----------------------------
Robert W. Murray


/s/ Harvey Saligman           Director                        November 24, 1997
- ----------------------------
Harvey Saligman


/s/ Craig D. Schnuck          Director                        November 7, 1997
- ----------------------------
Craig D. Schnuck


/s/ Alvin J. Siteman          Director                        November 24, 1997
- ----------------------------
Alvin J. Siteman

                                    II-5
<PAGE> 126
<CAPTION>

      Signature                     Title                         Date
      ---------                     -----                         ----
<S>                           <C>                             <C>

/s/ Robert L. Stark           Director                        November 7, 1997
- ----------------------------
Robert L. Stark


/s/ Patrick T. Stokes         Director                        November 24, 1997
- ----------------------------
Patrick T. Stokes


/s/ John A. Wright            Director                        November 10, 1997
- ----------------------------
John A. Wright

</TABLE>


                                    II-6
<PAGE> 127
<TABLE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number      Description                                                          Page
- ------      -----------                                                          ----
<C>         <S>                                                                  <C>
 2.1        Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 31, 1997,
            by and among MBI, Merger Sub and Horizon.

 2.2        Form of Voting Agreement, dated as of July 31, 1997, and
            entered into by and between MBI and certain of the
            shareholders of Horizon.

 3.1        MBI's Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended and
            currently in effect, filed as Exhibit 3 to MBI's Quarterly
            Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1997,
            incorporated herein by reference.

 3.2        MBI's by-laws, as amended and currently in effect, filed
            as Exhibit 3.2 to Amendment No. 2 to MBI's Registration
            Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-17757), are incorporated
            herein by reference.

 4.1        Form of Indenture Regarding Subordinated Securities between
            MBI and The First National Bank of Chicago, Trustee, filed
            as Exhibit 4.1 to MBI's Report on Form 8-K dated September
            24, 1992, is incorporated herein by reference.

 4.2        Rights Agreement, dated as of May 23, 1988, between MBI and
            Mercantile Bank, as Rights Agent (including as exhibits
            thereto the form of Certificate of Designation, Preferences and
            Rights of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock and the
            form of Right Certificate), filed as Exhibits 1 and 2 to MBI's
            Registration Statement No. 0-6045 on Form 8-A, dated May 24, 1988,
            is incorporated herein by reference.

 4.3        Form of Indenture Regarding Senior Debt Securities, filed as Exhibit
            4.1 to MBI's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-25775), is
            incorporated herein by reference.

 4.4        Form of Indenture Regarding Subordinated Debt Securities, filed as
            Exhibit 4.2 to MBI's Registration Statement on Form S-3
            (No. 333-25775), is incorporated herein by reference.

 4.5        Indenture, dated February 4, 1997, First Supplemental Indenture,
            dated February 4, 1997, and Supplemental Indenture of First
            Supplemental Indenture, dated May 22, 1997, between MBI, as issuer,
            and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Indenture Trustee, filed as
            Exhibits 4.5, 4.6 and 4.12, respectively, to MBI's Registration
            Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-25131), are incorporated herein by
            Reference.

 5.1        Opinion of Thompson Coburn as to the legality of the securities
            being registered.

 8.1        Opinion of Thompson Coburn regarding certain tax matters in
            the Merger.


                                    II-7
<PAGE> 128

<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number      Description                                                          Page
- ------      -----------                                                          ----
<C>         <S>                                                                  <C>
10.1        The Mercantile Bancorporation Inc. 1987 Stock Option Plan, as
            amended, filed as Exhibit 10-3 to MBI's Report on Form 10-K for the
            year ended December 31, 1989, is incorporated herein by reference.

10.2        The Mercantile Bancorporation Inc. Amended and Restated Executive
            Incentive Compensation Plan, filed as Annex H to MBI's definitive
            Proxy Statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, is
            incorporated herein by reference.

10.3        The Mercantile Bancorporation Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan,
            filed as Exhibit 10-7 to MBI's Report on Form 10-K for the year
            ended December 31, 1989, is incorporated herein by reference.

10.4        The Mercantile Bancorporation Inc. 1991 Employee Incentive Plan,
            filed as Exhibit 10-7 to MBI's Report on Form 10-K for the year
            ended December 31, 1990, is incorporated herein by reference.

10.5        Amendment Number One to the Mercantile Bancorporation Inc. 1991
            Employee Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 10-6 to MBI's Report on
            Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, is incorporated
            herein by reference.

10.6        The Mercantile Bancorporation Inc. Amended and Restated Stock
            Incentive Plan, filed as Annex G to MBI's definitive Proxy Statement
            for the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, is incorporated herein
            by reference.

10.7        The Mercantile Bancorporation Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan for
            Non-Employee Directors, filed as Appendix E to MBI's definitive
            Proxy Statement for the 1994 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, is
            incorporated herein by reference.

10.8        The Mercantile Bancorporation Inc. Voluntary Deferred Compensation
            Plan, filed as Appendix D to MBI's definitive Proxy Statement for
            the 1994 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, is incorporated herein by
            reference.

10.9        Form of Employment Agreement for Thomas H. Jacobsen, as amended,
            filed as Exhibit 10-8 to MBI's Report on Form 10-K for the year
            ended December 31, 1989, is incorporated herein by reference.

10.10       Form of Change of Control Employment Agreement for John W. McClure,
            W. Randolph Adams, John Q. Arnold and Certain Other Executive
            Officers, filed as Exhibit 10-10 to MBI's Report on Form 10-K
            for the year ended December 31, 1989, is incorporated herein by
            reference.

10.11       Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated August 4, 1995, by and
            between MBI and Hawkeye Bancorporation, filed as Exhibit 2.1 to
            MBI's Registration Statement (File No. 33-63609), is incorporated
            herein by reference.

10.12       The Mercantile Bancorporation Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan,
            filed as Exhibit 10-12 to MBI's Report on Form 10-K for the year
            ended December 31, 1992, is incorporated herein by reference.

                                    II-8
<PAGE> 129
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number      Description                                                          Page
- ------      -----------                                                          ----
<C>         <S>                                                                  <C>
10.13       Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated October 27, 1996, by and
            among MBI, Ameribanc, Inc. and Mark Twain Bancshares, Inc., filed as
            Exhibit 2.1 to MBI's Report on Form 8-K filed November 6, 1996, is
            incorporated herein by reference.

10.14       Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated January 24,
            1997, by and among MBI, Ameribanc, Inc. and Mark Twain Bancshares,
            Inc., filed as Exhibit 10-16 to Amendment No. 2 to MBI's
            Registration Statement (File No. 333-17757), is incorporated herein
            by reference.

10.15       Stock Option Agreement, dated October 27, 1996, by and between MBI,
            as grantee, and Mark Twain Bancshares, Inc., as issuer, filed as
            Exhibit 2.2 to MBI's Report on Form 8-K filed on November 6, 1996,
            is incorporated herein by reference.

10.16       Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated December 22, 1996, by
            and between MBI and Roosevelt Financial Group, Inc., filed as
            Exhibit 2.1 to MBI's Report on Form 8-K filed on December 30, 1996,
            is incorporated herein by reference.

10.17       Stock Option Agreement, dated December 22, 1996, by and between MBI,
            as grantee, and Roosevelt Financial Group, Inc., as issuer, filed as
            Exhibit 2.1 to MBI's Report on Form 8-K filed on December 30, 1996,
            is incorporated herein by reference.

10.18       Employment Agreement for Alvin J. Siteman, dated November 18, 1996,
            filed as Exhibit 10.3 to MBI's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
            ended March 31, 1997, is incorporated herein by reference.

10.19       Employment Agreement for John P. Dubinsky, dated October 27, 1996,
            filed as Exhibit 10.4 to MBI's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
            ended March 31, 1997, is incorporated herein by reference.

10.20       Employment Agreement for Stanley J. Bradshaw, dated December 22,
            1996, filed as Exhibit 10 to MBI's Report on Form 10-Q for
            the quarter ended June 30, 1997, is incorporated herein by
            reference.

23.1        Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP with regard to the use of its
            reports on MBI's financial statements.

23.2        Consent of Moore Stephens Frost with regard to the use of its report
            on Horizon's financial statements.

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

23.4        Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP with regard to the use of its
            report on Roosevelt's financial statements.

23.5        Consent of Stephens Inc.


                                    II-9
<PAGE> 130

<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number      Description                                                          Page
- ------      -----------                                                          ----
<C>         <S>                                                                  <C>
23.6        Consent of Thompson Coburn (included in Exhibit 5.1).

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

                                    II-10

<PAGE> 1

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



                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

                                     AMONG

                        MERCANTILE BANCORPORATION INC.,
                             A MISSOURI CORPORATION

                                      AND

                                AMERIBANC, INC.,
                             A MISSOURI CORPORATION

                                      AND

                             HORIZON BANCORP, INC.
                            AN ARKANSAS CORPORATION



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


                                 JULY 31, 1997






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



<PAGE> 2

<TABLE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                               -----------------

<CAPTION>
                                                                          Page
                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                       <C>
Recitals                                                                     1

                                   ARTICLE I
                                   ---------

                                   THE MERGER

1.01      The Merger                                                         1
1.02      Closing                                                            1
1.03      Effective Time                                                     1
1.04      Additional Actions                                                 2
1.05      Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws                              2
1.06      Board of Directors and Officers                                    2
1.07      Conversion of Securities                                           2
1.08      Exchange Procedures                                                3
1.09      Dissenting Shares                                                  4
1.10      No Fractional Shares                                               5
1.11      Closing of Stock Transfer Books                                    5
1.12      Anti-Dilution                                                      5
1.13      Reservation of Right to Revise Transaction                         6
1.14      Material Adverse Effect                                            6

                                  ARTICLE II
                                  ----------

                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

2.01      Organization and Authority                                         6
2.02      Subsidiaries                                                       7
2.03      Capitalization                                                     7
2.04      Authorization                                                      8
2.05      Seller Financial Statements                                        9
2.06      Seller Reports                                                     9
2.07      Title to and Condition of Assets                                  10
2.08      Real Property                                                     10
2.09      Taxes                                                             12
2.10      Material Adverse Effect                                           12
2.11      Loans, Commitments and Contracts                                  12
2.12      Absence of Defaults                                               15
2.13      Litigation and Other Proceedings                                  15
2.14      Directors' and Officers' Insurance                                15
2.15      Compliance with Laws                                              15
2.16      Labor                                                             17
2.17      Material Interests of Certain Persons                             17
2.18      Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses; Non-Performing Assets;
          Financial Assets                                                  17

                                    - i -
<PAGE> 3
2.19      Employee Benefit Plans                                            19
2.20      Conduct of Seller to Date                                         20
2.21      Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities                                21
2.22      Proxy Statement, Etc                                              22
2.23      Registration Obligations                                          22
2.24      Tax and Regulatory Matters                                        22
2.25      Brokers and Finders                                               22
2.26      Interest Rate Risk Management Instruments                         22
2.27      Accuracy of Information                                           23
2.28      Year 2000 Compliant                                               23

                                  ARTICLE III
                                  -----------

                  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BUYERS

3.01      Organization and Authority                                        23
3.02      Capitalization of Mercantile                                      23
3.03      Authorization                                                     24
3.04      Mercantile Financial Statements                                   25
3.05      Mercantile Reports                                                25
3.06      Material Adverse Effect                                           26
3.07      Registration Statement, Etc                                       26
3.08      Brokers and Finders                                               26

                                  ARTICLE IV
                                  ----------

               CONDUCT OF BUSINESSES PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME

4.01      Conduct of Businesses Prior to the Effective Time                 26
4.02      Forbearances of Seller                                            26
4.03      Forbearances of the Buyers                                        29

                                   ARTICLE V
                                   ---------

                             ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

5.01      Access and Information; Due Diligence                             29
5.02      Registration Statement; Regulatory Matters                        30
5.03      Shareholder Approval                                              30
5.04      Current Information                                               31
5.05      Conforming Entries                                                31
5.06      Environmental Reports                                             32
5.07      Agreements of Affiliates                                          32
5.08      Expenses                                                          33
5.09      Miscellaneous Agreements and Consents                             33
5.10      Employee Agreements and Benefits                                  33
5.11      Press Releases                                                    34
5.12      State Takeover Statutes                                           34

                                    - ii -
<PAGE> 4
5.13      Directors' and Officers' Indemnification                          34
5.14      Tax Opinion Certificates                                          35
5.15      Best Efforts to Insure Pooling                                    35

                                  ARTICLE VI
                                  ----------

                                  CONDITIONS

6.01      Conditions to Each Party's Obligation To Effect the Merger        35
6.02      Conditions to Obligations of Seller                               36
6.03      Conditions to Obligations of the Buyers                           36

                                  ARTICLE VII
                                  -----------

                       TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

7.01      Termination                                                       37
7.02      Effect of Termination                                             38
7.03      Amendment                                                         38
7.04      Waiver                                                            38

                                 ARTICLE VIII
                                 ------------

                              GENERAL PROVISIONS

8.01      Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements        39
8.02      Indemnification                                                   39
8.03      No Assignment; Successors and Assigns                             39
8.04      Severability                                                      40
8.05      No Implied Waiver                                                 40
8.06      Headings                                                          40
8.07      Entire Agreement                                                  40
8.08      Counterparts                                                      40
8.09      Notices                                                           40
8.10      Governing Law                                                     41

Exhibit A - Affiliate Letter
Exhibit B - Director/Officer Certificate
Exhibit C - Shareholder Certificate
Exhibit D - Buyer's Opinion
Exhibit E - Seller's Opinion

</TABLE>

                                    - iii -
<PAGE> 5

                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
                          ----------------------------


            This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this "Agreement"), made and
entered into as of July 31, 1997 by and among Mercantile Bancorporation Inc.,
a Missouri corporation ("Mercantile"), Ameribanc, Inc., a Missouri corporation
("Merger Sub" and, collectively, with Mercantile, the "Buyers"), and Horizon
Bancorp, Inc., an Arkansas corporation ("Seller").

            WHEREAS, Merger Sub is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercantile,
and each of Mercantile and Merger Sub is a registered bank holding company
under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHCA"); and

            WHEREAS, Seller is registered as a bank holding company under the
BHCA; and

            WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of Seller and Merger
Sub and the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of Mercantile have
approved the merger (the "Merger") of Seller with and into Merger Sub pursuant
to the terms and subject to the conditions contained in this Agreement; and

            WHEREAS, the parties desire to provide certain undertakings,
conditions, representations, warranties and covenants in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

            NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the
representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, the parties agree
as follows:


                                   ARTICLE I
                                   ---------

                                   THE MERGER

            1.01    The Merger.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this
                    ----------
Agreement, Seller shall be merged with and into Merger Sub in accordance with
Chapter 351 of the Missouri Revised Statutes (the "Missouri Statute") and the
provisions of the Arkansas Business Corporation Act (the "Arkansas Statute"),
and the separate corporate existence of Seller shall cease.  Merger Sub shall
be the surviving corporation (sometimes hereinafter referred to as the
"Surviving Corporation") and shall continue to be governed by the laws of the
State of Missouri.

            1.02    Closing.  The closing (the "Closing") of the Merger,
                    -------
unless the parties hereto shall otherwise mutually agree, shall take place at
the offices of Mercantile in St. Louis, Missouri, at 10:00 am, local time, on
the date that the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.03) occurs (the
"Closing Date").

            1.03    Effective Time.  The Merger shall become effective (the
                    --------------
"Effective Time") upon the later of (i) the issuance of a Certificate of
Merger by the Office of the Secretary of State of the State

                                    - 1 -
<PAGE> 6
of Missouri and (ii) the filing of Articles of Merger with the Office of the
Secretary of State of the State of Arkansas.  Unless otherwise mutually agreed
in writing by Buyers and Seller, subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, the Effective Time shall occur on such date as Buyers shall notify
Seller in writing (such notice to be at least five business days in advance of
the Effective Time) but (i) not earlier than the satisfaction of all conditions
set forth in Section 6.01(a) and 6.01(b) (the "Approval Date") and (ii) not
later than the first business day of the first full calendar month commencing
at least five business days after the Approval Date.  On the Closing Date, the
parties hereto will cause the Merger to be consummated by delivering to the
Secretary of State of the State of Missouri and the Secretary of State of the
State of Arkansas, for filing, Articles of Merger in such form as required by,
and executed and acknowledged in accordance with, the relevant provisions of
the Missouri Statute and the Arkansas Statute.

            1.04    Additional Actions.  If, at any time after the Effective
                    ------------------
Time, the Surviving Corporation shall consider or be advised that any further
deeds, assignments or assurances in law or any other acts are necessary or
desirable to (a) vest, perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in the
Surviving Corporation its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the
rights, properties or assets of Seller or Merger Sub, or (b) otherwise carry
out the purposes of this Agreement, Seller and its officers and directors
shall be deemed to have granted to the Surviving Corporation an irrevocable
power of attorney to execute and deliver all such deeds, assignments or
assurances in law and to do all acts necessary or proper to vest, perfect or
confirm title to and possession of such rights, properties or assets in the
Surviving Corporation and otherwise to carry out the purposes of this
Agreement, and the officers and directors of the Surviving Corporation are
authorized in the name of Seller or otherwise to take any and all such action.

            1.05    Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws.  The  Articles of
                    -------------------------------------
Incorporation and By-Laws of Merger Sub in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall be the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the
Surviving Corporation, unless otherwise appealed or amended.

            1.06    Board of Directors and Officers.  At the Effective Time,
                    -------------------------------
the directors and officers of Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective
Time shall be the directors and officers, respectively, of the Surviving
Corporation following the Merger, and such directors and officers shall hold
office in accordance with the Surviving Corporation's By-Laws and applicable
law.

