FIRST MERCHANTS CORP
10-K405, 2000-03-24
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D. C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

                Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of
                       the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Fiscal year ended December 31, 1999       Commission file number 0-17071

                           FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

           Indiana                                               35-1544218
(State or other jurisdiction of                               (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                               Identification No.)

       200 East Jackson                                         47305-2814
        Muncie, Indiana                                         (Zip Code)

(Address of principal executive offices)

        Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (765) 747-1500

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

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

                   Common Stock, $.125 stated value per share

                                (Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant(1) has filed all reportsrequired
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes [X]  No [ ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein,and will not be contained, to the best
of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K.  [X]

The aggregate  market value (not necessarily a reliable indication of the price
at which more than a limited number of shares would  trade) of the voting stock
held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $ as of March 6, 2000.

As of March 6,2000 there were 10,870,921 outstanding common shares, without par
value, of the registrant.

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

                                                       Part of Form 10-K
        Documents                                  Into Which Incorporated

1999 Annual Report to Stockholders            Part II (Items 5, 6, 7, 7A, and 8)
Definitive Proxy Statement for
  Annual Meeting of Shareholders
  to be held April 12, 2000                       Part III (Items 10 through 13)


Exhibit Index:  Page


<PAGE>



FORM 10-K TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                       Form 10-K
                                                                          Page
                                                                         Number

Part I

  Item 1 - Business............................................................3

  Item 2 - Properties.........................................................22

  Item 3 - Legal Proceedings..................................................22

  Item 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders................22
 ..
  Supplemental Information - Executive Officers of the Registrant.............23

Part II

  Item 5 -  Market For the Registrant's Common Equity and
            Related Stockholder Matters.......................................23

  Item 6 -  Selected Financial Data...........................................23

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

  Item 7A- Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.........23

  Item 8 -  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.......................23

  Item 9 -  Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on
            Accounting and Financial Disclosures..............................23

Part III

  Item 10- Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.................23

  Item 11- Executive Compensation.............................................23

  Item 12- Security Ownership of Certain Beneficia
           Owners and Management..............................................23

  Item 13- Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.....................24

Part IV

  Item 14- Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and
           Reports on Form 8-K................................................24

Signatures....................................................................26

                                                                       Page 2

<PAGE>

                                     PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL

First Merchants  Corporation (the  "Corporation") was incorporated under Indiana
law on September 20, 1982, as the bank holding company for First Merchants Bank,
National  Association  ("First  Merchants"),   a  national  banking  association
incorporated in 1893.  Prior to December 16, 1991, First Merchants' name was The
Merchants  National  Bank of Muncie.  On  November  30,  1988,  the  Corporation
acquired Pendleton Banking Company  ("Pendleton"),  a state chartered commercial
bank organized in 1872. On July 31, 1991, the Corporation  acquired First United
Bank ("First United"),  a state chartered  commercial bank organized in 1882. On
August 1, 1996,  the  Corporation  acquired  The Union County  National  Bank of
Liberty ("Union County"),  a national banking association  incorporated in 1872.
On October 2, 1996, the Corporation acquired The Randolph County Bank ("Randolph
County"),  a state chartered  commercial bank founded in 1865. On April 1, 1998,
Pendleton  acquired the Muncie  office of Insurance and Risk  Management,  Inc.,
which was renamed, on April 1, 1998, First Merchants Insurance Services, Inc. On
April 1, 1999,  the  Corporation  acquired The First  National  Bank of Portland
("First  National"),  a national  banking  association  incorporated in 1904. On
April 21, 1999, the Corporation acquired Anderson Community Bank ("Anderson"), a
state  charted  commercial  bank founded in 1995.  Pendleton  and Anderson  were
combined on April 21, 1999, to form Madison Community Bank ("Madison").

 As of December 31, 1999,  the  Corporation  had  consolidated  assets of $1.474
billion,  consolidated  deposits of $1.147 billion and  stockholders'  equity of
$126.3 million.

The Corporation is headquartered in Muncie, Indiana, and is presently engaged in
conducting  commercial  banking  business  through  the 27  offices  of its five
banking  subsidiaries.  As  of  December  31,  1998,  the  Corporation  and  its
subsidiaries had 492 full-time equivalent employees.

Through its  subsidiaries,  the  Corporation  offers a broad range of  financial
services,  including:  accepting time and transaction deposits; making consumer,
commercial,  agri-business and real estate mortgage loans; issuing credit cards;
renting  safe  deposit  facilities;   providing  personal  and  corporate  trust
services;  and  providing  other  corporate  services,  letters  of  credit  and
repurchase agreements.

Acquisition Policy and Pending Transactions

The  Corporation  anticipates  that it will  continue  its policy of  geographic
expansion  through   consideration  of  acquisitions  of  additional   financial
institutions.  Management of the Corporation  periodically  engages in reviewing
and analyzing potential acquisitions.

At the  present  time,  management  of the  Corporation  has  signed  definitive
agreements  with Decatur  Financial,  Inc.  regarding its  affiliation  with the
Corporation. See note 2 on page 29 of exhibit 13.
                                                                       Page 3
<PAGE>

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

COMPETITION

The  Corporation's  banking  subsidiaries  are  located  in  Delaware,  Fayette,
Hamilton,  Henry, Jay, Madison,  Wayne,  Randolph, and Union counties in Indiana
and Butler  county in Ohio.  In  addition  to the  competition  provided  by the
lending and deposit gathering subsidiaries of national manufacturers, retailers,
insurance companies and investment  brokers,  the banking  subsidiaries  compete
vigorously  with other  banks  thrift  institutions,  credit  unions and finance
companies located within their service areas.


                           REGULATION AND SUPERVISION

             OF FIRST MERCHANTS, DECATUR FINANCIAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

BANK HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION

First Merchants is registered as a bank holding company and is subject to the
regulations  of the  Federal  Reserve  Board ("Federal  Reserve") under the Bank
Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHC Act").  Bank holding companies
are required to file periodic  reports with and are subject to periodic
examination  by the  Federal  Reserve.  The Federal Reserve  has  issued
regulations  under the BHC Act  requiring  a bank  holding  company  to  serve
as a source  of  financial  and  managerial  strength  to its subsidiary  banks.
Thus,  it is the policy of the Federal  Reserve that, a bank  holding  company
should stand ready to use its  resources  to provide  adequate  capital  funds
to its  subsidiary  banks during  periods of financial  stress or adversity.
Additionally,  under  the  Federal  Deposit  Insurance  Corporation
Improvement  Act of 1991  ("FDICIA"),  a bank  holding  company is  required  to
guarantee   the   compliance   of  any   subsidiary   bank   that   may   become
"undercapitalized"  (as  defined in the  FDICIA)  with the terms of any  capital
restoration  plan filed by such subsidiary with its appropriate  federal banking
agency up to the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 5% of the institution's  total
assets at the time the institution became  undercapitalized,  or (ii) the amount
that is necessary (or would have been necessary) to bring the  institution  into
compliance with all applicable  capital standards as of the time the institution
fails to comply  with such  capital  restoration  plan.  Under the BHC Act,  the
Federal Reserve has the authority to require a bank holding company to terminate
any activity or relinquish control of a nonbank subsidiary (other than a nonbank
subsidiary of a bank) upon the  determination  that such activity  constitutes a
serious risk to the financial stability of any bank subsidiary.

The BHC Act prohibits First Merchants from doing any of the following without
the prior approval of the Federal Reserve:

1.  Acquiring  direct or  indirect  control of more than 5% of the outstanding
    shares  of  any   class  of   voting   stock  or substantially  all  of  the
    assets  of any  bank  or  savings association.

2.  Merging or consolidating with another bank holding company.

3.  Engaging in or acquiring  ownership or control of more than 5% of the
    outstanding  shares of any class of voting stock of any company engaged in a
    nonbanking  business unless such business is determined by the Federal
    Reserve to be closely related to banking.

The BHC Act does not place territorial  restrictions on such  nonbanking-related
activities.

                                                                       Page 4
<PAGE>


CAPITAL ADEQUACY GUIDELINES FOR BANK HOLDING COMPANIES

     Bank holding companies are required to comply with the Federal Reserve's
risk-based capital guidelines. These guidelines require a minimum ratio of
capital to risk-weighted assets of 8% (including certain off-balance sheet
activities such as standby letters of credit). At least half of the total
required capital must be "Tier 1 capital," consisting principally of common
shareholders' equity, noncumulative perpetual preferred stock, a limited amount
of cumulative perpetual preferred stock and minority interest in the equity
accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less certain goodwill items. The
remainder may consist of a limited amount of subordinate debt and
intermediate-term preferred stock, certain hybrid capital instruments and other
debt securities, cumulative perpetual preferred stock, and a limited amount of
the general loan loss allowance.

     In addition to the risk-based capital  guidelines,  the Federal Reserve has
adopted a Tier 1  (leverage)  capital  ratio  under  which the bank  holding
company  must  maintain  a minimum  level of Tier 1  capital  to  average  total
consolidated assets. The ratio is 3% in the case of bank holding companies which
have  the  highest  regulatory  examination  ratings  and are not  contemplating
significant  growth or expansion.  All other bank holding companies are expected
to maintain a ratio of at least 1% to 2% above the stated minimum.

     The following are the Corporation's regulatory capital ratios as of
December  31, 1999:

                                      Corporation       Regulatory Minimum
                                                            Requirement

Tier 1 Capital:                          12.7%                 4.0%

Total Capital:                           13.7%                 8.0%


BANK REGULATION

     First Merchants Bank, National  Association,  The Union County National
Bank,  and The  First  National  Bank of  Portland  are  national  banks and are
supervised,  regulated  and  examined  by the Office of the  Comptroller  of the
Currency  (the "OCC").  First  United  Bank,  The Madison  Community  Bank, and
The Randolph  County Bank are state banks chartered in Indiana and are
supervised, regulated and examined by the Indiana Department. In addition, three
of First Merchants' subsidiaries, The Madison Community Bank, First United Bank
and The Randolph  County Bank, are supervised and regulated by the  FDIC. Each
regulator has the authority to issue cease-and-desist orders if it determines
that activities of the bank regularly represent an unsafe and unsound banking
practice or a violation of law.

     Both federal and state law extensively  regulate various aspects of the
banking   business   such  as   reserve   requirements,   truth-in-lending   and
truth-in-savings  disclosure,  equal credit opportunity,  fair credit reporting,
trading in securities and other aspects of banking  operations.  Current federal
law also requires banks,  among other things,  to make deposited funds available
within specified time periods.
                                                                        Page 5
<PAGE>

BANK REGULATION continued

     Insured state-chartered banks are prohibited under FDICIA from engaging
as the principal in activities that are not permitted for national banks, unless
(i) the FDIC determines that the activity would pose no significant  risk to the
appropriate  deposit  insurance fund, and (ii) the bank is, and continues to be,
in compliance with all applicable capital standards.

BANK CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

     The FDIC and the OCC have adopted  risk-based  capital ratio guidelines
to which  state-chartered  banks and national banks are subject.  The guidelines
establish a framework that makes regulatory capital  requirements more sensitive
to  differences in risk  profiles.  Risk-based  capital ratios are determined by
allocating   assets  and  specified   off-balance   sheet  commitments  to  four
risk-weighted  categories,  with higher levels of capital being required for the
categories perceived as representing greater risk.

     Like the capital guidelines  established by the Federal Reserve,  these
guidelines divide a bank's capital into tiers.  Banks are required to maintain a
total risk-based  capital ratio of 8%. The FDIC or OCC may, however,  set higher
capital  requirements  when a bank's  particular  circumstances  warrant.  Banks
experiencing or anticipating significant growth are expected to maintain capital
ratios, including tangible capital positions, well above the minimum levels.

     In addition,  the FDIC and the OCC established guidelines prescribing a
minimum  Tier 1 leverage  ratio  (Tier 1 capital  to  adjusted  total  assets as
specified  in the  guidelines).  These  guidelines  provide for a minimum Tier 1
leverage ratio of 3% for banks that meet specified criteria, including that they
have the highest  regulatory  rating and are not  experiencing  or  anticipating
significant  growth.  All other banks are required to maintain a Tier 1 leverage
ratio of 3% plus an additional 100 to 200 basis points.

     All of First Merchants' affiliate banks exceed the risk-based  capital
guidelines of the FDIC and/or the OCC as of December 31, 1999.

     The  Federal  Reserve,  the  FDIC  and the OCC  have  adopted  rules to
incorporate  market and  interest  rate risk  components  into their  risk-based
capital   standards.   Amendments  to  the  risk-based   capital   requirements,
incorporating  market  risk,  became  effective  January 1, 1998.  Under the new
market risk  requirements,  capital  will be  allocated to support the amount of
market risk related to a financial institution's ongoing trading activities.

FDICIA

     FDICIA   requires,   among  other  things,   federal  bank   regulatory
authorities  to take "prompt  corrective  action" with respect to banks which do
not meet minimum capital  requirements.  For these purposes,  FDICIA establishes
five capital tiers: well capitalized, adequately capitalized,  undercapitalized,
significantly  undercapitalized  and critically  undercapitalized.  The FDIC has
adopted  regulations  to implement the prompt  corrective  action  provisions of
FDICIA.

     "Undercapitalized"  banks are  subject  to growth  limitations  and are
required to submit a capital  restoration  plan. A bank's  compliance  with such
plan is required to be guaranteed by the bank's parent  holding  company.  If an
"undercapitalized"  bank fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if
it is significantly undercapitalized. "Significantly undercapitalized" banks are
subject  to one or more  restrictions,  including  an  order by the FDIC to sell
sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce
total  assets and cease  receipt  of  deposits  from  correspondent  banks,  and
restrictions    on    compensation    of   executive    officers.    "Critically
undercapitalized"   institutions  may  not,   beginning  60  days  after  become
"critically  undercapitalized,"  make any  payment of  principal  or interest on
certain subordinated debt or extend credit for a highly leveraged transaction or
enter into any transaction outside the ordinary course of business. In addition,
"critically  undercapitalized"  institutions  are  subject to  appointment  of a
receiver or conservator.

                                                                        Page 6
<PAGE>

FDICIA continued

     As of December 31, 1999,  each bank  subsidiary of First  Merchants is
"well capitalized" based on the "prompt corrective action" ratios and deadlines
described above. It should be noted, however, that a bank's capital category is
determined  solely for the purpose of applying the OCC's (or the FDIC's) "prompt
corrective action" regulations and that the capital category may not constitute
an accurate  representation  of the bank's overall  financial condition or
prospects.

DEPOSIT INSURANCE

     First Merchants' affiliated banks are insured up to  regulatory  limits by
the FDIC and,  accordingly,  are subject to deposit insurance  assessments  to
maintain the Bank  Insurance Fund (the "BIF") and the Savings Association
Insurance Fund ("SAIF")  administered by the FDIC. The FDIC has adopted
regulations  establishing a permanent risk-related deposit insurance assessment
system.  Under this system, the FDIC places each insured bank in one of nine
risk  categories  based  on (i) the  bank's  capitalization,  and  (ii)
supervisory  evaluations  provided  to the  FDIC  by the  institution's  primary
federal  regulator.  Each  insured  bank's  insurance  assessment  rate  is then
determined by the risk category in which it is classified by the FDIC.

     Effective  January  1,  1997,  the annual  insurance  premiums  on bank
deposits insured by the BIF and the SAIF vary between $0.00 per $100 of deposits
for  banks  classified  in  the  highest  capital  and  supervisory   evaluation
categories  to $0.27 per $100 of  deposits  for banks  classified  in the lowest
capital and supervisory evaluation categories.

     The Deposit  Insurance Funds Act of 1996 provides for assessments to be
imposed on insured  depository  institutions with respect to deposits insured by
the BIF and the SAIF (in addition to assessments currently imposed on depository
institutions with respect to BIF- and SAIF-insured deposits) to pay for the cost
of  Financing  Corporation  ("FICO")  funding.  The  FDIC  established  the FICO
assessment  rates  effective  January  1, 1997 at $0.013 per $100  annually  for
BIF-assessable  deposits  and  $0.0648  per $100  annually  for  SAIF-assessable
deposits.  The  FICO  assessments  do  not  vary  depending  upon  a  depository
institution's capitalization or supervisory evaluations.

BROKERED DEPOSITS

     Under FDIC  regulations,  no  FDIC-insured  depository  institution can
accept  brokered  deposits  unless  it (i)  is  well  capitalized,  or  (ii)  is
adequately  capitalized and received a waiver from the FDIC. In addition,  these
regulations  prohibit any depository  institution  that is not well  capitalized
from (a) paying an interest  rate on deposits in excess of 76 basis  points over
certain prevailing market rates or (b) offering "pass through" deposit insurance
on certain  employee  benefit plan accounts unless it provides certain notice to
affected depositors.

INTERSTATE BANKING AND BRANCHING

     Under the Riegle-Neal  Interstate Banking and Branching  Efficiency Act
of 1994  ("Riegle-Neal")  subject  to  certain  concentration  limits,  required
regulatory approvals and other requirements,  (i) bank holding companies such as
First  Merchants is permitted to acquire banks and bank holding  companies
located in any state; (ii) any bank that is a subsidiary of a bank  holding
company is permitted to receive  deposits,  renew time  deposits, close loans,
service  loans and receive loan payments as an agent for any other bank
subsidiary  of that  holding  company;  and (iii) banks are  permitted  to
acquire  branch offices outside their home states by merging with  out-of-state
banks,  purchasing  branches in other states, and  establishing  de novo branch
offices in other states.
                                                                        Page 7
<PAGE>


FINANCIAL SERVICES MODERNIZATION ACT

     On  November  12,  1999,   President   Clinton   signed  into  law  the
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (the "Financial Services Modernization Act"). The
general  effect of the Financial  Services  Modernization  Act is to establish a
comprehensive framework to permit affiliations among commercial banks, insurance
companies,  securities  firms, and other financial service providers by revising
and  expanding  the  existing  BHC Act.  Under this  legislation,  bank  holding
companies  would be permitted to conduct  essentially  unlimited  securities and
insurance  activities  as well as other  activities  determined  by the  Federal
Reserve Board to be financial in nature or related to financial  services.  As a
result,  First  Merchants  would be able to  provide  securities  and  insurance
services.  Furthermore, under this legislation, First Merchants would be able to
acquire,  or be  acquired  by,  brokerage  and  securities  firms and  insurance
underwriters. In addition, the Financial Services Modernization Act broadens the
activities  that may be conducted  by national  banks  through the  formation of
financial  subsidiaries.  Finally,  the  Financial  Services  Modernization  Act
modifies the laws governing the implementation of the Community Reinvestment Act
and  addresses a variety of other legal and  regulatory  issues  affecting  both
day-to-day operations and long-term activities of financial institutions.

     First  Merchants has not had an opportunity to assess the impact of the
legislation on its operations, but at the present time does not believe that the
legislation  will have a material  adverse  effect on its operations in the near
future. In addition,  First Merchants does not anticipate significant changes in
its products or services as a result of this legislation. However, to the extent
that this legislation permits banks, securities firms and insurance companies to
affiliate,  the financial services industry may experience further consolidation
and may  increase  the amount of  competition  that First  Merchants  faces from
larger institutions and other types of companies offering financial products.

ADDITIONAL MATTERS

     In addition to the matters discussed above, First Merchants'  affiliate
banks are subject to  additional  regulation of their  activities,  including  a
variety  of  consumer  protection  regulations affecting  their  lending,
deposit and collection  activities  and  regulations affecting secondary
mortgage market activities.

     The earnings of  financial  institutions  are also  affected by general
economic  conditions and prevailing  interest rates,  both domestic and foreign,
and by the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States  Government and its
various agencies, particularly the Federal Reserve.

     Additional legislation and administrative actions affecting the banking
industry may be considered by the United States Congress, state legislatures and
various  regulatory  agencies,  including  those referred to above. It cannot be
predicted with certainty whether such legislation or administrative  action will
be  enacted  or the  extent to which the  banking  industry  in general or First
Merchants and its affiliate banks in particular would be affected thereby.



                                                                        Page 8

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

STATISTICAL DATA

The following tables set forth statistical data relating the Corporation and its
subsidiaries.

DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS" EQUITY;
      INTEREST RATES AND INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL

The daily average balance sheet amounts, the related interest income or expense,
and average rates earned or paid are presented in the following table.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1999                            1998                             1997
                                    -------------------------------  ------------------------------   ------------------------------
                                               Interest                         Interest                         Interest
                                    Average    Income/    Average    Average    Income/                Average    Income/   Average
                                    Balance    Expense      Rate     Balance    Balance      Rate      Balance    Expense     Rate
                                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------- ---------  ---------
<S>                                <C>          <C>          <C>   <C>           <C>           <C>     <C>         <C>          <C>
Assets:
Federal funds sold ........       $   14,369    $    657     4.6%  $   23,236    $  1,026      4.4%    $    4,602  $   261      5.7%
Interest-bearing deposits......        1,105          59     5.3          654          30      4.6            693       35      5.1
Federal Reserve and
  Federal Home Loan Bank stock.        5,121         446     8.7        4,322         398      9.2          3,617      346      9.6
Securities: (1)
  Taxable .......................    256,424      15,459     6.0      189,285      11,596      6.1        185,896   11,587      6.2
  Tax-exempt ....................    111,437       8,066     7.2      100,304       7,547      7.5         94,548    7,013      7.4
                                  ----------    --------           ----------    --------              ----------  -------
    Total Securities.............    367,861      23,525     6.4      289,589      19,143      6.6        280,444   18,600      6.6
Mortgage loans held for sale.....        125          15    12.0          773          98     12.7            406       47     11.6
Loans: (2)
  Commercial ....................    415,840      35,616     8.6      379,897      33,902      8.9        340,767   31,608      9.3
  Bankers' acceptance and
    Commercial paper purchased...        371          18     4.9        1,366          67      4.9          1,193       68      5.7
  Real estate mortgage...........    332,670      26,604     8.0      320,194      26,484      8.3        300,596   25,262      8.4
  Installment ...................    183,095      16,113     8.8      165,349      15,420      9.3        154,853   14,342      9.3
  Tax-exempt ....................      3,615         358     9.9        3,511         360     10.3          2,021      226     11.2
                                  ----------    --------           ----------    --------              ----------  -------
    Total loans .................    935,591      78,709     8.4      870,317      76,233      8.8        799,430   71,506      8.9
                                  ----------    --------           ----------    --------              ----------  -------
    Total earning assets......... $1,324,172    $103,411     7.8   $1,188,981    $ 96,928      8.2     $1,089,192  $90,795      8.3
                                  ----------    --------           ----------    --------              ----------  -------
Net unrealized gain on securities
Available for sale...............        (47)                           3,041                               1,284
Allowance for loan losses........    (10,821)                          (8,769)                             (8,280)
Cash and due from banks..........     36,873                           31,015                              37,167
Premises and equipment ..........     19,794                           18,706                              16,621
Other assets ....................     27,259                           21,249                              15,097
                                   ---------                        ---------                           ---------
    Total assets ................ $1,397,230                       $1,254,223                          $1,151,081
                                  ==========                       ==========                          ==========
Liabilities:
  Interest-bearing deposits:
    NOW accounts ................ $  152,268    $  2,642     1.7%  $  145,224    $  2,977      2.1%    $  122,125  $ 2,800      2.3%

    Money market deposit accounts    177,091       6,804     3.8      146,745       5,921      4.0        123,302    4,895      4.0
    Savings deposits ............     95,344       2,399     2.5       91,842       2,388      2.6         81,284    2,031      2.5
    Certificates and other
      time deposits .............    518,624      26,694     5.1      519,625      28,587      5.5        499,097   27,644      5.5
                                  ----------    --------           ----------    --------              ----------  -------
      Total interest-bearing
        deposits.................    943,327      38,539     4.1      903,436      39,873      4.4        825,808   37,370      4.5

Borrowings ......................    154,839       8,359     5.4       78,737       4,592      5.8         72,950    4,023      5.5
                                  ----------    --------           ----------    --------              ----------  -------
  Total interest-bearing
    liabilities..................  1,098,166      46,898     4.3      982,173      44,465      4.5        898,758   41,393      4.6
Noninterest-bearing deposits.....    129,747                          113,193                             107,642
Other liabilities ...............     19,590                           10,805                               8,723
                                  ----------                       ----------                          ----------
    Total liabilities............  1,247,503                        1,106,171                           1,015,123
Stockholders' equity ............    149,727                          148,052                             135,958
                                  ----------                       ----------                          ----------
    Total liabilities and
     stockholders' Equity........ $1,397,230      46,898     3.5(3)$1,254,223      44,465      3.7(3)  $1,151,081   41,393      3.83
                                  ==========    --------           ==========    --------              ==========  -------
    Net interest income .........               $ 56,513     4.3                 $ 52,463      4.4                 $49,402      4.5
                                                ========                         ========                          =======

(1)     Average  balance of securities  is computed  based on the average of the
        historical amortized cost balances without the effects of the fair value
        adjustment.

(2)     Nonaccruing loans have been included in the average balances.
(3)     Total interest expense divided by total earning assets adjustment
        to convert tax exempt investment  securities to fully taxable equivalent
        basis,    using   marginal   rate   of   35%   for   1997,   1998,   and
        1999.............................
                                                 $2,948                            $2,676                            $2,611
                                                 ======                            ======                            ======
</TABLE>
                                                                        Page 9
<PAGE>

STATISTICAL DATA (continued)
- ----------------

ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME

The following table presents net interest income  components on a tax-equivalent
basis and reflects  changes between  periods  attributable to movement in either
the  average  balance  or  average  interest  rate for both  earning  assets and
interest-bearing  liabilities.  The  volume  differences  were  computed  as the
difference in volume  between the current and prior year times the interest rate
of the  prior  year,  while the  interest  rate  changes  were  computed  as the
difference  in rate  between  the current and prior year times the volume of the
prior  year.  Volume/rate  variances  have  been  allocated  on the basis of the
absolute relationship between volume variances and rate variances.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 1999 Compared to 1998                             1998 Compared to 1997
                                               Increase (Decrease) Due To                        Increase (Decrease) Due To
                                        -----------------------------------------          ---------------------------------------


                                          Volume         Rate          Total                Volume         Rate          Total
                                          ------         ----          -----                ------         ----          -----
                                                        (Dollars in Thousands on Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis)
<S>                                     <C>            <C>          <C>                    <C>            <C>            <C>

Interest income:
  Federal funds sold ...............     $  (404)      $     35     $   (369)               $   835       $    (70)      $    765
  Interest-bearing deposits ........          23              6           29                     (2)            (3)            (5)
  Federal Reserve and Federal
    Home Loan Bank stock ...........          70            (22)          48                    179           (127)            52
  Securities .......................       5,024           (642)       4,382                    605            (62)           543


  Mortgage loans held for sale .....         (78)            (5)         (83)                    46              5             51
  Loans ............................       5,569         (3,093)       2,476                  6,234         (1,507)         4,727
                                         --------      ---------    ---------                -------      ---------      --------
  Totals ...........................      10,204         (3,721)       6,483                  7,897         (1,764)         6,133
                                         --------      ---------    ---------                -------      ---------      --------
Interest expense:
  NOW accounts .....................         139           (474)        (335)                   494           (317)           177
  Money market deposit
    accounts........................       1,177           (294)         883                    945             81          1,026
  Savings deposits..................          89            (78)          11                    272             85            357
  Certificates and other
    time deposits...................         (55)        (1,838)      (1,893)                 1,130           (187)           943
  Borrowings........................       4,132           (365)       3,767                    330            239            569
                                         --------      ---------    ---------               --------      ---------      --------
    Totals..........................       5,482         (3,049)       2,433                  3,171            (99)         3,072
                                         --------      ---------    ---------               --------      ---------      --------

Change in net interest
  income (fully taxable
  equivalent basis)................      $ 4,722       $   (672)    $  4,050                $ 4,726       $ (1,665)     $   3,061
                                         ========      =========                            ========      =========


Tax equivalent adjustment
  using marginal rate
  of 35% for 1997, 1998,
 and 1999..........................                                     (181)                                                (157)
                                                                   ----------                                           ----------


Change in net interest
  income...........................                                $   3,869                                            $   2,904
                                                                   ==========                                           ==========

</TABLE>
                                                                        Page 10
<PAGE>

STATISTICAL DATA (continued)

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The  amortized  cost,  gross  unrealized  gains,  gross  unrealized  losses  and
approximate  market value of the  investment  securities at the dates  indicated
were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Gross            Gross
                                                       Amortized        Unrealized      Unrealized          Fair
                                                         Cost             Gains           Losses            Value
                                                    ----------------  ---------------  --------------  --------------
                                                                          (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                   <C>               <C>              <C>             <C>
Available for sale at December 31, 1999:
    U.S. Treasury..............................       $   7,337         $      3         $    72         $  7,268
    Federal agencies...........................          61,215               50           1,199           60,066
    State and municipal........................          94,598              568             945           94,221
    Mortgage-backed securities.................         141,673               58           4,332          137,399
    Other asset-backed securities  ............          21,773                              758           21,015
    Corporate obligations  ....................           9,082                4             140            8,946
    Marketable equity securities...............             915                              162              753
                                                      ---------         --------         -------         --------
       Total available for sale................         336,593              683           7,608          329,668
                                                      ---------         --------         -------         --------

Held to maturity at December 31, 1999:
   U.S. Treasury...............................             250                                2              248
   State and municipal.........................          13,243               77              13           13,307
   Mortgage-backed securities..................             311                1               1              311
   Other asset-backed securities...............             499                               81              418
                                                      ---------         --------         -------         --------
      Total held to maturity...................          14,303               78              97           14,284
                                                      ---------         --------         -------         --------
      Total investment securities..............       $ 350,896         $    761         $ 7,705         $343,952
                                                      =========         ========         =======         ========




Available for sale at December 31, 1998:

   U.S. Treasury...............................       $  22,275         $    120                         $ 22,395
   Federal agencies............................          61,605              627         $    32           62,200
   State and municipal.........................          93,198            2,778              21           95,955
   Mortgage-backed securities..................         128,610              440             198          128,852
   Other asset-backed securities...............             265                1              11              255
   Corporate obligations.......................          18,624              143               8           18,759
   Marketable equity securities................           1,200                              108            1,092
                                                      ---------         --------         -------         --------
      Total available for sale.................         325,777            4,109             378          329,508
                                                      ---------         --------         -------         --------

Held to maturity at December 31, 1998:
   U.S. Treasury...............................             249                4                              253
   Federal agencies............................             500                1                              501
   State and municipal.........................          18,335              370               1           18,704
   Mortgage-backed securities..................             864                3                              867
   Other asset-backed securities...............           1,761                2              27            1,736
                                                      ---------         --------         -------         --------
      Total held to maturity...................          21,709              380              28           22,061
                                                      ---------         --------         -------         --------
      Total investment securities..............       $ 347,486         $  4,489         $   406         $351,569
                                                      =========         ========         =======         ========


</TABLE>


                                                                        Page 11

<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATISTICAL DATA (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Gross              Gross
                                                       Amortized         Unrealized         Unrealized            Fair
                                                          Cost              Gains             Losses             Value
                                                     ---------------    --------------     --------------    ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                <C>                 <C>               <C>
Available for sale at December 31, 1997:
   U.S. Treasury ..............................       $ 19,706           $   108              $    11          $ 19,803
   Federal agencies............................         74,172               451                   50            74,573
   State and municipal.........................         74,073             1,946                   29            75,990
   Mortgage-backed securitie...................         39,832               386                  106            40,112
   Other asset-backed securities...............            487                 2                   54               435
   Corporate obligations.......................         18,219               139                   30            18,328
   Marketable equity securities................          1,445                                    103             1,342
                                                      --------           -------              -------          --------
      Total available for sale ................        227,934             3,032                  383           230,583
                                                      --------           -------              -------          --------

Held to maturity at December 31, 1997:
   U.S. Treasury ..............................            249                                      2               247
   Federal agencies ...........................          3,412                 6                    1             3,417
   State and municipal ........................         27,137               275                    2            27,410
   Mortgage-backed securities .................          1,255                 4                    1             1,258
   Other asset-backed securities ..............          4,210                 7                  166             4,051
                                                      --------           -------              -------          --------
      Total held to maturity  .................         36,263               292                  172            36,383
                                                      --------           -------              -------          --------
      Total investment securities .............       $264,197          $  3,324               $  555          $266,966
                                                      ========          ========              =======          ========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Cost
                                                    ----------------------------------------------------------
                                                          1999                 1998                1997
                                                          ----                 ----                ----
<S>                                                     <C>                  <C>                  <C>
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan
Bank stock at December 31:
Federal Reserve Bank stock ....................         $  493               $  493               $  493
Federal Home Loan Bank stock ..................          5,365                3,962                3,560
                                                         -----               ------                -----
    Total .....................................         $5,858               $4,455               $4,053
                                                        ======               ======                =====
</TABLE>

The Fair value of Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock  approximates
cost.

The maturity  distribution  (dollars in  thousands)  and average  yields for the
securities portfolio at December 31, 1999 were:

Securities available for sale December 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Within 1 Year                 1-5 Years                  5-10 Years
                                                 -------------                 ---------                  ----------
                                              Amount        Yield*        Amount        Yield*       Amount        Yield*
                                              ------        ------        ------        ------       ------        ------
<S>                                          <C>              <C>        <C>             <C>        <C>              <C>
U.S. Treasury......................          $ 2,277          5.8%       $ 4,991         5.5%
Federal Agencies...................           38,178          5.9         14,938         5.9        $ 2,000          6.3%
State and Municipal................           10,481          7.2         56,841         7.0         15,228          8.1
Corporate Obligations..............            1,622          7.0          7,324         6.5
                                             -------                     -------                    -------
    Total..........................          $52,558          6.2%       $84,094         6.7%       $17,228          7.9%
                                             =======                     =======                    =======
</TABLE>

                                                                        Page 12
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STATISTICAL DATA (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Marketable Equity,
                                                                            Mortgage and Other
                                             Due After Ten Years         Asset-Backed Securities                Total
                                             -------------------         -----------------------                -----
                                            Amount         Yield*         Amount         Yield*          Amount        Yield*
                                            ------         ------         ------         ------          ------        ------
<S>                                        <C>               <C>       <C>                <C>          <C>              <C>
U.S. Treasury........................                                                                  $  7,268         5.6%
Federal Agencies.....................     $  4,950           6.1%                                        60,066         5.9
State and Municipal..................       11,671           8.1                                         94,221         7.4
Corporate Obligations................                                                                     8,946         6.6
Marketable Equity Security...........                                  $     753           5.5%             753         5.5
Mortgage-backed securities...........                                    137,399           6.1          137,399         6.1
Other asset-backed securities........                                     21,015           5.1           21,015         5.1
                                          --------                     ---------                       --------
    Total............................     $ 16,621           7.5%      $ 159,167           6.0%        $329,668         6.4%
                                          ========                     =========                       ========
</TABLE>

Securities held to maturity at December 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                  Within 1 Year                1-5 Years                   5-10 Years
                                                  -------------                ---------                   ----------
                                            Amount         Yield*         Amount        Yield*       Amount         Yield*
                                            ------         ------         ------        ------       ------         ------
<S>                                       <C>                <C>         <C>              <C>        <C>              <C>
U.S. Treasury........................                                    $   250          5.3%
State and Municipal..................     $  5,330           7.4%          7,293          7.5        $  620           8.9%
                                          --------                       -------                     ------
    Total............................     $  5,330           7.4%        $ 7,543          7.4%       $  620           8.9%
                                          ========                       =======                     ======
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Mortgage and other
                                            Due After Ten Years                Asset-backed                    Total
                                            -------------------                ------------                    -----
                                           Amount          Yield*         Amount        Yield*        Amount        Yield*
                                           ------          ------         ------        ------        ------        ------
<S>                                        <C>               <C>         <C>              <C>         <C>             <C>
U.S. Treasury........................                                                                 $   250         5.3%
State and Municipal..................                                                                  13,243         7.5
Mortgage-backed securities...........                                    $   311          5.6%            311         5.6
Other asset-backed securities........                                        499          6.2             499         6.2
                                          -------                        -------                      -------
     Total............................                                   $   810          6.0%        $14,303         7.4%
                                          =======                        =======                      =======

</TABLE>

   *Interest  yields on state and municipal  securities are presented on a fully
   taxable equivalent basis using a 35% rate.

Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock at December 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                           Amount          Yield
<S>                                       <C>               <C>
Federal Reserve Bank Stock...........     $  493            6.0%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock.........      5,365            7.9
                                          -------
    Total............................     $5,858            7.7%
                                          =======
</TABLE>

                                                                        Page 13

<PAGE>

STATISTICAL DATA (continued)

LOAN PORTFOLIO

TYPES OF LOANS

The loan portfolio at the dates indicated is presented below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     1999             1998            1997            1996             1995
                                                     ----             ----            ----            ----             ----
                                                                             (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>              <C>             <C>              <C>
Loans at December 31:
  Commercial and
    industrial loans...........................     $224,712        $188,841         $178,696        $157,317         $112,915
  Bankers acceptances and loans
    to financial institutions..................                          900              705             625            2,925
  Agricultural production
    financing and other loans
    to farmers.................................       21,547          21,951           16,764          18,906           17,203
  Real estate loans:
    Construction...............................       31,996          31,719           22,710          14,533           11,053
    Commercial and farmland....................      150,544         137,671          142,394         133,435          126,341
    Residential................................      380,596         361,611          331,405         290,705          238,298
  Individuals' loans for
    Household and other
    Personal expenditures......................      181,906         143,075          139,620         126,718          111,433
  Tax-exempt loans.............................        4,070           2,652            2,598           1,643            1,204
  Other loans..................................        3,552           2,073            3,782           1,672              949
                                                    ---------       ---------        ---------       ---------        ---------
                                                     998,923         890,493          838,674         745,554          622,321
  Unearned interest on loans...................          (28)           (137)            (487)         (1,364)          (1,518)
                                                    ---------       ---------        ---------       ---------        ---------
            Total loans........................     $998,895        $890,356         $838,187        $744,190         $620,803
                                                    =========       =========        =========       =========        =========
</TABLE>

Residential  Real Estate Loans Held for Sale at December 31, 1999,  1998,  1997,
1996, and 1995 were $61,000, $775,800, $471,400, $284,020 and $735,522.

MATURITIES AND SENSITIVITIES OF LOANS TO CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES


Presented in the table below are the maturities of loans  (excluding  commercial
real  estate,  banker  acceptances,   farmland,   residential  real  estate  and
individuals'  loans) outstanding as of December 31, 1999. Also presented are the
amounts due after one year classified according to the sensitivity to changes in
interest rates.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               Maturing
                                                    Within              1-5               Over
                                                    1 Year             Years             5 Years            Total
                                                 --------------    ---------------    --------------     ------------
                                                                        (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                              <C>               <C>                  <C>               <C>
Commercial and industrial loans................  $  178,945        $  24,613            $  21,154         $  224,712
Agricultural production financing
  And other loans to farmers...................      18,024            2,891                  632             21,547
Real estate - Construction.....................      23,309            7,347                1,340             31,996
Tax-exempt loans...............................       2,107              690                1,273              4,070
Other loans....................................         304            3,248                                   3,552
                                                 ----------        ---------            ---------         ----------
      Total....................................  $  222,689        $  38,789            $  24,399         $  285,877
                                                 ==========        =========            =========         ==========

</TABLE>
                                                                        Page 14
<PAGE>

STATISTICAL DATA  (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Maturing
                                                  ---------------------------------------------------
                                                           1 - 5                       Over
                                                           Years                     5 Years
                                                           -----                     -------
                                                                (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                 <C>                         <C>
Loans maturing after one Year with:

  Fixed rates.............................          $     23,880                $     24,257
  Variable rate...........................                14,909                         142
                                                    -------------               ------------
    Total.................................          $     38,789                $     24,399
                                                    =============               ============
</TABLE>

RISK ELEMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              December 31
                                                  --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1999           1998            1997           1996           1995
                                                   ----           ----            ----           ----           ----
                                                                         (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                               <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>
Nonaccruing loans.........................        $1,280         $1,073          $2,146         $3,547         $  914
Loans contractually past due 90
  days or more other than
  nonaccruing.............................         2,327          2,334           2,034          1,790          1,135
Restructured loans........................           908          1,110             469          1,766          1,254

</TABLE>

Nonaccruing loans are loans which are reclassified to a nonaccruing  status when
in  management's  judgment the collateral  value and financial  condition of the
borrower do not justify accruing interest.  Interest previously recorded but not
deemed  collectible is reversed and charged  against  current  income.  Interest
income on these loans is then recognized when collected.

