VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
S-4, 1996-11-15
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS
Previous: VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP, 10-Q, 1996-11-15
Next: INTERNATIONAL LEASE FINANCE CORP, 424B3, 1996-11-15






As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 15, 1996
                                             
                                                Registration No. 333-___________


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM S-4

                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      under
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


                             VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


                                   New Jersey
         (State or other Jurisdiction of Incorporation of Organization)


                                      6711
            (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)


                                   22-2477875
                      (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

                                1455 Valley Road
                             Wayne, New Jersey 07470
                                  201-305-8800
               (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                 including area code, of registrant's principal
                               executive offices)

        Gerald H. Lipkin, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
                             Valley National Bancorp
                                1455 Valley Road
                             Wayne, New Jersey 07470
                                  201-305-8800
            (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)


                  Please send copies of all communications to:



      RONALD H. JANIS, ESQ.              HERBERT H. DAVIS III, ESQ.
      MICHAEL W. ZELENTY, ESQ.           Rothgerber, Appel, Powers & Johnson LLP
      Pitney, Hardin, Kipp & Szuch       One Tabor Center, Suite 3000
      200 Campus Drive                   1200 Seventeenth Street
      Florham Park, New Jersey 07932          Denver, Colorado  80202
      (201) 966-6300                     (303) 623-9000


<PAGE>






         Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: At the
Effective  Date of the Merger,  as defined in the  Agreement  and Plan of Merger
dated  September  13, 1996 (the  "Agreement"),  among  Valley  National  Bancorp
("Valley"),   Valley   National  Bank  ("VNB")  Midland   Bancorporation,   Inc.
("Midland") and The Midland Bank and Trust Company ("Midland Bank"), attached as
Appendix A to the Proxy Statement-Prospectus.

         If the  securities  being  registered on this Form are being offered in
connection  with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                         CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

- ------------------------ ---------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
                                                                       Proposed Maximum
Title of each  class of                         Proposed maximum       aggregate offering
securities     to    be  Amount to be           offering price per     price*                 Amount of
registered               registered             unit*                                         registration fee
- ------------------------ ---------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
<S>                      <C>                    <C>                    <C>                    <C>       
Common  Stock,  No  Par  4,063,320               $9.09                 $36,939,642.12         $12,737.81
Value                    Shares**
======================== ====================== ====================== ====================== ======================
</TABLE>

* Estimated  solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant
to Rule  457(f)  under the  Securities  Act of 1933,  as  amended,  based on the
exchange ratio of 30.00 and the book value per share ($272.73) of Midland Common
Stock as of September 30, 1996.

** The Registrant  also registers  hereby such  additional  shares of its common
stock as may be issuable in the Merger pursuant to the anti-dilution  provisions
of the Merger Agreement.



         The Registrant hereby amends this  Registration  Statement on such date
or dates as may be necessary to delay its  effective  date until the  Registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically  states that this Registration
Statement shall  thereafter  become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the  Securities  Act of 1933 or until the  Registration  Statement  shall become
effective on such date as the  Commission,  acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may
determine.




<PAGE>

                          MIDLAND BANCORPORATION, INC.
                            80 East Ridgewood Avenue
                           Paramus, New Jersey  07652



                                                           _______________, 1996

Dear Shareholder:

         On behalf of the Board of Directors,  I want to extend to you a cordial
invitation  to attend a special  meeting  of  shareholders  (the  "Meeting")  of
Midland  Bancorporation,  Inc.  ("Midland") to be held at 550 Kinderkamack Road,
Oradell, New Jersey on [__________, _______________ __], 1997 at ____ a.m.

         At the Meeting,  you will be asked to approve an Agreement  and Plan of
Merger dated as of September  13, 1996 (the  "Merger  Agreement"),  by and among
Valley National Bancorp  ("Valley"),  Valley's national bank subsidiary,  Valley
National Bank ("VNB"),  Midland and  Midland's New Jersey bank  subsidiary,  The
Midland Bank and Trust Company ("Midland Bank"),  pursuant to which Midland will
merge into Valley (the  "Merger")  and Midland  Bank will merge into VNB. If the
Merger is approved  and becomes  effective,  each  outstanding  share of Midland
Common Stock (except for fractional  shares) will be converted into 30.00 shares
of Valley Common Stock,  subject to  adjustment,  as more fully set forth in the
Merger Agreement.

         In the  accompanying  material,  you will find the Notice of Meeting of
Shareholders of Midland and a Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  setting forth actions
to be taken at the Meeting,  a Proxy Card,  the details of the proposed  Merger,
the conditions to consummation of the Merger and information  concerning Valley,
VNB, Midland and Midland Bank.

         Approval of the Merger  Agreement  requires the  affirmative  vote of a
majority  of the  outstanding  shares at a meeting at which a quorum is present.
THE BOARD OF  DIRECTORS  OF  MIDLAND  HAS  APPROVED  THE  MERGER  AGREEMENT  AND
RECOMMENDS A VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.  The executive  officers and
directors  of Midland  intend to vote all of their shares in favor of the Merger
Agreement.

         Because of the importance of the Merger to the shareholders of Midland,
we urge you to complete and sign the  enclosed  proxy card and return it as soon
as possible in the enclosed  postage-prepaid return envelope so that your shares
will be represented.  You may nevertheless attend the Meeting and vote in person
if you wish to do so.

         The enclosed  also  constitutes  a Prospectus of Valley with respect to
the shares of Valley Common Stock to be issued to the shareholders of Midland if
the Merger is consummated.


                                   Sincerely,




                                   ROBERT M. MEYER
                                   President and Chief Executive Officer






<PAGE>


                          MIDLAND BANCORPORATION, INC.
                            80 East Ridgewood Avenue
                            Paramus, New Jersey 07652


                    NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                     TO BE HELD ON [________________], 1997


         NOTICE IS HEREBY  GIVEN  that a Special  Meeting of  Shareholders  (the
"Meeting")  of  Midland  Bancorporation,  Inc.  ("Midland")  will be held at 550
Kinderkamack  Road,  Oradell,  New Jersey on  [_________,  ________ __], 1997 at
[_________]  a.m., for the purpose of considering  and voting upon the following
matters:

                        1. A  proposal  to  approve  an  Agreement  and  Plan of
                  Merger,   dated  as  of   September   13,  1996  (the  "Merger
                  Agreement"),  by and among Valley National Bancorp ("Valley"),
                  Valley's  national  bank  subsidiary,   Valley  National  Bank
                  ("VNB"), Midland and Midland's New Jersey bank subsidiary, The
                  Midland Bank and Trust Company ("Midland  Bank"),  pursuant to
                  which Midland will merge into Valley (the "Merger"),  and each
                  share of Midland  Common Stock  outstanding  on the  effective
                  date of the Merger  will be  converted  into  30.00  shares of
                  Valley Common Stock, subject to adjustment,  as more fully set
                  forth in the Merger Agreement.

                        2. Such other  business as may properly  come before the
                  Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

         Only  those  shareholders  of  record as of the  close of  business  on
[____________], 1996 will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting.
A list of such shareholders will be available at the Meeting.

         Consummation of the Merger is subject to certain conditions,  including
approval of the Merger  Agreement by the  affirmative  vote at the Meeting of at
least a majority of the outstanding  shares of Midland common stock,  whether in
person or by proxy.  Your vote is important  regardless  of the number of shares
that you own.  Whether or not you plan to attend the Meeting,  please mark, date
and sign the  enclosed  proxy and return it as soon as possible in the  enclosed
stamped envelope. You may revoke the proxy at any time prior to its exercise.


                                   By Order of the Board of Directors,



                                   ROBERT M. MEYER
                                   President and Chief Executive Officer

Paramus, New Jersey
[_______________], 1996




         THE  MERGER IS OF MAJOR  IMPORTANCE  TO THE  SHAREHOLDERS  OF  MIDLAND.
ACCORDINGLY,   SHAREHOLDERS  ARE  URGED  TO  READ  AND  CAREFULLY  CONSIDER  THE
INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THE ATTACHED PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS.


<PAGE>

                               
     MIDLAND BANCORPORATION, INC.              VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
            PROXY STATEMENT                          PROSPECTUS
for the Special Meeting of Shareholders     for  the  Common  Stock of Valley 
    of Midland Bancorporation, Inc.            National Bancorp to be issued 
             to be held on                    in connection with the Merger of 
      [____________________], 1997              Midland Bancorporation, Inc.
                                           with and into Valley National Bancorp

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

         This Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  is being furnished in connection with
the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Midland Bancorporation,
Inc.  ("Midland")  to be used at a  special  meeting  of its  shareholders  (the
"Meeting") to be held on [_______________],  1997. The purpose of the Meeting is
to consider and vote upon an Agreement  and Plan of Merger dated as of September
13,  1996  (the  "Merger  Agreement"),  by and  among  Valley  National  Bancorp
("Valley"),  Valley's  national bank  subsidiary,  Valley National Bank ("VNB"),
Midland and  Midland's  New Jersey bank  subsidiary,  The Midland Bank and Trust
Company ("Midland Bank"). A copy of the Merger Agreement is attached as Appendix
A to this Proxy Statement-Prospectus.

         In accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement,  upon approval of
the Merger  Agreement by the  shareholders of Midland,  receipt of all requisite
regulatory approvals and satisfaction or waiver of all conditions,  Midland will
merge with and into Valley (the  "Merger")  and Midland Bank will merge with and
into VNB (the "Bank Merger").  Upon  consummation  of the Merger,  each share of
common stock of Midland,  $15.00 par value per share  ("Midland  Common Stock"),
issued and  outstanding  immediately  prior to the effective  time of the Merger
(except  for  fractional  shares),  will be  converted  into 30.00  shares  (the
"Exchange  Ratio")  of common  stock of  Valley,  no par value  ("Valley  Common
Stock"),  subject to certain  adjustments  more  fully  described  in this Proxy
Statement-Prospectus.

         Valley has filed a  Registration  Statement  pursuant to the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the  "Securities  Act"),  covering the shares of Valley
Common Stock which will be issued in connection with the Merger.  In addition to
constituting  the  Midland  Proxy  Statement  for  the  Meeting,  this  document
constitutes a Prospectus of Valley with respect to the Valley Common Stock to be
issued if the Merger is consummated.

         Midland stock  certificates  should not be returned to Midland with the
enclosed  proxy and should not be forwarded  until after  receipt of a letter of
transmittal which will be provided to Midland  shareholders upon consummation of
the Merger.

         THE SHARES OF VALLEY  COMMON  STOCK  DESCRIBED  IN THE  ATTACHED  PROXY
STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS ARE NOT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS,  DEPOSITS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF
A BANK AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT  INSURANCE  CORPORATION OR ANY
OTHER  GOVERNMENTAL   AGENCY.   THESE  SECURITIES  HAVE  NOT  BEEN  APPROVED  OR
DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES  AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION,  NOR HAS THE COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE  ACCURACY OR  ADEQUACY OF THIS PROXY  STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS.  ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

         NO PERSON HAS BEEN  AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY  INFORMATION  OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION  OTHER THAN THOSE  CONTAINED  IN THIS PROXY  STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS
AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE,  SUCH  INFORMATION OR  REPRESENTATION  MUST NOT BE RELIED
UPON AS  HAVING  BEEN  AUTHORIZED.  THIS  PROXY  STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS  DOES  NOT
CONSTITUTE  AN  OFFER  TO  SELL,  OR A  SOLICITATION  OF AN  OFFER  TO BUY,  ANY
SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED  SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES OR AN OFFER
TO  SELL,  OR A  SOLICITATION  OF AN  OFFER  TO  SELL,  TO  ANY  PERSON  IN  ANY
JURISDICTION  IN WHICH IT WOULD BE UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR  SOLICITATION.
NEITHER THE  DELIVERY OF THIS PROXY  STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS  AT ANY TIME,  NOR ANY
DISTRIBUTION  OF SHARES OF VALLEY  COMMON STOCK,  SHALL UNDER ANY  CIRCUMSTANCES
IMPLY THAT THE  INFORMATION  HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME  SUBSEQUENT TO THE
DATE HEREOF.

                                                                                
The date of this Proxy Statement-Prospectus is [_______________], 1996.


<PAGE>

                              TABLE OF CONTENTS

AVAILABLE INFORMATION........................................................1
INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE........................................2
SUMMARY......................................................................3
      The Meeting............................................................3
      The Companies..........................................................4
      The Merger.............................................................4
      Selected Financial Data of Valley......................................9
      Selected Financial Data of Midland....................................10
      Comparative Per Share Data............................................11
      Summary Pro Forma Financial Information...............................13
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT......................................................14
CERTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING VALLEY........................................14
      General...............................................................14
      Valley National Bank..................................................15
CERTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING MIDLAND.......................................15
      General...............................................................15
      The Midland Bank and Trust Company....................................15
THE MEETING.................................................................15
      General...............................................................15
      Purpose of the Meeting................................................15
      Vote Required; Shares Entitled to Vote................................16
      Solicitation, Voting and Revocation of Proxies........................16
THE PROPOSED MERGER.........................................................17
      General Description...................................................17
      Consideration.........................................................17
      Cash in Lieu of Fractional Shares.....................................17
      Exchange of Certificates..............................................17
      Conversion of Stock Options...........................................18
      No Dissenters' Rights.................................................18
      Background and Reasons for the Merger.................................18
      Opinion of Midland's Financial Advisor................................21
      Effective Time; Conditions to Consummation of the Merger..............24
      Regulatory Approvals..................................................24
      Termination of the Merger Agreement...................................24
      Amendment of the Merger Agreement.....................................25
      Accounting Treatment of the Merger....................................25
      Federal Income Tax Consequences.......................................25
      Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger............................26
      Resale Considerations With Respect to the Valley Common Stock.........26
      Business Pending Consummation.........................................27
      Management and Operations After the Merger............................27
      Stock Option for Shares of Midland Common Stock.......................28
PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION....................................29
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
      FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF MIDLAND..............37
BUSINESS OF MIDLAND.........................................................46
SUPERVISION AND REGULATION OF MIDLAND.......................................51
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS.............................54
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS OF MIDLAND.............................................55
DESCRIPTION OF VALLEY COMMON STOCK..........................................56
      General...............................................................56
      Dividend Rights.......................................................56
      Voting Rights.........................................................56
      Liquidation Rights....................................................56
      Assessment and Redemption.............................................56
      Other Matters.........................................................57
COMPARISON OF THE RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS OF VALLEY AND MIDLAND..............57
      Voting Requirements...................................................57
      Cumulative Voting.....................................................57
      Shareholder Consent to Corporate Action...............................57
      Dividends.............................................................58
      By-laws...............................................................58
      Limitations of Liability of Directors and Officers....................58
LEGAL OPINION...............................................................58
EXPERTS.....................................................................58

Appendix A - Merger Agreement..............................................A-1
Appendix B - Stock Option Agreement........................................B-1
Appendix C - Fairness Opinion of Capital Consultants.......................C-1
Financial Statements of Midland............................................F-1


<PAGE>



                              AVAILABLE INFORMATION

         Valley is subject to the  information  requirements  of the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the rules and  regulations  thereunder (the
"Exchange Act") and, in accordance  therewith,  files reports,  proxy statements
and  other  information  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange   Commission  (the
"Commission").  Such reports,  proxy  statements  and other  information  can be
inspected  and  copied at the  public  reference  facilities  maintained  by the
Commission  at  450  Fifth  Street,  N.W.,  Washington,  D.C.  20549  and at the
Commission's  Regional  Offices  located at Citicorp  Center,  500 West  Madison
Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511, and 7 World Trade Center, 13th
Floor,  New York, New York 10048.  Copies of such materials can be obtained from
the  Public  Reference  Section of the  Commission  at 450 Fifth  Street,  N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Commission maintains a web site
that contains  reports,  proxy and information  statements and other information
regarding  registrants  that file  electronically  with the Commission  (such as
Valley).  The  address of the  Commission's  web site is http:\\www.sec.gov.  In
addition, Valley Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"),
and reports,  proxy statements and other  information  relating to Valley may be
inspected at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

         Valley has filed with the Commission a  Registration  Statement on Form
S-4 under the  Securities  Act (together  with all  amendments  and  supplements
thereto,  the  "Registration  Statement"),  with respect to the shares of Valley
Common  Stock  to  be  issued  upon  consummation  of  the  Merger.  This  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus  does not contain all of the  information  set forth in the
Registration Statement and exhibits thereto, certain portions of which have been
omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the  Commission.  Copies of
the Registration Statement are available for inspection and copying as set forth
above.  Statements  contained  in  this  Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  or in  any
document incorporated by reference in this Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  relating
to the contents of any contract or other document  referred to herein or therein
are not necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy
of such  contract  or other  document  filed as an exhibit  to the  Registration
Statement or such other  document,  each such statement  being  qualified in all
respects by such reference.

THIS PROXY  STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS  INCORPORATES  CERTAIN  DOCUMENTS  BY REFERENCE
WHICH ARE NOT PRESENTED HEREIN OR DELIVERED  HEREWITH.  A COPY OF SUCH DOCUMENTS
(OTHER THAN CERTAIN  EXHIBITS TO SUCH DOCUMENTS) IS AVAILABLE  WITHOUT CHARGE TO
EACH   PERSON,    INCLUDING   ANY   BENEFICIAL    OWNER,   TO   WHOM   A   PROXY
STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED,  UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST TO: ALAN ESKOW,
CORPORATE  SECRETARY,  VALLEY NATIONAL  BANCORP,  1455 VALLEY ROAD,  WAYNE,  NEW
JERSEY  07470;  TELEPHONE  NUMBER  (201)  305-8800.  IN ORDER TO  ENSURE  TIMELY
DELIVERY OF SUCH DOCUMENTS,  ANY SUCH REQUEST SHOULD BE MADE BY  ______________,
1997.