            1.07    Conversion of Securities.
                    ------------------------

            At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any
action on the part of the Buyers, Seller or the holder of any of the following
securities:

                    (a)   Each share of the common stock, $1.00 par value, of
            Merger Sub that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
            Effective Time shall remain outstanding and shall be unchanged
            after the Merger and shall thereafter constitute all of the issued
            and outstanding capital stock of the Surviving Corporation; and

                    (b)   Subject to Sections 1.10 and 1.12 hereof, each share
            of common stock, $1.00 par value, of Seller ("Seller Common
            Stock") issued and outstanding at the Effective Time (other than
            any shares held by Seller, Mercantile or any of their

                                    - 2 -
<PAGE> 7
            respective Subsidiaries (as defined in Section 2.02 hereof) (in each
            case other than in a fiduciary capacity or as a result of debts
            previously contracted), which shall be cancelled, and other than
            any Dissenting Shares (as defined in Section 1.09)), shall cease
            to be outstanding and shall be converted into and become the right
            to receive 2.6867 shares (the "Exchange Ratio") of common stock,
            $0.01 par value, and the associated "Rights" under the "Rights
            Agreement," as those terms are defined in Section 3.02 hereof, of
            Mercantile (collectively, "Mercantile Common Stock").  The
            Exchange Ratio was computed by (i) aggregating (A) the total
            number of shares of Seller Common Stock that were issued and
            outstanding on the date of this Agreement (as set forth in Section
            2.03 hereof) with (B) the total number of shares of Seller Common
            Stock that are reserved for issuance pursuant to options,
            warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments
            relating to, or securities or rights convertible into, Seller
            Common Stock (as set forth in Section 2.03 hereof) and dividing
            such number of shares of Seller Common Stock (computed by
            aggregating (A) and (B) hereof) into (ii) 1,700,000, the aggregate
            number of shares of Mercantile Common Stock to be issued in the
            Merger.  For purposes of this Agreement, and notwithstanding
            Section 1.12 hereof, after the payment of the three-for-two
            Mercantile Common Stock dividend that is payable on October 1,
            1997 to shareholders of record of Mercantile as of September 10,
            1997 (the "Stock Dividend"), the Exchange Ratio shall equal 4.0301
            and the aggregate number of shares of Mercantile Common Stock to
            be issued in the Merger shall not exceed 2,550,000.

            1.08    Exchange Procedures.
                    -------------------

                    (a)   As soon as practicable following the Effective Time,
            Mercantile shall mail or cause to be mailed to holders of record
            of certificates formerly representing shares of Seller Common
            Stock (the "Certificates"), as identified on the Seller
            Shareholder List (as provided pursuant to Section 1.11 hereof),
            letters advising them of the effectiveness of the Merger and
            instructing them to tender such Certificates to Mercantile or its
            duly appointed agent as exchange agent (the "Exchange Agent"), or
            in lieu thereof, such evidence of lost, stolen or mutilated
            Certificates and such surety bond or other security as the
            Exchange Agent may reasonably require (the "Required
            Documentation").

                    (b)   Subject to Section 1.11, after the Effective Time,
            each previous holder of a Certificate that surrenders such
            Certificate or in lieu thereof, the Required Documentation, to the
            Exchange Agent, with a properly completed and executed letter of
            transmittal with respect to such Certificate, will be entitled to
            a certificate or certificates representing the number of full
            shares of Mercantile Common Stock into which the Certificate so
            surrendered shall have been converted pursuant to this Agreement,
            and any distribution theretofore declared and not yet paid with
            respect to such shares of Mercantile Common Stock and any amount
            due with respect to fractional shares, without interest (the
            "Merger Consideration").  Such shares of Mercantile Common Stock,
            any amount due with respect to fractional shares and any
            distribution shall be delivered by Mercantile to each such holder
            as promptly as practicable after such surrender.

                                    - 3 -
<PAGE> 8
                    (c)   Each outstanding Certificate, until duly surrendered
            to the Exchange Agent, shall be deemed to evidence ownership of
            the Merger Consideration into which the stock previously
            represented by such Certificate shall have been converted pursuant
            to this Agreement.

                    (d)   After the Effective Time, holders of Certificates
            shall cease to have rights with respect to the stock previously
            represented by such Certificates, and their sole rights shall be
            to exchange such Certificates for the Merger Consideration.  After
            the closing of the transfer books as described in Section 1.11
            hereof, there shall be no further transfer on the records of
            Seller of Certificates, and if such Certificates are presented to
            Seller for transfer, they shall be cancelled against delivery of
            the Merger Consideration.  Neither Buyers nor the Exchange Agent
            shall be obligated to deliver the Merger Consideration until such
            holder surrenders the Certificates or furnishes the Required
            Documentation as provided herein.  No dividends or distributions
            declared after the Effective Time (including any redemption by
            Mercantile of the Rights associated therewith) on the Mercantile
            Common Stock will be remitted to any person entitled to receive
            Mercantile Common Stock under this Agreement until such person
            surrenders the Certificate representing the right to receive such
            Mercantile Common Stock or furnishes the Required Documentation,
            at which time such dividends or declarations shall be remitted to
            such person, without interest and less any taxes that may have
            been imposed thereon.  Certificates surrendered for exchange by an
            affiliate shall not be exchanged until Buyers have received a
            written agreement from such affiliate as required pursuant to
            Section 5.07 hereof.  Neither the Exchange Agent nor any party to
            this Agreement nor any affiliate thereof shall be liable to any
            holder of stock represented by any Certificate for any Merger
            Consideration issuable or payable in the Merger that is paid to a
            public official pursuant to applicable abandoned property, escheat
            or similar laws.

            1.09    Dissenting Shares.
                    -----------------

                    (a)   "Dissenting Shares" means any shares held by any
            holder who becomes entitled to payment of the fair value of such
            shares under Subchapter 13 of the Arkansas Statute.  Any holders
            of Dissenting Shares shall be entitled to payment for such shares
            only to the extent permitted by and in accordance with the
            provisions of such law and Mercantile shall cause the Surviving
            Corporation to pay such consideration with funds provided by
            Mercantile.

                    (b)   Each party hereto shall give the other prompt notice
            of any written demands for the payment of the fair value of any
            shares, withdrawals of such demands, and any other instruments,
            served pursuant to the Arkansas Statute received by such party and
            Seller shall give Mercantile the opportunity to participate in all
            negotiations and proceedings with respect to such demands.  Seller
            shall not voluntarily make any payment with respect to any demands
            for payment of fair value and shall not, except with the prior
            written consent of Mercantile, which consent shall not be
            unreasonably withheld, settle or offer to settle any such demands.

                                    - 4 -
<PAGE> 9

            1.10    No Fractional Shares.  Notwithstanding any other provision
                    --------------------
of this Agreement, neither certificates nor scrip for fractional shares of
Mercantile Common Stock shall be issued in the Merger.  Each holder of shares
of Seller Common Stock who otherwise would have been entitled to a fraction of
a share of Mercantile Common Stock shall receive (by check from the Exchange
Agent, mailed to the shareholder with the certificate(s) for Mercantile Common
Stock which such holder is to receive pursuant to the Merger) in lieu thereof,
and at the time such holder receives the shares of Mercantile Common Stock to
which the holder is entitled, cash (without interest) in an amount determined
by multiplying the fractional share interest to which such holder would
otherwise be entitled by the closing stock price of Mercantile Common Stock on
the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") Composite Tape as reported in The
Wall Street Journal on the Closing Date.  No such holder shall be entitled to
dividends, voting rights or any other rights in respect of any fractional
share.

            1.11    Closing of Stock Transfer Books.
                    -------------------------------

                    (a)   The stock transfer books of Seller shall be closed
            at the end of business on the business day immediately preceding
            the Closing Date.  In the event of a transfer of ownership of
            Seller Common Stock that is not registered in the transfer records
            prior to the closing of such record books, the Merger
            Consideration issuable or payable with respect to such stock may
            be delivered to the transferee, if the Certificate or Certificates
            representing such stock is presented to the Exchange Agent
            accompanied by all documents required to evidence and effect such
            transfer and all applicable stock transfer taxes are paid.

                    (b)   At the Effective Time, Seller shall provide Buyers
            with a complete and verified list of registered holders of Seller
            Common Stock based upon its stock transfer books as of the closing
            of said transfer books, including the names, addresses,
            certificate numbers and taxpayer identification numbers of such
            holders (the "Seller Shareholder List").  Buyers shall be entitled
            to rely upon the Seller Shareholder List to establish the identity
            of those persons entitled to receive the Merger Consideration,
            which list shall be conclusive with respect thereto.  In the event
            of a dispute with respect to ownership of stock represented by any
            Certificate, Buyers shall be entitled to deposit any Merger
            Consideration represented thereby in escrow with an independent
            third party and thereafter be relieved with respect to any claims
            thereto.

            1.12    Anti-Dilution.  Other than the adjustment to the Exchange
                    -------------
Ratio set forth in Section 1.07 hereof with respect to the Stock Dividend, if
between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time a share of
Mercantile Common Stock shall be changed into a different number of shares of
Mercantile Common Stock or a different class of shares by reason of
reclassification, recapitalization, split-up, combination, exchange of shares
or readjustment, or if a stock dividend thereon shall be declared with a
record date within such period, then appropriate and proportionate adjustment
or adjustments will be made to the Exchange Ratio such that each shareholder
of Seller shall be entitled to receive such number of shares of Mercantile
Common Stock or other securities as such shareholder would have received
pursuant to such reclassification, recapitalization, split-up, combination,
exchange of shares or readjustment or as a result of such stock dividend had
the record date therefor been immediately following the Effective Time.

                                    - 5 -
<PAGE> 10

            1.13    Reservation of Right to Revise Transaction.  Buyers may at
                    ------------------------------------------
any time change the method of effecting the acquisition of Seller by Buyers
(including, without limitation, the provisions of this Article I) if and to
the extent Buyers deem such change to be desirable, including, without
limitation, to provide for (i) a merger of Merger Sub with and into Seller, in
which Seller is the surviving corporation, or (ii) a merger of Seller directly
into Mercantile, in which Mercantile is the surviving corporation; provided,
however, that no such change shall (A) alter or change the amount or kind of
the consideration to be received by the shareholders of Seller in the Merger,
(B) adversely affect the tax treatment to Seller shareholders, as generally
described in Section 6.01(e) hereof, or (C) materially impede or delay receipt
of any approvals, referred to in Section 6.01(b) or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

            1.14    Material Adverse Effect.  As used in this Agreement, the
                    -----------------------
term "Material Adverse Effect" with respect to an entity means any condition,
event, change or occurrence that has or may reasonably be expected to have a
material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), properties,
business or results of operations, of such entity and its Subsidiaries, taken
as a whole as reflected in the Seller Financial Statements (as defined in
Section 2.05(b)) or the Mercantile Financial Statements (as defined in Section
3.04), as the case may be; it being understood that a Material Adverse Effect
shall not include: (i) a change with respect to, or effect on, such entity and
its Subsidiaries resulting from a change in law, rule, regulation, generally
accepted accounting principles or regulatory accounting principles; (ii) a
change with respect to, or effect on, such entity and its Subsidiaries
resulting from any other matter affecting depository institutions generally
including, without limitation, changes in general economic conditions and
changes in prevailing interest and deposit rates; (iii) in the case of Seller,
any financial change resulting from adjustments taken pursuant to Section 5.05
hereof; or (iv) a change disclosed in the Seller Financial Statements or the
Mercantile Financial Statements, as the case may be.


                                   ARTICLE II
                                   ----------

                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

            As an inducement to the Buyers to enter into and perform their
respective obligations under this Agreement, and notwithstanding any
examinations, inspections, audits and other investigations made by the Buyers,
Seller hereby represents and warrants to the Buyers as follows:

            2.01    Organization and Authority.  Seller is a corporation duly
                    --------------------------
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State
of Arkansas, is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in all
jurisdictions where its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its
business requires it to be so qualified and has the corporate power and
authority to own its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it
is now being conducted.  Seller is registered as a bank holding company with
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve
Board") under the BHCA.  True and complete copies of the Articles of
Incorporation and By-Laws of Seller and the Charter and By-Laws of Horizon
Bank, an Arkansas state-chartered bank and wholly owned subsidiary of Seller
("Horizon Bank"), each as in effect on the date of this Agreement, are
attached hereto as Schedule 2.01.  Also attached hereto as Schedule 2.01 are
                   -------------                           -------------
true and complete lists of the

                                    - 6 -
<PAGE> 11
shareholders of each of the Seller and Horizon Bank (including directors'
qualifying shares), as of a date not earlier than the fifth business day prior
to the date of this Agreement.

            2.02    Subsidiaries.
                    ------------

                    (a)   Schedule 2.02 sets forth, a complete and correct
                          -------------
            list of all of Seller's "Subsidiaries" (as defined in Rule 1-02 of
            Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange
            Commission (the "SEC"); each a "Seller Subsidiary" and,
            collectively, the "Seller Subsidiaries"), and all outstanding
            Equity Securities (as defined in Section 2.03) of each, all of
            which are owned directly or indirectly by Seller.  Except as
            disclosed in Schedule 2.02, all of the outstanding shares of
                         -------------
            capital stock of the Seller Subsidiaries owned directly or
            indirectly by Seller are validly issued, fully paid and
            nonassessable and are owned free and clear of any lien, claim,
            charge, option, encumbrance, agreement, mortgage, pledge, security
            interest or restriction (a "Lien") with respect thereto.  Each of
            the Seller Subsidiaries is a corporation or bank duly incorporated
            or organized and validly existing under the laws of its
            jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, and has corporate
            power and authority to own or lease its properties and assets and
            to carry on its business as it is now being conducted.  Each of
            the Seller Subsidiaries is duly qualified to do business in each
            jurisdiction where its ownership or leasing of property or the
            conduct of its business requires it so to be qualified, except
            where the failure to so qualify would not have a Material Adverse
            Effect on Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
            Neither Seller nor any Seller Subsidiary owns beneficially,
            directly or indirectly, any shares of any class of Equity
            Securities or similar interests of any corporation, bank, business
            trust, association or organization, or any interest in a
            partnership or joint venture of any kind, other than those
            identified as Seller Subsidiaries in Schedule 2.02 hereof.
                                                 -------------

                    (b)   Horizon Bank is a commercial bank duly organized,
            validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State
            of Arkansas.  The deposits of Horizon Bank are insured by the
            Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC") under the
            Federal Deposit Insurance Act of 1950, as amended (the "FDI Act").

            2.03    Capitalization.  The authorized capital stock of Seller
                    --------------
consists of (i) 2,000,000 shares of Seller Common Stock, of which, as of the
date hereof, 666,240 shares were issued and 632,743 shares were outstanding
and (ii) 25,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $100.00 par value, of Seller, of
which, as of the date hereof, no shares were issued and outstanding.  As of
the date hereof, Seller had not reserved any shares of Seller Common Stock for
issuance and no Seller stock options were outstanding.  Except as set forth
above, there are no other Equity Securities of Seller outstanding.  "Equity
Securities" of an issuer means capital stock or other equity securities of
such issuer, options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or
commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights
convertible into, shares of any capital stock or other equity securities of
such issuer, or contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by
which such issuer is or may become bound to issue additional shares of its
capital stock or other equity securities of such issuer, or options, warrants,
scrip or rights to purchase, acquire, subscribe to, calls on or commitments
for any shares of its capital stock or other equity securities.  All of the
issued and outstanding shares of Seller Common Stock are validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable, and have not been issued in violation of any
preemptive right of any

                                    - 7 -
<PAGE> 12
shareholder of Seller.  Neither Seller nor any Seller Subsidiary has taken or
agreed to take any action or has any knowledge of any fact or circumstance and
neither Seller nor any Seller Subsidiary will take any action that would prevent
the Merger from qualifying for pooling-of-interests accounting treatment.

            2.04    Authorization.
                    -------------

                    (a)   Seller has the corporate power and authority to
            enter into this Agreement and, subject to the approval of this
            Agreement by the shareholders of Seller and Regulatory Authorities
            (as defined in Section 2.06), to carry out its obligations
            hereunder.  The only shareholder vote required for Seller to
            approve this Agreement is the affirmative vote of the holders of a
            majority of the outstanding shares of Seller Common Stock entitled
            to vote at a meeting called for such purpose.  The execution,
            delivery and performance of this Agreement by Seller and the
            consummation by Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby in
            accordance with and subject to the terms of this Agreement have
            been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of Seller.  Subject
            to the approval of Seller's shareholders and subject to the
            receipt of such approvals of the Regulatory Authorities as may be
            required by statute or regulation, this Agreement is a valid and
            binding obligation of Seller enforceable against Seller in
            accordance with its terms.

                    (b)   Neither the execution nor delivery nor performance
            by Seller of this Agreement, nor the consummation by Seller of the
            transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by Seller with
            any of the provisions hereof, will (i) violate, conflict with, or
            result in a breach of any provisions of, or constitute a default
            (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would
            constitute a default) under, or result in the termination of, or
            accelerate the performance required by, or result in a right of
            termination or acceleration of, or result in the creation of, any
            Lien upon any of the properties or assets of Seller or any of the
            Seller Subsidiaries under any of the terms, conditions or
            provisions of (x) its Articles of Incorporation, charter or
            By-Laws or (y) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust,
            license, lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to
            which Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries is a party or by
            which it may be bound, or to which Seller or any of the Seller
            Subsidiaries or any of the properties or assets of Seller or any
            of the Seller Subsidiaries may be subject, or (ii) subject to
            compliance with the statutes and regulations referred to in
            subsection (c) of this Section 2.04 violate any judgment, ruling,
            order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation
            applicable to Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries or any of
            their respective properties or assets.