Restructured  loans are loans for which the  contractual  interest rate has been
reduced  or  other  concessions  are  granted  to  the  borrower  because  of  a
deterioration  in the  financial  condition  of the  borrower  resulting  in the
inability of the borrower to meet the original contractual terms of the loans.

Interest  income of $94,000 for the year ended December 31, 1999, was recognized
on the nonaccruing  and  restructured  loans listed in the table above,  whereas
interest income of $223,000 would have been recognized under their original loan
terms.

Potential problem loans:

Management  has  identified  certain  other  loans  totaling  $10,590,000  as of
December 31, 1999,  not included in the risk  elements  table,  or impaired loan
table,  about which there are doubts as to the borrowers' ability to comply with
present repayment terms.

The Banks  generate  commercial,  mortgage  and  consumer  loans from  customers
located  primarily in central and east central Indiana and Butler County,  Ohio.
The  Banks'  loans  are  generally  secured  by  specific  items of  collateral,
including real property,  consumer  assets,  and business  assets.  Although the
Banks have diversified loan portfolio,  a substantial  portion of their debtors'
ability to honor their  contracts is dependent  upon economic  conditions in the
automotive and agricultural industries.
                                                                        Page 15
<PAGE>

STATISTICAL DATA (continued)
- ----------------

SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE

The following table summarizes the loan loss experience for the years indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1999            1998            1997           1996           1995
                                                    ----            ----            ----           ----           ----
                                                                            (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                               <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>
Allowance for loan losses:
  Balance at January 1....................        $  9,209        $ 8,429         $ 8,010        $ 7,702        $ 7,510

  Chargeoffs:
    Commercial.............................            361            794             543            873            794
    Real estate mortgage...................             40             44              31             14              1
    Installment............................          1,368          1,393           1,375            945            919
                                                  --------        -------         -------        -------        -------
      Total chargeoffs.....................          1,769          2,231           1,949          1,832          1,714
                                                  --------        -------         -------        -------        -------
  Recoveries:
    Commercial.............................            114            325             364            106            127
    Real estate mortgage...................             32             20               1              7              4
    Installment............................            301            294             268            237            232
                                                  --------        -------         -------        -------        -------
      Total recoveries.....................            447            639             633            350            363
                                                  --------        -------         -------        -------        -------

  Net chargeoffs...........................          1,322          1,592           1,316          1,482          1,351
                                                  --------        -------         -------        -------        -------
  Provisions for loan losses...............          2,241          2,372           1,735          1,790          1,543
                                                  --------        -------         -------        -------        -------
  Balance at December 31...................        $10,128        $ 9,209         $ 8,429        $ 8,010        $ 7,702
                                                  ========        =======         =======        =======        =======

  Ratio of net chargeoffs during the
   period to average loans
   outstanding during the period..........           .14%           .18%            .16%           .21%            .22%

  Peer Group................................          N/A           .26%            .29%           .26%            .26%

</TABLE>


                                                                        Page 16
<PAGE>

STATISTICAL DATA (continued)
- ----------------

Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses at December 31:

Presented  below is an analysis of the  composition  of the  allowance  for loan
losses and per cent of loans in each category to total loans:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1999                             1998
                                                         ------------------------------   ------------------------------
                                                         Amount           Per Cent        Amount           Per Cent
                                                         --------         --------        --------         --------
                                                                             (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                      <C>                 <C>          <C>                <C>
Balance at December 31:
  commercial, financial and
    agricultural..............................           $  3,344            24.6%        $  2,950           23.7%
  Real estate - construction..................                  3             3.2                4            3.6
  Real estate - mortgage......................              1,297            53.2            1,313           56.1
  Installment.................................              3,909            18.6            3,509           16.3
  Tax-exempt loans............................                  5              .4                5             .3
  Unallocated.................................              1,570            N/A             1,428            N/A
                                                         --------           ------        --------          ------
  Totals......................................           $ 10,128           100.0%        $  9,209          100.0%
                                                         ========           ======        ========          ======


                                                                     1997                             1996
                                                         ------------------------------   ------------------------------
                                                         Amount           Per Cent        Amount           Per Cent
                                                         --------         --------        --------         ---------
                                                                             (Dollars in Thousands)
Balance at December 31:
  commercial, financial and
    agricultural..............................           $  3,226            23.4%        $  3,537            23.5%
  Real estate - construction..................                  4             2.7                4             2.0
  Real estate - mortgage......................              1,319            56.5            1,259            57.0
  Installment.................................              2,117            17.1            1,906            17.3
  Tax-exempt loans............................                  5              .3               19              .2
  Unallocated.................................              1,758            N/A             1,285            N/A
                                                         --------           ------        --------           ------
  Totals......................................           $  8,429           100.0%        $  8,010           100.0%
                                                         ========           ======        ========           ======

                                                                     1995

                                                         ------------------------------
                                                         Amount           Per Cent
                                                         --------         --------
                                                         (Dollars in Thousands)
Balance at December 31:
  commercial, financial and
    agricultural..............................           $   3,572           21.2%
  Real estate - construction..................                   1            1.8
  Real estate - mortgage..  ..................               1,289           58.7
  Installment.................................               1,732           18.1
  Tax-exempt loans............................                   5             .2
  Unallocated. .... ..........................               1,103           N/A
                                                         ---------          ------
  Totals......................................           $   7,702          100.0%
                                                         =========          ======
</TABLE>
                                                                        Page 17
<PAGE>

STATISTICAL DATA (continued)
- ----------------

Loan Loss Charegoff Procedures

The Banks have  weekly  meetings  at which loan  delinquencies,  maturities  and
problems  are  reviewed.  The Board of Directors  receive and review  reports on
loans monthly.

The Executive  Committee of First Merchants' Board meets bimonthly to approve or
disapprove  all new loans in  excess of  $1,000,000  and the Board  reviews  all
commercial  loans in excess of $50,000  which  were made or  renewed  during the
preceding month.  Madison's   and First United's loan committees,  consisting of
all loan officers and the  president,  meet as required to approve or disapprove
any loan which is in excess of an individual loan officer's lending limit.

The Loan/Discount  Committee of Union County's Board meets monthly to approve or
disapprove all loans to borrowers  with  aggregate  loans in excess of $300,000.
The Loan  Committee  of  Randolph  County's  Board  meets  weekly to  approve or
disapprove any loan which is in excess of an individual  loan officer's  lending
limit.

All  chargeoffs  are approved by the senior loan officer and are reported to the
Banks' Boards.  The Banks charge off loans when a determination is made that all
or a  portion  of a loan is  uncollectible  or as a result  of  examinations  by
regulators and the independent auditors.

Provision for Loan Losses

In banking,  loan losses are one of the costs of doing  business.  Although  the
Banks' management emphasize the early detection and chargeoff of loan losses, it
is inevitable  that at any time certain losses exist in the portfolio which have
not been specifically identified.  Accordingly, the provision for loan losses is
charged to earnings on an  anticipatory  basis,  and recognized  loan losses are
deducted from the allowance so established.  Over time, all net loan losses must
be charged to earnings.  During the year, an estimate of the loss experience for
the year serves as a starting point in determining the appropriate level for the
provision. However, the amount actually provided in any period may be greater or
less than net loan losses, based on management's  judgment as to the appropriate
level of the allowance for loan losses.  The  determination  of the provision in
any period is based on management's continuing review and evaluation of the loan
portfolio,  and its judgment as to the impact of current economic  conditions on
the portfolio.  The evaluation by management includes consideration of past loan
loss  experience,  changes in the  composition  of the loan  portfolio,  and the
current condition and amount of loans outstanding.

Impaired loans are measured by the present value of expected  future cash flows,
or the fair value of the  collateral  of the  loans,  if  collateral  dependent.
Information on impaired loans is summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1999               1998                1997
                                                                     ---------------    ----------------    ---------------
                                                                                    (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                                   <C>                <C>                 <C>
For the year ending December 31:
  Impaired loans with an allowance...................                 $      2,742       $     2,105         $      1,956
  Impaired loans for which the discounted
    cash flows or collateral value exceeds the
    carrying value of the loan.......................                        4,398             6,982                1,158
                                                                      ------------       -----------         ------------

        Total impaired loans.........................                 $      7,140       $     9,087         $      3,114
                                                                      ============       ===========         ============

  Allowance for impaired loans (included in the
    Corporation's allowance for loan losses).........                 $      1,061       $       795         $        448
  Average balance of impaired loans..................                        8,770             8,881                4,155
  Interest income recognized on impaired loans.......                          705               873                  191
  Cash basis interest included above.................                          637               745                  173
</TABLE>
                                                                        Page 18
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATISTICAL DATA (continued)

DEPOSITS

The  following  table shows the average  amount of deposits  and average rate of
interest paid thereon for the years indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1999                        1998                         1997
                                        -------------------------    ------------------------    -------------------------
                                          Amount         Rate         Amount          Rate        Amount          Rate
                                        ------------   ---------    ------------    ---------   ------------     --------
                                                                      (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                    <C>               <C>         <C>              <C>       <C>               <C>
Balance at December 31:
  Noninterest bearing deposits.......  $   129,747                   $   113,193                $  107,642
  NOW accounts.......................      152,268       1.7%            145,224      2.1%         122,125       2.3%
  Money market deposit accounts....        177,091       3.8             146,745      4.0          123,302       4.0
  Savings deposits...................       95,344       2.5              91,842      2.6           81,284       2.5
  Certificates of deposit and
   other time deposits..............       518,624       5.1             519,625      5.5          499,097       5.5
                                        ----------                   -----------                ----------
      Total deposits.................   $1,073,074       3.6%        $ 1,016,629      3.9%      $  933,450       4.0%
                                        ==========                   ===========                ==========
</TABLE>

As of December  31,  1999,  certificates  of deposit and other time  deposits of
$100,000 or more mature as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Maturing
                                                   -------------------------------------------------
                                    3 Months            3-6              6-12            Over 12
                                    or less           Months            Months           Months             Total
                                  -------------    --------------    --------------   --------------    --------------
                                                                (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                 <C>              <C>                <C>              <C>               <C>
Certificates of deposit and
  other time deposits..........     $121,604         $ 22,092           $ 23,519         $ 30,443          $197,658
Per cent.......................           62%              11%                12%              15%              100%

</TABLE>

RETURN ON EQUITY AND ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1999                 1998                 1997
                                                           ----------------    -----------------    -----------------
<S>                                                              <C>                 <C>                   <C>
Return on assets (net income divided by
  average total assets)..........................                 1.37%                1.43%                1.43%
Return on equity (net income divided by
  average equity).................................               12.75                12.09                12.12
Dividend payout ratio (dividends per
  share divided by net income per share)..........               53.16                52.03                50.00
Equity to assets ratio (average equity
  divided by average total assets)...............                10.72                11.80                11.81

</TABLE>

                                                                        Page 19
<PAGE>

STATISTICAL DATA (continued)
- ----------------

SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1999                 1998                1997
                                                                -----------------    -----------------    ----------------
                                                                                 (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                              <C>                   <C>                 <C>
Balance at December 31:
  Securities sold under repurchase
    agreements (short-term portion)........                       $  15,271            $  11,598           $  15,398
  Federal funds purchased..................                          28,885               15,170               5,370
  U.S. Treasury demand notes...............                           9,506                2,629               8.211
                                                                  ---------            ---------           ---------

          Total short-term borrowings.........                    $  53,662            $  29,397           $  28,979
                                                                  =========            =========           =========
</TABLE>


Securities sold under repurchase  agreements are borrowings  maturing within one
year and are secured by U.S. Treasury and Federal agency obligations.

Pertinent information with respect to short-term borrowings is summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1999                 1998                 1997
                                                                 -----------------    -----------------    -----------------
                                                                                   (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                                     <C>                  <C>                 <C>
Weighted average interest rate on outstanding
balance at December 31:

    Securities sold under repurchase
        agreements(short-term portion)..............                   4.7%                   5.1%                 5.1%
    Total short-term borrowings.....................                   5.3                    5.3                  5.4

Weighted average interest rate during the year:
    Securities sold under repurchase
        Agreements (short-term portion).............                   4.5%                   5.1%                 5.0%
    Total short-term borrowings.....................                   4.5                    5.0                  5.4

Highest amount outstanding at any month end
During the year:
    Securities sold under repurchase
        Agreements (short-term portion).............             $  19,700              $  27,002            $  49,750
    Total short-term borrowings.....................                55,893                 67,968               85,612

Average amount outstanding during the year:
    Securities sold under repurchase
        Agreements (short-term portion).............             $  17,696              $  24,526            $  31,327
    Total short-term borrowings.....................                36,157                 44,467               53,937


</TABLE>

                                                                        Page 20
<PAGE>

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The headquarters of the Corporation and First Merchants are located in a
five-story building at 200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, Indiana. This building
and eight branch buildings are owned by First Merchants; four remaining branches
of First Merchants are located in leased  premises. Twelve automated cash
dispensers are located  in leased  premises.  All of the Corporation's and First
Merchants'facilities are located in Delaware and Madison Counties of Indiana.

The  principal  offices of  Pendleton  are  located  at 100 West  State  Street,
Pendleton,  Indiana.  Pendleton also operates three branches. All of Pendleton's
properties  are owned by Pendleton and are located in Madison  County,  Indiana.
Two automated  dispensers are located in Madison County,  Indiana. Two automated
dispensers are located in leased premises.

The  principal  offices  of First  United are  located at 790 West Mill  Street,
Middletown,  Indiana.  First  United also  operates two  branches.  All of First
United's  properties  are owned by First United and are located in Henry County,
Indiana.

The  principal  office of  Randolph  County is  located  at 122 West  Washington
Street,  Winchester,  Indiana.  This building is owned by Randolph County and is
located in Randolph County, Indiana.

None of the properties owned by the banks are subject to any major encumbrances.
The net  investment  of the  Corporation  and  subsidiaries  in real  estate and
equipment at December 31, 1999 was $20,073,000.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

There is no pending legal  proceeding,  other than ordinary  routine  litigation
incidental to the business of the Corporation or its subsidiaries, of a material
nature to which the  Corporation or its  subsidiaries is a party or of which any
of their properties are subject.  Further, there is no material legal proceeding
in which any  director,  officer,  principal  shareholder,  or  affiliate of the
Corporation,  or any  associate  of any  such  director,  officer  or  principal
shareholder, is a party, or has a material interest, adverse to the Corporation.

None of the routine legal  proceedings,  individually  or in the  aggregate,  in
which the  Corporation  or its  affiliates  are  involved are expected to have a
material  adverse impact on the financial  position or the results of operations
of the Corporation.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

No  matters  were  submitted  during  the  fourth  quarter  of 1999 to a vote of
security holders, through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise.

                                                                        Page 21
<PAGE>

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The names,  ages, and positions with the Corporation and subsidiary banks of all
executive officers of the Corporation are listed below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                         <C>                                      <C>
                                                 Offices with the Corporation                 Principal Occupation
               Name and Age                          And Subsidiary Banks                    During Past Five Years
- ------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------

Stefan S. Anderson                          Chairman of the Board,                   Chairman the Board of the Corporation
65                                          Chief Executive Officer,                 and First Merchants since 1987; Chief
                                            (CEO until April 16, 1999),              Executive officer of the Corporation
                                            Corporation and First Merchants          from 1982 to April 1999; President of
                                                                                     the Corporation from 1982 to August
                                                                                     1998, and Chief Executive Officer of
                                                                                     First Merchants Bank from 1979 to April
                                                                                     1999

Michael L. Cox                              President, Chief Executive Officer       Chief Executive Officer of the
55                                          (CEO since April 16, 1999),              Corporation and First Merchants since
                                            Corporation and First Merchants          April 1999.  President and Chief
                                                                                     Operating Officer, Corporation since
                                                                                     August 1998 and May, 1994 to April
                                                                                     1999 respectively; President and Chief
                                                                                     Operating Officer, First Merchants
                                                                                     from April, 1996 to April 1999;
                                                                                     Director, Corporation and First
                                                                                     Merchants since December, 1984;
                                                                                     President, Information Services Group,
                                                                                     Ontario Corporation prior to May 1994

Roger M. Arwood                             Executive Vice President, Corporation    Executive Vice President of the
48                                          and First Merchants                      Corporation and First Merchants since
                                                                                     February of 2000; Executive Vice President,
                                                                                     Bank of America from 1983 to February 2000.

Charles R. Phillips                         Senior Vice President, Corporation and   Senior Vice President of the
54                                          First Merchants                          Corporation and First Merchants since

                                                                                     September 1998; Chief Information Officer,
                                                                                     Amerisure Insurance Company from December
                                                                                     1997 to September 1998; Senior Vice President
                                                                                     and Chief Information Officer, NBD Bank from
                                                                                     June 1994 to December 1997.

Larry R. Helms                              Senior Vice President, Corporation and   Senior Vice President, Corporation
59                                          First Merchants; General Counsel and     since 1982; General Counsel,
                                            Secretary, Corporation                   Corporation since 1990 and Secretary
                                                                                     since January 1, 1997; Senior Vice
                                                                                     President, First Merchants since
                                                                                     January 1979; Director of First United
                                                                                     Bank since 1991 and Pendleton Banking
                                                                                     Company since 1992

Ted J. Montgomery                           Senior Vice President , Corporation;     Senior Vice President and Director,
60                                          (also, President, Union County, Until    Corporation since August 1996;
                                            September 3, 1999)                       President, Union County National Bank
                                                                                     since 1983 and Director since 1981

James L. Thrash                             Senior Vice President , Corporation      Senior Vice President and Chief
50                                          and First Merchants; Chief Financial     Financial Officer of the Corporation
                                            Officer, Corporation                     since 1990; Senior Vice President,
                                                                                     First Merchants since 1990


</TABLE>

                                                                        Page 22
<PAGE>

                                     PART II

ITEM 5.     MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
                  STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The information required under this item is incorporated by reference to page 46
of the  Corporation's  1999  Annual  Report to  Stockholders  under the  caption
"Stockholder Information," Exhibit 13.

ITEM 6.      SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The information required under this item is incorporated by reference to page 15
of the Corporation's 1999 Annual Report to Stockholders - Financial Review under
the caption "Five-Year Summary of Selected Financial Data," Exhibit 13.

ITEM 7.      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
                  RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The information required under this item is incorporated by reference to page 16
through 23 of the  Corporation's  1999 Annual Report to Stockholders - Financial
Review under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis," Exhibit 13.

ITEM 7A.   QUNTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The information required under this item is incorporated by reference to page 18
and 19 of the  Corporation's  1999  Annual  Report to  Stockholders  - Financial
Review under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis," Exhibit 13.

ITEM 8.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The financial  statements  and  supplementary  data required under this item are
incorporated  herein  by  reference  to page 14 and pages 24  through  43 of the
Corporation's 1999 Annual Report to Stockholders - Financial Review, Exhibit 13.

ITEM 9.    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
                 FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In  connection  with its  audits  for the two most  recent  fiscal  years  ended
December  31,  1999,  there have been no  disagreements  with the  Corporation's
independent  certified public accountants on any matter of accounting principles
or practices,  financial statement  disclosure or audit scope or procedure,  nor
have there been any changes in accountants.

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The  information  required under this item relating to directors is incorporated
by  reference  to  the  Corporation's  1999  Proxy  Statement  furnished  to its
stockholders in connection with an annual meeting to be held April 12, 2000 (The
"1999 Proxy Statement"),  under the caption "Election of Directors," which Proxy
Statement has been filed with the  Commission.  The  information  required under
this item relating to executive  officers is set forth in part I,  "Supplemental
Information  - Executive  Officers of the  Registrant"  of this annual report on
Form 10-K.

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The  information  required under this item is  incorporated  by reference to the
Corporation's  1999  Proxy  Statement,  under  the  captions,  "Compensation  of
Directors" and  "Compensation of Executive  Officers," which Proxy Statement has
been filed with the Commission.

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The  information  required under this item is  incorporated  by reference to the
Corporation's 1999 Proxy Statement,  under the caption,  "Security  Ownership of
Certain  Beneficial Owners and Management," which Proxy Statement has been filed
with the Commission.
                                                                        Page 23
<PAGE>

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

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

The  information  required under this item is  incorporated  by reference to the
Corporation's 1999 Proxy Statement, under the caption "Interest of Management in
Certain Transactions," which Proxy Statement has been filed with the Commission.