<PAGE>


                      INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

         The following  documents  filed by Valley with the Commission  (Company
File  No.   0-11179)  are  hereby   incorporated  by  reference  in  this  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus:

         1. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995.

         2. Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, June
         30 and September 30, 1996.

         3. Current  Reports on Form 8-K filed with the  Commission  on February
         22, April 9, June 12 and September 20, 1996.

         4. The  description  of  Valley  Common  Stock  set  forth in  Valley's
         Registration  Statement on Form 8-A filed by Valley pursuant to Section
         12 of the  Exchange  Act,  and any  amendment  or report  filed for the
         purpose of updating such description.

         All documents filed by Valley  pursuant to Section 13(a),  13(c), 14 or
15(d)   of  the   Exchange   Act   subsequent   to  the   date  of  this   Proxy
Statement-Prospectus  and prior to the Meeting shall be deemed  incorporated  by
reference into this Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  and a part hereof from the date
of filing of such documents.

         All  information  contained or  incorporated by reference in this Proxy
Statement-Prospectus  with  respect to Valley and VNB was supplied by Valley and
all   information   contained  or   incorporated  by  reference  in  this  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus  with respect to Midland was supplied by Midland.  Although
neither  Valley nor Midland  have any  knowledge  that would  indicate  that any
statements or information  relating to the other party contained or incorporated
herein are inaccurate or incomplete,  neither Valley nor Midland can warrant the
accuracy or completeness of such information or statements as they relate to the
other entity or its subsidiaries.

         Any  statement  contained  herein,  in any  supplement  hereto  or in a
document  incorporated  by reference or deemed to be  incorporated  by reference
herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Proxy
Statement-Prospectus  to the extent that a statement  contained  herein,  in any
supplement  hereto or in any  subsequently  filed  document  which also is or is
deemed to be  incorporated  by  reference  herein  modifies or  supersedes  such
statement.  Any such  statement so modified or  superseded  shall not be deemed,
except  as so  modified  or  superseded,  to  constitute  a part of  this  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus or any supplement hereto.


<PAGE>
                                     SUMMARY

         The  following  is a brief  summary  of certain  information  contained
elsewhere  in this  Proxy  Statement-Prospectus.  This  summary  is  necessarily
incomplete  and is qualified in its  entirety by the more  detailed  information
contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement-Prospectus, including the Appendixes
hereto and the documents  incorporated by reference herein. A copy of the Merger
Agreement is set forth as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement-Prospectus. Midland
shareholders are urged to read carefully the entire Proxy  Statement-Prospectus,
including the Appendixes.


THE MEETING

Date, Time and Place of     
Meeting.....................  The   special   meeting   of   shareholders   (the
                              "Meeting")   of   Midland   Bancorporation,   Inc.
                              ("Midland")  will  be  held  on   [_____________],
                              [_____________],   1997,   [______]  a.m.  at  550
                              Kinderkamack Road, Oradell, New Jersey.
Record Date................   [____________________], 1996
Shares Entitled to Vote....   [________]  shares of  common  stock,  $15.00  par
                              value  per  share,  of  Midland  ("Midland  Common
                              Stock")  were  outstanding  on the Record Date and
                              are entitled to vote at the Meeting.
Purpose of Meeting.........   To consider and vote upon an Agreement and Plan of
                              Merger dated as of September 13, 1996 (the "Merger
                              Agreement"),  by and among Valley National Bancorp
                              ("Valley"),  Valley's  national  bank  subsidiary,
                              Valley   National   Bank   ("VNB"),   Midland  and
                              Midland's New Jersey bank subsidiary,  The Midland
                              Bank and Trust Company ("Midland Bank").
 Vote Required............... The affirmative  vote, in person or by proxy, of a
                              majority  of the  outstanding  shares  of  Midland
                              Common  Stock is  required  to approve  the Merger
                              Agreement. In connection with the execution of the
                              Merger Agreement, each owner of Norwood Associates
                              II, a  partnership  in which Walter H. Jones,  III
                              and Graham O. Jones,  directors  of  Midland,  and
                              their two sisters are partners,  agreed to vote in
                              favor  of  the  Merger  Agreement  all  shares  of
                              Midland  Common  Stock  which he or she holds,  or
                              over which he or she exercises voting control.  As
                              of September  30,  1996,  such persons held or had
                              voting  control  over  50.9%  of  the  issued  and
                              outstanding  shares of Midland  Common Stock.  The
                              directors and executive  officers of Midland other
                              than  Messrs.  Graham and  Walter  Jones have also
                              indicated  their intention to vote in favor of the
                              Merger  Agreement  the  shares of  Midland  Common
                              Stock  which they  beneficially  own (10.0% of the
                              issued and  outstanding  shares of Midland  Common
                              Stock as of September 30, 1996). Consequently, the
                              affirmative vote of other shareholders will not be
                              required    for    approval    of   the    Merger.
Recommendation
of the Midland 
Board of Directors........... The Midland  Board of  Directors  has  unanimously
                              approved  the  Merger  Agreement  and  unanimously
                              recommends  that  holders of Midland  Common Stock
                              vote "FOR" approval of the Merger Agreement.
<PAGE>

THE COMPANIES

Valley......................  Valley is a bank holding  company  organized under
                              the laws of the State of New Jersey and registered
                              under the Bank  Holding  Company  Act of 1956,  as
                              amended (the "Bank Holding  Company Act").  Valley
                              has one banking subsidiary, VNB, which operates 80
                              branches  located  in  northern  New  Jersey.   At
                              September 30, 1996, Valley had consolidated assets
                              of approximately $4.6 billion.  Valley's principal
                              executive offices are located at 1455 Valley Road,
                              Wayne,  New Jersey 07474, and its telephone number
                              is  (201)  305-8800.   See  "Certain   Information
                              Regarding  Valley;"  "Available  Information"  and
                              "Information     Incorporated    by    Reference."

Midland...................... Midland is a bank holding company  organized under
                              the laws of the State of New Jersey and registered
                              under the Bank Holding  Company  Act.  Midland has
                              one  banking   subsidiary,   Midland  Bank,  which
                              operates 13 full  service  branches  and 1 limited
                              service facility in Bergen County,  New Jersey. At
                              September  30,  1996,  Midland had total assets of
                              $426  million.   Midland's   principal   executive
                              offices are located at 80 East  Ridgewood  Avenue,
                              Paramus, New Jersey 07652 and its telephone number
                              is  (201)  265-5555.   See  "Certain   Information
                              Regarding  Midland" and  "Management's  Discussion
                              and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
                              Operations of Midland."

THE MERGER


General Description of     
the Merger; Effective      
Time.......................   In  accordance   with  the  terms  of  the  Merger
                              Agreement,  upon approval of the Merger  Agreement
                              by the  shareholders  of  Midland,  receipt of all
                              requisite regulatory approvals and satisfaction or
                              waiver of all other conditions, Midland will merge
                              with and into Valley (the  "Merger"),  with Valley
                              as the  surviving  entity.  The Merger will become
                              effective  at  the  time  (the  "Effective  Time")
                              specified in a certificate of merger which will be
                              filed with the New Jersey  Secretary  of State.  A
                              closing under the Merger Agreement (the "Closing")
                              will occur prior to the Effective Time on February
                              28, 1997 or, if later than  February 28, 1997,  on
                              the tenth  business day  following  the receipt of
                              all   necessary    regulatory   and   governmental
                              approvals and satisfaction of all other conditions
                              to closing  (other than the  delivery of documents
                              to be delivered at the Closing),  or on such other
                              date as Valley and Midland agree upon. Immediately
                              following  consummation of the Merger,  or as soon
                              thereafter  as VNB may deem  appropriate,  Midland
                              Bank  will  merge  with and  into  VNB (the  "Bank
                              Merger"),   with  VNB  as  the  surviving  entity,
                              pursuant to a separate  merger  agreement  between
                              VNB   and   Midland   Bank   (the   "Bank   Merger
                              Agreement").  See "The Proposed  Merger -- General
                              Description"  and  the  full  text  of the  Merger
                              Agreement, which is attached as Appendix A to this
                              Proxy Statement-Prospectus.
 
Consideration..............   Upon  consummation  of the  Merger,  each share of
                              Midland   Common  Stock  issued  and   outstanding
                              immediately  prior to the  Effective  Time (except
                              for  fractional  shares)  will be  converted  into
                              30.00  shares  (the  "Exchange  Ratio")  of common
                              stock of Valley,  no par value per share  ("Valley
                              Common  Stock").  The Exchange Ratio is subject to
                              adjustment  to take into  account any stock split,
                              stock      dividend,       stock      combination,
                              reclassification, or similar transaction by Valley
                              with respect to the Valley Common Stock.  See "The
                              Proposed Merger --  Consideration."  
<PAGE>

Conversion of Stock        
Options....................   At the Effective Time, each outstanding  option to
                              purchase Midland Common Stock (a "Midland Option")
                              granted  under the stock  option  plans of Midland
                              will be converted  into either Valley Common Stock
                              or an option to purchase  Valley Common Stock,  at
                              the election of the holder of such Midland  Option
                              (an  "Optionee"),  subject to certain  conditions.
                              See "The  Proposed  Merger --  Conversion of Stock
                              Options."  Holders of Midland Options will receive
                              an option  preference  form  after the  mailing of
                              this Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  but prior to the
                              Effective  Time and may  exercise  the election by
                              submitting the option preference form as specified
                              in such form.

Certain Federal Income     
Tax Consequences...........   Consummation of the Merger is conditioned upon the
                              receipt of an opinion  of Pitney,  Hardin,  Kipp &
                              Szuch,  counsel to Valley,  to the effect that the
                              Merger will  constitute a tax-free  reorganization
                              as  defined  in  Section  368(a)  of the  Internal
                              Revenue  Code of 1986,  as amended  (the  "Code").
                              Assuming the  applicability  of Section  368(a) of
                              the Code,  the  conversion  of Valley Common Stock
                              into  Midland  Common  Stock will be a  nontaxable
                              event  for   Valley,   Midland   and  the  Midland
                              shareholders. No taxable gain or loss will have to
                              be recognized by Midland  shareholders  until they
                              sell the Valley  Common Stock  received by them in
                              the Merger.  The basis of the Valley  Common Stock
                              received by each Midland  shareholder  will be the
                              basis of the Midland  Common  Stock  converted  in
                              connection  with the Merger and the holding period
                              of  the  Valley  Common  Stock  will  include  the
                              holding   period  of  the  Midland   Common  Stock
                              converted.  Since  the  Exchange  Ratio is a whole
                              number  and  there  are no  fractional  shares  of
                              Midland  Common  Stock  outstanding,   it  is  not
                              anticipated  that there will be any cash issued in
                              lieu of fractional shares in the Merger.  See "The
                              Proposed    Merger   --    Federal    Income   Tax
                              Consequences."

                              Midland  shareholders  are urged to consult  their
                              own  tax   advisors   as  to  the   specific   tax
                              consequences   to   them  of  the   Merger   under
                              applicable tax laws.

No Dissenters Rights.......   Consistent  with the  provisions of the New Jersey
                              Business   Corporation   Act  (the  "NJBCA"),   no
                              shareholder  of  Midland  will  have the  right to
                              dissent from the Merger.  See "The Proposed Merger
                              -- No Dissenters' Rights."

Opinion of Midland's       
Financial Advisor..........   The Board of  Directors  of Midland  has  retained
                              Capital  Consultants of Princeton,  Inc. ("Capital
                              Consultants") to evaluate the terms of the Merger.
                              Capital Consultants has delivered written opinions
                              dated September 12, 1996 and  [_________]  1996 to
                              the Board of  Directors  of  Midland to the effect
                              that  the  consideration  to be  received  by  the
                              Midland   shareholders   pursuant  to  the  Merger
                              Agreement  is,  as of the  date of such  opinions,
                              fair to such  shareholders  from a financial point
                              of view.  For  information  concerning the matters
                              reviewed,  assumptions made and factors considered
                              by Capital  Consultants,  see "The Proposed Merger
                              -- Opinion of  Midland's  Financial  Advisor"  and
                              Appendix  C to  this  Proxy  Statement-Prospectus,
                              which  sets  forth  Capital  Consultants'  updated
                              fairness  opinion in its  entirety. 
<PAGE>

Conditions to the
Merger.....................   Consummation  of the Merger is  contingent  upon a
                              number  of  conditions,  including  receiving  all
                              necessary  regulatory  approvals;  the approval of
                              the   Merger   by  the   requisite   vote  of  the
                              shareholders  of Midland Common Stock;  an opinion
                              of  Pitney,  Hardin,  Kipp  &  Szuch,  counsel  to
                              Valley,  to the effect that the Merger will result
                              in a tax free  reorganization;  a letter from KPMG
                              Peat Marwick,  LLP,  Valley's  independent  public
                              accountants,  to the effect  that the Merger  will
                              qualify   for   pooling-of-interests    accounting
                              treatment;  and an opinion of Capital Consultants,
                              advisors  to  Midland,  that the Merger is fair to
                              the shareholders of Midland from a financial point
                              of view. Capital  Consultant's opinion is included
                              as Appendix C. See "The Proposed Merger -- Opinion
                              of Midland's  Financial Advisor;  -- Conditions to
                              the  Merger."

Regulatory Approvals.......   Consummation  of the  Merger  and the Bank  Merger
                              requires  the approval of the  Comptroller  of the
                              Currency  (the  "OCC").   OCC  approval  does  not
                              constitute  an  endorsement  of  the  Merger  or a
                              determination  by the OCC  that  the  terms of the
                              Merger are fair to the shareholders of Midland. An
                              application  for OCC approval was filed on October
                              31,  1996.  Also  on  October  31,  1996,   Valley
                              submitted  a  draft  application  to  the  Federal
                              Reserve Board seeking a waiver of the  requirement
                              for  approval  of the Merger  under  Regulation  Y
                              promulgated  under the Bank  Holding  Company Act.
                              While Valley and Midland anticipate receiving such
                              approval  and  waiver,  there can be no  assurance
                              that  they will be  granted,  or that they will be
                              granted  on  a  timely  basis  without  conditions
                              unacceptable  to  Valley  or  Midland.   See  "The
                              Proposed Merger -- Regulatory Approvals."

Termination Rights.........   The  Merger   Agreement  may  be
                              terminated  by  Midland  if the  "Average  Closing
                              Price"  of Valley  Common  Stock,  defined  as the
                              average  of the  closing  prices of Valley  Common
                              Stock as reported  on the New York Stock  Exchange
                              ("NYSE") and published in the Wall Street  Journal
                              during the first 10 of the 15 consecutive  trading
                              days  immediately  preceding the Effective Time is
                              $19.50 or less, unless Valley  unilaterally agrees
                              to increase the  Exchange  Ratio so that the value
                              (measured  by the  Average  Closing  Price) of the
                              number of shares of Valley Common Stock into which
                              one  share  of  Midland  Common  Stock  is  to  be
                              converted in the Merger, based on the new Exchange
                              Ratio, is at least as high as the value would have
                              been if the Exchange  Ratio were unchanged and the
                              Average  Closing  Price were  $19.50.  The Average
                              Closing  Price is  subject to  adjustment  to take
                              into  account  any stock  split,  stock  dividend,
                              stock  combination,  reclassification,  or similar
                              transaction  by  Valley  with  respect  to  Valley
                              Common  Stock.  Valley has the right to  terminate
                              the  Merger   Agreement  if  at  the  Closing  the
                              shareholders'  equity of  Midland is below a level
                              set forth in a formula  in the  Merger  Agreement.
                              The Merger  Agreement  may be terminated by either
                              Midland  or Valley if the  Effective  Time has not
                              occurred by April 30,  1997.  For a more  complete
                              description of these and other termination  rights
                              available to Midland and Valley, see "The Proposed
                              Merger -- Effective Time; Amendments; Termination;
                              -- Conditions to the Merger."

Amendment of the           
Merger Agreement...........   The terms of the Merger  Agreement may be amended,
                              modified or supplemented by the written consent of
                              Valley  and  Midland  at  any  time  prior  to the
                              Effective   Time.   However,   following   Midland
                              shareholder  approval  of  the  Merger  Agreement,
                              Midland  shareholders  must approve any  amendment
                              reducing  or  changing   the  amount  or  form  of
                              consideration  to  be  received  by  them  in  the
                              Merger.  See "The  Proposed  Merger  --  Effective
                              Time;  Amendments;  Termination;  -- Conditions to
                              the Merger."

Accounting Treatment
of the  Merger.............   The Merger is  expected to be  accounted  for as a
                              pooling  of  interests  for  financial   reporting
                              purposes,  and it is a condition  to Valley's  and
                              Midland's  respective  obligations  to  close  the
                              Merger that Valley receive a letter from KPMG Peat
                              Marwick LLP, Valley's independent certified public
                              accountants,  to the effect  that the Merger  will
                              qualify   for   pooling-of-interests    accounting
                              treatment.  Under the pooling-of-interests  method
                              of  accounting,   Midland's  historical  basis  of
                              assets,  liabilities and shareholders  equity will
                              be retained by Valley as the surviving entity. For
                              a     discussion     of     the     effects     of
                              pooling-of-interests  accounting,  see "Pro  Forma
                              Combined Financial  Information" and "The Proposed
                              Merger -- Accounting Treatment of the Merger."
                              