                    (c)   Other than in connection or in compliance with the
            provisions of the Missouri Statute, the Arkansas Statute, the
            Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations
            thereunder (the "Securities Act"), the Securities Exchange Act of
            1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the
            "Exchange Act"), the securities or blue sky laws of the various
            states or filings, consents, reviews, authorizations, approvals or
            exemptions required under the BHCA, or any required approvals of
            the Federal Reserve Board and the Commissioner of the State Bank
            Department of the State of Arkansas (the "Arkansas Commissioner")
            or other

                                    - 8 -
<PAGE> 13
            governmental agencies or governing boards having regulatory
            authority over Seller or any Seller Subsidiary, no notice to, filing
            with, exemption or review by, or authorization, consent or approval
            of, any public body or authority is necessary for the consummation
            by Seller of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

            2.05    Seller Financial Statements.
                    ---------------------------

                    (a)   Attached hereto as Schedule 2.05(a) are copies of
                                             ----------------
            the following documents:

                          (i)   Audited consolidated balance sheets of Seller
                    as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, related audited
                    consolidated statements of income, changes in
                    shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three
                    (3) years in the period ended December 31, 1996, together
                    with the notes thereto, audited by Seller's independent
                    auditors;

                          (ii)  Unaudited consolidated balance sheets of
                    Seller as of March 31, 1997 and 1996 and related
                    consolidated statements of income and changes in
                    shareholders' equity for the three-month period ended
                    March 31, 1997;

                          (iii) The Form F.R. Y-9C and F.R. Y-9LP reports of
                    Seller as of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and as of
                    March 31, 1997 and the Form F.R.Y-6 reports of Seller as
                    of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and any Form F.R. Y-6A
                    reports of Seller filed since January 1, 1997; and

                          (iv)  The Consolidated Reports of Condition and
                    Income of Horizon Bank as of and for the years ended
                    December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and as of and for the
                    three-months ended March 31, 1997, as filed by Horizon
                    Bank with the FDIC.

                    (b)   The financial statements contained in the document
            referenced in Schedule 2.05(a) are referred to collectively as the
                          ----------------
            "Seller Financial Statements."  The Seller Financial Statements
            have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
            accounting principles ("GAAP") or regulatory accounting
            principles, as the case may be, consistently applied during the
            periods involved, and present fairly the consolidated financial
            position of Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries at the dates
            thereof and the consolidated results of operations, changes in
            shareholders' equity and cash flows of Seller and the Seller
            Subsidiaries for the periods stated therein.

                    (c)   Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries have each
            prepared, kept and maintained through the date hereof true,
            correct and complete financial and other books and records of
            their affairs which fairly reflect their respective financial
            conditions, results of operations, changes in shareholders' equity
            and cash flows.

            2.06    Seller Reports.  Since January 1, 1995, each of Seller and
                    --------------
the Seller Subsidiaries has timely filed all material reports, registrations
and statements, together with any required amendments

                                    - 9 -
<PAGE> 14
thereto, that it was required to file with (i) the Federal Reserve Board, (ii)
the FDIC, (iii) the Arkansas Commissioner and (iv) any federal, state, municipal
or local government, securities, banking, savings and loan, environmental,
insurance and other governmental or regulatory authority, and the agencies and
staffs thereof (the entities in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iv) being
referred to herein collectively as the "Regulatory Authorities" and individually
as a "Regulatory Authority"), having jurisdiction over the affairs of it.  All
such material reports and statements filed with any such Regulatory Authority
are collectively referred to herein as the "Seller Reports."  As of each of
their respective dates, the Seller Reports complied in all material respects
with all the rules and regulations promulgated by the applicable Regulatory
Authority.  With respect to Seller Reports filed with the Regulatory
Authorities, there is no material unresolved violation, criticism or exception
by any Regulatory Authority with respect to any report or statement filed by,
or any examinations of, Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries.

            2.07    Title to and Condition of Assets.
                    --------------------------------

                    (a)   Except as may be reflected in the Seller Financial
            Statements and with the exception of all "Real Property" (which is
            the subject of Section 2.08 hereof) Seller and the Seller
            Subsidiaries have, and at the Closing Date will have, good and
            marketable title to their owned properties and assets, including,
            without limitation, those reflected in the Seller Financial
            Statements (except those disposed of in the ordinary course of
            business since the date thereof), free and clear of any Lien,
            except for Liens for (i) taxes, assessments or other governmental
            charges not yet delinquent and (ii) as set forth or described in
            the Seller Financial Statements or any subsequent Seller Financial
            Statements delivered to Buyers prior to the Effective Time.

                    (b)   No material properties or assets that are reflected
            as owned by Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries in the Seller
            Financial Statements as of March 31, 1997 have been sold, leased,
            transferred, assigned or otherwise disposed of since such date,
            except in the ordinary course of business.

                    (c)   All furniture, fixtures, vehicles, machinery and
            equipment and computer software owned or used by Seller or the
            Seller Subsidiaries, including any such items leased as a lessee
            (taken as a whole as to each of the foregoing with no single item
            deemed to be of material importance) are in good working order and
            free of known defects, subject only to normal wear and tear.  The
            operation by Seller or the Seller Subsidiaries of such properties
            and assets is in compliance in all material respects with all
            applicable laws, ordinances and rules and regulations of any
            governmental authority having jurisdiction over such use.

            2.08    Real Property.
                    -------------

                    (a)   The legal description of each parcel of real
            property owned by Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries (other
            than real property acquired in foreclosure or in lieu of
            foreclosure in the course of the collection of loans and being
            held by Seller or a Seller Subsidiary for disposition as required
            by law) is set forth in Schedule 2.08(a) under the heading "Owned
                                    ----------------
            Real Property" (such real property being herein referred to as the
            "Owned Real Property").  The legal description of each parcel of
            real property leased by

                                    - 10 -
<PAGE> 15
            Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries is also set forth in
            Schedule 2.08(a) under the heading "Leased Real Property" (such real
            ----------------
            property being herein referred to as the "Leased Real Property").
            Seller shall update Schedule 2.08(a) within ten (10) days of
            acquiring or leasing any real property after the date hereof.
            Collectively, the Owned Real Property and the Leased Real Property
            is herein referred to as the "Real Property."

                    (b)   There is no pending action involving Seller or any
            of the Seller Subsidiaries as to the title of or the right to use
            any of the Real Property.

                    (c)   Neither Seller nor any of the Seller Subsidiaries
            has any interest in any other real property except interests as a
            mortgagee, and except for any real property acquired in
            foreclosure or in lieu of foreclosure and being held for
            disposition as required by law.

                    (d)   None of the buildings, structures or other
            improvements located on the Real Property encroaches upon or over
            any adjoining parcel of real estate or any easement or
            right-of-way or "setback" line and all such buildings, structures
            and improvements are located and constructed in conformity with
            all applicable zoning ordinances and building codes.

                    (e)   None of the buildings, structures or improvements
            located on the Owned Real Property are the subject of any official
            complaint or notice by any governmental authority of violation of
            any applicable zoning ordinance or building code, and there is no
            zoning ordinance, building code, use or occupancy restriction or
            condemnation action or proceeding pending, or, to the best
            knowledge of Seller, threatened, with respect to any such
            building, structure or improvement.  The Owned Real Property is in
            generally good condition for its intended purpose, ordinary wear
            and tear excepted, and has been maintained in accordance with
            reasonable and prudent business practices applicable to like
            facilities.

                    (f)   Except as may be reflected in the Seller Financial
            Statements or with respect to such easements, Liens, defects or
            encumbrances as do not individually or in the aggregate materially
            adversely affect the use or value of the parcel of Owned Real
            Property, Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries have, and at the
            Closing Date will have, good and marketable title to their
            respective Owned Real Properties.

                    (g)   Neither Seller nor any of the Seller Subsidiaries
            has caused or allowed the generation, treatment, storage, disposal
            or release at any Real Property of any Toxic Substance, except in
            accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and
            regulations.  "Toxic Substance" means any hazardous, toxic or
            dangerous substance, pollutant, waste, gas or material, including,
            without limitation, petroleum and petroleum products, metals,
            liquids, semi-solids or solids, that are regulated under any
            federal, state or local statute, ordinance, rule, regulation or
            other law pertaining to environmental protection, contamination,
            quality, waste management or cleanup.

                                    - 11 -
<PAGE> 16

                    (h)   Except as disclosed on Schedule 2.08(a), there are
                                                 ----------------
            no underground storage tanks located on, in or under any Owned
            Real Property.  Neither Seller nor any Seller Subsidiaries own or
            operate any underground storage tank at any Leased Real Property.

            2.09    Taxes.  Seller and each Seller Subsidiary have timely
                    -----
filed or will timely file (including extensions) all tax returns required to
be filed at or prior to the Closing Date ("Seller Returns").  Each of Seller
and the Seller Subsidiaries has paid, or set up adequate reserves on the
Seller Financial Statements for the payment of, all taxes required to be paid
in respect of the periods covered by such Seller Returns and has set up
adequate reserves on the most recent Seller Financial Statements for the
payment of all taxes anticipated to be payable in respect of all periods up to
and including the latest period covered by such Seller Financial Statements.
Neither Seller nor any Seller Subsidiary has any liability for any such taxes
in excess of the amounts so paid or reserves so established, and no
deficiencies for any tax, assessment or governmental charge have been
proposed, asserted or assessed (tentatively or definitely) against Seller or
any of the Seller Subsidiaries which would not be covered by existing
reserves.  Neither Seller nor any of the Seller Subsidiaries is delinquent in
the payment of any tax, assessment or governmental charge, nor has it
requested any extension of time within which to file any tax returns in
respect of any fiscal year which have not since been filed and no requests for
waivers of the time to assess any tax are pending.  No federal or state income
tax return of Seller or any Seller Subsidiaries has been audited by the
Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") or any state tax authority for the seven
(7) most recent full calendar years.  There is no deficiency or refund
litigation or, to the best knowledge of Seller, matter in controversy with
respect to Seller Returns.  Neither Seller nor any of the Seller Subsidiaries
has extended or waived any statute of limitations on the assessment of any tax
due that is currently in effect.

            2.10    Material Adverse Effect.  Since March 31, 1997, there has
                    -----------------------
been no Material Adverse Effect on Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries, taken
as a whole.

            2.11    Loans, Commitments and Contracts.
                    --------------------------------

                    (a)   Schedule 2.11(a) contains a complete and accurate
                          ----------------
            listing as of the date hereof of all contracts entered into with
            respect to deposits of $500,000 or more, by account, and all loan
            agreements and commitments, notes, security agreements, repurchase
            agreements, bankers' acceptances, outstanding letters of credit
            and commitments to issue letters of credit, participation
            agreements, and other documents relating to or involving
            extensions of credit and other commitments to extend credit by
            Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries with respect to any one
            entity or related group of entities in excess of $500,000 to which
            Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries is a party or by which it
            is bound, by account, and, where applicable, such other
            information as shall be necessary to identify any related group of
            entities.

                    (b)   Except for the contracts and agreements required to
            be listed on Schedule 2.11(a) and the loans required to be listed
                         ----------------
            on Schedule 2.11(f), and except as otherwise listed on Schedule
               ----------------                                    --------
            2.11(b), as of the date hereof neither Seller nor any of the
            -------
            Seller Subsidiaries is a party to or is bound by any:

                                    - 12 -
<PAGE> 17
                          (i)   agreement, contract, arrangement,
                    understanding or commitment with any labor union;

                          (ii)  franchise or license agreement;

                          (iii) written employment, severance, termination
                    pay, agency, consulting or similar agreement or commitment
                    in respect of personal services;

                          (iv)  material agreement, arrangement or commitment
                    (A) not made in the ordinary course of business, and (B)
                    pursuant to which Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries
                    is or may become obligated to invest in or contribute to
                    any Seller Subsidiary other than pursuant to Seller
                    Employee Plans (as that term is defined in Section 2.19
                    hereof) and agreements relating to joint ventures or
                    partnerships set forth in Schedule 2.02, true and complete
                                              -------------
                    copies of which have been furnished to Buyers;

                          (v)   agreement, indenture or other instrument not
                    disclosed in the Seller Financial Statements relating to
                    the borrowing of money by Seller or any of the Seller
                    Subsidiaries or the guarantee by Seller or any of the
                    Seller Subsidiaries of any such obligation (other than
                    trade payables or instruments related to transactions
                    entered into in the ordinary course of business by Seller
                    or any of the Seller Subsidiaries, such as deposits,
                    Federal Funds borrowings and repurchase and reverse
                    repurchase agreements), other than such agreements,
                    indentures or instruments providing for annual payments of
                    less than $100,000;

                          (vi)  contract containing covenants which limit the
                    ability of Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries to
                    compete in any line of business or with any person or
                    which involves any restrictions on the geographical area
                    in which, or method by which, Seller or any of the Seller
                    Subsidiaries may carry on their respective businesses
                    (other that as may be required by law or any applicable
                    Regulatory Authority);

                          (vii) contract or agreement which is a "material
                    contract" within the meaning of Item 601(b)(10) of
                    Regulation S-K as promulgated by the SEC to be performed
                    after the date of this Agreement that has not been filed
                    or incorporated by reference in the Seller Reports;

                         (viii) lease with annual rental payments aggregating
                    $50,000 or more;

                          (ix)  loans or other obligations payable or owing to
                    any officer, director or employee except (A) salaries,
                    wages and directors' fees or other compensation incurred
                    and accrued in the ordinary course of business and (B)
                    obligations due in respect of any depository accounts
                    maintained by any of the foregoing at Seller or any of the
                    Seller Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business; or

                                    - 13 -
<PAGE> 18

                          (x)   other agreement, contract, arrangement,
                    understanding or commitment involving an obligation by
                    Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries of more than
                    $250,000 and extending beyond six months from the date
                    hereof that cannot be cancelled without cost or penalty
                    upon notice of 30 days or less, other than contracts
                    entered into in respect of deposits, loan agreements and
                    commitments, notes, security agreements, repurchase and
                    reverse repurchase agreements, bankers' acceptances,
                    outstanding letters of credit and commitments to issue
                    letters of credit, participation agreements and other
                    documents relating to transactions entered into by Seller
                    or any of the Seller Subsidiaries in the ordinary course
                    of business and not involving extensions of credit with
                    respect to any one entity or related group of entities in
                    excess of $500,000.

                    (c)   Seller and/or the Seller Subsidiaries carry
            property, liability, director and officer errors and omissions,
            products liability and other insurance coverage as set forth in
            Schedule 2.11(c) under the heading "Insurance."
            ----------------

                    (d)   True, correct and complete copies of the agreements,
            contracts, leases, insurance policies and other documents referred
            to in Section 2.11(b) have been included with Schedule 2.11(b)
                  ---------------                         ----------------
            hereto.  True, correct and complete copies of the agreements,
            contracts, leases, insurance policies and other documents referred
            to in Sections 2.11(a) and (c) have been or shall be furnished or
                  ------------------------
            made available to Buyers.

                    (e)   To the best knowledge of Seller, each of the
            agreements, contracts, leases, insurance policies and other
            documents referred to in Schedules 2.11 (a), (b) and (c) is a
                                     -------------------------------
            valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the parties sought to
            be bound thereby, except as the enforceability thereof against the
            parties thereto (other than Seller or any of the Seller
            Subsidiaries) may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
            reorganization, moratorium and other laws now or hereafter in
            effect relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally,
            and except that equitable principles may limit the right to obtain
            specific performance or other equitable remedies.

                    (f)   Schedule 2.11(f) under the heading "Loans" contains
                          ----------------
            a true, correct and complete listing, as of the date of this
            Agreement, by account, of (i) all loans in excess of $250,000 of
            Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries which have been
            accelerated during the past twelve months; (ii) all loan
            commitments or lines of credit of Seller or any of the Seller
            Subsidiaries in excess of $250,000 which have been terminated by
            Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries during the past twelve
            months by reason of default or adverse developments in the
            condition of the borrower or other events or circumstances
            affecting the credit of the borrower; (iii) all loans, lines of
            credit and loan commitments in excess of $250,000, as to which
            Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries has given written notice
            of its intent to terminate during the past twelve months; (iv)
            with respect to all loans in excess of $250,000 all notification
            letters and other written communications from Seller or any of the
            Seller Subsidiaries to any of their respective borrowers,
            customers or other parties during the past twelve months wherein
            Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries has requested or demanded
            that actions be taken to correct existing defaults or facts or
            circumstances which may become defaults; (v) each borrower,
            customer or other party

                                    - 14 -
<PAGE> 19
            which has notified Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries during
            the past twelve months of, or has asserted against Seller or any of
            the Seller Subsidiaries, in each case in writing, any "lender
            liability" or similar claim, and, to the best knowledge of Seller,
            each borrower, customer or other party which has given Seller or any
            of the Seller Subsidiaries any oral notification of, or orally
            asserted to or against Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries, any
            such claim; or (vi) all loans in excess of $100,000 (A) that are
            contractually past due 90 days or more in the payment of principal
            and/or interest, (B) that are on non-accrual status, (C) that have
            been classified "doubtful," "loss" or the equivalent thereof by any
            Regulatory Authority, (D) where a reasonable doubt exists as to the
            timely future collectibility of principal and/or interest, whether
            or not interest is still accruing or the loan is less than 90 days
            past due, (E) the interest rate terms have been reduced and/or the
            maturity dates have been extended subsequent to the agreement under
            which the loan was originally created due to concerns regarding the
            borrower's ability to pay in accordance with such initial terms, or
            (F) where a specific reserve allocation exists in connection
            therewith.