                                     PART IV

ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                           Exhibit 13
                                                                              Page
                                                                             Number
                                                                     --------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>

(a) 1.      Financial Statements:
                 Independent auditor's report.................................14
                 Consolidated balance sheet at
                      December 31, 1999 and 1998..............................24
                 Consolidated statement of income,
                      years ended December 31, 1999,
                      1998 and 1997...........................................25
                 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income,
                      Years ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997...........26
                 Consolidated statement of cash flows,
                      years ended December 31, 1999,
                      1998 and 1997...........................................27
                 Notes to consolidated financial
                      statements.............................................28-43

</TABLE>

(a) 2.      Financial statement schedules:
                          All schedules are omitted because
                          they are not applicable or not required,
                          or because the required information is included in the
                          consolidated financial statements or related notes.


(a) 3.      Exhibits:


Exhibit No:                           Description of Exhibit:
- -----------                           -----------------------


    3a         First Merchants Corporation Articles of Incorporation and the
               Articles and amendment  thereto is  incorporated by reference
               to registrant's Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 1999.

    3b         First Merchants Corporation Bylaws and amendments thereto is
               incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 10-Q for quarter
               ended June 30, 1997.

   10a         First   Merchants   Corporation  and  First  Merchants  Bank,
               National    Association    Management   Incentive   Plan   is
               incorporated by reference to registrant's  Form 10-K for year
               ended December 31, 1996.

   10b         First Merchants Bank, National  Association Unfunded Deferred
               Compensation Plan, as amended is incorporated by reference to
               registrant's Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1996.

   10c         First  merchants   Corporation  1989  Stock  Option  Plan  is
               incorporated  by  reference  to   Registrant's   Registration
               Statement  on Form S08 (SEC File No.  33-28901)  effective on
               May 24, 1989.

   10d         First  Merchants   Corporation  1994  Stock  Option  Plan  is
               incorporated by reference to Registrant's  Form 10-K for year
               ended December 31, 1993.

                                                                        Page 24
<PAGE>

ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON
              FORM 8-K (continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

       10e         First Merchants  Corporation Change of Control Agreements are
                   incorporated by reference to registrant's  Form 10-Q for
                   quarter ended June 30, 1999.

       10f         First Merchants  Corporation  Unfunded Deferred  Compensation
                   Plan is incorporated  by reference to registrant's  Form 10-K
                   for year ended December 31, 1996

       10g         First Merchants Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement
                   Plan and amendments  thereto is  incorporated by reference to
                   registrant's Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1997.

       10h         First Merchants Corporation 1999 Long-term Equity Incentive
                   Plan is incorporated by reference to registrant's
                   registration statement on Form S-8 (see File No. 333-80117)
                   effective on June 7, 1999.

       13          1999 Annual Report to Stockholders  (except for the Pages and
                   information  thereof  expressly  incorporated by reference in
                   this Form 10-K, the Annual Report to Stockholders is provided
                   solely for the  information  of the  Securities  and  Exchang
                   Commission  and is not  deemed  "filed"  as part of this Form
                   10-K)

       21          Subsidiaries of Registrant

       23          Consent of Independent Auditors

       24          Limited Power of Attorney

       27          Financial Data Schedule, year ended December 31, 1999

       99.1        Financial statements and independent auditor's report for
                   First Merchants Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

          None

                                                                        Page 25
<PAGE>


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities  Exchange
Act of 1934,  the  registrant  has duly  caused  this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on this 30th day of March,
2000.

                                     FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

                                     By /s/ Michael L.Cox
                                        -----------------------------
                                            Michael L. Cox, President
                                            & Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
on Form  10-K  has  been  signed  by the  following  persons  on  behalf  of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

        Signature              Capacity                           Date
- ---------------------------    -------------------------------    -----

/s/ Michael L. Cox              President,                        March 30, 2000
- ---------------------------
    Michael L. Cox              Chief Executive Officer

/s/ James L. Thrash             Principal Financial and           March 30, 2000
- ---------------------------
    James L. Thrash             Principal Accounting Officer

/s/ Stefan S. Anderson          Director                          March 30, 2000
- ---------------------------
    Stefan S. Anderson

/s/ Frank A. Bracken           *Director                          March 30, 2000
- ---------------------------
    Frank A. Bracken

/s/ Thomas B. Clark            *Director                          March 30, 2000
- ---------------------------
    Thomas B. Clark

/s/ David A. Galliher          *Director                          March 30, 2000
- ---------------------------
    David A. Galliher

/s/ Norman M. Johnson          *Director                          March 30, 2000
- ---------------------------
    Norman M. Johnson

/s/ Ted J. Montgomery          *Director                          March 30, 2000
- ---------------------------
    Ted J. Montgomery

/s/ George A. Sissel           *Director                          March 30, 2000
- ---------------------------
    George A. Sissel

                                                                        Page 26
<PAGE>



        Signature              Capacity                           Date
- ---------------------------    -------------------------------    -----


/s/ Robert M. Smitson          *Director                          March 30, 2000
- ---------------------------
    Robert M. Smitson

/s/ Michael D. Wickersham      *Director                          March 30, 2000
- ---------------------------
    Michael D. Wickersham

/s/ John E. Worthen            *Director                          March 30, 2000
- ---------------------------
    John E. Worthen

* By James L. Thrash as Attorney-in Fact pursuant to a limited Power of Attorney
executed by the directors  listed above,  which Power of Attorney has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                               By  /s/  James L. Thrash
                                                 ------------------------------
                                                        James L. Thrash
                                                        As Attorney-in-Fact
                                                        March 30, 2000


                                                                        Page 27
<PAGE>

INDEX TO EXHIBITS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


(a) 3.   Exhibits:

      Exhibit No:                          Description of Exhibit:

          13               1999 Annual Report to  Stockholders  (Except for the
                           Pages and information thereof expressly incorporated
                           by reference in this Form 10-K, the Annual Report to
                           Stockholders  is provided solely for the information
                           of the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not
                           deemed "filed" as part of this Form 10-K.)

          21               Subsidiaries of Registrant

          23               Consent of Independent Auditors

          24               Limited Power of Attorney

          27               Financial Data Schedule, year ended December 31, 1999

         99.1              Financial statements and independent auditor's
                           report for First Merchants Corporation Employee
                           Stock Purchase Plan

                                                                        Page 28
<PAGE>




<PAGE>

================================================================================
Financial
review

Independent auditor's report                                                  14


Five-year summary of
selected financial data                                                       15


Management's
discussion & analysis                                                         16


Consolidated
financial statements                                                          24


Notes to consolidated
financial statements                                                          28
================================================================================


INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
First Merchants Corporation
Muncie, Indiana

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of First Merchants
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related
consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999 (pages 24-43). These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.

The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 1999 and for the three
years then ended have been restated to reflect the pooling-of-interests with Jay
Financial Corporation and Anderson Community Bank as described in Note 2 to the
consolidated financial statements. We did not audit the 1998 or 1997 financial
statements of Jay Financial Corporation and Anderson Community Bank, which
statements reflect total assets of $185,355,000 as of December 31, 1998, and
total revenues of $15,588,000 and $13,626,000 for the years ended December 31,
1998 and 1997. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose reports
have been furnished to us and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts
included for First Merchants Corporation as of December 31, 1999 and for the
three years then ended, is based solely on the report of the other auditors.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements described above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of First
Merchants Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

                                             OLIVE LLP

                                             Indianapolis, Indiana
                                             January 22, 2000




14

<PAGE>



FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands, except share data)                               1999           1998           1997           1996           1995
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Operations
Net Interest Income
     Fully Taxable Equivalent (FTE) Basis ...............    $   56,513     $   52,463     $   49,403     $   45,431     $   41,321
Less Tax Equivalent Adjustment ..........................         2,948          2,767          2,611          2,312          2,243
                                                             ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
Net Interest Income .....................................        53,565         49,696         46,792         43,119         39,078
Provision for Loan Losses ...............................         2,241          2,372          1,735          1,790          1,543
                                                             ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
Net Interest Income
     After Provision for Loan Losses ....................        51,324         47,324         45,057         41,329         37,535
Total Other Income ......................................        14,573         12,880         10,146          9,317          8,188
Total Other Expenses ....................................        36,710         32,741         30,016         27,596         25,585
                                                             ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
     Income Before Income Tax Expense ...................        29,187         27,463         25,187         23,050         20,138
Income Tax Expense ......................................        10,099          9,556          8,704          8,006          6,905
                                                             ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
Net Income ..............................................    $   19,088     $   17,907     $   16,483     $   15,044     $   13,233
                                                             ==========     ==========     ==========     ==========     ==========

Per share data (1)
Basic Net Income ........................................    $     1.59     $     1.50     $     1.40     $     1.29     $     1.15
Diluted Net Income ......................................          1.58           1.48           1.38           1.27           1.14
Cash Dividends Paid (2) .................................           .84            .77            .69            .59            .51
December 31 Book Value ..................................         11.55          12.85          11.95          11.10          10.40
December 31 Market Value (Bid Price) ....................         25.56          26.00          24.33          16.83          17.17

Average balances
Total Assets ............................................    $1,397,230     $1,254,223     $1,151,081     $1,079,816     $  989,340
Total Loans .............................................       935,716        870,317        799,430        698,417        612,641
Total Deposits ..........................................     1,073,074      1,016,629        825,808        778,096        714,660
Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements
     (long-term portion) ................................        62,686         37,238
Total Federal Home Loan Bank Advances ...................        57,062         30,742         19,746          9,192          9,000
Total Stockholders' Equity ..............................       149,727        148,052        135,958        125,907        115,655

Year-end balances
Total Assets ............................................    $1,474,048     $1,362,527     $1,181,359     $1,112,672     $1,037,509
Total Loans .............................................       998,895        890,356        838,658        744,474        621,539
Total Deposits ..........................................     1,147,203      1,085,952        976,972        918,876        862,023
Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements
      (long-term portion) ...............................        35,000         48,836
Total Federal Home Loan Bank Advances ...................        73,514         47,067         25,500         10,150          9,000
Total Stockholders' Equity ..............................       126,296        153,891        141,794        130,250        121,339

Financial ratios
Return on Average Assets ................................          1.37%          1.43%          1.43%          1.39%          1.34%
Return on Average Stockholders' Equity (3) ..............         12.75          12.09          12.12          11.95          11.44
Average Earning Assets to Total Assets ..................         94.77          94.80          94.62          94.39          94.61
Allowance for Loan Losses as % of Total Loans ...........          1.01           1.03           1.01           1.08           1.24
Dividend Payout Ratio ...................................         53.16          52.03          50.00          46.46          44.74
Average Stockholders' Equity to Average Assets ..........         10.72          11.80          11.81          11.66          11.69
Tax Equivalent Yield on Earning Assets (4) ..............          7.81           8.15           8.34           8.10           8.10
Cost of Supporting Liabilities ..........................          3.54           3.74           3.80           3.64           3.69
Net Interest Margin on Earning Assets ...................          4.27           4.41           4.54           4.46           4.41
</TABLE>

(1)  Restated for 3-for-2 stock splits distributed October, 1995 and October,
     1998.

(2)  Dividends per share is for First Merchants Corporation only, not restated
     for pooling transactions.

(3)  Average stockholders' equity is computed by averaging the last five
     quarters ending balance.

(4)  Average earning assets include the average balance of securities classified
     as available for sale, computed based on the average of the historical
     amortized cost balances without the effects of the fair value adjustment.



                                                                              15
<PAGE>


MANAGEMENT'S
DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

The Corporation's financial data for periods prior to mergers, which were
accounted for as pooling of interests, has been restated.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     Net income for the year 1999 reached $19,088,000, up from $17,907,000 in
1998. Diluted earnings per share totaled $1.58, a 6.8% increase over $1.48
reported for 1998. Cash basis earnings per share were $1.60, an increase of 6.7%
over the 1998 level of $1.50. During the year, the Corporation absorbed
merger-related expenses amounting to $ .05 per share incurred during the
successful completion of two acquisitions. Excluding these expenses, diluted
earnings per share would have been $1.63, a 10.1% increase. In 1999, First
Merchants Corporation ("Corporation") recorded the twenty-fourth consecutive
year of improvement in net income on both an aggregate and per share basis.

     Return on equity was 12.75 percent in 1999, up from 1998 and 1997 figures
of 12.09 percent and 12.12 percent.

     Return on assets was 1.37 percent in 1999, 1.43 percent in 1998 and 1997.

 [THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED BY A BAR CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL.]

                            Return on average assets
                                    (percent)
                          Year                    %
                          ----                   ---
                          97                     1.43
                          98                     1.43
                          99                     1.37


 [THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED BY A BAR CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL.]


                            Return on average equity
                                   (percent)


                          Year                    %
                          ----                   ---
                          97                    12.12
                          98                    12.09
                          99                    12.75


CAPITAL

     The Corporation successfully completed a self-tender offer on December 17,
1999, repurchasing 1,130,669 shares of its own stock for a price of $28 per
share. The buyback is expected to have a positive impact on the Corporation's
EPS and ROE in future periods.

     The Corporation's capital strength continues to exceed regulatory minimums
and management believes that its strong capital continues to be a distinct
advantage in the competitive environment in which the Corporation operates.

     The Corporation's Tier I capital to average assets ratio was 9.2 percent at
year-end 1999, and 11.9 percent at December 31, 1998. At December 31, 1999, the
Corporation had a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 12.7 percent, total
risk-based capital ratio of 13.7 percent, and a leverage ratio of 9.2 percent.
Regulatory capital guidelines require a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 4.0
percent and a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0 percent.

     The Corporation has an employee stock purchase plan and an employee stock
option plan. Activity under these plans is described in Note 14 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements. The transactions under these plans have not
had a material effect on the Corporation's capital position.


16


<PAGE>


ASSET QUALITY/PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

     The Corporation's asset quality and loan loss experience have consistently
been superior to that of its peer group, as summarized in the table below. Asset
quality has been a major factor in the Corporation's ability to generate
consistent profit improvement.

     The allowance for loan losses is maintained through the provision for loan
losses, which is a charge against earnings.

     The amount provided for loan losses and the determination of the adequacy
of the allowance are based on a continuous review of the loan portfolio,
including an internally administered loan "watch" list and an independent loan
review provided by an outside accounting firm. The evaluation takes into
consideration identified credit problems, as well as the possibility of losses
inherent in the loan portfolio that are not specifically identified.

     At December 31, 1999, non-performing loans totaled $4,515,000, a decrease
of $2,000. Impaired loans included in the table at right totaled $1,380,000.

     The Corporation adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 114 and No. 118, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan
and Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan - Income Recognition and
Disclosures, on January 1, 1995. At December 31, 1999, impaired loans totaled
$7,140,000, a decrease of $1,947,000. An allowance for losses was not deemed
necessary for impaired loans totaling $4,398,000, but an allowance of $1,061,000
was recorded for the remaining balance of impaired loans of $2,742,000. The
average balance of impaired loans for 1999 was $8,770,000.

     At December 31, 1999, the allowance for loan losses was $10,128,000, up
$919,000 from year end 1998. As a percent of loans, the allowance was 1.01
percent, down from 1.03 percent at year-end 1998.


     The provision for loan losses in 1999 was $2,241,000 compared to $2,372,000
in 1998.

  [THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED BY A BAR CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL.]


                                 Net loan losses
                        (as a percent of average loans)



                                     99            98             97
                                    ----          ----           ----
First Merchants Corporation          .14           .18            .16


Peer Group                            NA           .26            .29



The following table summarizes the risk elements for the Corporation.


(dollars in thousands)                                           December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           1999            1998
================================================================================

Non-accrual loans ..............................          $1,280          $1,073

Loans contractually
   past due 90 days or more
   other than non-accruing .....................           2,327           2,334

Restructured loans .............................             908           1,110
                                                          ------          ------

   Total .......................................          $4,515          $4,517
                                                          ======          ======


The table below presents loan loss experience for the years indicated and
compares the Corporation's loss experience to that of its peer group.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars in Thousands)                                                                1999                1998                1997
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Allowance for loan losses:
    Balance at January 1 ...............................................            $ 9,209             $ 8,429             $ 8,010
                                                                                    -------             -------             -------
    Chargeoffs .........................................................              1,769               2,231               1,949
    Recoveries .........................................................                447                 639                 633
                                                                                    -------             -------             -------
    Net chargeoffs .....................................................              1,322               1,592               1,316
    Provision for loan losses ..........................................              2,241               2,372               1,735
                                                                                    -------             -------             -------
    Balance at December 31 .............................................            $10,128             $ 9,209             $ 8,429
                                                                                    =======             =======             =======
   Ratio of net chargeoffs during the period to
     average loans outstanding during the period .......................                .14%                .18%                .16%
   Peer Group ..........................................................                 NA                 .26%                 29%
</TABLE>


                                                                              17
<PAGE>

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

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS


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

LIQUIDITY, INTEREST SENSITIVITY AND DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     Asset/Liability Management has been an important factor in the
Corporation's ability to record consistent earnings growth through periods of
interest rate volatility and product deregulation. Management and the Board of
Directors monitor the Corporation's liquidity and interest sensitivity positions
at regular meetings to ensure that changes in interest rates will not adversely
affect earnings. Decisions regarding investment and the pricing of loan and
deposit products are made after analysis of reports designed to measure
liquidity, rate sensitivity, the Corporation's exposure to changes in net
interest income given various rate scenarios and the economic and competitive
environments.

     It is the objective of the Corporation to monitor and manage risk exposure
to net interest income caused by changes in interest rates. It is the goal of
the Corporation's Asset/Liability function to provide optimum and stable net
interest income. To accomplish this, management uses two asset liability tools.
GAP/Interest Rate Sensitivity Reports and Net Interest Income Simulation
Modeling are both constructed, presented and monitored quarterly.

     The Corporation's liquidity and interest sensitivity position at December
31, 1999, remained adequate to meet the Corporation's primary goal of achieving
optimum interest margins while avoiding undue interest rate risk. The table
below presents the Corporation's interest rate sensitivity analysis as of
December 31, 1999.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
(dollars in thousands)                                                                At December 31, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                1-180 DAYS   181-365 DAYS    1-5 YEARS    BEYOND 5 YEARS     TOTAL
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                             <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>
Rate-Sensitive Assets:
   Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits .........   $   27,130                                                $   27,130
   Investment securities ....................................       43,442    $   41,194     $  198,838     $   60,497       343,971
   Loans ....................................................      360,779        81,769        405,523        150,885       998,956
   Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock .........        5,858                                                     5,858
                                                                ----------    ----------     ----------     ----------    ----------
        Total rate-sensitive assets .........................      437,209       122,963        604,361        211,382    $1,375,915
                                                                ----------    ----------     ----------     ----------    ----------
Rate-Sensitive Liabilities:
   Interest-bearing deposits ................................      494,495       183,111        328,452            598     1,006,656
   Securities sold under repurchase agreements ..............       21,957        21,000         35,000                       77,957
   Other short-term borrowings ..............................       38,391                                                    38,391
   Federal Home Loan Bank advances ..........................       44,914         2,450         17,450          8,700        73,514
                                                                ----------    ----------     ----------     ----------    ----------
        Total rate-sensitive liabilities ....................      599,757       206,561        380,902          9,298     1,196,518
                                                                ----------    ----------     ----------     ----------    ----------

Interest rate sensitivity gap by period .....................   $ (162,548)   $  (83,598)    $  223,459     $  202,084
Cumulative rate sensitivity gap .............................     (162,548)     (246,146)       (22,687)       179,397
Cumulative rate sensitivity gap ratio
   at December 31, 1999 .....................................         72.9 %        69.5%          98.1%         115.0%
</TABLE>

The Corporation had a cumulative negative gap of $246,146,000 in the one-year
horizon at December 31, 1999, just over 16.7 percent of total assets. Net
interest income at financial institutions with negative gaps tends to increase
when rates decrease and decrease as interest rates increase.


18
<PAGE>


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

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

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


LIQUIDITY, INTEREST SENSITIVITY AND DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK CONTINUED

     The Corporation places its greatest credence in net interest income
simulation modeling. The GAP/Interest Rate Sensitivity Report is known to have
two major shortfalls. The GAP/ Interest Rate Sensitivity Report fails to
precisely gauge how often an interest rate sensitive product reprices nor is it
able to measure the magnitude of potential future rate movements.