Stock Option to Valley
for Midland Shares.........   In connection  with the  negotiation by Valley and
                              Midland  of  the  Merger  Agreement,   Valley  and
                              Midland entered into a Stock Option Agreement (the
                              "Stock  Option  Agreement")  dated  September  13,
                              1996.  Pursuant  to the  Stock  Option  Agreement,
                              Midland  granted Valley an option (the  "Option"),
                              exercisable   only  under   certain   limited  and
                              specifically defined circumstances, to purchase up
                              to  35,000   authorized  but  unissued  shares  of
                              Midland Common Stock,  representing  approximately
                              21.8% of the shares of Midland  Common Stock which
                              would be  outstanding  immediately  following  the
                              exercise of the Option,  for an exercise  price of
                              $301.00 per share. Valley does not have any voting
                              rights  with  respect  to the  shares  of  Midland
                              Common  Stock  subject  to  the  Option  prior  to
                              exercise of the Option. A copy of the Stock Option
                              Agreement  is attached as Appendix B to this Proxy
                              Statement-Prospectus.

                              In  the  event  that  certain   Triggering  Events
                              specifically   enumerated   in  the  Stock  Option
                              Agreement occur and the Merger is not consummated,
                              Valley  would  recognize a gain on the sale of the
                              shares of Midland Common Stock  received  pursuant
                              to the  exercise  of the Option if such  shares of
                              Midland Common Stock were sold at prices exceeding
                              $301.00  per  share.  The  ability  of  Valley  to
                              exercise   the  Option  and  to  cause  up  to  an
                              additional  35,000 shares of Midland  Common Stock
                              to be issued  may be  considered  a  deterrent  to
                              other  potential  acquirors of control of Midland,
                              as  it  is  likely  to  increase  the  cost  of an
                              acquisition of all of the shares of Midland Common
                              Stock  which  would  then  be   outstanding.   The
                              exercise  of the  Option by  Valley  may also make
                              pooling-of-interests      accounting     treatment
                              unavailable  to a  subsequent  acquiror.  See "The
                              Proposed  Merger  -- Stock  Option  for  Shares of
                              Midland Common Stock."

Interests of Certain
Persons in the Merger......   The  Merger  Agreement  provides  that,  as of the
                              Effective Time, Valley and VNB will appoint Walter
                              H. Jones III,  currently the Chairman of the Board
                              of  Directors  of Midland and Midland  Bank,  as a
                              director  of Valley and VNB,  and Graham O. Jones,
                              currently a director of Midland and Midland  Bank,
                              as a director of Valley and VNB. In addition,  the
                              Merger   Agreement   provides   that,  as  of  the
                              Effective  Time, VNB will appoint Robert M. Meyer,
                              currently  the   President  and  Chief   Executive
                              Officer of  Midland,  as a member of VNB's  senior
                              management team, and Valley will assume in writing
                              Mr. Meyer's employment contract.

                              The Merger  Agreement  further provides that for a
                              six-year  period  following  the  Effective  Time,
                              Valley will  indemnify  the directors and officers
                              of  Midland  against  certain  liabilities  to the
                              extent  such   persons  were   indemnified   under
                              Midland's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.

                              As  of  September  30,  1996,  the  directors  and
                              executive officers of Midland and their affiliates
                              beneficially  owned in the aggregate  60.9% of the
                              issued and  outstanding  shares of Midland  Common
                              Stock. 

Resale Considerations
with Respect to Valley
Common Stock...............   The shares of Valley  Common Stock to be issued in
                              the Merger will be registered under the Securities
                              Act of 1933,  as amended (the  "Securities  Act"),
                              and will be freely transferable, except for shares
                              received  by  persons,   including  directors  and
                              executive  officers of Midland,  who may be deemed
                              to be  "affiliates"  of  Midland  under  Rule  145
                              promulgated  under the  Securities  Act.  See "The
                              Proposed  Merger  --  Resale  Considerations  with
                              Respect to the Valley Common  Stock."  

Differences in 
Shareholders' Rights.......   At the  Effective  Time,  the  holders  of Midland
                              Common Stock will become  holders of Valley Common
                              Stock.  Valley  and  Midland  are both New  Jersey
                              general  business  corporations  governed  by  the
                              NJBCA.   Therefore,    there   are   no   material
                              differences  in the  legal  rights of  holders  of
                              Midland Common Stock and Valley Common Stock under
                              the  NJBCA.  For a  description  of Valley  Common
                              Stock,  see  "Description of Valley Common Stock."
                              For  a   comparison   of   the   Certificates   of
                              Incorporation   and  the   Bylaws  of  Valley  and
                              Midland,  see  "Comparison of Rights of Valley and
                              Midland Shareholders."


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF VALLEY


     The following table sets forth certain selected historical  consolidated  financial data for Valley. This data is derived from,
     and should be read in  conjunction  with,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  of Valley,  including  the notes  thereto,
     incorporated by reference herein.  See "Information  Incorporated by Reference." The data for the years ended December 31, 1995
     through  December 31, 1991 are derived from  Valley's  consolidated  financial  statements,  which have been  audited.  Interim
     unaudited data for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 reflect,  in the opinion of the management of Valley,  all
     adjustments  (consisting of normal recurring  adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of such data. Results for the nine
     months ended September 30, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of results which may be expected for any other interim period or
     for the year as a whole.

                                  For Nine Months Ended September 30,                 For Years Ended December 31,
                                 -----------------------------------  -------------------------------------------------------------
                                               1996        1995         1995        1994        1993        1992           1991
                                                              (Dollars in thousands, except for per share amounts)

INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
<S>                                       <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>       
Interest income                           $ 243,943   $ 237,563    $ 316,650   $ 292,583   $ 280,693   $ 273,923     $  245,383
Interest expense                            108,100     107,491      143,271     117,465     114,021     133,690        135,582
                                         ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------      ---------
Net interest income                         135,843     130,072      173,379     175,118     166,672     140,233        109,801
Provision for possible loan losses            2,095       2,069        2,669       5,197       7,966      18,855         13,551
                                         ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------       --------
Net interest income after provision 
  forpossible loan losses                   133,748     128,003      170,710     169,921     158,706     121,378         96,250
Non-interest income                          17,252      15,776       20,968      23,967      27,990      32,592         15,437
Non-interest expense                         76,706      67,845       90,203      90,594      85,671      79,947         61,296
                                         ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------       --------
Income before income taxes
  and cumulative effect of
  accounting change                          74,294      75,934      101,475     103,294     101,025      74,023         50,391
Income taxes                                 24,747      29,877       38,879      38,723      35,638      25,272         15,716
                                         ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------   ---------  ----------       --------
Income before cumulative effect of
  accounting change                          49,547      46,057       62,596      64,571      65,387      48,751         34,675
Cumulative effect of accounting change           -           -            -           -         (402)        473          -
                                         ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------     ----------
Net income                                $  49,547   $  46,057   $   62,596   $  64,571   $  64,985   $  49,224      $  34,675
                                         ==========  ==========   ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========      =========

PER COMMON SHARE DATA: (1)
Income before cumulative effect of
  accounting change                         $  1.35     $  1.23      $  1.67     $  1.74     $  1.79     $  1.36        $  0.97
Cumulative effect of accounting change           -           -            -           -        (0.01)       0.01             -
Net income                                     1.35        1.23         1.67        1.74        1.78        1.37           0.97
Book Value                                    10.52       10.39        10.66        9.43        9.19        7.90           7.13
Dividends                                      0.74        0.70         0.94        0.90        0.70        0.64           0.60

RATIOS:
Return on Average Assets                       1.45%       1.38%        1.40%       1.48%       1.58%       1.33%          1.22%
Return on Average Equity                      17.06%      16.41%       16.60%      18.66%      20.95%      18.33%         14.11%

FINANCIAL CONDITION DATA:
Total assets                             $4,605,051  $4,417,042   $4,585,811  $4,418,586  $4,257,739  $3,937,660     $3,461,638
Investment securities held to maturity      222,005     782,461      266,354     853,983   1,228,339   1,351,385      1,369,547
Investment securities available for sale  1,049,069     654,611    1,146,285     696,438     463,857     335,807          9,239
Loans (net of unearned income)            3,085,213   2,701,196    2,793,175   2,592,756   2,271,991   1,935,978      1,761,486
Allowance for possible loan losses           41,798      40,205       39,670      42,024      41,344      34,852         25,904
Deposits                                  4,070,621   3,893,869    4,083,873   3,880,002   3,770,228   3,532,996      3,075,479
Shareholders' equity                        382,417     390,110      400,237     350,616     333,240     280,376        251,924

(1)      The per share data has been restated to give retroactive effect to stock splits and dividends.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF MIDLAND

     The following table sets forth certain selected historical  consolidated financial data for Midland. This data is derived from,
     and should be read in conjunction with, the consolidated financial statements of Midland, including the notes thereto, included
     elsewhere  herein.  The data for the years ended  December  31, 1995  through  December  31,  1991 are derived  from  Midland's
     consolidated financial statements, which have been audited. Interim unaudited data for the nine months ended September 30, 1996
     and 1995 reflect,  in the opinion of the management of Midland,  all adjustments  (consisting of normal recurring  adjustments)
     necessary  for a fair  presentation  of such data.  Results for the nine months ended  September  30, 1996 are not  necessarily
     indicative of results which may be expected for any other interim period or for the year as a whole.

                                For Nine Months Ended September 30,                  For Years Ended December 31,
                               ------------------------------------   ------------------------------------------------------------
                                               1996        1995         1995        1994        1993         1992       1991
                                                                   (Dollars in thousands, except for per share amounts)

INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
<S>                                       <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>      
Interest income                           $  21,982   $  21,751    $  29,242   $  25,500   $  24,620    $  26,473  $  30,328
Interest expense                              6,975       7,510       10,055       7,365       8,504       10,616     15,805
                                          ---------    --------    ---------   ---------   ---------    ---------  ---------
Net interest income                          15,007      14,241       19,187      18,135      16,116       15,857     14,523
Provision for possible loan losses              190         400          500         787       1,036        2,345      1,410
                                           --------    --------    ---------   ---------   ---------    ---------  ---------
Net interest income after provision 
 for possible loan losses                    14,817      13,841       18,687      17,348      15,080       13,512     13,113
Non-interest income                           1,977       2,222        2,934       2,979       3,379        2,822      2,609
Non-interest expense                         11,318      11,137       14,520      14,487      14,502       13,880     14,547
                                          ---------   ---------    ---------   ---------   ---------    ---------  ---------
Income before income taxes
  and cumulative effect of
  accounting change                           5,476       4,926        7,101       5,840       3,957        2,454      1,175
Income taxes                                  2,114       1,847        2,664       2,137       1,256          701        120
                                          ---------   ---------    ---------   ---------   ---------    ---------  ---------
Income before cumulative effect of
  accounting change                           3,362       3,079        4,437       3,703       2,701        1,753      1,055
Cumulative effect of accounting change           -           -            -           -          151           -          -
                                          ---------   ---------    ---------   ---------   ---------   ----------  ---------
Net income                                 $  3,362    $  3.079     $  4,437    $  3,703    $  2,852     $  1,753   $  1,055
                                           ========    ========     ========    ========    ========     ========   ========

PER COMMON SHARE DATA:
Income before cumulative effect of
   accounting change                       $  26.79    $  24.26     $  34.99    $  29.16    $  21.26     $  13.80    $  8.31
Cumulative effect of accounting change           -           -            -           -         1.19           -          -
Net income                                    26.79       24.26        34.99       29.16       22.45        13.80       8.31
Book Value                                   272.73      251.75       257.45      222.86      219.80       203.85     195.05
Dividends                                     11.50        6.00        13.00       12.00        6.50         5.00       7.00

RATIOS:
Return on Average Assets                       1.09%       1.02%        1.09%       0.94%       0.75%        0.49%      0.30%
Return on Average Equity                      13.34%      13.58%       14.42%      13.24%      10.54%        6.87%      4.29%

FINANCIAL CONDITION DATA:
Total assets                              $ 426,233   $ 408,662    $ 424,092   $ 401,730   $ 407,961    $ 375,135  $ 362,492
Investment securities held to maturity       50,532      58,879       58,225      64,184      63,162      118,223     95,697
Investment securities available for sale     40,183      42,517       39,811      51,238      77,704    -           -
Loans (net of unearned income)              289,479     258,544      258,665     242,061     218,012      211,440    219,271
Allowance for possible loan losses            4,208       4,218        4,321       3,881       3,211        2,903      2,601
Deposits                                    388,951     374,323      388,260     370,235     377,303      346,453    334,143
Shareholders' equity                         34,171      31,945       32,372      28,279      27,920       25,894     24,776


</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA

         The  following  table sets forth the earnings per share,  period-end  book value per share and cash  dividends per share of
     Valley  Common Stock and Midland  Common Stock for the nine months  ended  September  30, 1996 and for each of the years in the
     three-year period ended December 31, 1995, on an historical and pro forma basis, as well as pro forma equivalent per share data
     for Midland.  The  historical  per share data have been derived from the  financial  statements of Valley and Midland which are
     contained herein or incorporated by reference  herein.  The pro forma combined share data have been derived after giving effect
     to the Merger as if it occurred at the beginning of the period presented using the pooling-of-interest method of accounting.

         The historical  per share data for Valley has been restated to  retroactively  reflect the effect of stock  dividends and a
     stock split. See "Pro Forma Combined Financial  Information;"  "Selected Financial Data of Valley" and "Selected Financial Data
     of Midland."

                                                                                                     
                                                                                                           Pro Forma   
                                                                                                         Equivalent per
                                                Historical          Historical         Pro Forma             Midland   
                                                 Valley             Midland           Combined               Share(1)  
                                               ------------        ------------      ------------        -------------- 
<S>                                                <C>               <C>                  <C>                 <C>    
Nine Months Ended  
September 30, 1996 
 Earnings Per Share                                $ 1.35            $ 26.79              $ 1.31              $ 39.00
   Book Value Per Share                             10.52             272.73               10.38               311.40
   Cash Dividends Per Share (2)                      0.74              11.50                0.74                22.20

Year Ended December 31, 1995
   Earnings Per Share                                1.67              34.99                1.63                48.90
   Book Value Per Share                             10.66             257.45               10.46               313.80
   Cash Dividends Per Share (2)                      0.94              13.00                0.94                28.20

Year Ended December 31, 1994
   Earnings Per Share                                1.74              29.16                1.67                50.10
   Book Value Per Share                              9.43             222.86                9.24               277.20
   Cash Dividends Per Share (2)                      0.90              12.00                0.90                27.00

Year Ended December 31, 1993
   Earnings Per Share                                1.78              22.45                1.68                50.40
   Book Value Per Share                              9.19             219.80                9.01               270.30
   Cash Dividends Per Share (2)                      0.70               6.50                0.70                21.00
- -------------------------------

(1)  Midland pro forma  equivalent per share data is computed by multiplying the pro forma combined per share data (giving effect to
     the Merger) by the Exchange Ratio of 30.00.

(2)  The amount of future  dividends  payable by Valley,  if any, is subject to the discretion of Valley's  Board of Directors.  The
     Directors  normally  consider  Valley's and VNB's cash needs,  general  business  conditions,  dividends from  subsidiaries and
     applicable  governmental  regulations and policies. Pro forma amounts assume that Valley would have declared cash dividends per
     share on Valley Common Stock equal to its historical cash dividends per share on Valley Common Stock declared.

     The following table presents information  concerning the last sale price of Valley Common Stock on September 12, 1996 (the last
business day preceding the announcement of the Merger  Agreement),  the last bid price of Midland Common Stock on September 9, 1996
(the last day for which a bid price was published  prior to the  announcement of the Merger  Agreement),  and the last sale price of
Valley Common Stock and the last bid price of Midland Common Stock on [___________], a date shortly prior to the date of this Proxy
Statement-Prospectus.  The table also  presents  the  equivalent  value of Valley  Common  Stock per  Midland  share  which has been
calculated by multiplying the last sale price of Valley Common Stock on the dates  indicated by the Exchange Ratio of 30.00.  Valley
Common Stock is traded on the NYSE.  Midland  Common  Stock is not listed for trading on any  securities  exchange or any  automated
dealer quotation system.  There is no established  public trading market for Midland Common Stock and its trading has been extremely
limited. The bid quotations for Midland Common Stock listed below are those reported in The Star Ledger as having been obtained from
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


Ryan Beck & Co. These bid prices  represent  interdealer  quotations,  without  mark-up,  mark-down or commission  and, to Midland's
knowledge, do not reflect actual transactions.  Midland shareholders are urged to obtain current market quotations for Valley Common
Stock.  Because the Exchange Ratio is fixed,  Midland  shareholders are not assured of receiving any specific market value of Valley
Common  Stock.  The price of Valley  Common  Stock at the  Effective  Time may be higher or lower than the sale price at the time of
entering into the Merger Agreement, the time of mailing this Proxy Statement-Prospectus or at the time of the Meeting.

                                                                                   EQUIVALENT VALUE 
                                   CLOSING SALES          CLOSING BID PRICE           OF VALLEY 
                                   PRICE PER SHARE OF       PER SHARE OF           COMMON STOCK PER
                                   VALLEY COMMON           MIDLAND COMMON         SHARE OF  MIDLAND 
                                   STOCK                      STOCK                  COMMON STOCK 
   DATE

<S>                                   <C>                    <C>                        <C> 
September 9, 1996                                             $291.00
September 12, 1996                      $25.625                                          $768.75
___________, 199_


</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               SUMMARY PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     The following tables present certain unaudited combined condensed  financial  information from the Pro Forma Unaudited Combined
Condensed  Statements of Income for the nine month period ended  September 30, 1996 and for the years ended December 31, 1995,  1994
and 1993, and the Pro Forma  Unaudited  Combined  Condensed  Balance Sheet at September 30, 1996.  The Pro Forma combined  financial
information gives effect to the proposed Merger accounted for as a pooling of interests, as if such transaction had been consummated
for statement of income  purposes on the first day of the  applicable  periods and for balance sheet purposes on September 30, 1996.
See "PRO FORMA FINANCIAL  INFORMATION".  The Summary Pro Forma financial information is based on the historical financial statements
of Valley and Midland  included or incorporated by reference  herein.  See  "INFORMATION  INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE".  The Pro Forma
financial  information  assumes an Exchange  Ratio of 30.00  shares of Valley  Common  Stock for each share of Midland  Common Stock
outstanding.