            2.12    Absence of Defaults.  Neither Seller nor any of the Seller
                    -------------------
Subsidiaries is in violation of its charter documents or By-Laws or in default
under any material agreement, commitment, arrangement, lease, insurance policy
or other instrument, whether entered into in the ordinary course of business
or otherwise and whether written or oral, and there has not occurred any event
that, with the lapse of time or giving of notice or both, would constitute
such a default.

            2.13    Litigation and Other Proceedings.  Except as set forth
                    --------------------------------
on Schedule 2.13 or otherwise disclosed in the Seller Financial Statements,
   -------------
neither Seller nor any of the Seller Subsidiaries is a party to any pending
or, to the best knowledge of Seller, threatened claim, action, suit,
investigation or proceeding, or is subject to any order, judgment or decree,
except for matters which, in the aggregate, will not have, or reasonably could
not be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on Seller and the Seller
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.  Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, there are no actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the best
knowledge of Seller, threatened against Seller or any of the Seller
Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers or directors by any
shareholder of Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries (or any former
shareholder of Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries) or involving claims
under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, as amended, the Bank Secrecy
Act, the fair lending laws or any other similar laws.

            2.14    Directors' and Officers' Insurance.  Each of Seller and
                    ----------------------------------
the Seller Subsidiaries has taken or will take all requisite action
(including, without limitation, the making of claims and the giving of
notices) pursuant to its directors' and officers' liability insurance policy
or policies in order to preserve all rights thereunder with respect to all
matters (other than matters arising in connection with this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby) occurring prior to the Effective Time that
are known to Seller.

            2.15    Compliance with Laws.
                    --------------------

                    (a)   To the best knowledge of Seller, Seller and each of
            the Seller Subsidiaries have all permits, licenses,
            authorizations, orders and approvals of, and have made all
            filings, applications and registrations with, all Regulatory
            Authorities that are required in

                                    - 15 -
<PAGE> 20
            order to permit them to own or lease their respective properties and
            assets and to carry on their respective businesses as presently
            conducted; all such permits, licenses, certificates of authority,
            orders and approvals are in full force and effect and no suspension
            or cancellation of any of them is threatened; and all such filings,
            applications and registrations are current; in each case except for
            permits, licenses, authorizations, orders, approvals, filings,
            applications and registrations the failure to have (or have made)
            would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Seller and the Seller
            Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

                    (b)   (i)  Each of Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries has
            complied with all laws, regulations and orders (including, without
            limitation, zoning ordinances, building codes, the Employee
            Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), and
            securities, tax, environmental, civil rights, and occupational
            health and safety laws and regulations including, without
            limitation, in the case of Seller or any Seller Subsidiary that is
            a bank or savings association, banking organization, banking
            corporation or trust company, all statutes, rules, regulations and
            policy statements pertaining to the conduct of a banking,
            deposit-taking, lending or related business, or to the exercise of
            trust powers) and governing instruments applicable to it and to
            the conduct of its business, except where such failure to comply
            would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Seller and the Seller
            Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and (ii) neither Seller nor any of
            the Seller Subsidiaries is in default under, and no event has
            occurred which, with the lapse of time or notice or both, could
            result in the default under, the terms of any judgment, order,
            writ, decree, permit, or license of any Regulatory Authority or
            court, whether federal, state, municipal or local, and whether at
            law or in equity.

                    (c)   Neither Seller nor any of the Seller Subsidiaries is
            subject to or reasonably likely to incur a liability as a result
            of its ownership, operation, or use of any Property (as defined
            below) of Seller (whether directly or, to the best knowledge of
            Seller, as a consequence of such Property being acquired in
            foreclosure or in lieu of foreclosure or being part of the
            investment portfolio of Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries)
            (A) that is contaminated by or contains any Toxic Substance (as
            defined in Section 2.08) including, without limitation, petroleum,
            asbestos, PCBs, pesticides, herbicides and any other substance or
            waste that is hazardous to human health or the environment and
            regulated by federal, state or local law, or (B) on which any
            Toxic Substance has been stored, disposed of, placed or used at
            the Property or in the construction of structures thereon; and
            which, in each case, reasonably could be expected to have a
            Material Adverse Effect on Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries,
            taken as a whole.  "Property" shall include all property (real or
            personal, tangible or intangible) owned or controlled by Seller or
            any of the Seller Subsidiaries, including, without limitation,
            property acquired under foreclosure or in lieu of foreclosure,
            property in which any venture capital or similar unit of Seller or
            any of the Seller Subsidiaries has an interest and, to the best
            knowledge of Seller, property held by Seller or any of the Seller
            Subsidiaries in its capacity as a trustee.  No claim, action, suit
            or proceeding is threatened or pending and no material claim has
            been asserted against Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries
            relating to Property of Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries
            before any court or other Regulatory Authority or arbitration
            tribunal relating to Toxic Substances, pollution or the

                                    - 16 -
<PAGE> 21
            environment, and there is no outstanding judgment, order, writ,
            injunction, decree or award against or affecting Seller or any of
            the Seller Subsidiaries with respect to the same.  Except for
            statutory or regulatory restrictions of general application, no
            Regulatory Authority has placed any restriction on the business of
            Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries which reasonably could be
            expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Seller and the
            Seller Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

                    (d)   Neither Seller nor any of the Seller Subsidiaries
            has received any notification or communication that has not been
            finally resolved from any Regulatory Authority (i) asserting that
            any Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries or any Property is
            not in substantial compliance with any of the statutes,
            regulations or ordinances that such Regulatory Authority enforces,
            (ii) threatening to revoke any license, franchise, permit or
            governmental authorization that is material to the Condition of
            Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, including,
            without limitation, such company's status as an insured depository
            institution under the FDI Act, (iii) requiring or threatening to
            require Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries, or indicating
            that Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries may be required, to
            enter into a cease and desist order, agreement or memorandum of
            understanding or any other agreement restricting or limiting or
            purporting to direct, restrict or limit in any manner the
            operations of Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries, including,
            without limitation, any restriction on the payment of dividends.
            No such cease and desist order, agreement or memorandum of
            understanding or other agreement is currently in effect.

                    (e)   Neither Seller nor any of the Seller Subsidiaries is
            required by Section 32 of the FDI Act to give prior notice to any
            federal banking agency of the proposed addition of an individual
            to its board of directors or the employment of an individual as a
            senior executive officer.

            2.16    Labor.  No work stoppage involving Seller or any of the
                    -----
Seller Subsidiaries is pending or, to the best knowledge of Seller,
threatened.  Neither Seller nor any of the Seller Subsidiaries is involved in,
or, to the best knowledge of Seller, threatened with or affected by, any labor
dispute, arbitration, lawsuit or administrative proceeding.  None of the
employees of Seller or the Seller Subsidiaries are represented by any labor
union or any collective bargaining organization.

            2.17    Material Interests of Certain Persons.  No officer or
                    -------------------------------------
director of Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries, or any "associate" (as
such term is defined in Rule 14a-1 under the Exchange Act) of any such officer
or director, has any interest in any contract or property (real or personal,
tangible or intangible), used in, or pertaining to the business of, Seller or
any of the Seller Subsidiaries, which in the case of Seller and each of the
Seller Subsidiaries would be required to be disclosed by Item 404 of
Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC.

            2.18    Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses; Non-Performing Assets;
                    -----------------------------------------------------------
Financial Assets.
- ----------------

                    (a)   All of the accounts, notes, and other receivables
            that are reflected in the Seller Financial Statements as of March
            31, 1997 were acquired in the ordinary course of

                                    - 17 -
<PAGE> 22
            business and were collectible in full in the ordinary course of
            business, except for possible loan and lease losses which are
            adequately provided for in the allowance for loan and lease losses
            reflected in such Seller Financial Statements, and the collection
            experience of Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries since March 31,
            1997 to the date hereof, has not deviated in any material and
            adverse manner from the credit and collection experience of Seller
            and the Seller Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, for the year ended
            December 31, 1996.

                    (b)   The allowances for loan losses contained in the
            Seller Financial Statements were established in accordance with
            the past practices and experiences of Seller and the Seller
            Subsidiaries, and the allowance for loan and lease losses shown on
            the consolidated balance sheet of Seller and the Seller
            Subsidiaries as of March 31, 1997, were adequate in all material
            respects under the requirements of GAAP, or regulatory accounting
            principles, as the case may be, to provide for possible losses on
            loans and leases (including, without limitation, accrued interest
            receivable) and credit commitments (including, without limitation,
            stand-by letters of credit) as of the date of such balance sheet.

                    (c)   Schedule 2.18(c) sets forth as of the date of this
                          ----------------
            Agreement all assets classified by Seller as real estate acquired
            through foreclosure or repossession, including foreclosed assets.

                    (d)   The aggregate amount of all Non-Performing Assets
            (as defined below) on the books of Seller and the Seller
            Subsidiaries does not exceed $5,000,000.  "Non-Performing Assets"
            shall mean (i) all loans (A) that are contractually past due 90
            days or more in the payment of principal and/or interest, (B) that
            are on nonaccrual status, (C) that have been classified
            "doubtful," "loss" or the equivalent thereof by any Regulatory
            Agency or (D) where the interest rate terms have been reduced
            and/or the maturity dates have been extended subsequent to the
            agreement under which the loan was originally created due to
            concerns regarding the borrower's ability to pay in accordance
            with such initial terms, and (ii) all assets classified by Seller
            as real estate acquired through foreclosure or in lieu of
            foreclosure, including in-substance foreclosures, and all other
            assets acquired through foreclosure or in lieu of foreclosure.

                    (e)   All loans receivable (including discounts) and
            accrued interest entered on the books of Seller and the Seller
            Subsidiaries, to the extent unpaid on the Closing Date, arose out
            of bona fide arm's-length transactions, were made for good and
            valuable consideration in the ordinary course of Seller's or the
            appropriate Seller Subsidiary's respective business, and the notes
            or other evidences of indebtedness with respect to such loans or
            discounts are true and genuine and are what they purport to be.
            The loans, discounts and the accrued interest reflected on the
            books of Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries are subject to no
            defenses, set-offs or counterclaims (including, without
            limitation, those afforded by usury or truth-in-lending laws),
            except as may be provided by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar
            laws affecting creditors' rights generally or by general
            principles of equity.  All such loans are owned by Seller or the
            appropriate Seller Subsidiary free and clear of any liens,
            restrictions or encumbrances.

                                    - 18 -
<PAGE> 23

                    (f)   The notes and other evidences of indebtedness
            evidencing the loans described in (e) above, and all pledges,
            mortgages, deeds of trust and other collateral documents or
            security instruments relating thereto are and will be, in all
            material respects, valid, true, genuine and enforceable, and what
            they purport to be.  Seller and each of the Seller Subsidiaries
            has good and valid title to the investment securities shown on
            their respective Seller Financial Statements and all securities
            entered on the books of Seller or the appropriate Seller
            Subsidiary subsequent to March 31, 1997, except for those sold or
            redeemed in the ordinary course of business.  A complete and
            accurate list of such investment securities as of March 31, 1997
            is attached as Schedule 2.18(f).  Such list shall be updated each
                           ----------------
            month in writing until the Closing.

            2.19    Employee Benefit Plans.
                    ----------------------

                    (a)   Schedule 2.19(a) lists all pension, retirement,
                          ----------------
            supplemental retirement, stock option, stock purchase, stock
            ownership, savings, stock appreciation right, profit sharing,
            deferred compensation, consulting, bonus, medical, disability,
            workers' compensation, vacation, group insurance, severance and
            other employee benefit, incentive and welfare policies, contracts,
            plans and arrangements, and all trust agreements related thereto,
            maintained by or contributed to by Seller or any of the Seller
            Subsidiaries in respect of any of the present or former directors,
            officers, or other employees of and/or consultants to Seller or
            any of the Seller Subsidiaries (collectively, "Seller Employee
            Plans").  Seller has furnished Buyers with the following documents
            with respect to each Seller Employee Plan: (i) a true and complete
            copy of all written documents comprising such Seller Employee Plan
            (including amendments and individual agreements relating thereto)
            or, if there is no such written document, an accurate and complete
            description of the Seller Employee Plan; (ii) the most recently
            filed Form 5500 or Form 5500-C/R (including all schedules
            thereto), if applicable; (iii) the most recent financial
            statements and actuarial reports, if any; (iv) the summary plan
            description currently in effect and all material modifications
            thereof, if any; and (v) the most recent IRS determination letter,
            if any.

                    (b)   All Seller Employee Plans have been maintained and
            operated in all material respects in accordance with their terms
            and the requirements of all applicable statutes, orders, rules and
            final regulations, including, without limitation, to the extent
            applicable, ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
            amended (the "Code").  All contributions required to be made to
            Seller Employee Plans have been made or reserved.

                    (c)   With respect to each of the Seller Employee Plans
            which is a pension plan (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) (the
            "Pension Plans"):  (i) each Pension Plan which is intended to be
            "qualified" within the meaning of  Section 401(a) of the Code has
            been determined to be so qualified by the IRS and such
            determination letter may still be relied upon, and each related
            trust is exempt from taxation under Section 501(a) of the Code;
            (ii) the present value of all benefits vested and all benefits
            accrued under each Pension Plan which is subject to Title IV of
            ERISA did not, in each case, as of the last

                                    - 19 -
<PAGE> 24
            applicable annual valuation date (as indicated on Schedule 2.19(a)),
                                                              ----------------
            exceed the value of the assets of the Pension Plan allocable to such
            vested or accrued benefits; (iii) there has been no "prohibited
            transaction," as such term is defined in Section 4975 of the Code
            or Section 406 of ERISA, which could subject any Pension Plan or
            associated trust, or Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries, to
            any tax or penalty; (iv) no Pension Plan or any trust created
            thereunder has been terminated, nor has there been any "reportable
            events" with respect to any Pension Plan, as that term is defined
            in Section 4043 of ERISA since January 1, 1989; and (v) no Pension
            Plan or any trust created thereunder has incurred any "accumulated
            funding deficiency", as such term is defined in Section 302 of
            ERISA (whether or not waived).  No Pension Plan is a
            "multiemployer plan" as that term is defined in Section 3(37) of
            ERISA.

                    (d)   Except as disclosed in Schedule 2.19(d), neither
                                                 ----------------
            Seller nor any of the Seller Subsidiaries has any liability for
            any post-retirement health, medical or similar benefit of any kind
            whatsoever, except as required by statute or regulation.

                    (e)   Neither Seller nor any of the Seller Subsidiaries
            has any material liability under ERISA or the Code as a result of
            its being a member of a group described in Sections 414(b), (c),
            (m) or (o) of the Code.

                    (f)   Except as disclosed in Schedule 2.19(f), neither the
                                                 ----------------
            execution nor delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of
            any of the transactions contemplated hereby, will (i) result in
            any payment (including, without limitation, severance,
            unemployment compensation or golden parachute payment) becoming
            due to any director or employee of Seller or any of the Seller
            Subsidiaries from any of such entities, (ii) increase any benefit
            otherwise payable under any of the Seller Employee Plans or (iii)
            result in the acceleration of the time of payment of any such
            benefit.  Seller shall use its best efforts to insure that no
            amounts paid or payable by Seller, the Seller Subsidiaries or
            Buyers to or with respect to any employee or former employee of
            Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries will fail to be
            deductible for federal income tax purposes by reason of Section
            280G of the Code.

            2.20    Conduct of Seller to Date.  Except as disclosed in
                    -------------------------
Schedule 2.20, from and after March 31, 1997 through the date of this
- -------------
Agreement, except as set forth in the Seller Financial Statements: (i) Seller
and the Seller Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses in the
ordinary and usual course consistent with past practices; (ii) neither Seller
nor any of the Seller Subsidiaries has issued, sold, granted, conferred or
awarded any of its Equity Securities, or any corporate debt securities which
would be classified under GAAP as long-term debt on the balance sheets of
Seller or the Seller Subsidiaries; (iii) Seller has not effected any stock
split or adjusted, combined, reclassified or otherwise changed its
capitalization; (iv) Seller has not declared, set aside or paid any dividend
(other than its regular quarterly dividends) or other distribution in respect
of its capital stock, or purchased, redeemed, retired, repurchased or
exchanged, or otherwise acquired or disposed of, directly or indirectly, any
of its Equity Securities, whether pursuant to the terms of such Equity
Securities or otherwise; (v) neither Seller nor any of the Seller Subsidiaries
has incurred any obligation or liability (absolute or contingent), except
liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business, or subjected to Lien
any of its assets or properties other than in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice; (vi)

                                    - 20 -
<PAGE> 25
neither Seller nor any of the Seller Subsidiaries has discharged or satisfied
any Lien or paid any obligation or liability (absolute or contingent), other
than in the ordinary course of business; (vii) neither Seller nor any of the
Seller Subsidiaries has sold, assigned, transferred, leased, exchanged, or
otherwise disposed of any of its properties or assets other than for a fair
consideration in the ordinary course of business; (viii) except as required by
contract or law, neither Seller nor any of the Seller Subsidiaries has (A)
increased the rate of compensation of, or paid any bonus to, any of its
directors, officers, or other employees, except in accordance with existing
policy, (B) entered into any new, or amended or supplemented any existing,
employment, management, consulting, deferred compensation, severance, or other
similar contract, (C) entered into, terminated, or substantially modified any of
the Seller Employee Plans or (D) agreed to do any of the foregoing; (ix) neither
Seller nor any Seller Subsidiary has suffered any material damage, destruction,
or loss, whether as the result of fire, explosion, earthquake, accident,
casualty, labor trouble, requisition, or taking of property by any Regulatory
Authority, flood, windstorm, embargo, riot, act of God or the enemy, or other
casualty or event, and whether or not covered by insurance; (x) neither Seller
nor any of the Seller Subsidiaries has cancelled or compromised any debt, except
for debts charged off or compromised in accordance with the past practice of
Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries; and (xi) neither Seller nor any of the
Seller Subsidiaries has entered into any material transaction, contract or
commitment outside the ordinary course of its business.