     The Corporation's asset liability process monitors simulated net interest
income under three separate interest rate scenarios; rising (rate shock),
falling (rate shock) and flat. Net interest income is simulated over an 18-month
horizon. By policy, the difference between the best performing and the worst
performing rate scenarios are not allowed to show a variance greater than 5
percent.

     Assumed interest rate changes are simulated to move incrementally over 18
months. The total rate movement (beginning point minus ending point) to
noteworthy interest rate indexes are as follows:

                                 RISING              FALLING
================================================================================
Prime                             300 Basis Points   (300)Basis Points
Federal Funds                     300                (300)
90-Day T-Bill                     310                (275)
One-Year T-Bill                   290                (270)
Three-Year T-Bill                 290                (265)
Five-Year T-Note                  290                (255)
Ten-Year T-Note                   290                (245)
Interest Checking                 100                 (57)
MMIA Savings                      150                (100)
Money Market Index                219                (215)
Regular Savings                   100                 (57)


Results for the flat, rising (rate shock), and falling (rate shock) interest
rate scenarios are listed below. The net interest income shown represents
cumulative net interest income over an 18-month time horizon. Balance sheet
assumptions are the same under both scenarios:

                                             FLAT/BASE      RISING     FALLING
================================================================================
Net Interest Income (dollars in thousands)    $ 82,872    $ 80,233    $ 82,248

Change vs. Flat/Base Scenario                             $ (2,639)   $   (624)

Percent Change                                              -3.18%      -0.75%




                                                                              19
<PAGE>


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

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS


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

Earning assets

     Earning assets increased $82.6 million during 1999. The table below
reflects the earning asset mix for the years 1999 and 1998 (at December 31).

     Loans grew by $108.5 million while investment securities declined by $7.2
million. High loan demand combined with the Corporation's self-tender resulted
in a minimal decrease to the investment securities portfolio.

EARNING ASSETS
(dollars in millions)                                              December 31,
================================================================================
                                                                 1999       1998

     Federal funds sold and interest-bearing time deposits   $   27.1   $   46.3
     Securities available for sale .......................      329.7      329.5
     Securities held to maturity .........................       14.3       21.7
     Mortgage loans held for sale ........................                   0.8
     Loans ...............................................      998.9      890.4
     Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock ....        5.8        4.5
                                                             --------   --------
         Total ...........................................   $1,375.8   $1,293.2
                                                             ========   ========

Deposits, securities sold under repurchase agreements, other short-term
borrowings and Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     The table below reflects the level of deposits and borrowed funds (Federal
funds purchased, repurchase agreements, U.S. Treasury demand notes and Federal
Home Loan Bank advances) based on year-end levels at December 31, 1999 and 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of December 31                                                                           (dollars in millions)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     SECURITIES SOLD UNDER           OTHER SHORT-TERM          FEDERAL HOME LOAN
                    DEPOSITS         REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS               BORROWINGS              BANK ADVANCES
===================================================================================================================
<S>                 <C>                      <C>                           <C>                          <C>
1999                $1,147.2                 $78.0                         $38.4                        $73.5

1998                $1,086.0                 $48.8                         $17.8                        $47.1
</TABLE>


20

<PAGE>


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

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS


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


NET INTEREST INCOME

     Net interest income is the primary source of the Corporation's earnings. It
is a function of net interest margin and the level of average earning assets.

     The table below reflects the Corporation's asset yields, interest expense,
and net interest income as a percent of average earning assets for the
three-year period ending in 1999.

     In 1999, asset yields declined 34 basis points (FTE), interest cost
declined 20 basis points, resulting in a 14 basis point (FTE) decline in net
interest income. This decline primarily resulted from a $90 million investment
project in the fourth quarter of 1998 and another $30 million in the first
quarter of 1999. The "spread" from both projects was approximately 120 basis
points.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(dollars in thousands)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            INTEREST INCOME    INTEREST EXPENSE   NET INTEREST INCOME                      NET INTEREST INCOME
           (FTE) as a Percent    as a Percent      (FTE)as a Percent         AVERAGE              On a
               of Average         of Average          of Average             EARNING          Fully Taxable
             Earning Assets      Earning Assets      Earning Assets          ASSETS          Equivalent Basis
==============================================================================================================
<S>                <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>                      <C>
  1999             7.81%             3.54%             4.27%             $1,324,172               $56,513
  1998             8.15              3.74              4.41               1,188,981                52,463
  1997             8.34              3.80              4.54               1,089,192                49,403
</TABLE>

     Average earning assets include the average balance of securities classified
     as available for sale, computed based on the average of the historical
     amortized cost balances without the effects of the fair value adjustment.

OTHER INCOME

     The Corporation has placed emphasis on the growth of non-interest income in
recent years by offering a wide range of fee-based services. Fee schedules are
regularly reviewed by a pricing committee to ensure that the products and
services offered by the Corporation are priced to be competitive and profitable.

     Other income in 1999 amounted to $14,573,000 or 13.1 percent higher than in
1998. The increase of $1,693,000 is primarily attributable to the following
factors:

1.   Service charges on deposit accounts increased $744,000 or 20.1 percent due
     to increased number of accounts and price adjustments.

2.   Other customer fees increased $462,000, or 17.6 percent, due to increased
     fees from electronic card usage and price adjustments.

3.   Commission income increased $455,000, or 42.4 percent, due to the
     acquisition of the Muncie office of Insurance & Risk Management, Inc.,
     renamed First Merchants Insurance Services, on April 1, 1998.

4.   Revenues from fiduciary activity grew $391,000, or 9.3 percent, due to
     strong new business activity and markets.

5.   Other income decreased $489,000, or 43.0 percent due primarily to a
     $442,000 gain on sale of a Bank building in 1998.



                                                                              21
<PAGE>


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

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS


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


The Corporation's emphasis to increase revenue from non-interest income resulted
in a 13.1% rise for 1999 to $14.6 million, following a double-digit increase in
1998.

OTHER INCOME  continued

     Other income in 1998 amounted to $12,880,000 or 26.9 percent higher than in
1997. The increase of $2,734,000 is primarily attributable to the following
factors:

1.   Revenues from fiduciary activity grew $763,000, or 22.1 percent, due to
     strong new business activity and markets.

2.   Commission income increased $712,000, or 196.7 percent, due to the
     acquisition of the Muncie office of Insurance and Risk Management, Inc.,
     renamed First Merchants Insurance Services, on April 1, 1998.

3.   Other income increased $663,000 or 139.9 percent, due primarily to a
     $442,000 gain on sale of a Bank building.

4.   Other customer fees increased $521,000 or 24.7 percent due to increased
     fees from electronic card usage and price adjustments.

Equipment expense increased $552,000 or 17.5%, reflecting the Corporation's
efforts to provide state-of-the-art products to its customers.


OTHER EXPENSES

     Total "other expenses" represent non-interest operating expenses of the
Corporation. Those expenses amounted to $36,710,000 in 1999, an increase of 12.1
percent from the prior year, or $3,969,000.

Three major areas account for most of the increase:

1.   Salary and benefit expenses, which account for over one-half of the
     Corporation's non-interest operating expenses, grew by $1,514,000, or 8.3
     percent, due to normal salary increases and staff additions.

2.   Non-recurring merger related costs in 1999 were $804,000 representing just
     over 5 cents per share.

3.   Equipment expenses increased $552,000, or 17.5 percent, reflecting the
     Corporation's efforts to improve efficiency and provide electronic service
     delivery to its customers.

     Expenses for 1998 amounted to $32,741,000, an increase of

9.1  percent from the prior year, or $2,725,000.

Three major areas account for most of the increase:

1.   Salary and benefit expenses, which account for over one-half of the
     Corporation's non-interest operating expenses, grew by $1,668,000 or 10.0
     percent, due to normal salary increases and staff additions.

2.   Equipment expenses increased $399,000, or 14.4 percent, reflecting the
     Corporation's efforts to improve efficiency and provide electronic service
     delivery to its customers.

3.   Net occupancy expense grew by $237,000, or 13.0 percent, due primarily to
     increased branch expansion into new markets.


22
<PAGE>

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

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS


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

INCOME TAXES

     The increase in 1999 tax expense of $543,000 is attributable primarily to a
$1,724,000 increase in net pre-tax income, mitigated somewhat by a $336,000
increase in tax-exempt income and increased tax credits of $204,000. Likewise,
the $852,000 increase in 1998 resulted primarily from a $2,276,000 increase in
pre-tax net income, mitigated by a $291,000 increase in tax-exempt income.

ACCOUNTING MATTERS

ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

     During 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.
This Statement requires companies to record derivatives on the balance sheet at
their fair value. Statement No. 133 also acknowledges that the method of
recording a gain or loss depends on the use of the derivative.

     The new Statement applies to all entities. If hedge accounting is elected
by the entity, the method of assessing the effectiveness of the hedging
derivative and the measurement approach of determining the hedge's
ineffectiveness must be established at the inception of the hedge.

     Statement No. 133 amends Statement No. 52 and supersedes Statements No. 80,
105 and 119. Statement No. 107 is amended to include the disclosure provisions
about the concentrations of credit risk from Statement No. 105. Several Emerging
Issues Task Force consensuses are also changed or nullified by the provisions of
Statement No. 133.

     Statement No. 133 was originally effective for all fiscal years beginning
after June 15, 1999 and was amended. It is now effective for all fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 2000 and is not expected to have a material impact on
the operations of the Corporation. The Statement may not be applied
retroactively to financial statements of prior periods.

INFLATION

     Changing prices of goods, services and capital affect the financial
position of every business enterprise. The level of market interest rates and
the price of funds loaned or borrowed fluctuate due to changes in the rate of
inflation and various other factors, including government monetary policy.

     Fluctuating interest rates affect the Corporation's net interest income,
loan volume and other operating expenses, such as employee salaries and
benefits, reflecting the effects of escalating prices, as well as increased
levels of operations and other factors. As the inflation rate increases, the
purchasing power of the dollar decreases. Those holding fixed-rate monetary
assets incur a loss, while those holding fixed-rate monetary liabilities enjoy a
gain. The nature of a bank holding company's operations is such that there will
be an excess of monetary assets over monetary liabilities, and, thus, a bank
holding company will tend to suffer from an increase in the rate of inflation
and benefit from a decrease.


                                                                              23
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED  BALANCE SHEET
(in thousands, except share data)                                                                            December 31,
====================================================================================================================================
                                                                                                      1999                   1998
<S>                                                                                              <C>                    <C>
Assets
   Cash and due from banks ...........................................................           $    58,893            $    35,474
   Federal funds sold ................................................................                25,400                 45,295
                                                                                                 -----------            -----------
   Cash and cash equivalents .........................................................                84,293                 80,769
   Interest-bearing time deposits ....................................................                 1,730                  1,008
   Investment securities
      Available for sale .............................................................               329,668                329,508
      Held to maturity (fair value of $14,284 and $22,061) ...........................                14,303                 21,709
                                                                                                 -----------            -----------
        Total investment securities ..................................................               343,971                351,217
   Mortgage loans held for sale ......................................................                    61                    776
   Loans .............................................................................               998,895                890,356
      Less: Allowance for loan losses ................................................               (10,128)                (9,209)
                                                                                                 -----------            -----------
        Net loans ....................................................................               988,767                881,147
   Premises and equipment ............................................................                20,073                 18,963
   Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock ..................................                 5,858                  4,455
   Interest receivable ...............................................................                11,279                 10,797
   Core deposit intangibles and goodwill .............................................                 2,885                  3,117
   Other assets ......................................................................                15,131                 10,278
                                                                                                 -----------            -----------
        Total assets .................................................................           $ 1,474,048            $ 1,362,527
                                                                                                 ===========            ===========


Liabilities
   Deposits
     Noninterest-bearing .............................................................           $   140,547            $   139,469
     Interest-bearing ................................................................             1,006,656                946,483
                                                                                                 -----------            -----------
           Total deposits ............................................................             1,147,203              1,085,952
   Borrowings ........................................................................               189,862                113,703
   Interest payable ..................................................................                 4,599                  4,134
   Other liabilities .................................................................                 6,088                  4,847
                                                                                                 -----------            -----------
           Total liabilities .........................................................             1,347,752              1,208,636


COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES


Stockholders' equity
   Preferred stock, no-par value
      Authorized and unissued -- 500,000 shares
   Common stock, $.125 stated value
      Authorized -- 50,000,000 shares
      Issued and outstanding -- 10,936,617 and 11,975,955 shares .....................                 1,367                  1,497
   Additional paid-in capital ........................................................                25,481                 31,263
   Retained earnings .................................................................               103,640                118,920
   Accumulated other comprehensive income ............................................                (4,192)                 2,211
                                                                                                 -----------            -----------
        Total stockholders' equity ...................................................               126,296                153,891
                                                                                                 -----------            -----------
        Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ...................................           $ 1,474,048            $ 1,362,527
                                                                                                 ===========            ===========
</TABLE>


See notes to consolidated financial statements.


24
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED  STATEMENT OF INCOME
(in thousands, except share data)
                                                                                               Year Ended December 31,
====================================================================================================================================
                                                                                       1999               1998               1997
<S>                                                                                  <C>                <C>                <C>
Interest income
   Loans receivable
     Taxable .............................................................           $ 78,366           $ 75,971           $ 71,058
     Tax exempt ..........................................................                233                234                163
   Investment securities
     Taxable .............................................................             15,459             11,596             11,587
     Tax exempt ..........................................................              5,243              4,906              4,686
   Federal funds sold ....................................................                657              1,026                308
   Deposits with financial institutions ..................................                 59                 30                 35
   Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock ......................                446                398                347
                                                                                     --------           --------           --------
       Total interest income .............................................            100,463             94,161             88,184
                                                                                     --------           --------           --------
Interest expense
   Deposits ..............................................................             38,539             39,873             37,370
   Securities sold under repurchase agreements ...........................              4,273              2,015              1,563
   Federal Home Loan Bank advances .......................................              3,260              1,923              1,121
   Other borrowings ......................................................                826                654              1,338
                                                                                     --------           --------           --------
        Total interest expense ...........................................             46,898             44,465             41,392
                                                                                     --------           --------           --------
Net interest income ......................................................             53,565             49,696             46,792
   Provision for loan losses .............................................              2,241              2,372              1,735
                                                                                     --------           --------           --------

Net interest income
after provision for loan losses ..........................................             51,324             47,324             45,057
                                                                                     --------           --------           --------
Other income
   Fiduciary activities ..................................................              4,600              4,209              3,446
   Service charges on deposit accounts ...................................              4,450              3,706              3,763
   Other customer fees ...................................................              3,089              2,627              2,106
   Net realized gains (losses) on
     sales of available-for-sale securities ..............................                257                127                 (5)
   Commission income .....................................................              1,529              1,074                362
   Other income ..........................................................                648              1,137                474
                                                                                     --------           --------           --------
        Total other income ...............................................             14,573             12,880             10,146
                                                                                     --------           --------           --------

Other expenses
   Salaries and employee benefits ........................................             19,820             18,306             16,638
   Net occupancy expenses ................................................              2,139              2,064              1,827
   Equipment expenses ....................................................              3,715              3,163              2,764
   Marketing expense .....................................................                869                903                928
   Deposit insurance expense .............................................                129                125                118
   Outside data processing fees ..........................................              1,647              1,465              1,367
   Printing and office supplies ..........................................              1,275                984              1,117
   Merger-related expenses ...............................................                804
   Other expenses ........................................................              6,312              5,731              5,257
                                                                                     --------           --------           --------
        Total other expenses .............................................             36,710             32,741             30,016
                                                                                     --------           --------           --------

Income before income tax .................................................             29,187             27,463             25,187
   Income tax expense ....................................................             10,099              9,556              8,704
                                                                                     --------           --------           --------
Net income ...............................................................           $ 19,088           $ 17,907           $ 16,483
                                                                                     ========           ========           ========

Net income per share:
   Basic .................................................................           $   1.59           $   1.50           $   1.40
   Diluted ...............................................................               1.58               1.48               1.38
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                                                              25
<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED  STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(dollar amounts in thousands)

                                                                                                     Year Ended December 31,
                                                                                                1999           1998          1997
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                                           <C>            <C>           <C>
Net income .............................................................................      $ 19,088       $ 17,907      $ 16,483
                                                                                              --------       --------      --------
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
  Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale:
     Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period,
     net of income tax (expense) benefit of $4,258,$(499), $(487) ......................        (6,249)           731           715
  Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income,
      net of income tax (expense) benefit of $(103), $(51), $2 .........................           154             76            (3)
                                                                                              --------       --------      --------
                                                                                                (6,403)           655           718
                                                                                              --------       --------      --------
  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME                                                                        $ 12,685       $(18,562)     $ 17,201
                                                                                              ========       ========      ========
</TABLE>



CONSOLIDATED  STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands, except share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        COMMON STOCK
                                                   -----------------------    ADDITIONAL    RETAINED   ACCUMULATED OTHER
                                                      SHARES       AMOUNT   PAID-IN CAPITAL EARNINGS  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME   TOTAL
                                                   -----------    --------  --------------  --------- --------------------  -------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>
Balances, January 1, 1997 ......................     7,825,960    $  1,021      $ 28,837    $  99,554      $     838      $ 130,250
  Net income for 1997 ..........................                                               16,483                        16,483
  Cash dividends ($ .69 per share) .............                                               (7,090)                       (7,090)
  Other comprehensive income, net of tax .......                                                                 718            718
  Stock issued under employee benefit plans ....        13,690           2           289                                        291
  Stock issued under dividend reinvestment
     and stock purchase plan ...................        23,276           3           723                                        726
  Stock options exercised ......................        47,522          28           389                                        417
                                                   -----------    --------      --------    ---------      ---------      ---------
Balances, December 31, 1997 ....................     7,910,448       1,054        30,238      108,947          1,556        141,795
  Net income for 1998 ..........................                                               17,907                        17,907
  Cash dividends ($ .77 per share) .............                                               (7,934)                       (7,934)
  Other comprehensive income, net of tax .......                                                                 655            655
  Stock issued under employee benefit plans . ..        14,471           2           383                                        385
  Stock issued under dividend reinvestment
     and stock purchase plan ...................        19,092           2           677                                        679
  Stock options exercised ......................        52,460          19           463                                        482
  Stock redeemed ...............................        (2,000)        (72)                                                     (72)
  Three-for-two stock split ....................     3,981,769         420          (420)
  Cash paid in lieu of issuing fractional shares          (285)                       (6)                                        (6)
                                                   -----------    --------      --------    ---------      ---------      ---------
Balances, December 31, 1998 ....................    11,975,955       1,497        31,263      118,920          2,211        153,891
Net income for 1999 ............................                                               19,088                        19,088
  Cash dividends ($ .84 per share) .............                                               (9,759)                       (9,759)
  Other comprehensive income, net of tax .......                                                              (6,403)        (6,403)
  Stock issued under employee benefit plans ....        20,870           3           454                                        457
  Stock issued under dividend reinvestment
     and stock purchase plan ...................        30,227           4           718                                        722
  Stock options exercised ......................        55,234           6           265                                        271
  Stock redeemed ...............................    (1,145,669)       (143)       (7,384)     (24,609)                      (32,136)
  Tax benefit of stock dispositions ............                                     165                                        165
                                                   -----------    --------      --------    ---------      ---------      ---------
Balances, December 31, 1999 ..................      10,936,617    $  1,367      $ 25,481    $ 103,640      $  (4,192)     $ 126,296
                                                   ===========    ========      ========    =========      =========      =========
</TABLE>


See notes to consolidated financial statements.