     The summary unaudited Pro Forma financial  information  should be read in conjunction with the Pro Forma Financial  Information
and the related notes thereto presented elsewhere in this Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  and the consolidated financial statements and
related notes included or incorporated by reference in this Proxy  Statement-Prospectus.  The Pro Forma financial information is not
necessarily  indicative  of the results of  operations  which would have been  achieved  had the Merger been  consummated  as of the
beginning of the periods for which such data are presented and should not be construed as being representative of future periods.


                                         Pro Forma Unaudited Combined Financial Information
                                              (In thousands, except for per share data)

                                                                      For the Nine        
                                                                         Months         For the Years Ended December 31,
                                                                         Ended          -------------------------------------------
                                                                    September 30, 1996         1995        1994         1993
                                                                    ------------------         ----       -----        -----    
<S>                                                                     <C>              <C>          <C>         <C>       
Results of Operations:
Net interest income before provision for possible loan losses           $  150,841       $  192,561   $ 193,253   $  182,788
Provision for possible loan losses...............................            2,285            3,169       5,984        9,002
Net interest income after provision for possible loan losses               148,556          189,392     187,269      173,786
Income before income taxes.......................................           79,761          108,571     109,134      104,982
Net income.......................................................           52,900           67,028      68,274       67,837
Earnings per common share........................................             1.31             1.63        1.67         1.68

                                                                 As of September 30, 1996
                                                                 -------------------------
Balance Sheet:
Total assets.....................................................     $  5,031,113
Total deposits...................................................        4,459,572
Total stockholders' equity.......................................          416,417
Book value per common share......................................            10.38

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

</TABLE>


<PAGE>



                             INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT

     This  Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  solicits,  on  behalf  of the  Board  of
Directors of Midland Bancorporation,  Inc. ("Midland"),  approval by the holders
of shares of  common  stock of  Midland,  $15.00  par value per share  ("Midland
Common  Stock"),  of the  Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of September 13,
1996 (the "Merger Agreement"),  by and among Valley National Bancorp ("Valley"),
Valley's  national bank  subsidiary,  Valley National Bank ("VNB"),  Midland and
Midland's  New  Jersey  bank  subsidiary,  The  Midland  Bank and Trust  Company
("Midland Bank"). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement,  Midland will be merged with
and into  Valley  (the  "Merger").  Immediately  following  consummation  of the
Merger,  or as soon  thereafter as VNB may deem  appropriate,  Midland Bank will
merge with and into VNB (the "Bank Merger"),  with VNB as the surviving  entity,
pursuant to a separate merger agreement  between VNB and Midland Bank (the "Bank
Merger  Agreement").  If the Merger Agreement is approved and becomes effective,
each  outstanding  share of Midland  Common Stock will be  converted  into 30.00
shares (the "Exchange  Ratio") of common stock of Valley, no par value per share
("Valley Common Stock"),  subject to adjustment,  as more fully set forth in the
Merger  Agreement.  A copy of the Merger  Agreement is attached as Appendix A to
this Proxy Statement-Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference.

     In  connection  with the  negotiation  by Valley and  Midland of the Merger
Agreement,  Valley and Midland entered into a Stock Option Agreement (the "Stock
Option  Agreement")  dated  September  13,  1996.  Pursuant to the Stock  Option
Agreement,  Midland  granted Valley an option (the "Option"),  exercisable  only
under certain limited and specifically defined circumstances,  to purchase up to
35,000  authorized  but unissued  shares of Midland  Common Stock,  representing
approximately  21.8% of the  shares  of  Midland  Common  Stock  which  would be
outstanding  immediately  following the exercise of the Option,  for an exercise
price of $301.00 per share.  Valley does not have any voting rights with respect
to the shares of Midland Common Stock subject to the Option prior to exercise of
the Option.  A copy of the Stock  Option  Agreement is attached as Appendix B to
this Proxy Statement-Prospectus.

     All information contained in this Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  with respect
to Midland or Midland Bank was  supplied by Midland for  inclusion  herein.  All
information contained herein or incorporated by reference herein with respect to
Valley  and VNB was  supplied  by  Valley.  The first  date on which  this Proxy
Statement-Prospectus  and the  enclosed  form of  proxy  are  being  sent to the
shareholders of Midland is on or about [_______________].

     This  Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  does not cover any  resales of shares of
Valley Common Stock to be received by shareholders of Midland upon  consummation
of the Merger.  Affiliates of Midland will be subject to  restrictions  on their
ability to resell the Valley  Common Stock  received by them in the Merger.  See
"The Proposed Merger -- Resale  Considerations with Respect to the Valley Common
Stock."


                      CERTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING VALLEY

General

     Valley is a bank holding company  registered with the Board of Governors of
the Federal  Reserve  System (the "Board of  Governors")  under the Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "Bank  Holding  Company  Act").  Valley was
organized  under  the  laws of New  Jersey  in 1983  by VNB for the  purpose  of
creating a bank holding company for VNB. In addition to VNB,  Valley  indirectly
owns additional  subsidiaries through VNB, including two investment subsidiaries
and a mortgage servicing subsidiary.

     As of September 30, 1996,  Valley had consolidated  assets of approximately
$4.6  billion,  deposits  of $4.1  billion  and  shareholders'  equity of $382.4
million.

     Valley's  principal  executive  offices are  located at 1455  Valley  Road,
Wayne,  New  Jersey  07474,  and its  telephone  number is (201)  305-8800.  See
"Available Information" and "Information Incorporated by Reference."



<PAGE>


Valley National Bank 

     VNB, a wholly owned subsidiary of Valley,  is a commercial bank established
in 1927 under the laws of the United  States of America.  It maintains  its main
office in Passaic, New Jersey and operates 80 branches in northern New Jersey.

     VNB provides a full range of commercial and retail bank services, including
the  acceptance  of demand,  savings and time  deposits.  Commercial  and retail
lending,  primarily  residential  mortgages,  automobile  loans and credit  card
loans,  constitute a substantial  part of VNB's  business.  VNB also offers full
personal, corporate and pension trust and other fiduciary services.


                      CERTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING MIDLAND

General

     Midland is a bank holding company  organized under the laws of the State of
New Jersey in 1985 and registered  under the Bank Holding  Company Act.  Midland
has one banking subsidiary,  Midland Bank. Midland Bank has two subsidiaries, an
investment  subsidiary and a subsidiary  which holds and manages real estate for
Midland Bank.

     At September  30, 1996,  Midland had  consolidated  assets of $426 million,
deposits of $389  million and  shareholders'  equity of $34  million.  Midland's
principal  executive offices are located at 80 East Ridgewood  Avenue,  Paramus,
New Jersey 07652 and its telephone number is (201) 265-5555.  See  "Management's
Discussion  and Analysis of Financial  Condition  and Results of  Operations  of
Midland."

The Midland Bank and Trust Company

     Midland Bank, a wholly owned  subsidiary of Midland,  is a commercial  bank
established in 1958 under the laws of the State of New Jersey.  It maintains its
main office in Paramus,  New Jersey and operates 13 full service  branches and 1
limited service facility throughout Bergen County, New Jersey.

     Midland Bank provides a full range of commercial  and retail bank services,
including the  acceptance of demand,  savings,  money market and time  deposits.
Midland  Bank also  provides  commercial  and retail  loans and  mortgages  to a
variety of businesses  and consumers  located  primarily in Bergen  County,  New
Jersey.


                                   THE MEETING

General

     This Proxy Statement-Prospectus solicits, on behalf of the Midland Board of
Directors,  proxies  to be voted  at a  Special  Meeting  of  Shareholders  (the
"Meeting") of Midland which is to be held at 550 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell, New
Jersey  on  [_________,  ________  __],  1997 at  [_________]  a.m.,  and at any
adjournments or postponements thereof.

Purpose of the Meeting

     At the Meeting,  the Midland shareholders will (i) consider and vote upon a
proposal to approve the Merger Agreement;  and (ii) act on such other matters as
may be properly brought before the Meeting.  The Merger will become effective at
the time (the "Effective  Time") specified in a certificate of merger which will
be filed  with the New Jersey  Secretary  of State.  A closing  under the Merger
Agreement (the "Closing") will occur prior to the Effective Time on February 28,
1997 or, if later than  February 28, 1997,  on the tenth  business day following
the  receipt  of  all  necessary  regulatory  and  governmental   approvals  and
satisfaction  of all other  conditions  to closing  (other than the  delivery of
documents to be delivered at the  Closing),  or on such other date as Valley and
Midland agree upon.  The Bank Merger will be consummated  immediately  following
consummation of the Merger,  or as soon thereafter as VNB may deem  appropriate.
At the Effective  Time, each  outstanding  share of Midland Common Stock will be
converted into 30.00 shares of Valley Common Stock,  subject to  adjustment,  as
more  fully set  forth in the  Merger  Agreement.  See "The  Proposed  Merger --
General Description."

     THE BOARD OF  DIRECTORS  OF MIDLAND  RECOMMENDS  THAT THE  SHAREHOLDERS  OF
MIDLAND VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.

Vote Required; Shares Entitled to Vote 

     Only holders of record of Midland  Common Stock at the close of business on
[______________], 1996 (the "Record Date") are entitled to notice of and to vote
at the Meeting. The number of shares of Midland Common Stock issued, outstanding
and entitled to vote at the close of business on the Record Date was  [_______].
Holders of Midland Common Stock of record on the Record Date are entitled to one
vote per share on any matter that may properly come before the Meeting.

     The  affirmative  vote,  in  person  or by  proxy,  of a  majority  of  the
outstanding  shares of Midland  Common  Stock is  required to approve the Merger
Agreement. In connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement,  each owner
of Norwood Associates II, a partnership in which Walter H. Jones, III and Graham
O. Jones,  directors of Midland,  and their two sisters are partners,  agreed to
vote in favor of the Merger  Agreement all shares of Midland  Common Stock which
he or she  holds,  or over  which  he or she  exercises  voting  control.  As of
September  30, 1996,  such persons held or had voting  control over 50.9% of the
issued and  outstanding  shares of  Midland  Common  Stock.  The  directors  and
executive  officers of Midland  other than Messrs.  Graham and Walter Jones have
also  indicated  their  intention to vote in favor of the Merger  Agreement  the
shares of Midland Common Stock which they  beneficially own (10.0% of the issued
and  outstanding  shares of Midland  Common  Stock as of  September  30,  1996).
Consequently,  the affirmative vote of other  shareholders  will not be required
for  approval  of the  Merger  Agreement.  See  "Security  Ownership  of Certain
Beneficial Owners and Management of Midland."

Solicitation, Voting and Revocation of Proxies 

     The enclosed proxy is designed to permit each  shareholder of record on the
Record  Date to vote on all matters to come  before the  Meeting.  This proxy is
solicited by the Board of Directors of Midland.  Any proxy may be revoked at any
time before its exercise by giving  written  notice of revocation to Nela Govic,
Corporate  Secretary  of  Midland,  at the main  office  of  Midland  at 80 East
Ridgewood  Avenue,  Paramus,  New Jersey 07652.  A  subsequently  dated and duly
executed  proxy,  if  properly  presented,   will  revoke  a  prior  proxy.  Any
shareholder  entitled to vote who has previously executed a proxy may attend the
Meeting and vote in person,  provided the shareholder has filed a written notice
of  revocation  of such proxy with the  Secretary  of the  Meeting  prior to the
voting of such  proxy.  Where a  shareholder  specifies  a choice in the form of
proxy with respect to a matter being voted upon,  the shares  represented by the
proxy  will  be  voted  in  accordance  with  such  specification.  If  no  such
specification is made, the shares  represented by proxies will be voted in favor
of the Merger Agreement.

     The Board of  Directors  of  Midland  knows of no  matters,  other that the
proposed  Merger  described  in this  Proxy  Statement-Prospectus,  that will be
presented for consideration at the Meeting.  However,  if other matters properly
come before the Meeting,  it is intended  that the persons  designated  as proxy
will vote upon such additional matter(s) in accordance with their best judgment.

     The cost of soliciting proxies for the Meeting will be borne by Midland. In
addition  to the use of the  mails,  proxies  may be  solicited  personally,  by
telephone  or telegram,  and by  directors,  officers  and  employees of Midland
acting  without  additional  compensation.  Arrangements  may also be made  with
brokers,   dealers,   nominees  and  other  custodians  for  the  forwarding  of
solicitation  material to the beneficial  owners of stock held of record by such
persons,   and  such  persons  may  be  reimbursed  by  Midland  for  reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses.



                    THE PROPOSED MERGER 

     Descriptions of the Merger and the Merger  Agreement  (which is attached as
Appendix A to this Proxy  Statement-Prospectus)  are qualified in their entirety
by reference to the Merger Agreement which is hereby  incorporated in this Proxy
Statement-Prospectus  by reference.  Midland shareholders are urged to carefully
review the Merger Agreement.

General Description 

     The Merger  Agreement  provides that, at the Effective  Time,  Midland will
merge with and into Valley,  with Valley as the surviving entity (the "Surviving
Corporation").  The separate  identity and  existence of Midland will cease upon
consummation of the Merger. All property,  rights, powers and franchises of each
of Midland  and Valley will vest in the  Surviving  Corporation.  The  Surviving
Corporation will be governed by the Certificate of  Incorporation  and bylaws of
Valley in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time.  Immediately following
consummation of the Merger,  or as soon thereafter as VNB may deem  appropriate,
Midland Bank will merge with and into VNB, with VNB as the  surviving  entity in
the Bank Merger,  pursuant to the separate Bank Merger Agreement between VNB and
Midland Bank.  The Effective  Time will be specified in a certificate  of merger
which will be filed with the New Jersey Secretary of State.

Consideration

     Upon consummation of the Merger,  each share of Midland Common Stock issued
and outstanding  immediately  prior to the Effective Time will be converted into
30.00 shares of Valley Common Stock. The Exchange Ratio is subject to adjustment
to take into  account  any  stock  split,  stock  dividend,  stock  combination,
reclassification,  or similar  transaction  by Valley with respect to the Valley
Common  Stock.  The Exchange  Ratio is also subject to  adjustment in connection
with  provisions  relating to the termination of the Merger  Agreement.  See "--
Effective Time; Amendments; Termination."

Cash in Lieu of Fractional Shares 

     It is  anticipated  that none of the Midland Common Stock will be converted
in the Merger into fractional shares of Valley Common Stock because the Exchange
Ratio is a whole  number and no  fractional  shares of Midland  Common Stock are
outstanding  as of the date of this Proxy  Statement-Prospectus.  It is possible
that the  Exchange  Ratio may be adjusted so that it is no longer a whole number
(see  "Consideration,"  above) or that fractional shares of Midland Common Stock
will be issued prior to the Effective  Time. In either of these events,  in lieu
of converting any Midland Common Stock into  fractional  shares of Valley Common
Stock in the Merger, Midland shareholders would be entitled to receive,  without
interest,  a cash payment equal to the value of any fractional share interest to
which they would otherwise be entitled.

Exchange of Certificates 

     At the Effective Time, holders of certificates formerly representing shares
of Midland  Common  Stock will cease to have any rights as Midland  shareholders
and their certificates  automatically will represent the shares of Valley Common
Stock into which their shares of Midland  Common Stock will have been  converted
by the Merger. As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Valley will send
written notice to each holder of record of Midland Common Stock,  indicating the
number of shares of Valley  Common  Stock  into which  such  holder's  shares of
Midland Common Stock have been converted.

     Each holder of outstanding  certificates for Midland Common Stock, promptly
upon proper surrender of such certificates to Valley, will receive a certificate
representing  the full  number of shares of Valley  Common  Stock into which the
shares  of  Midland  Common  Stock  previously  represented  by the  surrendered
certificates  have  been  converted.  At the  time of  issuance  of a new  stock
certificate,  each  shareholder  will  receive  a check  for the  amount  of any
fractional share interest to which he may be entitled.

     Each share of Valley Common Stock into which shares of Midland Common Stock
are  converted  will be  deemed  to have  been  issued  at the  Effective  Time.
Accordingly,  Midland shareholders who receive Valley Common Stock in the Merger
will be  entitled to receive any  dividend  or other  distribution  which may be
payable to holders of record of Valley  Common  Stock on or after the  Effective
Time. However, no dividend or other distribution will actually be paid until the
certificate or certificates formerly representing shares of Midland Common Stock
have  been   surrendered,   at  which  time  any  accrued  dividends  and  other
distributions  on such  shares  of  Valley  Common  Stock  will be paid  without
interest.

     HOLDERS OF MIDLAND COMMON STOCK SHOULD NOT SEND IN THEIR CERTIFICATES UNTIL
THEY RECEIVE THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND INSTRUCTIONS.