            2.21    Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.
                    ----------------------------------

                    (a)   As of the date of this Agreement, neither Seller nor
            any of the Seller Subsidiaries has any debts, liabilities or
            obligations equal to or exceeding $25,000, individually or $50,000
            in the aggregate, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or
            otherwise and whether due or to become due, which are required to
            be reflected in the Seller Financial Statements or the notes
            thereto in accordance with GAAP except:

                          (i)   liabilities and obligations reflected on the
                    Seller Financial Statements;

                          (ii)  operating leases reflected on Schedule
                                                              --------
                    2.11(b); and
                    -------

                          (iii) debts, liabilities or obligations incurred
                    since March 31, 1997 in the ordinary and usual course of
                    their respective businesses, none of which are for breach
                    of contract, breach of warranty, torts, infringements or
                    lawsuits and none of which have a Material Adverse Effect
                    on Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

                    (b)   Neither Seller nor any of the Seller Subsidiaries
            was as of March 31, 1997, and since such date to the date hereof,
            has become a party to, any contract or agreement, excluding
            deposits, loan agreements, and commitments, notes, security
            agreements, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, bankers'
            acceptances, outstanding letters of credit and commitments to
            issue letters of credit, participation agreements and other
            documents relating to transactions entered into by Seller or any
            of the Seller Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business,
            that had, has or may be reasonably expected to have a Material
            Adverse Effect on Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries, taken as a
            whole.

                                    - 21 -
<PAGE> 26

            2.22    Proxy Statement, Etc.  None of the information regarding
                    --------------------
Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries to be supplied by Seller for
inclusion or included in (i) the Registration Statement on Form S-4 to be
filed with the SEC by Mercantile for the purpose of registering the shares of
Mercantile Common Stock to be exchanged for shares of Seller Common Stock
pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement (the "Registration Statement"),
(ii) the Proxy Statement to be mailed to Seller's shareholders in connection
with the meeting to be called to consider this Agreement and the Merger (the
"Proxy Statement") or (iii) any other documents to be filed with any
Regulatory Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby
will, at the respective times such documents are filed with any Regulatory
Authority and, in the case of the Registration Statement, when it becomes
effective and, with respect to the Proxy Statement, when mailed, be false or
misleading with respect to any material fact, or omit to state any material
fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading or, in
the case of the Proxy Statement or any amendment thereof or supplement
thereto, at the time of the meeting of Seller's shareholders referred to in
Section 5.03, be false or misleading with respect to any material fact, or
omit to state any material fact necessary to correct any statement in any
earlier communication with respect to the solicitation of any proxy for such
meeting.  All documents which Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries is
responsible for filing with any Regulatory Authority in connection with the
Merger will comply as to form in all material respects with the provisions of
applicable law.

            2.23    Registration Obligations.  Neither Seller nor any of the
                    ------------------------
Seller Subsidiaries is under any obligation, contingent or otherwise, which
will survive the Effective Time by reason of any agreement to register any
transaction involving any of its securities under the Securities Act.

            2.24    Tax and Regulatory Matters.  Neither Seller nor any of the
                    --------------------------
Seller Subsidiaries has taken or agreed to take any action or has any
knowledge of any fact or circumstance that would (i) prevent the transactions
contemplated hereby from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368 of the Code or (ii) materially impede or delay receipt of any
approval referred to in Section 6.01(b) or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

            2.25    Brokers and Finders.  Except for Stephens, Inc. to whom a
                    -------------------
fee not to exceed $440,000 shall be paid, neither Seller nor any of the Seller
Subsidiaries nor any of their respective officers, directors or employees has
employed any broker or finder or incurred any liability for any financial
advisory fees, brokerage fees, commissions or finder's fees, and no broker or
finder has acted directly or indirectly for Seller or any of the Seller
Subsidiaries in connection with this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby.

            2.26    Interest Rate Risk Management Instruments.
                    -----------------------------------------

                    (a)   Set forth on Schedule 2.26(a) is a list as of the
                                       ----------------
            date hereof of all interest rate swaps, caps, floors and option
            agreements and other interest rate risk management arrangements to
            which Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries is a party or by
            which any of their properties or assets may be bound.

                    (b)   All such interest rate swaps, caps, floors and
            option agreements and other interest rate risk management
            arrangements to which Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries is
            a party or by which any of their properties or assets may be bound
            were entered into in the ordinary course of business and, to the
            best knowledge of Seller, in

                                    - 22 -
<PAGE> 27
            accordance with prudent banking practice and applicable rules,
            regulations and policies of Regulatory Authorities and with
            counterparties believed to be financially responsible at the time
            and are legal, valid and binding obligations of Seller or a Seller
            Subsidiary and are in full force and effect.  Seller and each of the
            Seller Subsidiaries has duly performed in all material respects all
            of its obligations thereunder to the extent that such obligations to
            perform have accrued, and to the best knowledge of Seller, there are
            no material breaches, violations or defaults or allegations or
            assertions of such by any party thereunder.

            2.27    Accuracy of Information.  The statements contained in this
                    -----------------------
Agreement, the Schedules and any other written document executed and delivered
by or on behalf of Seller pursuant to the terms of this Agreement are true and
correct as of the date hereof or as of the date delivered in all material
respects, and such statements and documents do not omit any material fact
necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading.

            2.28    Year 2000 Compliant.  To the best knowledge of Seller, all
                    -------------------
computer software and hardware utilized by Seller or any Seller Subsidiary is
Year 2000 compliant, which, for purposes of this Agreement, shall mean that
the data outside the range 1990-1999 will be correctly processed in any level
of computer hardware or software including, but not limited to, microcode,
firmware, applications programs, files and data bases.  All computer software
is designed to be used prior to, during and after the calendar year 2000 A.D.,
and that such software will operate during each such time period without error
relating to date data, specifically including any error relating to, or the
product of, date data that represents or references different centuries or
more than one century.


                                  ARTICLE III
                                  -----------

                  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BUYERS

            As an inducement to Seller to enter into and perform its
obligations under this Agreement, and notwithstanding any examinations,
inspections, audits or other investigations made by Seller, the Buyers hereby
represent and warrant to Seller as follows:

            3.01    Organization and Authority.  Buyer and Merger Sub are each
                    --------------------------
corporations duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the State of Missouri, are each qualified to do business and are each
in good standing in all jurisdictions where its ownership or leasing of
property or the conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified and has
corporate power and authority to own its properties and assets and to carry on
its business as it is now being conducted, except where the failure to be so
qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Mercantile and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.  Each of Mercantile and Merger Sub is
registered as a bank holding company with the Federal Reserve Board under the
BHCA.

            3.02    Capitalization of Mercantile.  The authorized capital
                    ----------------------------
stock of Mercantile consists of (i) 200,000,000 shares of Mercantile Common
Stock, of which, as of June 30, 1997, 78,589,969 shares were issued and
74,042,343 were outstanding and (ii) 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no
par value ("Mercantile Preferred Stock"), issuable in series, of which as of
the date hereof, no shares were issued

                                    - 23 -
<PAGE> 28
and outstanding.  Mercantile has designated 2,000,000 shares of Mercantile
Preferred Stock as "Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock" and has
reserved such shares under a Rights Agreement dated May 23, 1988 between
Mercantile and Mercantile Bank National Association, as Rights Agent.  As of
June 30, 1997, Mercantile had reserved: (i) 8,534,265 shares of Mercantile
Common Stock for issuance under various Mercantile employee and/or director
stock option, incentive and/or benefit plans ("Mercantile Employee/Director
Stock Grants"); and (ii) 13,042,110 shares of Mercantile Common Stock for
issuance upon the acquisition of Roosevelt Financial Group, Inc. ("Roosevelt")
pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of December 22,
1996 by and between Mercantile and Roosevelt.  From June 30, 1997 through the
date of this Agreement, no shares of Mercantile Common Stock have been issued,
excluding any such shares which may have been issued in connection with
Mercantile Employee/Director Stock Grants and the acquisition of Roosevelt.

            Mercantile continually evaluates possible acquisitions and may
prior to the Effective Time enter into one or more agreements providing for,
and may consummate, the acquisition by it of another bank, association, bank
holding company, savings and loan holding company or other company (or the
assets thereof) for consideration that may include Equity Securities.  In
addition, prior to the Effective Time, Mercantile may, depending on market
conditions and other factors, otherwise determine to issue equity,
equity-linked or other securities for financing purposes or repurchase its
outstanding Equity Securities.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither
Mercantile nor any Mercantile Subsidiary has taken or agreed to take any
action or has any knowledge of any fact or circumstance and neither Mercantile
nor Merger Sub will take any action that would (i) prevent the transactions
contemplated hereby from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368 of the Code, (ii) materially impede or delay receipt of any
approval referred to in Section 6.01(b) or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (iii) prevent the Merger from
qualifying for pooling-of-interests accounting treatment.  Except as set forth
above, there are no other Equity Securities of Mercantile outstanding.  All of
the issued and outstanding shares of Mercantile Common Stock are validly
issued, fully paid, and nonassessable, and have not been issued in violation
of any preemptive right of any shareholder of Mercantile.  At the Effective
Time, the Mercantile Common Stock to be issued in the Merger will be duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, will not be issued
in violation of any preemptive right of any shareholder of Mercantile and will
be listed for trading on the NYSE.

            3.03    Authorization.
                    -------------

                    (a)   Mercantile and Merger Sub each have the corporate
            power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out
            their respective obligations hereunder.  The execution, delivery
            and performance of this Agreement by Mercantile and Merger Sub and
            the consummation by Mercantile and Merger Sub of the transactions
            contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all requisite
            corporate action of Mercantile and Merger Sub.  Subject to the
            receipt of such approvals of the Regulatory Authorities as may be
            required by statute or regulation, this Agreement is a valid and
            binding obligation of Mercantile and Merger Sub enforceable
            against each in accordance with its terms.

                    (b)   Neither the execution, delivery and performance by
            Mercantile and Merger Sub of this Agreement, nor the consummation
            by Mercantile and Merger Sub of the

                                    - 24 -
<PAGE> 29
            transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by Mercantile and
            Merger Sub with any of the provisions hereof, will (i) violate,
            conflict with or result in a breach of any provisions of, or
            constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of
            time or both, would constitute a default) or result in the
            termination of, or accelerate the performance required by, or result
            in a right of termination or acceleration of, or result in the
            creation of, any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of
            Mercantile or Merger Sub under any of the terms, conditions or
            provisions of (x) their respective Articles of Incorporation or
            By-Laws, or (y) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust,
            license, lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which
            Mercantile or Merger Sub is a party or by which they may be bound,
            or to which Mercantile or Merger Sub or any of their respective
            properties or assets may be subject, or (ii) subject to compliance
            with the statutes and regulations referred to in subsection (c) of
            this Section 3.03, violate any judgment, ruling, order, writ,
            injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to
            Mercantile or Merger Sub or any of their respective properties or
            assets; other than violations, conflicts, breaches, defaults,
            terminations, accelerations or Liens which would not have a
            Material Adverse Effect on Mercantile and its Subsidiaries, taken
            as a whole.

                    (c)   Other than in connection with or in compliance with
            the provisions of the Missouri Statute, the Arkansas Statute, the
            Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the securities or blue sky laws
            of the various states or filings, consents, reviews,
            authorizations, approvals or exemptions required under the BHCA,
            the FDI Act or any required approvals of any other Regulatory
            Authority, no notice to, filing with, exemption or review by, or
            authorization, consent or approval of, any public body or
            authority is necessary for the consummation by Mercantile and
            Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

            3.04    Mercantile Financial Statements.  The supplemental
                    -------------------------------
consolidated balance sheets of Mercantile and its Subsidiaries as of December
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and related supplemental consolidated statements of
income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1996, together with the notes thereto,
audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, as filed with the SEC on Form 8-K dated May
13, 1997 (collectively, the "Mercantile Financial Statements"), have been
prepared in accordance with GAAP, present fairly the consolidated financial
position of Mercantile and its Subsidiaries at the dates thereof and the
consolidated results of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash
flows of Mercantile and its Subsidiaries for the periods stated therein and
are derived from the books and records of Mercantile and its Subsidiaries,
which are complete and accurate in all material respects and have been
maintained in accordance with good business practices.  Neither Mercantile nor
any of its Subsidiaries has any material contingent liabilities that are not
described in the Mercantile Financial Statements.

            3.05    Mercantile Reports.  Since January 1, 1995, each of
                    ------------------
Mercantile and its Subsidiaries has filed all reports, registrations and
statements, together with any required  amendments thereto, that it was
required to file with any Regulatory Authority.  All such reports and
statements filed with any such Regulatory Authority are collectively referred
to herein as the "Mercantile Reports."  As of its respective date, each
Mercantile Report complied in all material respects with all the rules and
regulations promulgated by the applicable Regulatory Authority and did not
contain any untrue statement

                                    - 25 -
<PAGE> 30
of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

            3.06    Material Adverse Effect.  Since March 31, 1997, there has
                    -----------------------
been no Material Adverse Effect on Mercantile and its Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole.

            3.07    Registration Statement, Etc.  None of the information
                    ----------------------------
regarding Mercantile or any of its Subsidiaries to be supplied by Buyers for
inclusion or included in (i) the Registration Statement, (ii) the Proxy
Statement, or (iii) any other documents to be filed with any Regulatory
Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby will, at the
respective times such documents are filed with any Regulatory Authority and,
in the case of the Registration Statement, when it becomes effective and, with
respect to the Proxy Statement, when mailed, be false or misleading with
respect to any material fact, or omit to state any material fact necessary in
order to make the statements therein not misleading or, in the case of the
Proxy Statement or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, at the time of
the meeting of shareholders referred to in Section 5.03, be false or
misleading with respect to any material fact, or omit to state any material
fact necessary to correct any statement in any earlier communication with
respect to the solicitation of any proxy for such meeting.  All documents
which Mercantile or Merger Sub are responsible for filing with any Regulatory
Authority in connection with the Merger will comply as to form in all material
respects with the provisions of applicable law.

            3.08    Brokers and Finders.  Neither Mercantile, Merger Sub nor
                    -------------------
any of their respective officers, directors or employees has employed any
broker or finder or incurred any liability for any financial advisory fees,
brokerage fees, commissions or finder's fees, and no broker or finder has
acted directly or indirectly for Mercantile or Merger Sub in connection with
this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.


                                   ARTICLE IV
                                   ----------

               CONDUCT OF BUSINESSES PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME

            4.01    Conduct of Businesses Prior to the Effective Time.  During
                    -------------------------------------------------
the period from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, Seller and
the Seller Subsidiaries shall conduct their businesses according to the
ordinary and usual course consistent with past and current practices and shall
use their best efforts to maintain and preserve their business organization,
employees and advantageous business relationships and retain the services of
their officers and key employees.