26
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED  STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands, except share data)                                                              Year Ended December 31,
                                                                                     1999                1998                1997
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                               <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Operating activities:
   Net income ..........................................................          $  19,088           $  17,907           $  16,483
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to
     net cash provided by operating activities:
     Provision for loan losses .........................................              2,241               2,372               1,735
     Depreciation and amortization .....................................              2,517               2,394               2,259
     Amortization of goodwill and intangibles ..........................                232                 258                  89
     Deferred income tax ...............................................             (1,122)                153                (140)
     Securities amortization, net ......................................                358                 221                 264
     Securities losses (gains), net ....................................               (257)               (127)                  5
     Gain on sale of premises and equipment ............................                 (4)               (442)
     Mortgage loans originated for sale ................................             (6,179)            (10,251)             (7,139)
     Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans .............................              6,894               9,946               6,952
     Net change in
         Interest receivable ...........................................               (482)               (448)               (544)
         Interest payable ..............................................                465                  37                 290
     Other adjustments .................................................              1,932              (2,579)               (910)
                                                                                  ---------           ---------           ---------
         Net cash provided by operating activities .....................             25,683              19,441              19,344
                                                                                  ---------           ---------           ---------

Investing activities:
   Net change in interest-bearing deposits .............................               (722)               (524)               (194)
   Purchases of
     Securities available for sale .....................................           (148,210)           (193,728)            (77,274)
     Securities held to maturity .......................................             (2,667)                (90)             (2,652)
   Proceeds from maturities of
     Securities available for sale .....................................            120,509              88,439              83,557
     Securities held to maturity .......................................              7,226              14,325              16,099
   Proceeds from sales of
     Securities available for sale .....................................             19,627               7,394              12,555
   Net change in loans .................................................           (109,861)            (53,761)            (95,313)
   Acquisition of insurance subsidiary .................................                                 (1,254)
   Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock ............................             (1,403)               (402)               (565)
   Purchases of premises and equipment .................................             (3,679)             (5,231)             (2,563)
   Proceeds from sale of fixed assets ..................................                 56               1,347
   Other investing activities ..........................................                                   (645)               (880)
                                                                                  ---------           ---------           ---------
         Net cash used by investing activities .........................           (119,124)           (144,130)            (67,230)
                                                                                  ---------           ---------           ---------

Financing activities:
   Net change in
     Demand and savings deposits .......................................             17,411              16,439               3,584
     Certificates of deposit and other time deposits ...................             43,840              92,541              54,512
     Repurchase agreements and other borrowings ........................             49,713              37,656             (16,733)
   Federal Home Loan Bank advances .....................................            314,500              27,657              15,350
   Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank advances ........................           (288,054)             (6,089)
   Cash dividends ......................................................             (9,759)             (7,934)             (7,090)
   Stock issued under employee benefit plans ...........................                457                 385                 291
   Stock issued under dividend reinvestment
     and stock purchase plan ...........................................                722                 679                 726
   Stock options exercised .............................................                271                 482                 417
   Stock redeemed ......................................................            (32,136)                (72)
   Cash paid in lieu of issuing fractional shares ......................                                     (6)
                                                                                  ---------           ---------           ---------
         Net cash provided by financing activities .....................             96,965             161,738              51,057
                                                                                  ---------           ---------           ---------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents ................................              3,524              37,049               3,171
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year ...........................             80,769              43,720              40,549
                                                                                  ---------           ---------           ---------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year .................................          $  84,293           $  80,769           $  43,720
                                                                                  =========           =========           =========
Additional cash flows information:
   Interest paid .......................................................          $  46,433           $  45,678           $  42,747
   Income tax paid .....................................................             10,157               9,861               9,446
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                                                              27
<PAGE>



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NOTE 1

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     The accounting and reporting policies of First Merchants Corporation
("Corporation"), and its wholly owned subsidiaries, First Merchants Bank, N.A.
("First Merchants"), Madison Community Bank ("Madison"), and its subsidiary
First Merchants Insurance Services, Inc., First United Bank ("First United"),
The Randolph County Bank ("Randolph County"), Union County National Bank ("Union
National"), and First National Bank ("First National"), (collectively "the
Banks"), conform to generally accepted accounting principles and reporting
practices followed by the banking industry. The more significant of the policies
are described below.

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

     The Corporation is a bank holding company whose principal activity is the
ownership and management of the Banks and operates in a single significant
business segment. First Merchants, Union National and First National operate
under national bank charters and provide full banking services, including trust
services. As national banks, First Merchants, First National and Union National
are subject to the regulation of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"). Madison, First United
and Randolph County operate under state bank charters and provide full banking
services, including trust services. As state banks, Madison, First United and
Randolph County are subject to the regulation of the Department of Financial
Institutions, State of Indiana, and the FDIC.

     The Banks generate commercial, mortgage, and consumer loans and receive
deposits from customers located primarily in central and east central Indiana
and Butler County, Ohio. The Banks' loans are generally secured by specific
items of collateral, including real property, consumer assets, and business
assets. Although the Banks have a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial
portion of their debtors' ability to honor their contracts is dependent upon
economic conditions in the automotive and agricultural industries.

CONSOLIDATION

     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Corporation and the Banks, after elimination of all material intercompany
transactions.

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

     Debt securities are classified as held to maturity when the Corporation has
the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Securities
held to maturity are carried at amortized cost.

     Debt securities not classified as held to maturity are classified as
available for sale. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value with
unrealized gains and losses reported separately in accumulated other
comprehensive income, net of tax.

     Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recorded as
interest income from securities. Realized gains and losses are recorded as net
security gains (losses). Gains and losses on sales of securities are determined
on the specific-identification method.

LOANS HELD FOR SALE are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market. Market
is determined using the aggregate method. Net unrealized losses are recognized
through a valuation allowance by charges to income.

LOANS are carried at the principal amount outstanding. Certain nonaccrual and
substantially delinquent loans may be considered to be impaired. A loan is
impaired when, based on current information or events, it is probable that the
Banks will be unable to collect all amounts due (principal and interest)
according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. In applying the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 114, the
Corporation considers its investment in one-to-four family residential loans and
consumer installment loans to be homogeneous and therefore excluded from
separate identification for evaluation of impairment. Interest income is accrued
on the principal balances of loans, except for installment loans with add-on
interest, for which a method that approximates the level yield method is used.
The accrual of interest on impaired loans is discontinued when, in management's
opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due. When
interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed when
considered uncollectible. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the
extent cash payments are received.

     Certain loan fees and direct costs are being deferred and amortized as an
adjustment of yield on the loans.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES is maintained to absorb potential loan losses based on
management's continuing review and evaluation of the loan portfolio and its
judgment as to the impact of economic conditions on the portfolio. The
evaluation by management includes consideration of past loan loss experience,
changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, the current condition and
amount of loans outstanding, and the probability of collecting all amounts due.
Impaired loans are measured by the present value of expected future cash flows,
or the fair value of the collateral of the loans, if collateral dependent.

     The determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based
on estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the
economic environment and market conditions. Management believes that, as of
December 31, 1999, the allowance for loan losses is adequate based on
information currently available. A worsening or protracted economic decline in
the area within which the Corporation operates would increase the likelihood of
additional losses due to credit and market risks and could create the need for
additional loss reserves.

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT are carried at cost net of accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line and declining balance methods
based on the estimated useful lives of the assets. Maintenance and repairs are
expensed as incurred, while major additions and improvements are capitalized.
Gains and losses on dispositions are included in current operations.

FEDERAL RESERVE AND FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK STOCK are required investments for
institutions that are members of the Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB") and Federal
Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") systems. The required investment in the common stock is
based on a predetermined formula.


28                                                                     continued
<PAGE>





                          Notes to consolidated financial statements
                          (table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NOTE 1

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued

INTANGIBLE ASSETS are being amortized on the straight-line basis over periods
ranging from 7 to 25 years. Such assets are periodically evaluated as to the
recoverability of their carrying value.

INCOME TAX in the consolidated statement of income includes deferred income tax
provisions or benefits for all significant temporary differences in recognizing
income and expenses for financial reporting and income tax purposes. The
Corporation files consolidated income tax returns with its subsidiaries.

STOCK OPTIONS are granted for a fixed number of shares to employees. The
Corporation accounts for and will continue to account for stock option grants in
accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,
and accordingly, recognizes compensation expense for the stock option grants
which have been granted with an exercise price less than the fair value of the
shares at the date of grant.

EARNINGS PER SHARE have been computed based upon the weighted average common and
common equivalent shares outstanding during each year and have been restated to
give effect to a three-for-two stock split distributed to stockholders on
October 23, 1998.

RECLASSIFICATIONS of certain amounts in the prior years consolidated financial
statements have been made to conform to the 1999 presentation.


NOTE 2

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

     On January 21, 2000, the Corporation signed a definitive agreement to
acquire Decatur Financial, Inc., Decatur, Indiana. The acquisition will be
accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Under the terms of the
agreement, the Corporation will issue 1,130,000 shares of its common stock in
exchange for all of the common stock of Decatur Financial, Inc. The transaction
is subject to approval by stockholders of Decatur Financial, Inc., and
appropriate regulatory agencies. The Corporation anticipates amortizing core
deposit intangibles over eight years and goodwill over twenty years. As of
December 31, 1999, Decatur Financial, Inc., had total assets and shareholders'
equity of $128,140,000 and $14,253,000, respectively.

     On April 1, 1999, the Corporation issued 1,098,795 shares of it common
stock in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of Jay Financial
Corporation, Portland, Indiana. At December 31, 1998, Jay Financial Corporation
had total assets and shareholders' equity of $114,895,000 and $14,903,000,
respectively. The transaction was accounted for under the pooling-of-interests
method of accounting.

     On April 21, 1999, the Corporation issued 810,642 shares of its common
stock in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of Anderson Community Bank,
Anderson, Indiana. At December 31, 1998, Anderson Community Bank had total
assets and shareholders' equity of $77,984,000 and $7,740,000, respectively. The
transaction was accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method of
accounting. The financial information contained herein reflects the merger and
reports the financial condition and results of operations as though the
Corporation had been combined as of January 1, 1997. Separate operating results
of Jay Financial Corporation and Anderson Community Bank for the periods prior
to the merger were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1999                    1998                    1997
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                       <C>                     <C>                     <C>
Net interest income:
   First Merchants Corporation .............................              $   50,175              $   41,678              $   39,750
   Jay Financial Corporation ...............................                   2,250                   4,824                   4,678
   Anderson Community Bank .................................                   1,140                   3,194                   2,364
                                                                          ----------              ----------              ----------
     Combined ..............................................              $   53,565              $   49,696              $   46,792
                                                                          ==========              ==========              ==========
Net income:
   First Merchants Corporation .............................              $   17,934              $   15,399              $   14,373
   Jay Financial Corporation ...............................                     703                   1,431                   1,485
   Anderson Community Bank .................................                     451                   1,077                     625
                                                                          ----------              ----------              ----------
     Combined ..............................................              $   19,088              $   17,907              $   16,483
                                                                          ==========              ==========              ==========
Net income per share:
  Basic:
   First Merchants Corporation .............................              $     1.49              $     1.29              $     1.22
   Jay Financial Corporation ...............................                     .06                     .12                     .13
   Anderson Community Bank .................................                     .04                     .09                     .05
                                                                          ----------              ----------              ----------
     Combined ..............................................              $     1.59              $     1.50              $     1.40
                                                                          ==========              ==========              ==========
  Diluted:
   First Merchants Corporation .............................              $     1.48              $     1.27              $     1.21
   Jay Financial Corporation ...............................                     .06                     .12                     .12
   Anderson Community Bank .................................                     .04                     .09                     .05
                                                                          ----------              ----------              ----------
     Combined ..............................................              $     1.58              $     1.48              $     1.38
                                                                          ==========              ==========              ==========
</TABLE>


                                                                              29
<PAGE>


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NOTE 3

RESTRICTION ON CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS


     The Banks are required to maintain reserve funds in cash and/or on deposit
with the Federal Reserve Bank. The reserve required at December 31, 1999, was
$16,244,000.

note 4

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         GROSS             GROSS
                                                                     AMORTIZED         UNREALIZED        UNREALIZED           FAIR
                                                                       COST              GAINS             LOSSES             VALUE
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                   <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Available for sale at December 31, 1999
   U.S. Treasury ...........................................          $  7,337          $      3          $     72          $  7,268
   Federal agencies ........................................            61,215                50             1,199            60,066
   State and municipal .....................................            94,598               568               945            94,221
   Mortgage-backed securities ..............................           141,673                58             4,332           137,399
   Other asset-backed securities ...........................            21,773                                 758            21,015
   Corporate obligations ...................................             9,082                 4               140             8,946
   Marketable equity securities ............................               915                                 162               753
                                                                      --------          --------          --------          --------
      Total available for sale .............................           336,593               683             7,608           329,668
                                                                      --------          --------          --------          --------

Held to maturity at December 31, 1999
   U.S. Treasury ...........................................               250                                   2               248
   State and municipal .....................................            13,243                77                13            13,307
   Mortgage-backed securities ..............................               311                 1                 1               311
   Other asset-backed securities ...........................               499                                  81               418
                                                                      --------          --------          --------          --------
      Total held to maturity ...............................            14,303                78                97            14,284
                                                                      --------          --------          --------          --------
      Total investment securities ..........................          $350,896          $    761          $  7,705          $343,952
                                                                      ========          ========          ========          ========

Available for sale at December 31, 1998
   U.S. Treasury ...........................................          $ 22,275          $    120                            $ 22,395
   Federal agencies ........................................            61,605               627          $     32            62,200
   State and municipal .....................................            93,198             2,778                21            95,955
   Mortgage-backed securities ..............................           128,610               440               198           128,852
   Other asset-backed securities ...........................               265                 1                11               255
   Corporate obligations ...................................            18,624               143                 8            18,759
   Marketable equity securities ............................             1,200                                 108             1,092
                                                                      --------          --------          --------          --------
      Total available for sale .............................           325,777             4,109               378           329,508
                                                                      --------          --------          --------          --------

Held to maturity at December 31, 1998
   U.S. Treasury ...........................................               249                 4                                 253
   Federal agencies ........................................               500                 1                                 501
   State and municipal .....................................            18,335               370                 1            18,704
   Mortgage-backed securities ..............................               864                 3                                 867
   Other asset-backed securities ...........................             1,761                 2                27             1,736
                                                                      --------          --------          --------          --------
      Total held to maturity ...............................            21,709               380                28            22,061
                                                                      --------          --------          --------          --------
      Total investment securities ..........................          $347,486          $  4,489          $    406          $351,569
                                                                      ========          ========          ========          ========
</TABLE>

30                                                                     continued
<PAGE>


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)


NOTE  4

INVESTMENT SECURITIES  continued

     The amortized cost and fair value of securities held to maturity and
available for sale at December 31, 1999, by contractual maturity, are shown
below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because
issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call
or prepayment penalties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                               AVAILABLE FOR SALE               HELD TO MATURITY
                                                                         AMORTIZED COST    FAIR VALUE    AMORTIZED COST   FAIR VALUE
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                         <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Maturity distribution at December 31, 1999:
  Due in one year or less...........................................        $ 26,911        $ 26,939        $  5,330        $  5,338
  Due after one through five years .................................         102,747         101,891           7,543           7,605
  Due after five through ten years .................................          25,723          25,338             245             245
  Due after ten years ..............................................          16,851          16,333             375             367
                                                                            --------        --------        --------        --------
                                                                             172,232         170,501          13,493          13,555

  Mortgage-backed securities .......................................         141,673         137,399             311             311
  Other asset-backed securities ....................................          21,773          21,015             499             418
  Marketable equity securities .....................................             915             753
                                                                            --------        --------        --------        --------
    Totals .........................................................        $336,593        $329,668        $ 14,303        $ 14,284
                                                                            ========        ========        ========        ========
</TABLE>

     Securities with a carrying value of approximately $161,462,000 and
$146,903,000 were pledged at December 31, 1999 and 1998, to secure certain
deposits and securities sold under repurchase agreements, and for other
purposes as permitted or required by law.

     In addition, all otherwise unpledged securities are pledged as collateral
for Federal Home Loan Bank advances with qualified first mortgage loans.

     Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale during 1999, 1998 and
1997 were $19,627,000, $7,394,000, and $12,555,000. Gross gains of $257,000,
127,000 in 1999 and 1998 and gross losses of $5,000 in 1997 were realized on
those sales.


                                                                              31
<PAGE>


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)


NOTE  5

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1999                  1998
==========================================================================================================
<S>                                                                         <C>                  <C>
Loans at December 31:
  Commercial and industrial loans ..........................................$ 224,712            $ 188,841
  Bankers' acceptances and loans to financial institutions .................                           900
  Agricultural production financing and other loans to farmers .............   21,547               21,951
  Real estate loans:
       Construction ........................................................   31,996               31,719
       Commercial and farmland .............................................  150,544              137,671
       Residential .........................................................  380,596              361,611
  Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures .........  181,906              143,075
  Tax-exempt loans .........................................................    4,070                2,652
  Other loans ..............................................................    3,552                2,073
                                                                            ---------            ---------
                                                                              998,923              890,493
   Unearned interest on loans ..............................................      (28)                (137)
                                                                            ---------            ---------
       Total loans .........................................................$ 998,895            $ 890,356
                                                                            =========            =========
</TABLE>





                                       1999           1998          1997
==========================================================================
Allowance for loan losses:
   Balance, January 1 ..............$  9,209       $  8,429      $  8,010
   Provision for losses ............   2,241          2,372         1,735
   Recoveries on loans .............     447            639           633
   Loans charged off ...............  (1,769)        (2,231)       (1,949)
                                    --------       --------      --------
   Balance, December 31 ............$ 10,128       $  9,209      $  8,429
                                    ========       ========      ========

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Information on impaired loans is summarized below:                   1999               1998               1997
================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                 <C>                <C>                <C>
As of, and for the year ending December 31:
   Impaired loans with an allowance ..........................      $2,742             $2,105             $1,956
   Impaired loans for which the discounted
       cash flows or collateral value exceeds the
       carrying value of the loan ............................       4,398              6,982              1,158
                                                                     -----              -----              -----
          Total impaired loans ...............................      $7,140             $9,087             $3,114
                                                                    ======             ======             ======
   Allowance for impaired loans (included in the
       Corporation's allowance for loan losses) ..............      $1,061             $  795             $  448
   Average balance of impaired loans .........................       8,770              8,881              4,155
   Interest income recognized on impaired loans ..............         705                873                191
   Cash basis interest included above ........................         637                745                173
</TABLE>


     The Banks have entered into transactions with certain directors, executive
officers, significant stockholders, and their affiliates or associates ("related
parties"). Such transactions were made in the ordinary course of business on
substantially the same terms and conditions, including interest rates and
collateral, as those prevailing at the same time for comparable transactions
with other customers, and did not, in the opinion of management, involve more
than normal credit risk or present other unfavorable features.

     The aggregate amount of loans, as defined, to such related parties is as
shown on the right:



Balances, January 1, 1999 ........  $17,926
New loans,
   including renewals.............   16,646
Payments, etc.,
   including renewals.............    6,054
                                    -------
Balances, December 31, 1999 ......  $28,518
                                    =======


32
<PAGE>


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NOTE  6

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

                                                          1999           1998
================================================================================

Cost at December 31:
   Land ..........................................      $  3,442       $  3,442
   Buildings and leasehold improvements ..........        18,949         17,314
   Equipment .....................................        20,393         18,570
                                                        --------       --------
       Total cost ................................        42,784         39,326
Accumulated depreciation and amortization ........       (22,711)       (20,363)
                                                        --------       --------
       Net .......................................      $ 20,073       $ 18,963
                                                        ========       =========

     The Corporation is committed under various noncancelable lease contracts
for certain subsidiary office facilities. Total lease expense for 1999, 1998 and
1997 was $336,000, $250,000, and $190,000, respectively. The future minimum
rental commitments required under the operating leases in effect at December 31,
1999, expiring at various dates through the year 2013, follow on the right for
the years ending December 31:

====================================================
2000  ................................        $  246
2001  ................................           204
2002  ................................           186
2003  ................................           161
2004  ................................           152
After 2004 ...........................           693
                                              ------
Total future minimum obligations              $1,642
                                              ======


NOTE  7

DEPOSITS

                                                          1999           1998
================================================================================
Deposits at December 31:

   Demand deposits .............................      $  300,309      $  307,506
   Savings deposits ............................         283,249         258,641
   Certificates and other time deposits
     of $100,000 or more .......................         197,658         114,374
   Other certificates and time deposits ........         365,987         405,431
                                                      ----------      ----------
       Total deposits ..........................      $1,147,203      $1,085,952
                                                      ==========      ==========


=====================================================
Certificates and other time deposits maturing
in years ending December 31:


2000 .......................                 $396,773
2001 .......................                  111,634
2002 .......................                   37,178
2003 .......................                    9,887
2004 .......................                    7,747
After 2004 .................                      426
                                             --------
                                             $563,645
                                             ========


                                                                              33
<PAGE>


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NOTE  8

BORROWINGS

                                                              1999        1998
================================================================================
Borrowings at December 31:
   Securities sold under repurchase agreements .......     $ 77,957     $ 48,836
   Federal funds purchased ...........................       28,885       15,170
   U. S. Treasury demand notes .......................        9,506        2,629
   Federal Home Loan Bank advances ...................       73,514       47,068
                                                           --------     --------
       Total borrowings ..............................     $189,862     $113,703
                                                           ========     ========


     Securities sold under repurchase agreements consist of obligations of the
Banks to other parties. The obligations are secured by U.S. Treasury, Federal
agency obligations and corporate asset-backed securities. The maximum amount of
outstanding agreements at any month-end during 1999 and 1998 totaled $91,261,000
and $78,302,000, and the average of such agreements totaled $78,877,000 and
$36,506,000.