Conversion of Stock Options 

     The Merger  Agreement  provides  that each  outstanding  option to purchase
Midland Common Stock (a "Midland  Option")  granted under the stock option plans
of Midland will be converted at the Effective Time at the election of the holder
of the  Midland  Option (an  "Optionee"),  into either (i) an option to purchase
Valley  Common Stock on the same terms and  conditions  existing for the current
Midland  Option,  except  that the  number  of shares  of  Valley  Common  Stock
purchasable  under the new option and the new option exercise price will both be
adjusted to reflect the Exchange  Ratio,  or (ii) if the Midland Option is fully
vested at the  Closing,  into the right to  receive a number of whole  shares of
Valley Common Stock equal to (x) the excess of the sum determined by multiplying
(A) the number of shares of Midland Common Stock covered by the Midland  Option,
times (B) the Exchange Ratio,  times (C) the Average Closing Price, less (y) the
aggregate  exercise  price for the  Midland  Option  divided by (z) the  Average
Closing Price.  The "Average Closing Price" of Valley Common Stock is defined in
the Merger Agreement as the average of the closing prices of Valley Common Stock
as reported on the NYSE and  published  in the Wall  Street  Journal  during the
first 10 of the 15 consecutive trading days immediately  preceding the Effective
Time.  The Average  Closing  Price is subject to adjustment to take into account
any stock split, stock dividend, stock combination, reclassification, or similar
transaction  by Valley with respect to Valley Common Stock.  Any Optionee  whose
options  are fully  vested  and who  chooses  alternative  (ii) will  receive an
aggregate  whole number of shares of Valley Common Stock for all Midland Options
so  converted  and,  if  applicable,  an amount in cash equal to the  fractional
interest in Valley  Common Stock such  Optionee  would  otherwise be entitled to
receive,  multiplied by the Average  Closing  Price of Valley Common Stock.  Any
Optionee choosing  alternative (ii) should carefully consider the possibility of
exercising his or her Midland Options prior to the Effective  Time,  rather than
having such Midland Options  converted into Valley Common Stock at the Effective
Time,  which  would  cause an  immediate  recognition  of taxable  income to the
Optionee.  See "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences" for a discussion of the
federal income tax consequences of these alternatives.

     From and after the Effective  Time,  each Midland Option which is converted
into an option to purchase  Valley Common Stock will be  administered,  operated
and interpreted by a committee comprised of members of the Board of Directors of
Valley  appointed by such Board.  Valley has reserved for issuance the number of
shares of Valley Common Stock necessary to satisfy  Valley's  obligations  under
such options,  and has agreed to register such shares pursuant to the Securities
Act.

     Optionees will receive an option  preference form after the mailing of this
Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  but  prior to the  Effective  Time.  Optionees  may
exercise their election by submitting the option preference form as specified in
such form. As of the Record Date,  there were Midland  Options  outstanding  for
_____ shares of Midland Common Stock.

No Dissenters' Rights

     Consistent with the provisions of the New Jersey  Business  Corporation Act
(the "NJBCA"), no shareholder of Midland will have the right to dissent from the
Merger.

Background and Reasons for the Merger

     Background.  Prior to July 11, 1996, there had been no discussions  between
Valley and Midland with respect to a merger or similar transaction.  On July 11,
1996, at a social engagement,  Gerald H. Lipkin, Chairman of Valley, inquired of
Robert M. Meyer, President of Midland, as to whether Midland would be interested
in a merger with Valley.  Mr. Meyer informed Graham Jones, a director of Midland
and one of the four Jones  family  members  who own Norwood  Associates  II, the
controlling shareholder of Midland, of this inquiry. Mr. Lipkin and Graham Jones
met on  three  occasions,  July  17,  July 22 and  August  8.  On each of  these
occasions, there were various negotiations leading to a preliminary agreement as
to the major  business  terms set forth in the Merger  Agreement  including  the
Exchange Ratio. During this period of time, Graham Jones discussed the merits of
Valley's  proposal  with Walter  Jones,  his brother and Chairman of the Midland
Board, Mr. Meyer and representatives of Midland's  accounting firm. In addition,
Mr.  Meyer met with Mr.  Lipkin  to  determine  what his role  would be with the
combined  entity  after a merger.  After the August 8 meeting,  Midland  engaged
Capital  Consultants  to analyze the  fairness of the  transaction  to Midland's
shareholders  from a  financial  point of view.  In the  ensuing  weeks  through
September 12,  representatives of each company and their counsel performed a due
diligence  review of the other  company and  negotiated  the terms of the Merger
Agreement.

     On  September  12,  the  Midland  Board  met with  its  legal  counsel  and
representatives  from  Capital  Consultants  and  Midland's  accounting  firm to
consider  Valley's  proposal  and the  terms of the  Merger  Agreement.  At that
meeting,  the Midland  Board was  informed of the  specific  terms of the Merger
Agreement and Stock Option Agreement,  learned that due diligence at Midland had
been performed by Valley and that  representatives  of Midland had been informed
that the results of that due diligence review were  satisfactory to Valley.  The
Midland  Board was also  informed  of the  results of the due  diligence  review
performed on Valley by representatives of Midland.  Capital  Consultants made an
extensive presentation to the Midland Board about, among other things,  Valley's
business, financial performance and management, the current state of the banking
industry in New Jersey,  recent bank mergers involving other institutions in New
Jersey, the possible benefits of the combination of Valley and Midland,  and the
basis for Capital  Consultant's opinion that the consideration to be received in
the Merger was fair to the Midland  shareholders from a financial point of view.
After an extensive  discussion,  the Midland  Board  approved the Merger and the
Merger  Agreement,  as well as the Stock Option  Agreement  granting  Valley the
Option, and authorized Midland's officers to execute and deliver such agreements
and take further steps as necessary to affect the Merger.  Immediately after the
meeting,   Mr.  Lipkin  and  Mr.  Meyer,  as  officers  of  Valley  and  Midland
respectively,  executed the Merger Agreement and Stock Option Agreement.  Walter
and Graham Jones,  as  representatives  of Norwood  Associates  II,  executed an
agreement to vote or cause to be voted in favor of the Merger  shares of Midland
Common Stock held by Norwood  Associates  II.  Following the meeting,  the other
partners of Norwood Associates II also executed this agreement.

     Reasons  of the  Midland  Board.  The terms of the  Merger  and the  Merger
Agreement,  including  the Exchange  Ratio,  were the result of the  arms-length
negotiations  between  representatives of Valley and Midland discussed above. In
the course of reaching the  decision to approve the Merger and Merger  Agreement
(including  the  Option),  the  Midland  Board in  consultation  with its  legal
advisors and Capital  Consultants,  its financial advisor, and without assigning
any relative or specific weight, considered numerous factors,  including but not
limited to the following:

         1. The growth  prospects for Midland and Midland Bank, their historical
results of  operations and their  prospective  results of  operations if Midland
remained independent.

         2.  The  economic,   business  and  competitive   climate  for  banking
institutions in New Jersey,  including  recent mergers and similar  transactions
involving  other  banking   institutions  in  the  state  which  have  increased
competitive pressure.

         3.  The  terms of  other  recent  mergers  and  acquisitions  involving
independent and other banks in New Jersey.

         4. The traditionally low trading price for Midland Common Stock and the
limited market for that stock.

         5.  The  probability  of  increased   liquidity  to  Midland's  current
shareholders  after the Merger due to the more active  trading market for Valley
Common Stock  resulting  in part from its current  listing on the New York Stock
Exchange.

         6. The  monetary  value to Midland  shareholders  of the Valley  Common
Stock to be received in the Merger. On September 12, 1996 the day of the Midland
Board meeting  approving the Merger  Agreement,  Valley Common Stock closed at a
price of $25.625  per share.  Based upon the  Exchange  Ratio on that date,  the
post-merger  value of a share of Midland  Common Stock was $768.75.  The Midland
Board was informed that recent  quotes and trades of Midland  Common Stock prior
to the  September  12, 1996 Board  meeting  had been at prices of  approximately
$300.00 per share.

         7. The fact that the Merger and Exchange Ratio provided the opportunity
for Midland's  current  shareholders to receive  significantly  greater dividend
income from their  investment  after the Merger.  Prior to the  execution of the
Merger  Agreement,  dividends paid per share on Midland Common Stock were at the
rate of $13.00 per year. If Valley's recent quarterly  dividend payment rate per
share of $0.25 is  continued  after the Merger,  the 30 shares of Valley  Common
Stock received for each share of Midland Common Stock will generate dividends at
the rate of $30.00 per annum or $17.00  more than the annual  dividends  paid in
the prior year on the share of Midland  Common Stock  converted into such shares
of Valley  Common  Stock.  Such  analysis  did not take into account the special
dividend  declared by the Midland  Board on  September  12,  1996.  That special
dividend was declared because the Merger Agreement  provides that, until closing
of the Merger,  Midland is  permitted to pay  dividends at the same rate,  based
upon the Exchange Ratio, as Valley pays to its shareholders.

         8. Valley's historical results of operation and financial condition and
the prospects for the combined institution  resulting from anticipated synergies
achieved by combining the branch sites,  personnel and customer  bases of Valley
and Midland.

         9. The greater  financial  managerial  services and other  resources of
Valley which could  increase  the  competitiveness  of the combined  institution
after the Merger.

         10. The future growth prospects of Valley following the Merger.

         11.  The   presentation  of  Midland's   financial   advisor,   Capital
Consultants,  and the opinion rendered at that time by Capital  Consultants,  to
the effect  that the  consideration  to be received  by  Midland's  shareholders
pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fair from a financial point of view.

         The Midland Board believes that the affiliation with Valley will result
in a competitively  stronger combined entity with increased  financial resources
which could lead to enhanced  financial  performance in the future. In addition,
the Midland  Board  believes that the market value of the Valley Common Stock to
be received in the Merger will provide Midland shareholders with the opportunity
for a  significant  increase  in  the  market  value  of  their  investment  and
significantly greater dividends in the future.

         As of September  30, 1996,  the  directors  and  executive  officers of
Midland,  as a group,  beneficially  own and are entitled to vote  approximately
82,445 shares of Midland Common Stock representing  approximately  60.86% of the
Midland  Common Stock  outstanding.  Norwood  Associates II, as of that date, is
entitled  to  vote  68,923   shares  of  Midland   Common   Stock   representing
approximately 50.9% of the Common Stock outstanding (which amount is included in
the total  beneficially  owned by directors  and  executive  officers).  Norwood
Associates II has agreed to vote in favor of the Merger.  Midland  believes that
the remainder of the directors' and executive officers' shares of Midland Common
Stock will also be voted in favor of the merger.  The  directors  and  executive
officers  of  Midland  and  Norwood   Associates   II  will   receive  the  same
consideration for their shares as any other Midland shareholder upon approval of
the Merger.  After the Merger,  the current directors and executive  officers of
Midland  will own  beneficially  approximately  6.2%  of the  shares of Valley
Common Stock outstanding.

         The Midland Board of Directors  recommends that the Merger Agreement be
approved by the holders of Midland Common Stock.

     Valley's  Reasons for the Merger.  Valley entered into the Merger Agreement
with  Midland  as  part  of  Valley's   ongoing   strategy  of  growth   through
acquisitions.

Opinion of Midland's Financial Advisor

     As of August 14,  1996,  the Midland  Board of Directors  retained  Capital
Consultants to act as Midland's financial advisor and to render its opinion with
respect to the fairness,  from a financial point of view, to the shareholders of
Midland of the consideration to be received in the Merger.

     Capital  Consultants is regularly  engaged in the valuation of banks,  bank
holding companies,  savings and loan associations,  and thrift holding companies
in connection  with mergers,  acquisitions  and other  securities  transactions.
Capital  Consultants  has  knowledge  of, and  experience  with,  the New Jersey
banking and thrift market and financial  organizations  operating in that market
and was selected by Midland  because of this  knowledge and  experience  and its
reputation in the financial  services  industry.  Capital  Consultants  is not a
market maker in either Valley Common Stock or Midland Common Stock.

     On September 12, 1996, the date the Midland Board of Directors approved the
Merger,  Capital  Consultants  delivered to the Board of  Directors  its opinion
that,  based on and subject to various  items set forth in its written  opinion,
the  consideration  to be received  by  Midland's  shareholders  pursuant to the
Merger Agreement is fair to such shareholders from a financial point of view. In
requesting  Capital  Consultants'  advice and opinion,  Midland's  Board did not
impose  any   limitations   upon  Capital   Consultants   with  respect  to  the
investigations made or procedures followed by it in rendering its opinion.

     Capital  Consultants  reissued  its  opinion  as of the date of this  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus.

     The full text of the  written  opinion of Capital  Consultants,  which sets
forth assumptions made and matters considered, is attached as Appendix C to this
Proxy  Statement-Prospectus.  Descriptions in this Proxy Statement-Prospectus of
the opinion of Capital Consultants and the procedures followed in rendering that
opinion are  qualified  in their  entirety by reference to the full text of such
opinion.  Midland  shareholders  are urged to read this opinion in its entirety.
Capital  Consultants'  opinion is directed  only to the  financial  terms of the
Merger and does not constitute a recommendation to any Midland shareholder as to
how such shareholder should vote at the Meeting.

     In arriving at its opinion,  Capital  Consultants  reviewed  and  analyzed,
among  other  things:  (i) the Merger  Agreement;  (ii) the Valley  Registration
Statement on Form S-4 of which this Proxy  Statement-Prospectus is a part; (iii)
publicly available  information  relating to Valley and Midland  including,  for
Valley,  annual  reports to  shareholders  and Annual Reports on Form 10-K filed
with  the  SEC  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  1993  through  1995,  the
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and
1993,   and  the  related   Consolidated   Statements  of  Income,   Changes  in
Stockholders'  Equity  and Cash  Flows for each of the  years in the three  year
period ended December 31, 1995,  included therein,  and the quarterly reports to
shareholders and unaudited Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC for
the periods ended March 31, June 30, and  September  30, 1996,  and for Midland,
annual  reports to  stockholders  for the years ended  December 31, 1993 through
1995,  Consolidated  Statements of Financial  Condition as of December 31, 1995,
1994 and  1993  and  related  Consolidated  Statements  of  Income,  Changes  in
Stockholders'  Equity and Cash Flows for each of the years in the three year
period ended December 31, 1995,  together with the Reports of Independent Public
Accountants  and  unaudited  Quarterly  Reports of Condition and Income as filed
with the Federal Deposit  Insurance  Corporation for the periods ended March 31,
June 30, and September 30, 1996; (iv) certain historical operating and financial
information  provided to Capital  Consultants by the  managements of Midland and
Valley;  (v)  historical  and current  market data for Midland  Common Stock and
Valley Common Stock; (vi) the publicly available financial data and stock market
performance  data of  publicly  traded  banking  and thrift  institutions  which
Capital Consultants deemed generally comparable to Midland and Valley; (vii) the
nature  and terms of  recent  acquisitions  and  merger  transactions  involving
banking  institutions  and  bank  and  thrift  holding  companies  that  Capital
Consultants  considered  reasonably  similar to Midland and Valley in  financial
character,  operating character,  historical performance,  geographic market and
economy;  and (viii)  such other  studies,  analyses,  inquiries  and reports as
Capital  Consultants  deemed  appropriate.   In  addition,  Capital  Consultants
conducted  meetings with members of senior  management of Midland and Valley for
purposes of  reviewing  the future  prospects  of Midland  and  Valley.  Capital
Consultants  evaluated  the pro  forma  ownership  of  Valley  Common  Stock  by
Midland's  shareholders,  relative to the pro forma  contribution  of  Midland's
assets, deposits, equity and earnings to the pro forma combined company. Capital
Consultants also took into account its experience in other transactions, as well
as its  knowledge of the banking and thrift  industries  and its  experience  in
securities valuations.

     In rendering its opinion,  Capital Consultants assumed, without independent
verification,   the  accuracy  and  completeness  of  the  financial  and  other
information and  representations  provided to it by Midland and Valley.  Capital
Consultants  did not conduct a physical  inspection of any of the  properties or
assets of  Midland  or Valley and has not made any  independent  evaluations  or
appraisal of any properties, assets or liabilities of Midland or Valley. Capital
Consultants  has assumed and relied upon the  accuracy and  completeness  of the
publicly  available  financial and other information  provided to it, has relied
upon the  representations  and warranties of Midland and Valley made pursuant to
the Merger Agreement,  and has not independently attempted to verify any of such
information.

     In rendering its opinion, Capital Consultants assumed that in the course of
obtaining the necessary  regulatory approvals for the Merger, no conditions will
be imposed that will have a material adverse effect on the contemplated benefits
of the Merger on a pro forma basis to Midland.

     In  arriving at its  opinion,  Capital  Consultants  performed a variety of
financial  analyses.  Capital  Consultants  believes  that its analyses  must be
considered  as a whole and that  consideration  of portions of such analyses and
the factors considered  therein,  without  considering all factors and analyses,
could  create an  incomplete  view of the  analyses  and the process  underlying
Capital  Consultants'  opinion.  The  preparation  of an opinion with respect to
fairness, from a financial point of view, of the consideration to be received by
shareholders  is a complex  process  involving  judgments and is not necessarily
susceptible to partial analyses and summary description.

     In its analyses, Capital Consultants made numerous assumptions with respect
to Midland's and Valley's industry performance, business and economic conditions
and other  matters,  many of which are  beyond the  control  of  Midland  and/or
Valley.  Any  estimates  reflected  in  Capital  Consultants'  analyses  are not
necessarily  indicative of future results or values,  which may be significantly
more or less favorable than such estimates.

     Estimates  of  values of  companies  do not  purport  to be  appraisals  or
necessarily  reflect  the  prices at which  companies  or their  securities  may
actually be sold.

     In  connection  with its opinion,  Capital  Consultants  performed  various
analyses with respect to Midland and Valley. The following is a brief summary of
such analyses, certain of which were presented to the Midland Board of Directors
by Capital Consultants.

     Valuation  Analysis.  Using  a  valuation  analysis,   Capital  Consultants
estimated the present value of theoretical values of Midland based on a range of
price-to-earnings  ("P/E")  multiples  between  14.0x  and  16.0x and a range of
discount  rates between 6.0% and 8.0%. The range of values were based on a range
of  estimated  earnings  for the next  three and a half  years  assuming  annual
earnings  growth  rates  between  8.0% and 12.0%.  The results of this  analysis
indicated a range of theoretical  values for Midland  between  $490.00 per share
(8.0% earnings  growth rate;  P/E of 14.0x;  8.0% discount rate) and $689.00 per
share (12.0% earnings growth rate; P/E of 16.0x; 6.0% discount rate).