            4.02    Forbearances of Seller.  Except as set forth in Schedule
                    ----------------------                          --------
4.02 and except to the extent required by law, regulation or Regulatory
- ----
Authority, or with the prior written consent of Buyers (unless otherwise
specifically noted in this Section 4.02), during the period from the date of
this Agreement to the Effective Time, Seller shall not and shall not permit
any of the Seller Subsidiaries to:

                    (a)   declare, set aside or pay any dividends or other
            distributions, directly or indirectly, in respect of its capital
            stock (other than dividends from any of the Seller Subsidiaries to
            Seller or to another of the Seller Subsidiaries), except that
            Seller may declare and pay regular quarterly cash dividends of not
            more than $0.32 per share on the

                                    - 26 -
<PAGE> 31
            Seller Common Stock; provided, however, that if the Effective Time
            shall not have occurred on or before March 1, 1998, Seller may
            declare, set aside or pay a dividend for each share of Seller Common
            Stock for each quarter thereafter in which the Mercantile Board of
            Directors shall declare a dividend on shares of Mercantile Common
            Stock that equals the product or (i) the Exchange Ratio and (ii) the
            amount of the dividend per share declared by the Board of Directors
            of Mercantile; provided, further, however, that Seller shall not
            declare or pay a quarterly dividend for any quarter in which
            Seller shareholders will be entitled to receive a regular
            quarterly dividend on the shares of Mercantile Common Stock to be
            issued in the Merger;

                    (b)   enter into or amend any employment, severance or
            similar agreement or arrangement with any director, officer or
            employee, or materially modify any of the Seller Employee Plans or
            grant any salary or wage increase or materially increase any
            employee benefit (including incentive or bonus payments), except
            (i) normal individual increases in compensation to employees
            consistent with past practice, (ii) as required by law or contract
            and (iii) such increases of which Seller notifies Buyers in
            writing and which Buyers do not disapprove within 10 days of the
            receipt of such notice;

                    (c)   authorize, recommend, propose or announce an
            intention to authorize, recommend or propose, or enter into an
            agreement in principle with respect to, any merger, consolidation
            or business combination (other than the Merger), any acquisition
            of a material amount of assets or securities, any disposition of a
            material amount of assets or securities or any release or
            relinquishment of any material contract rights;

                    (d)   propose or adopt any amendments to its Articles of
            Incorporation or other charter document or By-Laws;

                    (e)   issue, sell, grant, confer or award any of its
            Equity Securities or effect any stock split or adjust, combine,
            reclassify or otherwise change its capitalization as it existed on
            the date of this Agreement;

                    (f)   purchase, redeem, retire, repurchase or exchange, or
            otherwise acquire or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of
            its Equity Securities, whether pursuant to the terms of such
            Equity Securities or otherwise;

                    (g)   without first consulting with and obtaining the
            written consent of Mercantile, cause or permit Horizon Bank to
            enter into, renew or increase any loan or credit commitment
            (including stand-by letters of credit) to, or invest or agree to
            invest in any person or entity or modify any of the material
            provisions or renew or otherwise extend the maturity date of any
            existing loan or credit commitment (collectively, "Lend to") in an
            amount equal to or in excess of $500,000 or in any amount which,
            when aggregated with any and all loans or credit commitments of
            Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries to such person or entity, would
            be equal to or in excess of $500,000; provided, however, that
            Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries may make any such loan or
            credit commitment in the event (A) Seller or any Seller Subsidiary
            has delivered to Buyers or their designated representative a
            notice of its intention to make such loan and

                                    - 27 -
<PAGE> 32
            such information as Buyers or their designated representative may
            reasonably require in respect thereof and (B) Buyers or their
            designated representative shall not have reasonably objected to such
            loan by giving written or facsimile notice of such objection within
            two (2) business days following the delivery to Buyers or their
            designated representative of the notice of intention and
            information as aforesaid; provided further, however, that nothing
            in this paragraph shall prohibit Seller or any Seller Subsidiary
            from honoring any contractual obligation in existence on the date
            of this Agreement.  Notwithstanding this Section 4.02(g), Seller
            shall be authorized without first consulting with Buyers or
            obtaining Buyers' prior written consent, to cause or permit
            Horizon Bank to increase the aggregate amount of any credit
            facilities theretofore established in favor of any person or
            entity (each a "Pre-Existing Facility"), provided that the
            aggregate amount of any and all such increases shall not be in
            excess of the lesser of ten percent (10%) of such Pre-Existing
            Facilities or $25,000;

                    (h)   directly or indirectly (including through its
            officers, directors, employees or other representatives) (i)
            initiate, solicit or encourage any discussions, inquiries or
            proposals with any third party (other than Buyers) relating to the
            disposition of any significant portion of the business or assets
            of Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries or the acquisition of
            Equity Securities of Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries or
            the merger of Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries with any
            person (other than Buyers) or any similar transaction (each such
            transaction being referred to herein as an "Acquisition
            Transaction"), or (ii) provide any such person with information or
            assistance or negotiate with any such person with respect to an
            Acquisition Transaction, and Seller shall promptly notify Buyers
            orally of all the relevant details relating to all inquiries,
            indications of interest and proposals which it may receive with
            respect to any Acquisition Transaction;

                    (i)   take any action that would (A) materially impede or
            delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
            Agreement or the ability of Buyers or Seller to obtain any
            approval of any Regulatory Authority required for the transactions
            contemplated by this Agreement or to perform its covenants and
            agreements under this Agreement, (B) prevent or impede the
            transactions contemplated hereby from qualifying as a
            reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code or
            (C) prevent the Merger from qualifying for pooling-of-interests
            accounting treatment;

                    (j)   other than in the ordinary course of business
            consistent with past practice, incur any indebtedness for borrowed
            money or assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an
            accommodation become responsible or liable for the obligations of
            any other individual, corporation or other entity;

                    (k)   materially restructure or change its investment
            securities portfolio, through purchases, sales or otherwise, or
            the manner in which the portfolio is classified or reported, or
            execute individual investment transactions of greater than
            $2,000,000 for U.S. Treasury or Federal Agency Securities and
            $250,000 for all other investment instruments;

                                    - 28 -
<PAGE> 33
                    (l)   agree in writing or otherwise to take any of the
            foregoing actions or engage in any activity, enter into any
            transaction or intentionally take or omit to take any other act
            which would make any of the representations and warranties in
            Article II of this Agreement untrue or incorrect in any material
            respect if made anew after engaging in such activity, entering
            into such transaction, or taking or omitting such other act; or

                    (m)   enter into, increase or renew any loan or credit
            commitment (including standby letters of credit) to any executive
            officer or director of Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries,
            any holder of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of Seller
            Common Stock, or any entity controlled, directly or indirectly, by
            any of the foregoing or engage in any transaction with any of the
            foregoing which is of the type or nature sought to be regulated in
            12 U.S.C. Sec. 371c and 12 U.S.C. Sec. 371c-1, without first
            obtaining the prior written consent of Buyers, which consent shall
            not be unreasonably withheld.  For purposes of this subsection
            (m), "control" shall have the meaning associated with that term
            under 12 U.S.C. Sec. 371c.

            4.03    Forbearances of the Buyers.  During the period from the
                    --------------------------
date of this Agreement to the Closing Date, the Buyers shall not, without the
prior consent of Seller, agree in writing or otherwise to engage in any
activity, enter into any transaction or take or omit to take any other action

                    (a)   that would (i) materially impede or delay the
            consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
            the ability of Mercantile or Seller to obtain any necessary
            approvals of any regulatory authority required for the
            transactions contemplated by this Agreement or to perform its
            covenants and agreements under this Agreement, (ii) prevent or
            impede the transactions contemplated hereby from qualifying for
            pooling-of-interests accounting treatment or as a reorganization
            within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code or (iii) prevent the
            Merger from qualifying for pooling-of-interests accounting
            treatment; or

                    (b)   which would make any of the representations and
            warranties of Article III of this Agreement untrue or incorrect in
            any material respect if made anew after engaging in such activity,
            entering into such transaction, or taking or omitting such other
            action.


                                   ARTICLE V
                                   ---------

                             ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

            5.01    Access and Information; Due Diligence.  Buyers and Seller
                    -------------------------------------
shall each afford to the other, and to the other's accountants, counsel and
other representatives, full access during normal business hours, during the
period prior to the Effective Time, to all their respective properties, books,
contracts, commitments and records and, during such period, each shall furnish
promptly to the other (i) a copy of each report, schedule and other document
filed or received by it during such period pursuant to the requirements of
federal and state securities laws and (ii) all other information concerning
its business, properties and personnel as the other may reasonably request.
Each party shall, and shall cause its advisors and representatives to, (A)
hold confidential all information obtained in connection with any transaction
contemplated hereby with respect to the other party and its Subsidiaries which
is not

                                    - 29 -
<PAGE> 34
otherwise public knowledge, (B) in the event of a termination of this Agreement,
return all documents (including copies thereof) obtained hereunder from the
other party or any of its Subsidiaries to it and (C) use their respective best
efforts to cause all of such party's confidential information obtained pursuant
to this Agreement or in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement to be
treated as confidential and not use, or knowingly permit others to use, any such
information unless such information becomes generally available to the public.

            5.02    Registration Statement; Regulatory Matters.
                    ------------------------------------------

                    (a)   Mercantile shall prepare and, subject to the review
            and consent of Seller with respect to matters relating to Seller,
            file with the SEC as soon as is reasonably practicable the
            Registration Statement (or the equivalent in the form of
            preliminary proxy materials) with respect to the shares of
            Mercantile Common Stock to be issued in the Merger.  Mercantile
            shall prepare and, subject to the review and consent of Seller
            with respect to matters relating to Seller, use its best efforts
            to file as soon as is reasonably practicable an application for
            approval of the Merger with the Federal Reserve Board, and such
            additional regulatory authorities as may require an application,
            and shall use its best efforts to cause the Registration Statement
            to become effective.  Mercantile shall also take any action
            required to be taken under any applicable state blue sky or
            securities laws in connection with the issuance of such shares,
            and Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries shall furnish Mercantile
            all information concerning Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries and
            the shareholders thereof as Mercantile may reasonably request in
            connection with any such action.

                    (b)   Seller and Buyers shall cooperate and use their
            respective best efforts to prepare all documentation, to effect
            all filings and to obtain all permits, consents, approvals and
            authorizations of all third parties and Regulatory Authorities
            necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
            Agreement and, as and if directed by Mercantile, to consummate
            such other transactions by and among Mercantile's Subsidiaries and
            the Seller Subsidiaries concurrently with or following the
            Effective Time, provided that such actions do not:  (i) materially
            impede or delay the receipt of any approval referred to in Section
            6.01(b); (ii) prevent or impede the transactions contemplated
            hereby from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of
            Section 368 of the Code; or (iii) the consummation of the
            transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

            5.03    Shareholder Approval.  Seller shall call a special meeting
                    --------------------
of its shareholders to be held as soon as is reasonably possible for the
purpose of voting upon this Agreement and the Merger and related matters.  In
connection with such meeting, Mercantile shall prepare, subject to the review
and consent of Seller, the Proxy Statement (which shall be part of the
Registration Statement to be filed with the SEC by Mercantile) and mail the
same to the shareholders of Seller.  The Board of Directors of Seller shall
submit for approval of Seller's shareholders the matters to be voted upon at
such meeting.  The Board of Directors of Seller hereby does and will recommend
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby to the shareholders of
Seller and use its reasonable best efforts to obtain any vote of Seller's
shareholders necessary for the approval of this Agreement.

                                    - 30 -
<PAGE> 35

            5.04    Current Information.  During the period from the date of
                    -------------------
this Agreement to the Closing Date, (i) each party will promptly furnish the
other with copies of all monthly and other interim financial statements as the
same become available and shall cause one or more of its designated
representatives to confer on a regular and frequent basis with representatives
of the other party and (ii) Mercantile shall promptly furnish to the Seller
copies of all filings by Mercantile with each of the Federal Reserve Board and
the SEC.  Each party shall promptly notify the other party of the following
events immediately upon learning of the occurrence thereof, describing the
same and, if applicable, the steps being taken by the affected party with
respect thereto: (a) the occurrence of any event which could cause any
representation or warranty of such party or any schedule, statement, report,
notice, certificate or other writing furnished by such party to be untrue or
misleading in any material respect; (b) any Material Adverse Change; (c) the
issuance or commencement of any governmental and/or regulatory agency
complaint, investigation or hearing or any communications indicating that the
same may be contemplated and, as to any such matter which shall now or
hereafter be in effect, any communications pertaining thereto; or (d) the
institution or the threat of litigation involving such party.

            5.05    Conforming Entries.
                    ------------------

                    (a)   Notwithstanding that Seller believes that Seller and
            Seller Subsidiaries have established all reserves and taken all
            provisions for possible loan losses required by GAAP and
            applicable laws, rules and regulations, Seller recognizes that
            Buyers may have adopted different loan, accrual and reserve
            policies (including loan classifications and levels of reserves
            for possible loan losses).  From and after the date of this
            Agreement to the Effective Time, Seller and Buyers shall consult
            and cooperate with each other with respect to conforming the loan,
            accrual and reserve policies of Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries
            to those policies of Buyers, as specified in each case in writing
            to Seller, based upon such consultation and as hereinafter
            provided.

                    (b)   In addition, from and after the date of this
            Agreement to the Effective Time, Seller and Buyers shall consult
            and cooperate with each other with respect to determining
            appropriate Seller accruals, reserves and charges to establish and
            take in respect of excess equipment write-off or write-down of
            various assets and other appropriate charges and accounting
            adjustments taking into account the parties' business plans
            following the Merger, as specified in each case in writing to
            Seller, based upon such consultation and as hereinafter provided.

                    (c)   Seller and Buyers shall consult and cooperate with
            each other with respect to determining the amount and the timing
            for recognizing for financial accounting purposes Seller's
            expenses of the Merger and the restructuring charges related to or
            to be incurred in connection with the Merger.

                    (d)   Subject to the language contained in the second
            sentence hereof, at the request of Mercantile, Seller shall (i)
            establish and take such reserves and accruals to conform Seller's
            loan, accrual and reserve policies to Mercantile's policies, (ii)
            establish and take such accruals, reserves and charges in order to
            implement such policies in respect of excess facilities and
            equipment capacity, severance costs, litigation matters, write-off
            or write-down of various assets and other appropriate accounting
            adjustments,

                                    - 31 -
<PAGE> 36
            and to recognize for various accounting purposes such expenses of
            the Merger and restructuring charges related to or to be incurred in
            connection with the Merger, and (iii) effect such divestitures or
            otherwise implement such restructuring in respect of its investment
            securities portfolio to conform Seller's investment securities
            portfolio policies to Mercantile's policies, in the case of each of
            the foregoing at such times as are requested by Mercantile in a
            written notice to Seller.

                    (e)   With respect to clauses (a) through (d) of this
            Section 5.05, it is the objective of Mercantile and Seller that
            such reserves, accruals, charges and divestitures, if any, to be
            taken shall be consistent with GAAP.

                    (f)   No reserves, accruals or charges taken in accordance
            with Section 5.05(d) above may be a basis to assert a violation of
            a breach of a representation, warranty or covenant of Seller
            herein.

            5.06    Environmental Reports.  Buyer, at the expense of Buyers,
                    ---------------------
may perform, as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than ninety (90)
days after the date hereof, a phase one environmental investigation and/or
asbestos survey by Environmental Operations, Inc. on all real property owned,
leased or operated by Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries as of the date
hereof (but excluding space in retail and similar establishments leased by
Seller for automatic teller machines or leased bank branch facilities where
the space leased comprises less than 20% of the total space leased to all
tenants of such property) and within fifteen (15) days after being notified by
Sellers of the acquisition or lease of any real property acquired or leased by
Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries after the date hereof (but excluding
space in retail and similar establishments leased by Seller for automatic
teller machines or leased bank facilities where the space leased comprises
less than 20% of the total space leased to all tenants of such property).  If
the results of the phase one investigation indicate, in Buyers' reasonable
opinion, that additional investigation is warranted, Buyers may perform, at
Buyers' expense, a phase two subsurface investigation or investigations by
Environmental Operations, Inc. on properties deemed to warrant such additional
study.  Buyers shall perform any such phase two investigation as soon as
reasonably practicable after receipt of the phase one report(s) for such
properties.  Should the cost of taking all remedial or other corrective
actions and measures (i) required by applicable law or (ii) recommended by
Environmental Operations, Inc. in such phase one or phase two report or
reports in light of potentially serious life, health or safety concerns, in
the aggregate, exceed the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000), as
reasonably estimated by Environmental Operations, Inc. or if the cost of such
actions or measures cannot be so reasonably estimated by Environmental
Operations, Inc. to be such amounts or less with any reasonable degree of
certainty, Buyers shall have the right pursuant to Section 7.01(e) hereof, for
a period of fifteen (15) business days following receipt from Environmental
Operations, Inc. of such estimate or indication that the cost of such actions
and measures cannot be so reasonably estimated, to terminate this Agreement.

            5.07    Agreements of Affiliates.  Set forth as Schedule 5.07 is a
                    ------------------------                -------------
list (which includes all individual and beneficial ownership and also
identifies how all such beneficially owned shares are registered on the stock
record book of Seller) of all persons whom Seller believes to be "affiliates"
of Seller for purposes of Rule 145 under the Securities Act and for
pooling-of-interests accounting treatment.  Seller shall use its best efforts
to cause each person who is identified as an "affiliate" to deliver to
Mercantile, as of the date hereof, or as soon as practicable hereafter, a
written agreement in

                                    - 32 -
<PAGE> 37
substantially the form set forth as Exhibit A to this Agreement providing that
                                    ---------
each such person will agree not to sell, pledge, transfer or otherwise dispose
of the shares of Mercantile Common Stock to be received by such person in the
Merger during the period designated in such letter and thereafter in compliance
with the applicable provisions of the Securities Act.  Prior to the Closing
Date, and via letter, Seller shall amend and supplement Schedule 5.07 and use
                                                        -------------
its best efforts to cause each additional person who is identified as an
"affiliate" to execute a written agreement as provided in this Section 5.07.

            5.08    Expenses.  Each party hereto shall bear its own expenses
                    --------
incident to preparing, entering into and carrying out this Agreement and to
consummating the Merger; provided, however, that the Buyers shall pay all
printing expenses and filing fees incurred in connection with this Agreement,
the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement.

            5.09    Miscellaneous Agreements and Consents.
                    -------------------------------------

                    (a)   Subject to the terms and conditions herein provided,
            each of the parties hereto agrees to use its respective best
            efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all action, and to do, or
            cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under
            applicable laws and regulations to consummate and make effective
            the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as expeditiously
            as possible, including, without limitation, using its respective
            best efforts to lift or rescind any injunction or restraining
            order or other order adversely affecting the ability of the
            parties to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.  Each
            party shall, and shall cause each of its respective Subsidiaries
            to, use its best efforts to obtain consents of all third parties
            and Regulatory Authorities necessary or, in the opinion of Buyers,
            desirable for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
            this Agreement.

                    (b)   Seller, prior to the Effective Time, shall (i)
            consult and cooperate with Buyers regarding the implementation of
            those policies and procedures established by Buyers for its
            governance and that of its Subsidiaries and not otherwise
            referenced in Section 5.05 hereof, including, without limitation,
            policies and procedures pertaining to the accounting,
            asset/liability management, audit, credit, human resources,
            treasury and legal functions, and (ii) at the reasonable request
            of Buyers, conform Seller's existing policies and procedures in
            respect of such matters to Buyers' policies and procedures or, in
            the absence of any existing Seller policy or procedure regarding
            any such function, introduce Buyers' policies or procedures in
            respect thereof, unless to do so would cause Seller or any of the
            Seller Subsidiaries to be in violation of any law, rule or
            regulation of any Regulatory Authority having jurisdiction over
            Seller and/or the Seller Subsidiary affected thereby.