Maturities of Federal Home Loan Bank advances and
securities sold under repurchase agreements as of
December 31, 1999 are as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                        FEDERAL HOME LOAN                           SECURITIES SOLD UNDER
                                                          BANK ADVANCES                             REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    WEIGHTED-AVERAGE                             WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
                                                  AMOUNT              INTEREST RATE              AMOUNT           INTEREST RATE
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                              <C>                     <C>                   <C>                     <C>
Maturities in years ending December 31:

      2000 ..............                        $51,350                 5.88%                 $42,957                 5.45%
      2001 ..............                          7,000                 5.45                    2,500                 5.73
      2002 ..............                            150                 7.07                    9,600                 5.49
      2003 ..............                          3,000                 5.26                   13,800                 5.80
      2004 ..............                                                                        9,100                 5.68
      After 2004 ........                         12,014                 6.26
                                                 -------                                       -------
             Total ......                        $73,514                 5.88%                 $77,957                 5.55%
                                                 =======                                       =======
</TABLE>

     The terms of a security agreement with the FHLB require the Corporation to
pledge, as collateral for advances, qualifying first mortgage loans and all
otherwise unpledged investment securities in an amount equal to at least 160
percent of these advances. Advances are subject to restrictions or penalties in
the event of prepayment.


NOTE  9

LOAN SERVICING


     Mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheet. The loans are serviced primarily for the Federal
Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the unpaid balances totaled $22,769,000 and
$15,541,000 at December 31, 1999 and 1998.

     The Corporation has adopted SFAS No. 125, Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities. The adoption
of this statement has had no material impact on the Corporation's financial
condition and results of operations for all years presented.


34
<PAGE>


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NOTE  10

INCOME TAX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         1999              1998              1997
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                                    <C>               <C>               <C>
Income tax expense, for the year ended December 31:
  Currently payable:
     Federal .................................................................         $  8,491          $  7,269          $  6,857
     State ...................................................................            2,730             2,134             1,987
  Deferred:
     Federal .................................................................             (939)              138              (119)
     State ...................................................................             (183)               15               (21)
                                                                                       --------          --------          --------
        Total income tax expense .............................................         $ 10,099          $  9,556          $  8,704
                                                                                       ========          ========          ========

Reconciliation of federal statutory to actual tax expense:
     Federal statutory income tax at 34% .....................................         $  9,924          $  9,338          $  8,563
     Tax-exemptm interest ....................................................           (1,555)           (1,424)           (1,378)
     Graduated tax rates .....................................................              291               173                (7)
     Effect of state income taxes ............................................            1,656             1,418             1,298
     Other ...................................................................             (217)               51               228
                                                                                       --------          --------          --------
   Actual tax expense ........................................................         $ 10,099          $  9,556          $  8,704
                                                                                       ========          ========          ========
</TABLE>


Tax expense (benefit) applicable to security gains and losses for the years
ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, was $103,000, $51,000 and $(2,000),
respectively.


A cumulative net deferred tax asset is included in other assets. The components
of the asset are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           1999                 1998
====================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                                      <C>                  <C>
Deferred tax asset at December 31:
Assets:
   Differences in accounting for loan losses .............................               $4,429               $3,552
   Deferred compensation .................................................                  668                  427
   Differences in accounting for pensions
     and other employee benefits .........................................                   33                  199
   Net unrealized loss on securities available for sale ..................                2,736
   Other .................................................................                  138                   47
                                                                                         ------               ------
       Total assets ......................................................                8,004                4,225
                                                                                         ------               ------
Liabilities:
   Differences in depreciation methods ...................................                  896               $1,171
   Differences in accounting for loans and securities ....................                  305                  360
   Differences in accounting for loan fees ...............................                  336                  286
   Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale ..................                                     1,505
   State income tax ......................................................                  238                  141
   Other .................................................................                  238                  134
                                                                                         ------               ------
       Total liabilities .................................................                2,013                3,597
                                                                                         ------               ------
       Net deferred tax asset ............................................               $5,991               $  628
                                                                                         ======               ======
</TABLE>


                                                                              35
<PAGE>


Notes to consolidated financial statements
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)


NOTE  11

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES


     In the normal course of business, there are outstanding commitments and
contingent liabilities, such as commitments to extend credit and standby letters
of credit, which are not included in the accompanying financial statements. The
Banks' exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party
to the financial instruments for commitments to extend credit and standby
letters of credit is represented by the contractual or notional amount of those
instruments. The Banks use the same credit policies in making such commitments
as they do for instruments that are included in the consolidated balance sheet.

     Financial instruments whose contract amount represents credit risk as of
December 31, were as follows:


                              1999               1998

Commitments
to extend credit            $228,598           $207,322

Standby letters
of credit                      6,031              4,477


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

     Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Banks
to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.

     The Corporation and subsidiaries are also subject to claims and lawsuits
which arise primarily in the ordinary course of business. It is the opinion of
management that the disposition or ultimate resolution of such claims and
lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial
position of the Corporation.


NOTE  12

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

     National and state banking laws restrict the maximum amount of dividends
that a bank may pay in any calendar year. National and state banks are limited
to the bank's retained net income (as defined) for the current year plus those
for the previous two years. The amount at December 31, 1999, available for 2000
dividends to the Corporation is $30,356,000. The subsidiaries restrict dividends
to a lesser amount because of the need to maintain an adequate capital
structure.

     Total stockholders' equity for all subsidiaries at December 31, 1999, was
$155,460,000, of which $125,104,000 was restricted from dividend distribution to
the Corporation.

     The Corporation has a Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan,
enabling stockholders to elect to have their cash dividends on all shares held
and automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Corporation's common
stock. In addition, stockholders may elect to make optional cash payments up to
an aggregate of $2,500 per quarter for the purchase of additional shares of
common stock. The stock is credited to participant accounts at fair market
value. Dividends are reinvested on a quarterly basis. At December 31, 1999,
there were 476,063 shares of common stock reserved for purchase under the plan.

     On August 11, 1998, the Board of Directors of the Corporation declared a
three-for-two stock split on its common shares. The new shares were distributed
on October 23, 1998, to holders of record on October 16, 1998.


NOTE 13

REGULATORY CAPITAL

     The Corporation and Banks are subject to various regulatory capital
requirements administered by the federal banking agencies and are assigned to a
capital category. The assigned capital category is largely determined by three
ratios that are calculated according to the regulations: total risk adjusted
capital, Tier 1 capital, and Tier 1 leverage ratios. The ratios are intended to
measure capital relative to assets and credit risk associated with those assets
and off-balance sheet exposures of the entity. The capital category assigned to
an entity can also be affected by qualitative judgments made by regulatory
agencies about the risk inherent in the entity's activities that are not part of
the calculated ratios.

     There are five capital categories defined in the regulations, ranging from
well capitalized to critically undercapitalized. Classification of a bank in any
of the undercapitalized categories can result in actions by regulators that
could have a material effect on a bank's operations.

     At December 31, 1999, the management of the Corporation believes that it
meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. The most recent
notifications from the regulatory agencies categorized the Corporation and Banks
as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.
To be categorized as well capitalized, the Corporation and Banks must maintain a
minimum total capital to risk-weighted assets, Tier I capital to risk-weighted
assets and Tier I capital to average assets of 10 percent, 6 percent and 5
percent, respectively. There have been no conditions or events since that
notification that management believes have changed this categorization.

     Actual and required capital amounts and ratios are on the following page.


36                                                                      ontinued
<PAGE>


NOTE 13

REGULATORY CAPITAL   continued

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 1999                                        1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       REQUIRED FOR                                 REQUIRED FOR
                                                      ACTUAL        ADEQUATE CAPITAL (1)           ACTUAL       ADEQUATE CAPITAL (1)

                                                AMOUNT      RATIO    AMOUNT       RATIO    AMOUNT      RATIO       AMOUNT     RATIO
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                            <C>          <C>     <C>           <C>     <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>
December 31
Total Capital (1)(to risk-weighted assets)
   Consolidated ......................         $137,714     13.71%  $ 80,378      8.00%   $157,653     17.00%     $ 74,388    8.00%
   First Merchants ...................           86,350     14.90     46,323      8.00      79,685     15.70        40,678    8.00
   Madison ...........................           24,267     16.40     11,826      8.00      21,879     16.60        10,578    8.00
   First United ......................            8,797     13.90      5,053      8.00       8,069     18.50         3,484    8.00
   Randolph County ...................           10,819     19.70      4,404      8.00      10,574     18.20         4,640    8.00
   Union County ......................           20,646     15.60     10,594      8.00      19,375     16.40         9,541    8.00
   First National ....................           16,030     21.20      6,049      8.00      15,498     19.60         6,331    8.00

Tier I Capital (1)(to risk-weighted assets)
   Consolidated ......................         $127,586     12.70%  $ 40,189      4.00%   $148,511     16.00%     $ 37,194    4.00%
   First Merchants ...................           82,009     14.20     23,161      4.00      75,752     14.90        20,338    4.00
   Madison ...........................           22,509     15.20      5,913      4.00      20,353     15.40         5,289    4.00
   First United ......................            8,196     13.00      2,527      4.00       7,599     17.40         1,742    4.00
   Randolph County ...................           10,128     18.40      2,202      4.00       9,848     17.00         2,320    4.00
   Union County ......................           19,124     14.40      5,297      4.00      17,966     15.20         4,726    4.00
   First National ....................           15,085     20.00      3,024      4.00      14,509     18.30         3,165    4.00

Tier I Capital (1) (to average assets)
   Consolidated ......................         $127,586      9.15%  $ 55,773      4.00%   $148,511     11.90%     $ 49,951    4.00%
   First Merchants ...................           82,009     10.20     32,310      4.00      75,752     10.80        27,982    4.00
   Madison ...........................           22,509     11.60      7,773      4.00      20,353     11.30         7,184    4.00
   First United ......................            8,196     10.50      3,119      4.00       7,599     11.50         2,646    4.00
   Randolph County ...................           10,128     14.90      2,723      4.00       9,848     13.00         3,042    4.00
   Union County ......................           19,124      8.80      8,728      4.00      17,966      8.60         8,362    4.00
   First National ....................           15,085     14.40      4,198      4.00      14,509     13.00         4,469    4.00
</TABLE>

(1)  as defined by regulatory agencies


                                                                              37
<PAGE>


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)


NOTE 14

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

     The Corporation's defined-benefit pension plans cover substantially all of
the Banks' employees. The benefits are based primarily on years of service and
employees' pay near retirement. Contributions are intended to provide not only
for benefits attributed to service-to-date, but also for those expected to be
earned in the future.

     The table below sets forth the plans' funded status and amounts recognized
in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31:


                                                           December 31
                                                        1999        1998
===========================================================================
Change in benefit obligation
     Benefit obligation at beginning of year ......   $ 16,319    $ 14,454
     Service cost .................................        737         688
     Interest cost ................................      1,081       1,044
     Actuarial (gain) loss ........................     (1,542)        793
     Benefits paid ................................       (789)       (660)
                                                      --------    --------
     Benefit obligation at end of year ............     15,806      16,319
                                                      --------    --------
Change in plan assets
     Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year     19,243      18,865
     Actual return of plan assets .................      3,871       1,038
     Benefits paid ................................       (789)       (660)
                                                      --------    --------
     Fair value of plan assets at end of year .....     22,325      19,243
                                                      --------    --------
     Funded status ................................      6,519       2,924
     Unrecognized net actuarial gain ..............     (6,184)     (2,579)
     Unrecognized prior service cost ..............       (132)       (144)
     Unrecognized transition asset ................       (344)       (480)
                                                      --------    --------
     Accrued benefit cost .........................   $   (141)   $   (279)
                                                      ========    ========


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1999        1998        1997
===============================================================================================
<S>                                                            <C>         <C>         <C>
Pension expense (benefit) includes the following components:
   Service cost-benefits earned during the year ............   $   737     $   688     $   624
   Interest cost on projected benefit obligation ...........     1,081       1,044         956
   Actual return on plan assets ............................    (3,871)     (1,038)     (4,251)
      Net amortization and deferral ........................     1,915        (946)      2,810
                                                               -------     -------     -------
      Total pension expense (benefit) ......................   $  (138)    $  (252)    $   139
                                                               =======     =======     =======


                                                                  1999        1998        1997
===============================================================================================
Assumptions used in the accounting as of December 31 were:
      Discount rate ........................................      7.68%       6.77%       7.40%
      Rate of increase in compensation .....................      4.00%       4.00%       4.50%
      Expected long-term rate of return on assets ..........      9.00%       9.00%       9.00%
</TABLE>


     In 1989, stockholders approved the 1989 Stock Option Plan, reserving
253,125 shares of Corporation common stock for the granting of options to
certain employees. The exercise price of the shares may not be less than the
fair market value of the shares upon grant of the option. Options become 100
percent vested when granted and are fully exercisable generally six months after
the date of grant, for a period of ten years. There were no shares available for
grant at December 31, 1999.

     On March 31, 1994, stockholders approved the 1994 Stock Option Plan,
reserving 472,500 shares of Corporation common stock for the granting of options
to certain employees and non-employee directors. The exercise price of the
shares may not be less than the fair market value of the shares upon the grant
of the option. Options become 100 percent vested when granted and are fully
exercisable generally six months after the date of the grant, for a period of
ten years. There were no shares available for grant at December 31, 1999.


38                                                                     continued
<PAGE>


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NOTE 14

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS  continued

     On April 14, 1999, stockholders approved the 1999 Long-term Equity
Incentive Plan, reserving 1,427,177 shares of Corporation common stock for the
granting of options to certain employees and non-employee directors. The maximum
number of options granted in any given year cannot exceed 1.5% of the shares
outstanding at the end of the prior fiscal year. Options become 100 percent
vested when granted and are fully exercisable generally six months after the
date of the grant for a period of ten years. There were 1,316,527 shares
available for grant at December 31, 1999.

     The table below is a summary of the status of the Corporation's stock
option plans and changes in those plans as of and for the years ended December
31, 1999, 1998 and 1997. The number of shares and prices have been restated to
give effect to the Corporation's 1998 stock split.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               Year Ended December 31,

                                                              1999                       1998                     1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                               WEIGHTED-AVERAGE           WEIGHTED-AVERAGE          WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
       OPTIONS                                        SHARES     EXERCISE PRICE  SHARES    EXERCISE PRICE    SHARES  EXERCISE PRICE
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                   <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Outstanding, beginning of year ................       497,004       $ 17.62      471,037       $ 14.59       461,257       $ 12.23
Granted .......................................       136,400         22.21      113,915         25.83        99,825         20.44
Exercised .....................................       (63,848)         9.81      (87,086)        11.96       (90,045)         8.97
Cancelled .....................................        (1,275)        24.58         (862)        28.71
                                                      -------                    -------                     -------
Outstanding, end of year ......................       568,281       $ 19.56      497,004       $ 17.62       471,037       $ 14.59
                                                      =======                    =======                     =======
Options exercisable at year end ...............       443,006                    397,221                     372,112
Weighted-average fair value of
   options granted during the year ............                     $  5.77                    $  5.48                     $  4.14
</TABLE>


As of December 31, 1999, other information by exercise price range for options
outstanding and exercisable is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  OUTSTANDING                                                      EXERCISABLE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------          -------------------------------
  EXERCISE PRICE         NUMBER     WEIGHTED-AVERAGE        WEIGHTED-AVERAGE                 NUMBER       WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
      RANGE             OF SHARES    EXERCISE PRICE    REMAINING CONTRACTUAL LIFE          OF SHARES        EXERCISE PRICE
==========================================================================================================================
<S>                      <C>             <C>                    <C>                         <C>                 <C>
$  0.00 - $16.08         195,574         $13.13                 4.6 years                   191,374             $13.42

  16.17 -  22.75         242,924          20.56                 7.9 years                   145,374              19.08

  23.69 -  30.44         129,783          27.37                 8.8 years                   106,258              28.01
                         -------                                                            -------
                         568,281         $19.56                 7.0 years                   443,006             $18.77
                         =======                                                            =======
</TABLE>


     The Corporation's stock option plans are accounted for in accordance with
Accounting Principles Board Opinion ("APB") No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued
to Employees, and related interpretations. APB No. 25 requires compensation
expense for stock options to be recognized only if the market price of the
underlying stock exceeds the exercise price on the date of the grant.
Accordingly, the Company recognized compensation expense of $35,000 in 1999. No
compensation expense was required to be recognized in 1998 or 1997.


     Although the Corporation has elected to follow APB No. 25, SFAS No. 123
requires pro forma disclosures of net income and earnings per share as if the
Corporation had accounted for its employee stock options under that Statement.
The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the grant date using an
option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

                                       1999           1998          1997


Risk-free interest rates........       5.72%          5.45%         6.54%

Dividend yields.................       3.23%          3.25%         3.37%

Volatility factors of expected
    market price common stock...      21.98%         17.19%        11.20%

Weighted-average expected
    life of the options ........       8.50 years     8.50 years    8.50 years


                                                            continued         39
<PAGE>


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NOTE 14

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS  continued


     Under SFAS No. 123, compensation cost is recognized in the amount of the
estimated fair value of the options and amortized to expense over the options'
vesting period. The pro forma effect on net income and earnings per share of
this statement are shown on the right:

                                      1999          1998        1997

Net Income
     As reported.................... $19,088       $17,907     $16,483
     Pro Forma......................  18,661        17,147      16,056
Earnings per share
   Basic:
     As reported....................   $1.59       $  1.50     $  1.40
     Pro forma......................    1.55          1.44        1.36
   Diluted:
         As reported                   $1.58       $  1.48     $  1.38
         Pro forma                      1.54          1.42        1.34


     In 1994, the stockholders approved the 1994 Employee Stock Purchase Plan,
enabling eligible employees to purchase the Corporation's common stock. A total
of 253,125 shares of the Corporation's common stock are reserved for issuance
persuant to the plan. The price of the stock to be paid by the employees is
determined by the Corporation's compensation committee, but may not be less than
85 percent of the lesser of the fair market value of the Corporation's common
stock at the beginning or at the end of the offering period. Common stock
purchases are made annually and are paid through advance payroll deductions of
up to 20 percent of eligible compensation. Participants under the plan purchased
20,870 shares in 1999 at $20.24 per share. The fair market value per share on
the purchase date was $23.81.

     In 1999, the stockholders approved the 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan,
enabling eligible employees to purchase the Corporation's common stock. A total
of 250,000 shares of the Corporation's common stock are reserved for issuance
persuant to the plan. The price of the stock to be paid by the employees is
determined by the Corporation's compensation committee, but may not be less than
85 percent of the lesser of the fair market value of the Corporation's common
stock at the beginning or at the end of the offering period. Common stock
purchases are made annually and are paid through advance payroll deductions of
up to 20 percent of eligible compensation.

     At December 31, 1999, there were 250,000 shares of Corporation common stock
reserved for purchase under the plan, and $257,000 has been withheld from
compensation, plus interest, toward the purchase of shares after June 30, 2000,
the end of the annual offering period.

     The Corporation's Employee Stock Purchase Plan is accounted for in
accordance with APB No. 25. Although the Corporation has elected to follow APB
No. 25, SFAS No. 123 requires pro forma disclosures of net income and earnings
per share as if the Corporation had accounted for the purchased shares under
that statement. The pro forma disclosures are included in the table above and
were estimated using an option pricing model with the following assumptions for
1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively: dividend yield of 3.23, 3.25 and 3.37
percent; an expected life of one year for all years; expected volatility of
21.98, 17.19 and 11.20 percent; and risk-free interest rates of 5.72, 5.45 and
6.54 percent. The fair value of those purchase rights granted in 1999, 1998 and
1997 was $4.50, $12.69 and $5.03, respectively.