     Capital  Consultants  also  prepared  a net  present  value  analysis  that
indicated  theoretical  values for Midland based on range of terminal book value
multiples between 2.20x and 2.40x and a range of discount rates between 6.0% and
8.0%. A dividend  payout ratio from current  earnings of 40.0% was used which is
higher  than  Midland's  average  payout  ratio for the last three full years of
35.8% but is consistent with industry trends. Capital Consultants determined the
range of terminal multiples of selected  comparable  companies.  Such comparable
companies  are  referred  to  in  the  "Comparable  Company  Analysis"  and  the
"Comparable  Transaction  Analysis"  set forth below.  The terminal  values were
discounted  to present  value using  discount  rates which  reflect  assumptions
regarding  the  required  rates  of  return  of  the  current  and   prospective
shareholders  of Midland  Common  Stock in these  economic  times.  The range of
present  values  per  share  of  Midland  resulting  from  the  above-references
assumptions were $576.00 to $677.00 per share.

     Comparable  Company Analysis.  Capital  Consultants  compared the operating
performance  of  Midland  to  publicly  traded  commercial  banks  that  Capital
Consultants  deemed to be similar to Midland.  The group consists of 11 publicly
traded New Jersey  based  commercial  banks  with total  assets of between  $296
million  and $485  million.  Capital  Consultants  compared  Midland  with these
institutions  based  on  selected  operating  fundamentals,   including  capital
adequacy,  profitability and asset quality.  Using pricing data as of August 30,
1996,  the median  price to stated  book  value was  138.3%  for the  comparable
commercial  banks and 114.0% for Midland.  The median equity to assets ratio was
7.84% for the group of comparable  commercial  banks and 7.83% for Midland.  The
median return on average assets for the twelve months ending  December 31, 1995,
was 1.15% for the  comparable  group of commercial  banks and 1.09% for Midland.
The median return on average  equity for the twelve  months ending  December 31,
1995,  was 15.44% for the comparable  group of commercial  banks and 14.42 % for
Midland.

     Finally,  Capital  Consultants  compared the market  price,  market-to-book
value and  price-to-earnings  multiples of Valley  Common Stock with  individual
market multiples and medians of seventeen publicly traded New Jersey-based banks
and bank holding  companies  having total assets  between $107 million and $22.4
billion. The analysis also compared returns on average assets and average equity
of Valley to those of  selected  financial  institutions  and the medians of the
comparable  group.  The analysis  indicated  that Valley  Common Stock traded in
August 1996 at a price-to-earnings multiple of 13.7 times trailing twelve months
earnings for the period ended June 30, 1996, as compared to a comparative  group
medium of 12.0 times trailing  twelve months earnings for the period ending June
30, 1996.  While Valley Common Stock traded at a price-to-book  value of 249.0%,
the comparative  group median was 139.0%.  Valley's  financial  performance,  as
measured by returns on average  assets and average  equity,  was 1.5% and 18.0%,
respectively,  as compared to the median of the  selected  comparable  financial
institutions  which was 1.0% and 13.0%,  respectively.  The Capital  Consultants
analyses  also  included  summary  income  statement  and balance sheet data and
selected  ratio  analyses for Valley and various  other  potential  acquirers of
Midland.

     Contribution Analysis. Capital Consultants prepared a contribution analysis
showing  the  percentage  of assets,  deposits,  net common  equity and 1996 net
income  Midland would  contribute to the combined  company on a pro forma basis,
and compared these percentages to the pro forma ownership after the Merger. This
analysis  showed that Midland would  contribute  8.2% of pro forma  consolidated
total  assets,  8.4% of pro  forma  consolidated  deposits,  8.2%  of pro  forma
consolidated  stockholders' equity and 5.9% of pro forma consolidated net income
for 1996, while Midland  shareholders would hold 9.4% of the pro forma ownership
of Valley.

     Impact Analysis. Capital Consultants analyzed the financial implications of
the  Merger on  Valley's  earnings  per  common  share and book value per common
share.  This analysis was based on June 30, 1996  financial data for Valley and
Midland and indicated that the Merger would be (on a pro forma basis for the six
months ended June 30, 1996,  assuming the merger was  effective as of January 1,
1996)  approximately  3.3%  dilutive to the earnings per share of Valley  Common
Stock and approximately 1.3% dilutive to tangible book value per share of Valley
Common Stock on a fully diluted basis.

     Comparable Transaction Analysis.  Capital Consultants performed an analysis
of prices and premiums  offered in recently  announced  commercial bank and bank
holding  company  transactions  in the region.  Multiples  of earnings and fully
diluted  book value  implied by the  consideration  to be received by  Midland's
shareholders in the Merger were compared with multiples offered in such regional
transactions,  which  included  pending  and  completed  acquisitions  announced
between  January 1, 1994, and September 12, 1996. The median offer price to book
value  for this  regional  group of  comparable  transactions  was  203.0%.  The
equivalent  offer  price,  including  the  benefits of the  dividend  equivalent
adjustment,  to book value for  Midland  was 291.0%  based on an assumed  Valley
offer price of 30.00 shares of Valley Common Stock for each outstanding share of
Midland  Common  Stock and  Midland's  book value as of June 30,  1996.  Capital
Consultants  also  reviewed  the  core  capital  ratio to  total  assets  of the
comparative group and non-performing  assets as a percentage of total assets and
in such analyses.  Midland was substantially below the median of the comparative
group in  non-performing  assets as a  percentage  of total  assets and was very
comparable on core capital to total assets ratio.

     It is important to note that while  Capital  Consultants  took into account
the values shown in the comparables used in connection with the rendering of its
opinion,  no company or  transaction  used in these  analyses was  identical to
Midland or the Merger.  Accordingly, an analysis of the results in the foregoing
is not  mathematical;  rather,  it involves complex  consideration and judgments
concerning  differences  in  financial  and  operating  characteristics  of  the
companies  involved,  the  timing  of the  transactions  and  prospective  buyer
interest,  the earnings  trends and prospects  for the future,  as well as other
factors that could affect the public trading values of the companies included in
the comparisons.

     For Capital  Consultants'  services in connection with the Merger,  Midland
has agreed to pay Capital  Consultants a fee of $125,000 plus  reimbursement for
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.  Midland has also agreed to indemnify Capital
Consultants against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the federal
securities laws. Midland paid Capital  Consultants $10,000 as of the date of its
engagement,  $30,000 at the time the Merger Agreement was signed, and $50,000 on
the  mailing  of  this  Proxy  Statement-Prospectus.   The  balance  of  Capital
Consultants'   fee  is  due  at  the  Effective  Time.  The  amount  of  Capital
Consultants'  fee was  determined  by  negotiation  between  Midland and Capital
Consultants.

Effective Time; Conditions to Consummation of the Merger

     The Merger will  become  effective  at the  Effective  Time,  which will be
specified  in a  certificate  of merger  which will be filed with the New Jersey
Secretary of State.  The Closing under the Merger  Agreement will occur prior to
the Effective  Time on February 28, 1997 or, if later than February 28, 1997, on
the tenth  business day following the receipt of all  necessary  regulatory  and
governmental  approvals  and  satisfaction  of all other  conditions  to closing
(other than the delivery of documents  to be  delivered at the  Closing),  or on
such other date as Valley and Midland  agree  upon.  At the  Closing,  documents
required to satisfy the conditions to the Merger of the respective  parties will
be exchanged.

     Consummation  of the  Merger is subject  to the  satisfaction  or waiver of
certain conditions,  including (i) approval by the requisite vote of the holders
of Midland  Common  Stock;  (ii) the  receipt  of all  consents,  approvals  and
authorizations of all necessary federal government authorities (without any term
or condition which would  materially  impair the value of Midland to Valley) and
expiration of all required waiting periods necessary for the consummation of the
Merger  (see "--  Regulatory  Approvals");  and (iii) the  effectiveness  of the
registration  statement  covering the shares of Valley Common Stock to be issued
to Midland shareholders,  which shares shall also have been approved for listing
on the New York  Stock  Exchange.  In  addition,  consummation  of the Merger is
conditioned upon receipt by the parties of an opinion of Pitney,  Hardin, Kipp &
Szuch to the  effect  that the  conversion  of Midland  Common  Stock for Valley
Common Stock is a tax-free  reorganization  within the meaning of Section 368(a)
of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code  (the  "Code")  (see  "--  Federal  Income  Tax
Consequences")  and  receipt by Valley of a letter from KPMG Peat  Marwick  LLP,
Valley's independent certified public accountants, to the effect that the Merger
will qualify for  pooling-of-interests  accounting treatment (see "-- Accounting
Treatment of the Merger").

     Consummation of the Merger is also conditioned on, among other things,  (i)
the  continued  accuracy in all  material  respects of the  representations  and
warranties  of Midland and Valley  contained in the Merger  Agreement;  (ii) the
performance by Midland and Valley, in all material respects, of their respective
obligations under the Merger Agreement; (iii) the absence of any litigation that
would restrain or prohibit the  consummation of the Merger;  and (iv) receipt by
the Board of Directors of Midland of an opinion from Capital  Consultants  as of
the date of the Merger Agreement and the date of this Proxy Statement-Prospectus
to the effect that,  in its  opinion,  the  consideration  to be paid to Midland
shareholders  under the Merger  Agreement  is fair to such  shareholders  from a
financial  point of view.  This  opinion  has been  issued  and is  attached  as
Appendix  C to this Proxy  Statement-Prospectus.  See "--  Opinion of  Midland's
Financial Advisor."

Regulatory Approvals 

     Consummation of the Merger is subject, among other things, to prior receipt
of all necessary regulatory  approvals.  Consummation of the Merger and the Bank
Merger requires the approval of the Comptroller of the Currency (the "OCC"). OCC
approval does not constitute an endorsement of the Merger or a determination  by
the OCC that the terms of the Merger are fair to the shareholders of Midland. An
application  for OCC approval was filed on October 31, 1996. Also on October 31,
1996,  Valley submitted a draft application to the Federal Reserve Board seeking
a waiver of the  requirement  for  approval  of the Merger  under  Regulation  Y
promulgated  under the Bank  Holding  Company  Act.  While  Valley  and  Midland
anticipate  receiving  such approval and waiver,  there can be no assurance that
they will be  granted,  or that they will be granted on a timely  basis  without
conditions unacceptable to Valley or Midland.

Termination of the Merger Agreement

     Midland  has the right to  terminate  the Merger  Agreement  if the Average
Closing  Price  of  Valley  Common  Stock  is  $19.50  or  less,  unless  Valley
unilaterally  agrees to increase the Exchange Ratio so that the value  (measured
by the Average  Closing  Price) of the number of shares of Valley  Common  Stock
into which one share of Midland  Common  Stock is to be converted in the Merger,
based on the new  Exchange  Ratio,  is at least as high as the value  would have
been if the Exchange  Ratio were  unchanged  and the Average  Closing Price were
$19.50.

     Valley has the right to terminate  the Merger  Agreement  if any  necessary
regulatory or governmental  approval contains conditions which materially impair
the value of Midland,  taken as a whole, to Valley. Valley also has the right to
terminate  the Merger  Agreement if at the Closing the  stockholders'  equity of
Midland (prepared in accordance with generally  accepted  accounting  principles
("GAAP")  consistently  applied during the periods  involved),  is less than the
stockholders'  equity  of  Midland  (less  intangibles)  reported  in  Midland's
financial  statements  for the  period  ended  June  30,  1996.  In  calculating
stockholders'  equity for this purpose (A)  intangibles  and all merger  related
charges  which are  anticipated  to be expensed at the  Effective  Time shall be
deducted from stockholders'  equity, (B) the amount of dividends paid by Midland
after the date of the Merger Agreement in excess of the amount of dividends paid
by  Midland  during the same  period a year ago shall be added to  stockholders'
equity and (C)  stockholders  equity  shall be  calculated  without  taking into
account  any  changes  (positive  or  negative)  in  unrealized  gain or loss on
securities  available for sale or securities  held in a trading  account between
June 30, 1996 and the Closing.

     Either  Valley or Midland may  terminate  the Merger  Agreement  (i) if the
Effective Time has not occurred by April 30, 1997;  (ii) if the  stockholders of
Midland  fail to  approve  the Merger  Agreement  at the  Meeting;  (iii) if any
application for any necessary  regulatory or governmental  approval is denied or
withdrawn  at  the  recommendation  of  the  applicable   regulatory  agency  or
governmental authority,  unless any such occurrence was caused by the failure of
the  terminating  party to perform or observe  its  agreements  set forth in the
Merger  Agreement;  (iv) if there has occurred a material  adverse change in the
business,  operations,  assets or financial condition of the other party; (v) if
the other party  materially  breaches  any of its  representations,  warranties,
covenants,  agreements or obligations under the Merger Agreement; or (vi) if any
closing  condition  cannot  reasonably be met by the other party after the other
party has had a  reasonable  opportunity  to cure  such  condition.  The  Merger
Agreement  may  also be  terminated  with the  written  consent  of all  parties
thereto.

     Upon the termination of the Merger Agreement, the transactions contemplated
thereby (other than the  confidentiality  provisions  contained therein) will be
abandoned  without  further action by any party.  In the event of a termination,
the  parties   will  share  the  cost  of  printing   and  mailing   this  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus  but otherwise  each will bear its own  expenses,  and each
party will retain all rights and remedies it may have at law or equity under the
Merger Agreement.

Amendment of the Merger Agreement

     The terms of the Merger Agreement may be amended,  modified or supplemented
by the written  consent of Valley and Midland at any time prior to the Effective
Time. However,  following Midland shareholder  approval of the Merger Agreement,
Midland  shareholders must approve any amendment reducing or changing the amount
or form of consideration to be received by them in the Merger.

Accounting Treatment of the Merger 

     The Merger will be accounted  for by Valley under the  pooling-of-interests
method  of  accounting  in  accordance   with  generally   accepted   accounting
principles. See "Pro Forma Combined Financial Information."

Federal Income Tax Consequences 

     THE FEDERAL  INCOME TAX  DISCUSSION SET FORTH BELOW IS INCLUDED FOR GENERAL
INFORMATION  ONLY.  IT MAY NOT BE  APPLICABLE  TO CERTAIN  CLASSES OF TAXPAYERS,
INCLUDING  INSURANCE  COMPANIES,  SECURITIES  DEALERS,  FINANCIAL  INSTITUTIONS,
FOREIGN  PERSONS AND  PERSONS WHO  ACQUIRED  SHARES OF MIDLAND  COMMON  STOCK AS
COMPENSATION.  MIDLAND  SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS
AS TO THE  SPECIFIC  TAX  CONSEQUENCES  TO THEM  OF THE  MERGER,  INCLUDING  THE
APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND OTHER TAX LAWS.

     General. It is intended that the Merger will be treated as a reorganization
as defined in Section 368(a) of the Code, and that, accordingly, no gain or loss
will be recognized by Valley or Midland or by the  shareholders  of Midland upon
the  conversion  of their  shares of Midland  Common Stock solely into shares of
Valley Common Stock pursuant to the Merger.  Counsel to Valley is required, as a
condition  of  Closing,  to provide an  opinion to Valley and to  Midland,  with
respect to the matter  covered by the foregoing  sentence.  With respect to this
Proxy Statement-Prospectus, Pitney, Hardin, Kipp & Szuch, counsel to Valley, has
provided an opinion that based upon the  circumstances  as they presently exist,
it expects to be able to render the required opinion.

     Basis of Valley Common Stock.  The basis of Valley Common Stock received by
a Midland  shareholder  who receives solely Valley Common Stock will be the same
as the basis of such shareholder's Midland Common Stock converted therefrom.

     Holding  Period.  The  holding  period of shares  of  Valley  Common  Stock
received  in the  Merger by holders of Midland  Common  Stock will  include  the
holding period during which such shares of Midland  Common Stock  surrendered in
conversion  therefor were held by the holder  thereof,  provided  such shares of
Midland Common Stock were held as capital assets.

Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger 

     The Merger  Agreement  provides that, as of the Effective Time,  Valley and
VNB will appoint  Walter H. Jones,  III,  currently the Chairman of the Board of
Directors  of Midland and  Midland  Bank,  as a director of Valley and VNB,  and
Graham O. Jones, currently a director of Midland and Midland Bank, as a director
of Valley and VNB. In addition,  the Merger  Agreement  provides that, as of the
Effective  Time, VNB will appoint  Robert M. Meyer,  currently the President and
Chief Executive Officer of Midland, as a member of VNB's senior management team,
and Valley will assume in writing Mr. Meyer's current  employment  contract with
Midland.

     The Merger Agreement  further provides that for a six year period following
the Effective Time,  Valley will indemnify the directors and officers of Midland
against certain  liabilities to the extent such persons were  indemnified  under
Midland's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.

     As of the Record Date,  the  directors  and  executive  officers of Midland
beneficially  owned in the aggregate [__%] of the issued and outstanding  shares
of Midland Common Stock.