            5.10    Employee Agreements and Benefits.
                    --------------------------------

                    (a)   Following the Effective Time, Buyers shall cause the
            Surviving Corporation to honor in accordance with their terms all
            employment, severance and other compensation contracts set forth
            on Schedule 2.11(b) between Seller, any of the Seller
               ----------------
            Subsidiaries, and any current or former director, officer,
            employee or agent

                                    - 33 -
<PAGE> 38
            thereof, and all provisions for vested benefits or other vested
            amounts earned or accrued through the Effective Time under the
            Seller Employee Plans.

                    (b)   The provisions of the Seller Stock Plans and any
            other plan, program or arrangement providing for the issuance or
            grant of any other interest in respect of the Equity Securities of
            Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries shall be deleted and
            terminated as of the Effective Time.

                    (c)   Except as set forth in Section 5.10(b) hereof, the
            Seller Employee Plans shall not be terminated by reason of the
            Merger but shall continue thereafter as plans of the Surviving
            Corporation until such time as the employees of Seller and the
            Seller Subsidiaries are integrated into Mercantile's employee
            benefit plans that are available to other employees of Mercantile
            and its Subsidiaries, subject to the terms and conditions
            specified in such plans and to such changes therein as may be
            necessary to reflect the consummation of the Merger.  Mercantile
            shall take such steps as are necessary or required to integrate
            the employees of Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries into
            Mercantile's employee benefit plans available to other employees
            of Mercantile and its Subsidiaries as soon as practicable after
            the Effective Time, with (i) full credit for prior service with
            Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries for purposes of vesting
            and eligibility for participation (but not benefit accruals under
            any defined benefit plan), and co-payments and deductibles, and
            (ii) waiver of all waiting periods and pre-existing condition
            exclusions or penalties.

            5.11    Press Releases.  Seller and the Buyers shall consult with
                    --------------
each other as to the form and substance of any proposed press release or other
proposed public disclosure of matters related to this Agreement or any of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

            5.12    State Takeover Statutes.  Seller will take all steps
                    -----------------------
necessary to exempt the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and any
agreement contemplated hereby from, and if necessary challenge the validity
of, any applicable state takeover law.

            5.13    Directors' and Officers' Indemnification.  Mercantile
                    ----------------------------------------
agrees that the Merger shall not affect or diminish any of the duties and
obligations of indemnification of Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries
existing as of the Effective Time in favor of employees, agents, directors or
officers of Seller or any of the Seller Subsidiaries arising by virtue of its
Articles of Incorporation, Charter or By-Laws in the form in effect at the
date of this Agreement or arising by operation of law or arising by virtue of
any contract, resolution or other agreement or document existing at the date
of this Agreement, and such duties and obligations shall continue in full
force and effect for so long as they would (but for the Merger) otherwise
survive and continue in full force and effect.  To the extent that Seller's
existing directors' and officers' liability insurance policy would provide
coverage for any action or omission occurring prior to the Effective Time,
Seller agrees to give proper notice to the insurance carrier and to Mercantile
of a potential claim thereunder so as to preserve Seller's rights to such
insurance coverage.  Mercantile represents that the directors' and officers'
liability insurance policy maintained by it provides for coverage of "prior
acts" for directors and officers of entities acquired by Mercantile including
Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries on and after the Effective Time.

                                    - 34 -
<PAGE> 39

            5.14    Tax Opinion Certificates.  Seller shall cause such of its
                    ------------------------
executive officers, directors and/or holders of one percent (1%) or more of
the Seller Common Stock (including shares beneficially held or constructively
owned) as may be reasonably requested by Thompson Coburn to timely execute and
deliver to Thompson Coburn certificates substantially in the form of Exhibit B
                                                                     ---------
or Exhibit C hereto, as the case may be.
   ---------

            5.15    Best Efforts to Insure Pooling.   Each of Mercantile and
                    ------------------------------
Seller undertakes and agrees to use its best efforts to cause the Merger to
qualify for pooling-of-interests accounting treatment.


                                   ARTICLE VI
                                   ----------

                                   CONDITIONS

            6.01    Conditions to Each Party's Obligation To Effect the Merger.
                    ----------------------------------------------------------
The respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger shall be subject
to the fulfillment or waiver at or prior to the Effective Time of the following
conditions:

                    (a)   Shareholder Approval.  The approval of this Agreement
                          --------------------
            and the Merger shall have received the requisite vote of
            shareholders of Seller at the special meeting of shareholders
            called pursuant to Section 5.03 hereof.

                    (b)   Regulatory Approval.  This Agreement and the
                          -------------------
            transactions contemplated hereby shall have been approved by the
            Federal Reserve Board and any other federal and/or state
            regulatory agencies whose approval is required for consummation of
            the transactions contemplated hereby and all requisite waiting
            periods imposed by the foregoing shall have expired.

                    (c)   Effectiveness of Registration Statement.  The
                          ---------------------------------------
            Registration Statement shall have been declared effective and
            shall not be subject to a stop order or any threatened stop order.

                    (d)   No Judicial Prohibition.  Neither Seller, Mercantile
                          -----------------------
            nor Merger Sub shall be subject to any order, decree or injunction
            of a court or agency of competent jurisdiction which enjoins or
            prohibits the consummation of the Merger.

                    (e)   Tax Opinion.  Each of Buyers and Seller shall have
                          -----------
            received from Thompson Coburn an opinion (which opinion shall not
            have been withdrawn at or prior to the Effective Time) reasonably
            satisfactory in form and substance to it to the effect that the
            Merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of
            Section 368 of the Code and to the effect that, as a result of the
            Merger, except with respect to fractional share interests and
            assuming that such Seller Common Stock is a capital asset in the
            hands of the holder thereof at the Effective Time, (i) holders of
            Seller Common Stock who receive Mercantile Common Stock in the
            Merger will not recognize gain or loss for federal income tax
            purposes on the receipt of such stock, (ii) the basis of such
            Mercantile Common Stock will equal the basis of the Seller Common
            Stock for which it is

                                    - 35 -
<PAGE> 40
            exchanged and (iii) the holding period of such Mercantile Common
            Stock will include the holding period of the Seller Common Stock for
            which it is exchanged.

            6.02    Conditions to Obligations of Seller.  The obligations of
                    -----------------------------------
Seller to effect the Merger shall be subject to the fulfillment or waiver at
or prior to the Effective Time of the following additional conditions:

                    (a)   Representations and Warranties.  The representations
                          ------------------------------
            and warranties of Buyers set forth in Article III of this
            Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of
            the date of this Agreement and as of the Effective Time (as though
            made on and as of the Effective Time, except (i) to the extent
            such representations and warranties are by their express
            provisions made as of a specified date, (ii) where the facts which
            caused the failure of any representation or warranty to be so true
            and correct have not resulted, and are not likely to result, in a
            Material Adverse Effect on Mercantile and its Subsidiaries, taken
            as a whole, and (iii) for the effect of transactions contemplated
            by this Agreement, and Seller shall have received a certificate of
            any Executive Vice President of Mercantile, signing solely in his
            capacity as an officer of Mercantile, to such effect.

                    (b)   Performance of Obligations.  Buyers shall have
                          --------------------------
            performed in all material respects all obligations required to be
            performed by it under this Agreement prior to the Effective Time,
            and Seller shall have received a certificate of any Executive Vice
            President of Mercantile, signing solely in his capacity as an
            officer of Mercantile, to that effect.

                    (c)   Permits, Authorizations, etc.  Buyers shall have
                          -----------------------------
            obtained any and all material permits, authorizations, consents,
            waivers and approvals required for the lawful consummation of the
            Merger.

                    (d)   No Material Adverse Effect.  Since the date of this
                          --------------------------
            Agreement, there shall have been no Material Adverse Effect on
            Mercantile and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

                    (e)   Opinion of Counsel.  Mercantile shall have delivered
                          ------------------
            to Seller an opinion of Mercantile's counsel dated as of the
            Closing Date or a mutually agreeable earlier date in substantially
            the form set forth as Exhibit D to this Agreement.
                                 ----------

            6.03    Conditions to Obligations of the Buyers.  The obligations
                    ---------------------------------------
of the Buyers to effect the Merger shall be subject to the fulfillment at or
prior to the Effective Time of the following additional conditions:

                    (a)   Representations and Warranties.  The representations
                          ------------------------------
            and warranties of Seller set forth in Article II of this Agreement
            shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date
            of this Agreement and as of the Effective Time (as though made on
            and as of the Effective Time, except (i) to the extent such
            representations and warranties are by their express provisions
            made as of a specific date, (ii) where the facts

                                    - 36 -
<PAGE> 41
            which caused the failure of any representation or warranty to be so
            true and correct have not resulted, and are not likely to result, in
            a Material Adverse Effect on Seller and its Subsidiaries, taken as a
            whole, and (iii) for the effect of transactions contemplated by
            this Agreement) and Buyers shall have received a certificate of
            the Chairman and the President of Seller, signing solely in their
            capacities as officers of Seller, to such effect.

                    (b)   Performance of Obligations.  Seller shall have
                          --------------------------
            performed in all material respects all obligations required to be
            performed by it under this Agreement prior to the Effective Time,
            and Buyers shall have received a certificate of the Chairman and
            the President of Seller signing solely in their capacities as
            officers of Seller, to that effect.

                    (c)   Permits, Authorizations, etc.  Seller shall have
                          -----------------------------
            obtained any and all material permits, authorizations, consents,
            waivers and approvals required for the lawful consummation by it
            of the Merger.

                    (d)   No Material Adverse Effect.  Since the date of this
                          --------------------------
            Agreement, there shall have been no Material Adverse Effect on
            Seller and the Seller Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

                    (e)   Opinion of Counsel.  Seller shall have delivered to
                          ------------------
            Buyers an opinion of Seller's counsel dated as of the Closing Date
            or a mutually agreeable earlier date in substantially the form set
            forth as Exhibit E to this Agreement.
                     ---------

                    (f)   Election of Dissenting Shareholders.  Unless
                          -----------------------------------
            otherwise waived by the Buyers in their sole discretion, holders
            of less than five percent (5%) of the total value of shares of
            Seller Common Stock outstanding shall have taken such steps as are
            then possible to dissent from the Merger pursuant to the Arkansas
            Statute.

                    (g)   Pooling Letter.  The Buyers shall have received as
                          --------------
            soon as practicable after the date of this Agreement an opinion of
            KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, satisfactory in form and substance to the
            Buyers, to the effect that the Merger will qualify for
            pooling-of-interests accounting treatment, which opinion shall
            have not been withdrawn.


                                  ARTICLE VII
                                  -----------

                       TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

            7.01    Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated at any time
                    -----------
prior to the Closing Date, whether before or after approval by the
shareholders of Seller:

                    (a)   by mutual consent by the Executive Committee of the
            Board of Directors of Mercantile and by the Board of Directors of
            Seller;

                    (b)   by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
            of Mercantile or the Board of Directors of Seller at any time
            after July 31, 1998 if the Merger shall not

                                    - 37 -
<PAGE> 42
            theretofore have been consummated (provided that the terminating
            party is not then in material breach of any representation,
            warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein);

                    (c)   by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
            of Mercantile or the Board of Directors of Seller if (i) the
            Federal Reserve Board or any other federal and/or state regulatory
            agency whose approval is required for the consummation of the
            transactions contemplated hereby has denied approval of the Merger
            and such denial has become final and nonappealable or (ii) the
            shareholders of Seller shall not have approved this Agreement at
            the meeting referred to in Section 5.03;

                    (d)   by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
            of Mercantile, on the one hand, or by the Board of Directors of
            Seller, on the other hand, in the event of a material volitional
            breach by the other party to this Agreement of any representation,
            warranty or agreement contained herein, which breach is not cured
            within 30 days after written notice thereof is given to the
            breaching party by the non-breaching party or is not waived by the
            non-breaching party during such period; or

                    (e)   by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
            of Mercantile pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of
            Section 5.06 hereof.

            7.02    Effect of Termination.  In the event of termination of
                    ---------------------
this Agreement as provided in Section 7.01 above, this Agreement shall
forthwith become void and there shall be no liability on the part of Buyers or
Seller or their respective officers or directors except as set forth in the
second sentence of Section 5.01 and in Sections 5.08 and 8.02, and except that
no termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.01(e) shall relieve the
breaching party of any liability to the non-breaching party hereto arising
from the intentional, deliberate and willful non-performance of any covenant
contained herein, after giving notice to such breaching party and an
opportunity to cure as set forth in Section 7.01(e).

            7.03    Amendment.  This Agreement, the Exhibits and the Schedules
                    ---------
hereto may be amended by the parties hereto, by action taken by or on behalf
of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of Mercantile and the
respective Boards of Directors of Merger Sub or Seller, at any time before or
after approval of this Agreement by the shareholders of Seller; provided,
however, that after any such approval by the shareholders of Seller no such
modification shall (A) alter or change the amount or kind of Merger
Consideration to be received by holders of Seller Common Stock as provided in
this Agreement or (B) adversely affect the tax treatment to Seller
shareholders as a result of the receipt of the Merger Consideration.  This
Agreement, the Exhibits and the Schedules hereto may not be amended except by
an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of Buyers and Seller.

            7.04    Waiver.  Any term, condition or provision of this
                    ------
Agreement may be waived in writing at any time by the party which is, or whose
shareholders are, entitled to the benefits thereof.

                                    - 38 -
<PAGE> 43

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                                  ------------

                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

            8.01    Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and
                    -----------------------------------------------
Agreements.  No investigation by the parties hereto made heretofore or
- ----------
hereafter shall affect the representations and warranties of the parties which
are contained herein and each such representation and warranty shall survive
such investigation.  Except as set forth below in this Section 8.01, all
representations, warranties and agreements in this Agreement of Buyers and
Seller or in any instrument delivered by Buyers or Seller pursuant to or in
connection with this Agreement shall expire at the Effective Time or upon
termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.  In the event of
consummation of the Merger, the agreements contained in or referred to in
Sections 1.05-1.11, 5.02(b), 5.08, 5.10 and 5.13 shall survive the Effective
Time.  In the event of termination of this Agreement in accordance with its
terms, the agreements contained in or referred to in the second sentence of
Section 5.01 and Sections 5.08, 7.02 and 8.02 shall survive such termination.

            8.02    Indemnification.  Buyers and Seller (hereinafter, in such
                    ---------------
capacity being referred to as the "Indemnifying Party") agree to indemnify and
hold harmless each other and their officers, directors and controlling persons
(each such other party being hereinafter referred to, individually and/or
collectively, as the "Indemnified Party") against any and all losses, claims,
damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which the Indemnified Party may
become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other federal or
state law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses,
claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof):  (a) arise
primarily out of any information furnished to the Indemnified Party by the
Indemnifying Party and included in the Registration Statement as originally
filed or in any amendment thereof, or in the Proxy Statement, or in any
amendment therefor or supplement thereof, or are based primarily upon any
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in
the Registration Statement as originally filed or in any amendment thereof, or
in the Proxy Statement, or in any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, and
provided for inclusion thereof by the Indemnifying Party or (b) arise
primarily out of or are based primarily upon the omission or alleged omission
by the Indemnifying Party to state in the Registration Statement as originally
filed or in any amendment thereof, or in the Proxy Statement, or in any
amendment thereof, a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make the statements made therein not misleading, and agrees to reimburse
each such Indemnified Party, as incurred, for any legal or other expenses
reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any
such loss, claim, damage, liability or action.

            8.03    No Assignment; Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement
                    -------------------------------------
shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective successors (including any corporation deemed to be a successor
corporation of any of the parties by operation of law) and assigns, but
neither this Agreement nor any right or obligation set forth in any provision
hereof may be transferred or assigned (except by operation of law) by any
party hereto without the prior written consent of all other parties, and any
purported transfer or assignment in violation of this Section 8.03 shall be
void and of no effect.  There shall not be any third party beneficiaries of
any provisions hereof except for Sections 1.07, 1.10, 1.11, 5.10, 5.13 and
8.02 which may be enforced against Mercantile or Seller, as the case may be,
by the parties therein identified or described.

                                    - 39 -
<PAGE> 44

            8.04    Severability.  Whenever possible, each provision of this
                    ------------
Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid
under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement shall be held to
be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be
ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without
invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

            8.05    No Implied Waiver.  No failure or delay on the part of any
                    -----------------
party hereto to exercise any right, power or privilege hereunder or under any
instrument executed pursuant hereto shall operate as a waiver nor shall any
single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege preclude any other
or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or
privilege.

            8.06    Headings.  Article, section, subsection and paragraph
                    --------
titles, captions and headings herein are inserted only as a matter of
convenience and for reference, and in no way define, limit, extend or describe
the scope of this Agreement or the intent of any provision hereof.

            8.07    Entire Agreement.  This Agreement and the Schedules and
                    ----------------
Exhibits hereto constitute the entire agreement between the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof, supersede all prior negotiations,
representations, warranties, commitments, offers, letters of interest or
intent, proposal letters, contracts, writings or other agreements or
understandings with respect thereto.  No waiver, and no modification or
amendment, of any provision of this Agreement, shall be effective unless
specifically made in writing and duly signed by all parties thereto.