     The Banks have retirement savings 401(k) plans in which substantially all
employees may participate. The Banks match employees' contributions at the rate
of 25-50 percent for the first 5-6 percent of base salary contributed by
participants. The Banks' expense for the plans was $191,000 for 1999, $178,000
for 1998, and $189,000 for 1997.


NOTE  15

NET INCOME PER SHARE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Year Ended December 31,
                                                 1999                            1998                          1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  WEIGHTED-AVERAGE PER SHARE    WEIGHTED-AVERAGE PER SHARE     WEIGHTED-AVERAGE PER SHARE
                                      INCOME     SHARES     AMOUNT   INCOME     SHARES    AMOUNT   INCOME      SHARES    AMOUNT
===============================================================================================================================
<S>                                  <C>       <C>          <C>     <C>       <C>          <C>     <C>       <C>          <C>
Basic net income per share:
  Net income available  to
    common stockholders ..........   $19,088   12,008,152   $1.59   $ 17,907  11,922,879   $1.50   $16,483   11,815,377   $1.40
Effect of dilutive stock options .                108,756   =====                164,287   =====               143,072    =====
                                     -------   ----------           --------  ----------            -------   ----------
Diluted net income per share:

  Net income available to

    common stockholders
    and assumed conversions ......   $19,088   12,116,908   $1.58   $ 17,907  12,087,166   $1.48   $16,483   11,958,449   $1.38
                                     =======   ==========   =====   ========  ==========   =====   =======   ==========   =====
</TABLE>


40
<PAGE>


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)


NOTE 16

FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS


     The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value
of each class of financial instrument:

Cash and cash equivalents

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates carrying value.

Interest-bearing time deposits

The fair value of interest-bearing time deposits approximates carrying value.

Investment securities

Fair values are based on quoted market prices.

Mortgage loans held for sale

The fair value of mortgages held for sale approximates carrying values.

LOANS

For both short-term loans and variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and
with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying
values. The fair value for other loans is estimated using discounted cash flow
analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar
terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.

INTEREST RECEIVABLE/PAYABLE

The fair values of interest receivable/payable approximate carrying values.

Federal Reserve and
Federal Home Loan Bank stock

The fair value of FRB and FHLB stock is based on the price at which it may be
resold to the FRB and FHLB.

DEPOSITS

The fair values of noninterest-bearing demand accounts, interest-bearing demand
accounts and savings deposits are equal to the amount payable on demand at the
balance sheet date. The carrying amounts for variable rate, fixed-term
certificates of deposit approximate their fair values at the balance sheet date.
Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit and other time deposits are
estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates
currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected
monthly maturities on such time deposits.

FEDERAL FUNDS PURCHASED
AND U.S. TREASURY DEMAND NOTES

These financial instruments are short-term borrowing arrangements. The rates at
December 31, 1999 and 1998, approximate market rates, thus the fair value
approximates carrying value.

Securities sold under repurchase agreements and Federal home loan bank advances

The fair value of the these borrowings is estimated using a discounted cash flow
calculation, based on current rates for similar debt.

Off-balance sheet commitments

Loan commitments and letters-of-credit generally have short-term, variable-rate
features and contain clauses which limit the Banks' exposure to changes in
customer credit quality. Accordingly, their carrying values, which are
immaterial at the respective balance sheet dates, are reasonable estimates of
fair value.


The estimated fair values of the Corporation's financial instruments are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   1999                              1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        CARRYING           FAIR           CARRYING            FAIR
                                                                         AMOUNT            VALUE           AMOUNT             VALUE
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                    <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Assets at December 31:
   Cash and cash equivalents ...................................       $   84,293       $   84,293       $   80,769       $   80,769
   Interest-bearing time deposits ..............................            1,730            1,730            1,008            1,008
   Investment securities available for sale ....................          329,668          329,668          329,508          329,508
   Investment securities held to maturity ......................           14,303           14,284           21,709           22,061
   Mortgage loans held for sale ................................               61               61              776              776
   Loans .......................................................          988,767          983,147          881,147          890,542
   FRB and FHLB stock ..........................................            5,858            5,858            4,455            4,455
   Interest receivable .........................................           11,279           11,279           10,797           10,797

Liabilities at December 31:
   Deposits ....................................................        1,147,203        1,145,134        1,085,952        1,089,083
   Borrowings:
       Securities sold under repurchase agreements .............           77,957           76,739           48,836           43,903
       Federal funds purchased .................................           28,885           28,885           15,170           15,170
       U.S. Treasury demand notes ..............................            9,506            9,506            2,629            2,629
       FHLB advances ...........................................           73,514           73,093           47,068           47,249
   Interest payable ............................................            4,599            4,599            4,134            4,134
</TABLE>


                                                                              41
<PAGE>


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)


NOTE  17

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION   (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)

     Presented below is condensed financial information as to financial
position, results of operations, and cash flows of the Corporation:

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
                                                                 December 31,
                                                              1999        1998
================================================================================
Assets
   Cash ..............................................     $    212     $     84
   Loans to affiliates ...............................        2,350        1,500
   Investment securities available for sale ..........                       285
   Investment in subsidiaries ........................      155,460      151,409
   Goodwill ..........................................          535          578
   Other assets ......................................          356          303
                                                           --------     --------
      Total assets ...................................     $158,913     $154,159
                                                           ========     ========
Liabilities
   Borrowings from affiliates ........................     $ 32,000
   Other liabilities .................................          617     $    268
                                                           --------     --------
      Total liabilities ..............................       32,617          268

Stockholders' equity .................................      126,296      153,891
                                                           --------     --------
      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity .....     $158,913     $154,159
                                                           ========     ========


CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   Year Ended December 31,
                                                                                           1999              1998              1997
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                                    <C>               <C>               <C>
Income
  Dividends from subsidiaries ................................................         $  9,894          $  7,980          $  7,080
  Gain on sale of available-for-sale securities ..............................               98
  Other income ...............................................................              112               112               107
                                                                                       --------          --------          --------
     Total income ............................................................           10,104             8,092             7,187
                                                                                       --------          --------          --------
Expenses
  Amortization of core deposit intangibles,
   goodwill, and fair value adjustments ......................................               43                71                71
  Business combination expenses ..............................................              804                36
  Other expenses .............................................................              834               551               591
                                                                                       --------          --------          --------
     Total expenses ..........................................................            1,681               658               662
                                                                                       --------          --------          --------
Income before income tax benefit and equity in
undistributed income of subsidiaries .........................................            8,423             7,434             6,525
     Income tax benefit ......................................................             (321)             (216)             (191)
                                                                                       --------          --------          --------
Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries .................            8,744             7,650             6,716

   Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries ............................           10,344            10,257             9,767
                                                                                       --------          --------          --------
Net Income ...................................................................         $ 19,088          $ 17,907          $ 16,483
                                                                                       ========          ========          ========
</TABLE>


42                                                                     continued
<PAGE>


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)


NOTE 17

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)   continued

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    Year Ended December 31,

                                                                             1999            1998             1997
====================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                       <C>              <C>              <C>
Operating activities:
   Net income ........................................................    $ 19,088         $ 17,907         $ 16,483
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
     provided by operating activities:
     Amortization ....................................................          43               44               43
     Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries ..................     (10,344)         (10,257)          (9,767)
     Security gains ..................................................         (98)
     Net change in:
        Other assets .................................................         (53)            (115)             (32)
        Other liabilities ............................................         349              154               16
                                                                          --------         --------         --------
           Net cash provided by operating activities .................       8,985            7,733            6,743
                                                                          --------         --------         --------
Investing activities:
   Security purchased with an agreement to resell to an affiliate ....                        2,000           (1,000)
   Net change in loans ...............................................        (850)          (1,500)
   Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale ..............         383
Investment in subsidiary .............................................                       (1,729)
   Other investing activities ........................................          55             (272)            (182)
                                                                          --------         --------         --------
           Net cash used by investing activities .....................        (412)          (1,501)          (1,182)
                                                                          --------         --------         --------
Financing activities:
   Cash dividends ....................................................      (9,759)          (7,934)          (7,090)
   Borrowing from affiliates .........................................      32,000
   Stock issued under employee benefit plans .........................         457              385              291
   Stock issued under dividend reinvestment
     and stock purchase plan .........................................         722              679              726
   Stock options exercised ...........................................         271              482              417
   Stock redeemed ....................................................     (32,136)             (72)
   Cash paid in lieu of issuing fractional shares ....................                           (6)
                                                                          --------         --------         --------
           Net cash used by financing activities .....................      (8,445)          (6,466)          (5,656)
                                                                          --------         --------         --------
   Net change in cash ................................................         128             (234)             (95)
Cash, beginning of year ..............................................          84              318              413
                                                                          --------         --------         --------
   Cash, end of year .................................................    $    212         $     84         $    318
                                                                          ========         ========         ========
</TABLE>


NOTE 18

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

The following table sets forth certain quarterly results for the years ended
December 31, 1999 and 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING  NET INCOME PER SHARE
   QUARTER            INTEREST     INTEREST    NET INTEREST  PROVISION FOR    NET   --------------------------  --------------------
    ENDED              INCOME      EXPENSE       INCOME      LOAN LOSSES     INCOME      BASIC        DILUTED     BASIC   DILUTED

<S>                  <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>     <C>
1999:
March ............   $   23,770   $   10,931   $    12,839   $    505      $  4,643    11,978,451    12,098,414   $ .39   $ .38
June .............       24,916       11,453        13,463        522         4,649    12,004,475    12,101,757     .39     .39
Sept .............       25,380       11,804        13,576        590         4,863    12,043,381    12,146,080     .40     .40
Dec ..............       26,397       12,710        13,687        624         4,933    12,005,285    12,125,563     .41     .41
                     ----------   ----------   -----------   --------      --------                               -----   -----
                     $  100,463   $   46,898   $    53,565   $  2,241      $ 19,088    12,008,152    12,116,908   $1.59   $1.58
                     ==========   ==========   ===========   ========      ========                               =====   =====

1998:
March ............   $   22,460   $   10,509   $    11,951   $    508      $  4,393    11,876,960    12,065,754   $ .37   $ .36
June .............       23,209       10,993        12,216        504         4,414    11,903,127    12,097,882     .37     .37
Sept .............       23,843       11,352        12,491        539         4,559    11,950,118    12,110,502     .38     .38
Dec ..............       24,649       11,611        13,038        821         4,541    11,960,598    12,106,589     .38     .37
                     ----------   ----------   -----------   --------      --------                               -----   -----
                     $   94,161   $   44,465   $    49,696   $  2,372      $ 17,907    11,922,879    12,087,166   $1.50   $1.48
                     ==========   ==========   ===========   ========      ========                               =====   =====
</TABLE>


                                                                              43
<PAGE>


STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION


[PHOTO]


First Merchants Corporation was organized in September of 1982 as the bank
holding company for Merchants National Bank of Muncie, now First Merchants Bank,
N.A., an institution which has served Muncie and the east central Indiana market
since 1893.

Since its organization, First Merchants Corporation has acquired six additional
affiliate banks and a multi-line insurance agency. Pendleton Banking Company of
Pendleton, Indiana was acquired in November of 1988; First United Bank of
Middletown, Indiana in July of 1991; The Union County National Bank of Liberty,
Indiana in August of 1996; The Randolph County Bank of Winchester, Indiana in
October of 1996; Anderson Community Bank of Anderson, Indiana and First National
Bank of Portland, Indiana in April of 1999. Also, in April of 1998, First
Merchants acquired the Muncie office of Insurance & Risk Management, an
independent agency based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The agency, renamed First
Merchants Insurance Services, offers a full line of insurance products to
customers in the Corporation's ten-county service area.

First Merchants Bank also operates one of the ten largest trust departments in
Indiana, with fiduciary assets in excess of one billion dollars at market value.

In June of 1999, U.S. Banker magazine ranked First Merchants 24th out of 200
mid-sized public banking companies in the United States based on financial
performance. In addition, the Corporation continues to receive an A+ rating from
Standard & Poor's for its common stock and Blue Ribbon status from independent
bank-rating service Veribanc. First Merchants Corporation is one of only two
Indiana-based companies listed among America's Finest Companies, an investment
guide published by The Staton Institute.

                                     [LOGO]

                                Corporate Office
                             200 East Jackson Street
                              Muncie, Indiana 47305

                                  765-747-1500
                         http://www.firstmerchants.com


44
<PAGE>


                           First Merchants Corporation
                           currently provides services
                           through offices located in
                          Delaware, Fayette, Hamilton,
                           Henry, Jay, Madison, Wayne,
                               Randolph and Union
                             counties in Indiana and
                             Butler county in Ohio.


ANNUAL MEETING



The Annual Meeting of Stockholders
of First Merchants Corporation
will be held...

Wednesday, April 12, 2000 o 3:30 p.m.

Horizon Convention Center
401 South High Street
Muncie, Indiana

First Merchants Corporation
Market Area

Indiana
  Delaware County
   1 Corporate Office o Muncie
   2 Albany
   3 Eaton
   4 Daleville
  Fayette County
   5 Connersville
  Hamilton County
   6 Carmel
   7 Noblesville
   Henry County
   8 Middletown
   9 Mooreland
  10 Sulphur Springs
  Jay County
  11 Portland
  Madison County
  12 Anderson
  13 Edgewood
  14 Ingalls
  15 Lapel
  16 Markleville
  17 Pendleton
  Randolph County
  18 Winchester
  Union County
  19 Liberty
  Wayne County
  20 Richmond
  Ohio
  Butler County
  21 Oxford


                                                                              45
<PAGE>

STOCK PRICE & DIVIDEND INFORMATION


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRICE PER SHARE

    QUARTER                                      HIGH                               LOW                         DIVIDENDS DECLARED
====================================================================================================================================
                                        1999            1998             1999              1998             1999              1998
                                     --------------------------        --------------------------        ---------------------------
<S>                                  <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>               <C>
First Quarter ..............         $   26.13        $   27.67        $   21.50        $   24.50        $    .200         $    .187
Second Quarter .............             24.75            31.83            21.50            25.67             .200              .187
Third Quarter ..............             25.69            30.83            22.25            24.00             .220              .200
Fourth Quarter .............             29.25            28.75            21.88            21.50             .220              .200
</TABLE>


The table above lists per share prices and dividend payments during 1999 and
1998. Prices are as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers.
Automated Quotation - National Market System.
Numbers rounded to nearest cent when applicable.
Restated for 3-for-2 stock split distributed October, 1998.

STOCK INFORMATION

Common stock listing

First Merchants Corporation common stock is traded over-the-counter on the
NASDAQ National Market System. Quotations are carried in many daily papers. The
NASDAQ symbol is FRME (Cusip #320817-10-9). At the close of business on December
31, 1999, the number of shares outstanding was 10,936,617. There were 1,780
stockholders of record on that date.

General stockholder inquiries

Stockholders and interested investors may obtain information about the
Corporation upon written request or by calling:

Mr. Douglas B. Harris
Vice President
Investor Services & Bank Investments
First Merchants Corporation
P. O. Box 792
Muncie, Indiana 47308-0792
765-741-7278
1-800-262-4261 Ext. 7278

Stock transfer agent and registrar

First Merchants Bank, N.A.
Corporate Trust Department
P. O. Box 792
Muncie, Indiana 47308-0792

MARKET MAKERS

The following firms make a market in First Merchants Corporation stock:

Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc.
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
Knight Securities, L.P.
Herzog, Heine, Geduld, Inc.
Howe, Barnes & Johnson, Inc.
McDonald and Company
NatCity Investments, Inc.
Spear, Leads, and Kellog

FORM 10-K AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION

First Merchants Corporation, upon request and without charge, will furnish
stockholders, security analysts and investors a copy of Form 10-K filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

Please contact:
Mr. James Thrash
Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer

First Merchants Corporation
P. O. Box 792
Muncie, Indiana 47308-0792
765-747-1390
1-800-262-4261 Ext. 1390


46

<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 21--SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    State of

Name                                                    Incorporation
- ----                                                    -------------
<S>                                                     <C>

First Merchants Bank, National Association................U.S.

Madison Community Bank..................................Indiana

First United Bank.......................................Indiana

The Union County National Bank of Liberty.................U.S.

The Randolph County Bank................................Indiana

First National Bank, National Association.................U.S.

</TABLE>

EXHIBIT 23--CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference to Registration Statements
on Form S-8, File Number 33-28900 and 33-28901, or our report dated January 15,
1999, on the consolidated financial statements of First Merchants Corporation,
which report is incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
First Merchants Corporation.

/s/ Olive LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana
March 22, 1999




EXHIBIT 24 - FORM 10-K, LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS that the  undersigned  directors and officers of
First  Merchants  Corporation,  an Indiana  corporation,  hereby  constitute and
appoint James L. Thrash, the true and lawful agent and  attorney-in-fact  of the
undersigned with full power and authority in said agent and  attorney-in-fact to
sign for the undersigned and in their respective names as directors and officers
of the  Corporation  the  Form  10-K of the  Corporation  to be  filed  with the
Securities  and Exchange  Commission,  Washington,  D.C.,  under the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934,  as amended,  and to sign any amendment to such Form 10-K,
hereby   ratifying   and   confirming   all  acts   taken  by  such   agent  and
attorney-in-fact, as herein authorized.

Dated:  February 8, 2000


/s/ Michael L. Cox                  /s/ Stefan S. Anderson
- -----------------------------       ----------------------------------
    Michael L. Cox Officer              Stefan S. Anderson    Director


/s/ James L. Thrash                 /s/ James F. Ault
- -----------------------------       ----------------------------------
    James L. Thrash   Officer           James F Ault          Director


                                   /s/ Frank A. Bracken
                                   -----------------------------------
                                       Frank A. Bracken       Director

                                   /s/ Thomas B. Clark
                                   -----------------------------------
                                       Thomas B. Clark        Director

                                   /s/ Michael L. Cox
                                   -----------------------------------
                                       Michael L. Cox         Director

                                   /s/ David A. Galliher
                                   -----------------------------------
                                       David A. Galliher      Director

                                   /s/ Barry Hudson
                                   -----------------------------------
                                       Barry Hudson           Director

                                   /s/ Norman M. Johnson
                                   -----------------------------------
                                       Norman M. Johnson      Director


                                   -----------------------------------
                                       Ted Montgomery         Director

                                   /s/ George A. Sissel
                                   -----------------------------------
                                       George A. Sissel       Director

                                   /s/ Robert M. Smitson
                                   -----------------------------------
                                       Robert M. Smitson      Director

                                   /s/ Michael D. Wickersham
                                   -----------------------------------
                                       Michael D. Wickersham  Director


                                   -----------------------------------
                                       Dr. John E. Worthen    Director


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 9
<MULTIPLIER>                      1,000

<S>                          <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>            DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>               JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                 DEC-31-1999
<CASH>                           58,893
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>            1,730
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                 25,400
<TRADING-ASSETS>                      0
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>     329,668
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>           14,303
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>             14,284
<LOANS>                         998,895
<ALLOWANCE>                      10,128
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                1,474,048
<DEPOSITS>                    1,147,203
<SHORT-TERM>                    127,176
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>              10,687
<LONG-TERM>                      62,686
                 0
                           0
<COMMON>                          1,367
<OTHER-SE>                      124,929
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>1,474,048
<INTEREST-LOAN>                  78,599
<INTEREST-INVEST>                20,702
<INTEREST-OTHER>                  1,162
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                100,463
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>               38,539
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>               46,898
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>            53,565
<LOAN-LOSSES>                     2,241
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                  257
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                  14,316
<INCOME-PRETAX>                  29,187
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>       19,088
<EXTRAORDINARY>                       0
<CHANGES>                             0
<NET-INCOME>                     19,088
<EPS-BASIC>                           0
<EPS-DILUTED>                      1.58
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                     4.27
<LOANS-NON>                        1280
<LOANS-PAST>                      2,327
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                      0
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                       0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                  9,209
<CHARGE-OFFS>                      1769
<RECOVERIES>                        447
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                10,128
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>             10,128
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                   0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>               0




</TABLE>

EXHIBIT 99.1--FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT FOR
              FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The annual financial statements and independent auditor's report thereon for
First Merchants Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan for the year ending
December 31, 1999, will be filed as an amendment to the 1999 Annual Report on
Form 10-K no later than March 30, 2000.



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