Resale Considerations With Respect to the Valley Common Stock

     The  shares of Valley  Common  Stock  that will be issued if the  Merger is
consummated  have been  registered  under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the  "Securities  Act")  and will be freely  transferable,  except  for  shares
received by persons,  including directors and executive officers of Midland, who
may be deemed to be "affiliates" of Midland under Rule 145 promulgated under the
Securities Act. An "affiliate" of an issuer is defined generally as a person who
"controls" the issuer.  Directors,  executive  officers and 10% shareholders are
generally  presumed by the Commission to control the issuer.  Affiliates may not
sell their shares of Valley Common Stock acquired pursuant to the Merger, except
pursuant  to an  effective  registration  statement  under  the  Securities  Act
covering  the  Valley  Common  Stock or in  compliance  with Rule 145 or another
applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

     Persons  who may be deemed to be  "affiliates"  of Midland  have  delivered
letters to Valley in which they have  agreed to  certain  restrictions  on their
ability to sell,  transfer  or  otherwise  dispose of  ("transfer")  any Midland
Common Stock owned by them and any Valley  Common Stock  acquired by them in the
Merger.  Pursuant to the accounting rules governing a pooling-of-interests,  the
affiliates  of Midland  have agreed not to transfer  the shares  during a period
commencing  with the period  beginning 30 days prior to the  Effective  Time and
ending  on the  date on which  financial  results  covering  at least 30 days of
post-merger  combined  operations  of Valley and Midland have been  published by
Valley or filed by Valley on a Form 8-K, 10-Q or 10-K.  Also, in connection with
the pooling-of-interests rules, the affiliates have agreed not to transfer their
Midland  Common Stock in the period prior to 30 days before the  Effective  Time
without  giving  Valley  advance  notice  and an  opportunity  to  object if the
transfer would  interfere with  pooling-of-interests  accounting for the Merger.
Pursuant  to  Rule  145,  the  affiliates  have  also  agreed  to  refrain  from
transferring  Valley  Common  Stock  acquired by them in the  Merger,  except in
compliance  with  certain  restrictions   imposed  by  Rule  145.   Certificates
representing  the shares of Valley  Common  Stock  acquired  by each such person
pursuant  to the  Merger  will  bear a legend  reflecting  that the  shares  are
restricted  in  accordance  with the letter signed by such person and may not be
transferred except in compliance with such restrictions.

     Persons  who may be  deemed  "affiliates"  of Valley  have  also  delivered
letters  in  which  they  have  agreed  not  to  transfer  Valley  Common  Stock
beneficially owned by them in violation of the pooling of interests restrictions
set forth above with respect to Midland.

Business Pending Consummation 

     Midland has agreed that prior to the  Effective  Time,  except as otherwise
approved  by Valley  in  writing  or as  permitted  or  required  by the  Merger
Agreement,  it will not,  nor will it permit  any of its  subsidiaries  to:  (i)
change  any  provision  of its  Certificate  of  Incorporation  or Bylaws or any
similar  governing  documents;  (ii) except for the  issuance of Midland  Common
Stock pursuant to the terms of outstanding Midland Options, change the number of
shares of, or issue any more shares of or grant any option or right with respect
to, Midland Common Stock, or split,  combine or reclassify any shares of Midland
Common Stock, or redeem or otherwise  acquire any shares of Midland Common Stock
(iii) declare,  set aside or pay any dividend,  or other distribution in respect
of, Midland Common Stock, except that Midland may declare, set aside or pay cash
dividends per share of Midland Common Stock equivalent to the cash dividends per
share declared, set aside or paid by Valley during such period multiplied by the
Exchange Ratio; (iv) grant any severance or termination pay (other than pursuant
to  policies  of  Midland in effect on the date of the  Merger  Agreement  or as
agreed to by  Valley  in  writing)  to,  or enter  into or amend any  employment
agreement  with,  any of its  directors,  officers or  employees;  adopt any new
employee  benefit  plan or  arrangement  of any type or amend any such  existing
benefit plan or  arrangement;  or award any increase in compensation or benefits
to its  directors,  officers or employees  other than regular and  customary pay
increases to its  non-officer  employees and bonuses to its officers  which have
been previously disclosed to Valley and are fully accrued on Midland's books for
1996;  (v) sell or  dispose  of any  substantial  amount  of assets or incur any
significant liabilities other than in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practices and policies;  (vi) make any capital  expenditures in excess
of $100,000 other than pursuant to binding  commitments  existing on the date of
the Merger Agreement, expenditures necessary to maintain existing assets in good
repair and expenditures to renovate or relocate Midland Bank's branch located at
the Bergen Mall in Paramus,  New Jersey;  (vii) file any application or make any
contract with respect to branching or site location or relocation;  (viii) agree
to acquire  any  business  or entity in any  manner  whatsoever  (other  than to
foreclose on collateral for a defaulted loan);  (ix) make any material change in
its accounting  methods or practices,  other than changes required in accordance
with  GAAP;  (x)  take  any  action  that  would  result  in  any  of  Midland's
representations and warranties  contained in the Merger Agreement not being true
and correct in any material  respect at the Effective  Time; or (xi) agree to do
any of the foregoing.

     Midland  has  further  agreed  that it will not,  directly  or  indirectly,
encourage or solicit or hold  discussions or  negotiations  with, or provide any
information to, any person,  entity or group (other than Valley)  concerning any
merger or sale of  shares  of  capital  stock or sale of  substantial  assets or
liabilities  not in the  ordinary  course of business,  or similar  transactions
involving Midland (an "Acquisition Transaction"). Midland has agreed to promptly
communicate to Valley the terms of any proposal,  whether written or oral, which
it may receive in respect of any Acquisition Transaction.

Management and Operations After the Merger 

     At the Effective  Time,  as a result of the Merger,  Midland will be merged
into  Valley  which will be the  Surviving  Corporation.  Immediately  following
consummation of the Merger,  or as soon thereafter as VNB may deem  appropriate,
Midland  Bank will merge with and into VNB,  with VNB as the  surviving  entity,
pursuant to the separate  Bank Merger  Agreement.  The location of the principal
office of Valley will remain  unchanged:  1455 Valley Road,  Wayne,  New Jersey.
Following  the Bank  Merger,  the branch  offices of Midland  Bank will serve as
branch offices of VNB.

Stock Option for Shares of Midland Common Stock

     In  connection  with the  negotiation  by Valley and  Midland of the Merger
Agreement,  Valley  and  Midland  entered  into the Stock  Option  Agreement  on
September 13, 1996. A copy of the Stock Option Agreement is attached as Appendix
B to this Proxy Statement-Prospectus. Descriptions of the Stock Option Agreement
in this Proxy  Statement-Prospectus are qualified in their entirety by reference
to the Stock Option Agreement.

     Pursuant to the Stock Option Agreement,  Midland granted Valley the Option,
exercisable only under certain limited and specifically  defined  circumstances,
to purchase up to 35,000 authorized but unissued shares of Midland Common Stock,
representing  approximately  21.8% of the shares of Midland  Common  Stock which
would be outstanding  immediately  following the exercise of the Option,  for an
exercise price of $301.00 per share. Valley does not have any voting rights with
respect to the shares of Midland  Common  Stock  subject to the Option  prior to
exercise of the Option.

     In the event that  certain  Triggering  Events (as  hereinafter  described)
specifically enumerated in the Stock Option Agreement occur, Valley may exercise
the Option in whole or in part. In the event that a Triggering  Event occurs and
the Merger is not consummated,  Valley would recognize a gain on the sale of the
shares of Midland Common Stock  received  pursuant to the exercise of the Option
if such shares of Midland Common Stock were sold at prices exceeding $301.00 per
share.

     The term  "Triggering  Event" is defined in the Stock  Option  Agreement to
mean the occurrence of any of the following  events:  a person or group, as such
terms are defined in the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,  and the
rules and regulations  thereunder (the "Exchange Act"),  other than Valley or an
affiliate of Valley, (i) acquires beneficial  ownership (as such term is defined
in Rule 13d-3  promulgated  under the Exchange  Act) of at least 20% of the then
outstanding  shares of  Midland  Common  Stock  (provided,  that the  continuing
ownership  by a  person  or  group  which  as of the  date of the  Stock  Option
Agreement owned more than 20% of the  outstanding  Midland Common Stock will not
constitute  a  Triggering  Event);  (ii)  enters  into a letter  of intent or an
agreement  with Midland  pursuant to which such person or any  affiliate of such
person would (a) merge or  consolidate,  or enter into any similar  transaction,
with Midland or Midland Bank,  (b) acquire all or a  significant  portion of the
assets or  liabilities  of Midland or Midland  Bank,  or (c) acquire  beneficial
ownership of  securities  representing,  or the right to acquire the  beneficial
ownership  or  to  vote  securities  representing,  20%  or  more  of  the  then
outstanding  shares of Midland  Common Stock;  (iii) makes a filing with bank or
thrift  regulatory  authorities  or publicly  announces a bona fide  proposal (a
"Proposal")  for  (a)  any  merger,  consolidation  or  acquisition  of all or a
significant  portion  of all the assets or  liabilities  of Midland or any other
business  combination  involving  Midland or Midland  Bank, or (b) a transaction
involving the transfer of beneficial  ownership of securities  representing,  or
the right to acquire  beneficial  ownership or to vote securities  representing,
20% or more of the outstanding  shares of Midland Common Stock,  and thereafter,
if such Proposal has not been publicly  withdrawn (as defined below) at least 15
days prior to the Meeting and Midland's  shareholders fail to approve the Merger
by the vote required by applicable law at the Meeting;  or (iv)makes a bona fide
proposal and thereafter,  but before such Proposal has been publicly  withdrawn,
Midland willfully takes any action in any manner that would materially interfere
with its ability to consummate the Merger or materially  reduce the value of the
Merger to Valley.  The definition of "Triggering Event" also includes the taking
of any direct or indirect action by Midland or any of its directors, officers or
agents, to invite,  encourage or solicit any proposal which has as its purpose a
tender offer for the shares of Midland  Common Stock,  a merger,  consolidation,
plan of exchange,  plan of acquisition or  reorganization  of Midland or Midland
Bank,  or a sale of shares of Midland  Common  Stock or stock of Midland Bank or
any significant portion of the assets or liabilities of Midland or Midland Bank.
Under the Stock Option Agreement,  a significant portion means 25% of the assets
or liabilities of Midland. "Publicly withdrawn" for purposes of the Stock Option
Agreement means an unconditional bona fide withdrawal of a Proposal coupled with
a public  announcement  of no further  interest  in  pursuing  such  Proposal or
acquiring any  controlling  influence  over Midland or in soliciting or inducing
any other person (other than Valley or any affiliate) to do so.

     Valley  may  not  sell,  assign  or  otherwise   transfer  its  rights  and
obligations  under the Stock Option  Agreement in whole or in part to any person
or any group of persons other than to an affiliate of Valley. The Option may not
be  exercised  (i) in the absence of any  required  governmental  or  regulatory
approval or consent  necessary  for Midland to issue the  Midland  Common  Stock
subject  to the  Option  or  Valley  to  exercise  the  Option,  or prior to the
expiration or termination of any waiting period required by law, or (ii) so long
as any  injunction  or other  order,  decree or ruling  issued by any federal or
state court of competent  jurisdiction  is in effect which prohibits the sale or
delivery of the Midland Common Stock subject to the Option.

     The Stock Option Agreement  further provides that after the occurrence of a
Triggering  Event and upon receipt of a written  request  from  Valley,  Midland
shall prepare and file a registration statement with the Commission covering the
Option and such  number of shares of Midland  Common  Stock  subject  thereto as
Valley  shall  specify in its  request,  and shall use its best efforts to cause
such  registration  statement to become effective in order to permit the sale or
other  disposition  of the Option and the shares of Midland Common Stock covered
thereby; provided,  however, that in no event will Valley have the right to have
more than one such registration statement become effective.

     The Stock Option  Agreement  terminates  upon either the termination of the
Merger Agreement or the consummation of the transactions  contemplated  thereby;
provided  that if the Merger  Agreement  terminates  after the  occurrence  of a
Triggering  Event, the Stock Option Agreement will not terminate until the later
of 18 months following the date of termination of the Merger Agreement.

     The  ability  of  Valley  to  exercise  the  Option  and to  cause up to an
additional  35,000 shares of Midland Common Stock to be issued may be considered
a deterrent to other potential  acquirors of control of Midland, as it is likely
to increase the cost of an  acquisition  of all of the shares of Midland  Common
Stock which would then be outstanding.  The exercise of the Option by Valley may
also make pooling-of-interests  accounting treatment unavailable to a subsequent
acquiror.



PROFORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     The following unaudited pro forma combined financial  information  presents
the Pro Forma Combined  Condensed  Statements of Condition of Valley and Midland
at September 30, 1996, December 31, 1995 and 1994 giving effect to the Merger as
if it had been  consummated  at such  date.  Also  presented  are the Pro  Forma
Combined Condensed  Statements of Income for the nine months ended September 30,
1996 and the years ended  December 31, 1995,  1994 and 1993 giving effect to the
Merger as if it was  consummated  on January 1 of each year.  The  unaudited pro
forma financial  information is based on the historical  financial statements of
Valley   and   Midland   after   giving   effect   to  the   Merger   under  the
pooling-of-interests  method of accounting  and based upon the  assumptions  and
adjustments  contained in the accompanying Notes to Pro Forma Combined Condensed
Financial Statements.

     The unaudited pro forma financial information has been prepared by Valley's
management  based upon the  historical  financial  statements  and related notes
thereto  of  Valley  and  Midland  contained  herein or  incorporated  herein by
reference.  The  unaudited  pro forma  financial  information  should be read in
conjunction with such historical  financial  statements and notes. The Pro Forma
Combined  Condensed  Statements  of Income  are not  necessarily  indicative  of
operating results which would have been achieved had the Merger been consummated
as of the  beginning of the periods for which such data are presented and should
not be construed as being representative of future periods.



<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                         PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CONDITION
                                                         September 30, 1996

                                                             (Unaudited)


                                                                                                        Valley and 
                                                                                    Pro Forma            Midland 
                                                         Valley        Midland      Adjustment(1)       Combined
                                                ----------------   --------------  -------------    -----------------
                                                                   (Dollar amounts in thousands)
ASSETS

<S>                                                  <C>              <C>            <C>                    <C>       
Cash and due from banks                              $  135,589       $  36,900      $                   $  172,489
Federal funds sold                                            0             800                                 800
Investment securities held to maturity                  222,005          50,532                             272,537
Investment securities available for sale              1,049,069          40,183          (171)            1,089,081
Loans                                                 3,085,213         289,479                           3,374,692
Allowance for possible loan losses                      (41,798)         (4,208)                            (46,006)
Other assets                                            154,973          12,547                             167,520
                                                  -------------     -----------      ----------        ------------
    Total assets                                  $   4,605,051      $  426,233      $   (171)         $  5,031,113
                                                  =============      ==========      ==========        ============

LIABILITIES

Deposits                                           $  4,070,621      $  388,951      $                 $  4,459,572
Borrowings                                              104,146             413                             104,559
Other liabilities                                        47,867           2,698                              50,565
                                                  -------------     -----------                       -------------
    Total liabilities                                 4,222,634         392,062                           4,614,696
                                                  -------------      ----------                        ------------

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Common stock                                             20,440           1,938           (70)               22,308
Surplus                                                 238,870             565         (1034)              238,401
Retained earnings, net                                  136,599          32,757                             169,356
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities 
available for sale, net of taxes                         (4,739)           (156)                             (4,895)
Translation adjustment                                        8               0                                   8
Treasury stock                                           (8,761)           (933)          933                (8,761)
                                                   ------------     -----------       -------         -------------
    Total shareholders' equity                          382,417          34,171          (171)              416,417
                                                    -----------     -----------       -------          ------------

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity         $  4,605,051      $  426,233      $   (171)         $  5,031,113
                                                   ============      ==========    ===========         ============




(1)    The pro forma adjustments represents (a) the difference between the stated value of Valley and Midland stock and
       the retirement of treasury stock and (b) the elimination of Midland stock owned by Valley.
</TABLE>



<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                         PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CONDITION
                                                          December 31, 1995

                                                             (Unaudited)


                                                                                                               Valley and 
                                                                                         Pro Forma               Midland   
                                                        Valley             Midland       Adjustment(1)          Combined
                                                -----------------    ---------------   -----------------    --------------
                                                                      (Dollar amounts in thousands)
ASSETS

<S>                                                  <C>                  <C>            <C>                    <C>       
Cash and due from banks                              $  167,349           $  43,508     $                     $  210,857
Federal funds sold                                      108,500              15,550                              124,050
Investment securities held to maturity                  266,354              58,225                              324,579
Investment securities available for sale              1,146,285              39,811           (171)            1,185,925
Loans                                                 2,793,175             258,665                            3,051,840
Allowance for possible loan losses                      (39,670)             (4,321)                             (43,991)
Other assets                                            143,818              12,654                              156,472
                                                   ------------         -----------     ------------        ------------
    Total assets                                   $  4,585,811          $  424,092      $    (171)         $  5,009,732
                                                   ============          ==========     ============        ============

LIABILITIES

Deposits                                           $  4,083,873          $  388,260      $                  $  4,472,133
Borrowings                                               66,124                 446                               66,570
Other liabilities                                        35,577               3,014                               38,591
                                                   ------------         -----------                         ------------
    Total liabilities                                 4,185,574             391,720                            4,577,294
                                                   ------------          ----------                         ------------

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Common stock                                             20,025               1,938            (63)               21,900
Surplus                                                 216,377                 565           (897)              216,045
Retained earnings, net                                  162,012              30,836                              192,848
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities
available for sale, net of taxes                          3,733                (178)                               3,555
Treasury stock                                           (1,910)               (789)           789                (1,910)
                                                   ------------         -----------       --------          ------------
    Total shareholders' equity                          400,237              32,372           (171)              432,438
                                                   ------------          ----------       ---------         ------------

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity         $  4,585,811          $  424,092       $   (171)         $  5,009,903
                                                   ============          ==========      ==========          ============




(1)   The pro forma adjustments represent (a) the difference between the stated value of Valley and Midland stock and
      the retirement of treasury stock and (b) the elimination of Midland stock owned by Valley.