            8.08    Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in one or
                    ------------
more counterparts, and any party to this Agreement may execute and deliver
this Agreement by executing and delivering any of such counterparts, each of
which when executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original and all of
which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

            8.09    Notices.  All notices and other communications hereunder
                    -------
shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be duly received (a) on the date
given if delivered personally or by cable, telegram, telex or telecopy or (b)
on the date received if mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt
requested), to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other
address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

                    (i)   if to the Buyers:

                          Mercantile Bancorporation Inc.
                          Mercantile Tower
                          P.O. Box 524
                          St. Louis, MO 63166-0524
                          Attention: John W. Rowe
                                     Executive Vice President
                          Telecopy:  (314) 425-2752

                                    - 40 -
<PAGE> 45

                    Copy to:

                          Jon W. Bilstrom, Esq.
                          General Counsel
                          Mercantile Bancorporation Inc.
                          Mercantile Tower
                          P.O. Box 524
                          St. Louis, MO 63166-0524
                          Telecopy:  (314) 425-1386

                    and

                          Robert M. LaRose, Esq.
                          Thompson Coburn
                          One Mercantile Center
                          St. Louis, Missouri  63101
                          Telecopy:  (314) 552-7000

                    (ii)  if to Seller:

                          Horizon Bancorp, Inc.
                          526 Main Street, Suite 204
                          Arkadelphia, Arkansas  71923
                          Attention: Ross M. Whipple
                                     Chairman and Chief
                                     Executive Officer
                          Telecopy:  (501) 246-7122

                    Copy to:

                          Garland W. Binns, Jr., Esq.
                          Horne, Hollingsworth & Parker
                          401 West Capitol, Suite 501
                          Little Rock, Arkansas  72203
                          Telecopy:  (501) 372-7142

            8.10  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and
                  -------------
controlled as to validity, enforcement, interpretation, effect and in all
other respects by the internal laws of the State of Missouri applicable to
contracts made in that state.



               [remainder of this page intentionally left blank]


                                    - 41 -
<PAGE> 46

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement
to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized and their
respective corporate seals to be affixed hereto, all as of the date first
written above.


Attest:                         MERCANTILE BANCORPORATION INC.



/s/ William A. Hayter           By: /s/ John W. Rowe
- ---------------------------        ---------------------------------------------
William A. Hayter                  John W. Rowe
                                   Executive Vice President, Mercantile Bank
                                   National Association, Authorized Officer


Attest:                         AMERIBANC, INC.



/s/ David W. Grant              By: /s/ John W. Rowe
- ---------------------------        ---------------------------------------------
David W. Grant                     John W. Rowe
                                   Vice President



Attest:                         HORIZON BANCORP, INC.



/s/ Steve DeMott                By: /s/ Ross M. Whipple
- ---------------------------        ---------------------------------------------
                                   Ross M. Whipple
                                   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer




                                    - 42 -

<PAGE> 1
                                                                Exhibit 2.2
                                                                -----------

                               VOTING AGREEMENT


      This Voting Agreement dated as of July 31, 1997, is entered into between
Mercantile Bancorporation Inc. ("Mercantile"), and the undersigned director
and shareholder ("Shareholder") of Horizon Bancorp, Inc. ("Horizon").

      WHEREAS, Horizon and Mercantile have proposed to enter into an Agreement
and Plan of Merger (the "Agreement"), dated as of today, which contemplates
the acquisition by Mercantile of 100% of the capital stock of Horizon
(collectively, the "Horizon Stock") by means of a merger between Horizon and
Mercantile's subsidiary, Ameribanc, Inc. (the "Merger"); and

      WHEREAS, Mercantile is willing to expend the substantial time, effort
and expense necessary to implement the Merger, only if Shareholder enters into
this Voting Agreement; and

      WHEREAS, the undersigned shareholder of Horizon believes that the Merger
is in his best interest and the best interest of Horizon;

      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, Shareholder hereby
agrees as follows:

                  1.    Voting Agreement - Shareholder shall vote all of the
                        ----------------
shares of Horizon Stock he now owns or hereafter acquires, in favor of the
Merger at the meeting of shareholders of Horizon to be called for the purpose
of approving the Merger (the "Meeting").

                  2.    No Competing Transaction - Shareholder shall not vote
                        ------------------------
any of his shares of Horizon Stock in favor of any other merger or sale of all
or substantially all the assets of Horizon to any person other than Mercantile
or its affiliates until closing of the Merger, termination of the Agreement or
abandonment of the Merger by the mutual agreement of Horizon and Mercantile,
whichever comes first.

                  3.    Transfers Subject to Agreement - Shareholder shall not
                        ------------------------------
transfer his shares of Horizon Stock unless the transferee, prior to such
transfer, executes a voting agreement with respect to the transferred shares
substantially to the effect of this Voting Agreement and satisfactory to
Mercantile.

                  4.    Meeting - At Mercantile's request, Shareholder shall
                        -------
use his best efforts to cause the Meeting to be held as soon as practicable.

                  5.    No Ownership Interest.  Nothing contained in this
                        ---------------------
Voting Agreement shall be deemed to vest in Mercantile any direct or indirect
ownership or incidence of ownership of or with respect to any shares of
Horizon Stock.  All rights, ownership and economic benefits of and relating to
the shares of Horizon Stock shall remain and belong to Shareholder and
Mercantile shall have no authority to manage, direct, superintend, restrict,
regulate, govern or administer any of the policies or operations of Horizon or
exercise any power or authority to direct Shareholder in the voting of any of
his shares of Horizon Stock, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, or
the performance of his duties or responsibilities as a director of Horizon.

                  6.    Evaluation of Investment.  Shareholder, by reason of
                        ------------------------
his knowledge and experience in financial and business matters and in his
capacity as a director of a financial institution, believes himself capable of
evaluating the merits and risks of the potential investment in common stock of
Mercantile, $0.01 par value ("Mercantile Common Stock"), contemplated by the
Agreement.



<PAGE> 2

                  7.    Documents Delivered.  Shareholder acknowledges having
                        -------------------
reviewed the Agreement and its attachments and that reports, proxy statements
and other information with respect to Mercantile filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") were, prior to his execution of this
Voting Agreement, available for inspection and copying at the Offices of the
Commission and that Mercantile delivered the following such documents to
Horizon:

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

                        (b)   Mercantile's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
                              the quarter ended March 31, 1997; and

                        (c)   Mercantile's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated
                              May 2, 1997, May 13, 1997 and July 14, 1997 and
                              Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated May 22, 1997.

                  8.    Amendment and Modification.  This Voting Agreement may
                        --------------------------
be amended, modified or supplemented at any time by the written approval of
such amendment, modification or supplement by Shareholder and Mercantile.

                  9.    Entire Agreement.  This Voting Agreement evidences the
                        ----------------
entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the matters provided
for herein and there are no agreements, representations or warranties with
respect to the matters provided for herein other than those set forth herein
and in the Agreement.  This Voting Agreement supersedes any agreements among
Horizon and its shareholders concerning the Merger, disposition or control of
the stock of Horizon.

                  10.   Severability.  The parties agree that if any provision
                        ------------
of this Voting Agreement shall under any circumstances be deemed invalid or
inoperative, this Voting Agreement shall be construed with the invalid or
inoperative provisions deleted and the rights and obligations of the parties
shall be construed and enforced accordingly.

                  11.   Counterparts.  This Voting Agreement may be executed
                        ------------
in two counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of
which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

                  12.   Governing Law.  The validity, construction,
                        -------------
enforcement and effect of this Voting Agreement shall be governed by the
internal laws of the State of Missouri, without regard to its conflict of laws
principles.

                  13.   Headings.  The headings for the paragraphs of this
                        --------
Voting Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not constitute a
part hereof or affect the meaning or interpretation of this Voting Agreement.

                  14.   Termination.  This voting agreement shall terminate
                        -----------
upon the consummation of the Merger or upon termination of the Agreement,
whichever comes first.

                  15.   Successors.  This Voting Agreement shall be binding
                        ----------
upon and inure to the benefit of Mercantile and its successors, and
Shareholder and Shareholder's spouse and their respective executors, personal
representatives, administrators, heirs, legatees, guardians and other legal


                                   - 2 -
<PAGE> 3

representatives.  This Voting Agreement shall survive the death or incapacity
of Shareholder.  This agreement may be assigned by Mercantile only to an
affiliate of Mercantile.


                              MERCANTILE BANCORPORATION INC.



                              By:
                                   ------------------------------------------
                                   John W. Rowe, Executive Vice President
                                   Mercantile Bank National Association
                                   Authorized Officer



                              SHAREHOLDER



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


                                   - 3 -

<PAGE> 1
                                                                Exhibit 5.1
                                                                -----------

                     [Letterhead of Thompson Coburn]


                                          November 24, 1997

Mercantile Bancorporation Inc.
P.O. Box 524
St. Louis, Missouri  63166-0524

Re:     Registration Statement on Form S-4
        ----------------------------------

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We refer you to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by Mercantile
Bancorporation Inc. (the "Company") on November 24, 1997 (the "Registration
Statement") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pertaining to the proposed issuance by the
Company of up to 2,550,000 shares of the Company's common stock, $0.01 par
value (the "Shares"), in connection with the acquisition by merger of Horizon
Bancorp, Inc. ("Horizon") pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated
July 31, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among the Company, Horizon and
Ameribanc, Inc., all as provided in the Registration Statement.  In rendering
the opinions set forth herein, we have examined such corporate records of the
Company, such laws and such other information as we have deemed relevant,
including the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, as
amended and currently in effect, the resolutions adopted by the Executive
Committee of the Company's Board of Directors relating to the merger
transaction, certificates received from state officials and statements we have
received from officers and representatives of the Company.  In delivering this
opinion, the undersigned assumed the genuineness of all signatures; the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals; the conformity to
the originals of all documents submitted to us as certified, photostatic or
conformed copies; the authenticity of the originals of all such latter
documents; and the correctness of statements submitted to us by officers and
representatives of the Company.

Based only on the foregoing, the undersigned is of the opinion that:

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

      2.    The Shares to be sold by the Company, when issued as provided in
the Merger Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and to the reference to this firm in the section of the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus entitled "Legal Matters."

                                                Very truly yours,

                                                /s/ Thompson Coburn




<PAGE> 1
                                                                    Exhibit 8.1
                                                                    -----------
                         [Letterhead Thompson Coburn]

                               November 24, 1997



Board of Directors
Horizon Bancorp, Inc.
526 Main Street
Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923

Ladies and Gentlemen:

      You have requested our opinion with regard to certain federal income
tax consequences of the proposed merger (the "Merger") of Horizon Bancorp,
Inc. ("Horizon") with and into Ameribanc, Inc. ("Ameribanc"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of Mercantile Bancorporation Inc. ("MBI").

      In connection with the preparation of our opinion, we have examined and
have relied upon the following:

      (i)  The Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among MBI, Ameribanc, and
      Horizon dated as of July 31, 1997, including the schedules and
      exhibits thereto (the "Agreement");

      (ii)  MBI's Registration Statement on Form S-4, including the Proxy
      Statement/Prospectus contained therein, filed with the Securities
      and Exchange Commission on November 24, 1997 (the "Registration
      Statement");

      (iii)  The representations and undertaking of MBI substantially in the
      form of Exhibit A hereto;

      (iv)  The representations and undertakings of Horizon and certain
      holders of Horizon common stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Horizon
      Common Stock"), substantially in the forms of Exhibit B and Exhibit C
      hereto; and

      (v)  The Rights Plan between MBI and Mercantile Bank of St. Louis
      National Association, as rights agent, dated May 23, 1988.

      Our opinion is based solely upon applicable law and the factual
information and undertakings contained in the above-mentioned documents.  In
rendering our opinion, we have assumed the accuracy of all information and
the performance of all undertakings contained in each of such documents.  We
also have assumed the authenticity of all original documents, the conformity
of all copies to the original documents, and the genuineness of all
signatures.  We have not attempted to verify independently the accuracy of
any information in any such document, and we have assumed that such documents
accurately and completely set forth all material facts relevant to this
opinion.  All of our assumptions were made with your consent.  If any fact or
assumption described herein or below is incorrect, any or all of the federal
income tax consequences described herein may be inapplicable.



<PAGE> 2

Horizon Bancorp, Inc.
November 24, 1997
Page 2

                                 OPINION

      Subject to the foregoing, to the conditions and limitations expressed
elsewhere herein, and assuming that the Merger is consummated in accordance
with the Agreement, we are of the opinion that for federal income tax
purposes:

      1.    The Merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of
section 368(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended to the
date hereof (the "Code").

      2.    Each shareholder of Horizon who exchanges, in the Merger, shares
of Horizon Common Stock solely for shares of MBI common stock, par value
$0.01 per share ("MBI Common Stock"):

            a)    will recognize no gain or loss as a result of the exchange,
      except with regard to cash received in lieu of a fractional share,
      as discussed below (Code section 354(a)(1));

            b)    will have an aggregate basis for the shares of MBI Common
      Stock received (including any fractional share of MBI Common Stock
      deemed to be received, as described in paragraph 3, below) equal to
      the aggregate adjusted tax basis of the shares of Horizon Common
      Stock surrendered (Code section 358(a)(1)); and

            c)    will have a holding period for the shares of MBI Common
      Stock received (including any fractional share of MBI Common Stock
      deemed to be received, as described in paragraph 3, below) which
      includes the period during which the shares of Horizon Common Stock
      surrendered were held, provided that the shares of Horizon Common
      Stock surrendered were capital assets in the hands of such holder at
      the time of the Merger (Code section 1223(1)).

      3.    Each shareholder of Horizon who receives, in the Merger, cash in
lieu of a fractional share of MBI Common Stock will be treated as if the
fractional share had been received in the Merger and then redeemed by MBI.
Provided that the shares of Horizon Common Stock surrendered were capital
assets in the hands of such holder at the time of the Merger, the receipt of
such cash will cause the recipient to recognize capital gain or loss, equal
to the difference between the amount of cash received and the portion of such
holder's basis in the shares of MBI Common Stock allocable to the fractional
share (Code sections 1001 and 1222; Rev. Rul. 66-365, 1966-2 C.B. 116; Rev.
Proc. 77-41, 1977-2 C.B. 574).

                        * * * * * * * * * * * *

      We express no opinion with regard to (1) the federal income tax
consequences of the Merger not addressed expressly by this opinion, including
without limitation, (i) the tax consequences, if any, to those shareholders
of Horizon who acquired shares of Horizon Common Stock pursuant to the
exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation, and (ii) the
tax consequences to special classes of shareholders, if any, including
without limitation, foreign persons, insurance companies, tax-exempt
entities, retirement plans, and dealers in securities; and (2) federal,
state, local, or foreign taxes (or any other federal, state, local, or
foreign laws) not specifically referred to and discussed herein.  Further,
our opinion is based upon the Code, Treasury Regulations proposed or
promulgated thereunder, and administrative interpretations and judicial
precedents relating thereto, all of which are



<PAGE> 3

Horizon Bancorp, Inc.
November 24, 1997
Page 3

subject to change at any time, possibly with retroactive effect, and we
assume no obligation to advise you of any subsequent change thereto.  If
there is any change in the applicable law or regulations, or if there is any
new administrative or judicial interpretation of the applicable law or
regulations, any or all of the federal income tax consequences described
herein may become inapplicable.

      The foregoing opinion reflects our legal judgment solely on the issues
presented and discussed herein.  This opinion has no official status or
binding effect of any kind.  Accordingly, we cannot assure you that the
Internal Revenue Service or any court of competent jurisdiction will agree
with this opinion.

      We hereby consent to the filing of this letter as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to all references made to this letter and to this
firm in the Registration Statement.


                                    Very truly yours,

                                    /s/ Thompson Coburn



<PAGE> 1
                                                                Exhibit 23.1
                                                                ------------



                      INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Mercantile Bancorporation Inc.:

We consent to the use of our reports incorporated herein by reference and to the
reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus.



                                      /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


St. Louis, Missouri
November 24, 1997




<PAGE> 1
                                                                Exhibit 23.2
                                                                ------------



                      CONSENT OF MOORE STEPHENS FROST

       As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use in the
Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated November 24, 1997, of our report dated
February 28, 1997.  We also consent to the reference to our firm under "Experts"
in the prospectus.




                                      /s/ Moore Stephens Frost

                                      Moore Stephens Frost

Little Rock, Arkansas
November 24, 1997




<PAGE> 1
                                                                Exhibit 23.3
                                                                ------------



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the use in this Registration Statement of Mercantile
Bancorporation, Inc. on Form S-4 of our report dated March 6, 1996, on the
consolidated financial statements of Horizon Bancorp, Inc. as of December 31,
1995 and 1994, and for the years then ended appearing in the Prospectus, which
is part of this Registration Statement.

We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such
Prospectus



                                      /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP


Little Rock, Arkansas
November 24, 1997




<PAGE> 1
                                                                Exhibit 23.4
                                                                ------------



                      INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Mercantile Bancorporation Inc.:

We consent to the use of our report related to the consolidated financial
statements of Roosevelt Financial Group, Inc. incorporated herein by
reference and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts"
in the prospectus.



                                      /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP



St. Louis, Missouri
November 24, 1997




<PAGE> 1
                                                                Exhibit 23.5
                                                                ------------



                      CONSENT OF STEPHENS INC.

       We hereby consent to the inclusion of our opinion letter dated
July 31, 1997 to the Board of Horizon Bancorp, Inc. as an annex to the Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus which forms a part of the Registration Statement
of Form S-4 relating to the proposed merger of Horizon Bancorp, Inc. with
and into Mercantile Bancorporation Inc. and to the references to such opinion
under "Summary - Opinion of Horizon Bancorp's Financial Advisor," "The Merger -
Background of and Reasons of Horizon Bancorp for the Merger" and "The Merger -
Opinion of Horizon Bancorp's Financial Advisor," in such Joint Proxy Statement/
Prospectus.  In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within
the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the
Securities Act of 1933 or the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission thereunder.

                                      Very truly yours,



                                      /s/ Stephens, Inc.

                                      Stephens Inc.


November 20, 1997





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