</TABLE>


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                         PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CONDITION
                                                          December 31, 1994

                                                             (Unaudited)


                                                                                                         Valley and 
                                                                                    Pro Forma             Midland  
                                                      Valley           Midland     Adjustment(1)         Combined
                                                --------------     -------------   --------------    ---------------
                                                                   (Dollar amounts in thousands)
ASSETS

<S>                                                <C>                <C>             <C>                   <C>    
Cash and due from banks                            $  168,072         $  32,069                          $  200,141
Federal funds sold                                          0             2,675                               2,675
Investment securities held to maturity                853,983            64,184                             918,167
Investment securities available for sale              696,438            51,238       (135)                 747,541
Loans                                               2,592,756           242,061                           2,834,817
Allowance for possible loan losses                    (42,024)           (3,881)                            (45,905)
Other assets                                          149,361            13,384                             162,745
                                                 ------------       -----------   -------------        ------------
    Total assets                                 $  4,418,586        $  401,730    $  (135)            $  4,820,316
                                                 ============        ==========   =============        ============

LIABILITIES

Deposits                                         $  3,880,002        $  370,235    $                   $  4,250,237
Borrowings                                            153,920               487                             154,407
Other liabilities                                      34,048             2,729                              36,777
                                                 ------------       -----------                       -------------
    Total liabilities                               4,067,970           373,451                           4,441,421
                                                 ------------        ----------                        ------------

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Common stock                                           18,869             1,938            (44)              20,763
Surplus                                               172,321               565           (564)             172,322
Retained earnings, net                                179,432            28,041                             207,473
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities 
available for sale, net of taxes                      (17,842)           (1,792)                            (19,634)
Treasury stock                                         (2,164)             (473)           473               (2,164)
                                                  -----------         ---------      ---------        -------------
    Total shareholders' equity                        350,616            28,279           (135)             378,760
                                                   ----------         ---------      ---------         ------------

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity       $  4,418,586        $  401,730      $    (135)        $  4,820,181
                                                 ============        ==========    ============        ============




(1)     The pro forma adjustments represent (a) the difference between the stated value of Valley and Midland stock
        and the retirement of treasury stock and (b) the elimination of Midland stock owned by Valley.

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                          PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                            For the nine months ended September 30, 1996

                                                             (Unaudited)



                                                                                Pro Forma       Valley and Midland
                                                     Valley           Midland   Adjustment(2)      Combined
                                                 ------------    -------------  -----------    --------------------
                                                        (Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

<S>                                             <C>                <C>               <C>            <C>         
Total interest income                           $    243,943       $    21,982    $   (9)            $    265,916
Total interest expense                               108,100             6,975                            115,075
                                                 -----------       -----------    --------           ------------
Net interest income                                  135,843            15,007        (9)                 150,841
Provision for possible loan losses                     2,095               190                              2,285
                                                ------------       -----------    --------          -------------
Net interest income after provision for
  possible loan losses                               133,748            14,817        (9)                 148,556
Total non-interest income                             17,252             1,977                             19,229
Total non-interest expense                            76,706            11,318                             88,024
                                                 -----------        ----------    --------          -------------
Income before income taxes                            74,294             5,476        (9)                  79,761
Income taxes                                          24,747             2,114                             26,861
                                                 -----------        ----------    --------          -------------
Net income                                       $    49,547        $    3,362    $   (9)            $     52,900
                                                 ===========        ==========    ========          =============

Earnings per share (1)                          $       1.35        $    26.79                       $       1.31
                                                ============        ==========     -------          ==============
Weighted average number of shares
  outstanding                                     36,792,418           125,490      (728)              40,535,278
                                                  ==========         =========   =========           ============


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

(1)   The historical earnings per share of Valley and Midland have been restated to give retroactive effect 
      to stock dividends and splits.

(2)   Interest income has been reduced for dividends received by Valley on Midland common shares owned.  
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                          PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                                For the year ended December 31, 1995

                                                             (Unaudited)



                                                                                     Pro Forma      Valley and Midland 
                                                        Valley          Midland      Adjustment           Combined
                                                ---------------     ------------     ------------   ------------------
                                                          (Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

<S>                                               <C>                 <C>               <C>           <C>       
Total interest income                             $    316,650        $  29,242          $ (5)         $  345,887
Total interest expense                                 143,271           10,055                           153,326
                                                  ------------        ---------       ---------       -----------
Net interest income                                    173,379           19,187            (5)            192,561
Provision for possible loan losses                       2,669              500                             3,169
                                                 -------------        ---------       ---------       -----------
Net interest income after provision for
  possible loan losses                                 170,710           18,687            (5)            189,392
Total non-interest income                               20,968            2,934                            23,902
Total non-interest expense                              90,203           14,520                           104,723
                                                  ------------         --------       ----------      -----------
Income before income taxes                             101,475            7,101            (5)            108,571
Income taxes                                            38,879            2,664                            41,543
                                                   -----------         --------       ----------      -----------
Net income                                         $    62,596         $  4,437          $ (5)         $   67,028
                                                   ===========         ========       ==========      ===========

Earnings per share (1)                            $       1.67         $  34.99                       $      1.63
                                                  ============         ========                       ===========
Weighted average number of shares
  outstanding                                       37,396,106          126,805          (606)         41,182,076
                                                    ==========          =======       ==========      ===========




(1)   The historical earnings per share of Valley and Midland have been restated to give retroactive effect to stock dividends
      and splits.
(2)   Interest income has been reduced for dividends received by Valley on Midland common shares owned.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                          PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                                For the year ended December 31, 1994

                                                             (Unaudited)



                                                                                   Pro Forma        Valley and Midland 
                                                      Valley           Midland     Adjustment            Combined
                                                -------------     -------------  -------------     ---------------------
                                                          (Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

<S>                                               <C>                <C>                                 <C>        
Total interest income                             $  292,583         $  25,500                           $   318,083
Total interest expense                               117,465             7,365                               124,830
                                                 -----------         ---------                           -----------
Net interest income                                  175,118            18,135                               193,253
Provision for possible loan losses                     5,197               787                                 5,984
                                                 -----------         ---------                           -----------
Net interest income after provision for
  possible loan losses                               169,921            17,348                               187,269
Total non-interest income                             23,967             2,979                                26,946
Total non-interest expense                            90,594            14,487                               105,081
                                                 -----------         ---------                           -----------
Income before income taxes                           103,294             5,840                               109,134
Income taxes                                          38,723             2,137                                40,860
                                                 -----------         ---------                           -----------
Net income                                       $    64,571         $   3,703                           $    68,274
                                                 ===========         =========                           ===========

Earnings per share (1)                           $      1.74         $   29.16                          $       1.67
                                                 ===========         =========                          ============
Weighted average number of shares
  outstanding                                     37,067,458           126,987                            40,877,068
                                                  ==========         =========                            ==========




(1)   The historical earnings per share of Valley and Midland have been restated to give retroactive effect to stock dividends 
      and splits.

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                          PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                                For the year ended December 31, 1993

                                                             (Unaudited)


                                                                                        Pro Forma      Valley and Midland
                                                          Valley          Midland       Adjustment           Combined
                                                 -----------------    -------------    ------------    ------------------
                                            (Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

<S>                                                  <C>                 <C>                               <C>        
Total interest income                                $    280,693        $  24,620                         $   305,313
Total interest expense                                    114,021            8,504                             122,525
                                                     ------------       ----------                         -----------
Net interest income                                       166,672           16,116                             182,788
Provision for possible loan losses                          7,966            1,036                               9,002
                                                    -------------       ----------                        ------------
Net interest income after provision for
  possible loan losses                                    158,706           15,080                             173,786
Total non-interest income                                  27,990            3,379                              31,369
Total non-interest expense                                 85,671           14,502                             100,173
                                                     ------------        ---------                         -----------
Income before income taxes                                101,025            3,957                             104,982
Income taxes                                               35,638            1,256                              36,894
                                                     ------------        ---------                         -----------
Net income before cumulative effect of   
   accounting change                                       65,387            2,701                              68,088
Cumulative effect of accounting change                       (402)             151                                (251)
                                                     ------------         --------                         ------------
Net income                                            $    64,985         $  2,852                         $    67,837
                                                      ===========         ========                         ===========
Net income per share before cumulative   
   effect of accounting change                       $       1.79         $  21.26                        $       1.69
                                                     ============         ========                        ============
Earnings per share (1)                               $       1.78         $  22.45                        $       1.68
                                                     ============         ========                        ============
Weighted average number of shares
  outstanding                                          36,473,116          127,023                          40,283,806
                                                       ==========          =======                          ==========




(1)    The historical earnings per share of Valley and Midland have been restated to give retroactive effect to stock dividends
       and splits.

</TABLE>





<PAGE>


                     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
            FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF MIDLAND

General

     The  following  analysis of Midland's  financial  condition  and results of
operations  for the nine months ended  September 30, 1996 and 1995,  and for the
years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, should be read in conjunction with
the audited Consolidated  Financial Statements of Midland and notes thereto, and
information presented elsewhere herein.

     Midland's  results  of  operations  depend  primarily  on its net  interest
income,  which is the difference between interest earned on its interest-earning
assets,  such as loans and investment  securities,  and the interest paid on its
interest-bearing  liabilities,  such as its deposits. The amount of net interest
income is a  function  of the  difference  between  the  weighted  average  rate
received  on  interest-earning  assets  and the  weighted  average  rate paid on
interest-bearing  liabilities,  as well as the average level of interest-earning
assets as compared with that of interest-bearing liabilities. Net income is also
affected by the amount of non-interest income and by operating expenses.

Financial Condition

     Total assets  increased  $22,362,000 or 5.6% from  $401,730,000 at December
31, 1994, to $424,092,000 at December 31, 1995, after  decreasing  $6,231,000 or
1.5% from  $407,961,000  at December 31, 1993,  to December 31, 1994.  Midland's
loan portfolio  increased  $16,604,000 or 6.9% from $242,061,000 at December 31,
1994, to $258,665,000 at December 31, 1995, due primarily to increased  business
development  activities.   See  "Business  of  Midland--Lending."  Money  market
investments  that  consist  of  overnight  federal  funds  and  interest-bearing
deposits with banks  increased  $24,875,000 to $27,550,000 at December 31, 1995,
from  $2,675,000 at December 31, 1994.  These increases were funded by increased
deposits and decreases in investment securities.  Deposits increased $18,025,000
or 4.9% from  $370,235,000 at December 31, 1994, to $388,260,000 at December 31,
1995,  after  decreasing  $7,068,000 or 1.9% from  $377,303,000  at December 31,
1993, to December 31, 1994.

     Total assets  increased  $2,141,000  or 0.5% from  December  31,  1995,  to
$426,233,000  at  September  30,  1996.   Midland's  loan  portfolio   increased
$30,814,000  or 11.9% from December 31, 1995, to  $289,479,000  at September 30,
1996, due to increased business development activities. This increase was funded
from  substantial  decreases in  investment  securities,  federal funds sold and
deposits  with other banks as deposits  increased  only  slightly  over the same
period. See "Business of  Midland-Lending."  Deposits increased $691,000 or 0.2%
from $388,260,000 at December 31, 1995, to $388,951,000 at September 30, 1996.

     Investment  securities held to maturity  decreased  $5,959,000 or 9.3% from
$64,184,000  at  December  31,  1994,  to  $58,225,000  at  December  31,  1995.
Investment  securities  available for sale  decreased  $11,427,000 or 22.3% from
$51,238,000  at December  31, 1994,  to  $39,811,000  at December 31, 1995.  The
decrease in the investment  securities was used to fund the increase in both the
loan  portfolio  and the money market  investment  portfolio  which  consists of
overnight  federal funds and  interest-bearing  deposits with banks.  Investment
securities  held to maturity  decreased  $7,693,000  or 13.2% from  December 31,
1995, to $50,532,000 at September 30, 1996.  Investment securities available for
sale  increased  $372,000 or 0.9% from  December 31,  1995,  to  $40,183,000  at
September 30, 1996. The decrease in the securities  portfolio was used primarily
to fund the growth in the loan portfolio.

     Money market  investments  that include both  overnight  federal  funds and
interest-bearing  deposits  with  banks  increased  $24,875,000  or 929.9%  from
$2,675,000 at December 31, 1994,  to  $27,550,000  at December 31, 1995,  due to
growth in deposits as well as a decrease in the investment portfolio.  Overnight
federal funds sold decreased  $14,750,000 or 94.8% from  $15,550,000 at December
31, 1995,  to $800,000 at September 30, 1996, in order to fund the growth in the
loan portfolio.

     Stockholders'  equity  increased  $4,093,000 or 14.5% from  $28,279,000  at
December 30,  1994,  to  $32,372,000  at December  31,  1995,  due  primarily to
earnings  retention.  Stockholders'  equity  increased  $359,000  or  1.3%  from
$27,920,000  at December 31,  1993,  to December  31,  1994.  Retained  earnings
increased   $2,795,000  or  10%  from  $28,041,000  at  December  31,  1994,  to
$30,836,000 at December 31, 1995.

     Stockholders'  equity  increased  $1,799,000  or 5.6% from  $32,372,000  at
December 31,  1995,  to  $34,171,000  at September  30, 1996,  due  primarily to
earnings  retention.   Retained  earnings  increased  $1,921,000  or  6.2%  from
$30,836,000 at December 31, 1995, to $32,757,000 at September 30, 1996.

Comparison of Operating Results

     Net Income.  Net income increased $734,000 or 19.8% from $3,703,000 for the
year ended  December 31, 1994,  to  $4,437,000  for the year ended  December 31,
1995, and increased  $851,000 or 29.8% from  $2,852,000 at December 31, 1993, to
December 31, 1994.  The increase in net earnings from 1994 to 1995 was due to an
increase  in net  interest  income of  $1,052,000  in  addition to a decrease of
$287,000 in the loan loss  provision.  The increase in net interest income after
provision  for loan  losses  was offset in part by a $33,000  increase  in other
operating expenses,  a $45,000 decrease in other operating income and a $527,000
increase in income taxes from 1994 to 1995.

     Net income  increased  $283,000 or 9.2% from $3,079,000 for the nine months
ended  September 30, 1995, to $3,362,000 for the nine months ended September 30,
1996. The net earnings increase was due to an increase in net interest income of
$766,000  and a decrease  in the  provision  for loan  losses of  $210,000.  The
increase in net interest  income after  provision  for loan losses was offset in
part by a $181,000 increase in other operating expenses,  a decrease of $245,000
in other operating income and a $267,000 increase in income taxes.

     Net Interest Income. The results of Midland's  operations depend to a large
extent on net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between the
interest   income   Midland   earns  on  its   loans,   investments   and  other
interest-earning   assets,   and  the  interest   cost  of  deposits  and  other
interest-bearing  liabilities necessary to fund these  interest-earning  assets.
Interest  rates are highly  sensitive to many  factors,  including  domestic and
international economic and political conditions and governmental money policies.
See  "Supervision  and  Regulation  of Midland."  Conditions  such as inflation,
recession, unemployment, money supply, international disorders and other factors
beyond the control of Midland may affect  interest  rates and  adversely  affect
Midland's operations.

     In general, the net interest income of a financial institution will benefit
if the  institution  has a negative  interest  sensitivity gap during periods of
declining  rates and a  positive  interest  sensitivity  gap  during  periods of
increasing  interest rates.  Midland  monitors its interest rate sensitivity and
attempts to reduce the risk of a  significant  decrease in net  interest  income
caused by a change  in  interest  rates.  See  "Interest  Rate  Sensitivity  and
Liquidity."

     Net interest income  increased  $1,052,000 or 5.8% from $18,135,000 for the
year ended  December 31, 1994, to  $19,187,000  for the year ended  December 31,
1995,  and  increased  $2,019,000 or 12.5% from  $16,116,000  for the year ended
December 31, 1993,  to  $18,135,000  for the year ended  December 31, 1994.  The
increase from 1994 to 1995 was  attributable  to an increase in the average loan
portfolio of $29,163,000 and an increase in average money market  investments of
$6,061,000.  This  growth was funded by a decrease  in the  average  outstanding
securities  portfolio  of  $22,438,000  and an increase  in average  deposits of
$6,976,000 from December 31, 1994, to December 31, 1995.

     Midland's average cost of funds was 2.74% for the year ended 1994 and 3.65%
for the year  ended  1995 and the  average  yield on a tax  equivalent  basis on
interest-earning assets increased 0.76% from 7.19% in 1994 to 7.95% in 1995. The
interest rate spread decreased 0.15% from 4.45% in 1994 to 4.30% in 1995.

     Net interest  income  increased  $766,000 or 5.4% from  $14,241,000 for the
nine months ended  September 30, 1995, to $15,007,000  for the nine months ended
September  30,  1996.  This  increase was due to a  $19,250,000  increase in the
average  loan  portfolio  and a  $1,983,000  increase  in average  money  market
investments  from the nine months ended  September  30, 1995, to the nine months
ended  September  30,  1996,  offset  in part by the  effects  of a  $16,910,000
decrease in average  outstanding  securities and a $5,177,000  decrease in 
average interest-bearing deposits.

     Midland's  average cost of funds was 3.45% for the nine-month  period ended
September 30, 1996,  compared to 3.64% for the nine-month period ended September
30, 1995. The average tax equivalent yield on interest-earning  assets decreased
slightly from 7.95% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 1995, to 7.92%
for the nine-month  period ended  September 30, 1996. The average  interest rate
spread  increased  slightly  from 4.31% for the nine months ended  September 30,
1995,  to 4.47% for the nine months ended  September  30, 1996.  The average net
interest  rate margin  also  increased  slightly  from 5.21% for the nine months
ended September 30, 1995, to 5.41% for the nine months ended September 30, 1996.
See "Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity."

     The following  tables provide an analysis of Midland's net interest income,
net interest spread and net interest margin for the periods indicated:



<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                      September 30, 1996                     September 30, 1995
                                     --------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------
                                          Average Balance  Interest  Average Rate  Average Balance   Interest      Average Rate
                                                                    (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                            <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>              <C>              <C>  
ASSETS:
Securities held to maturity(1)                 $   55,824   $  2,314     5.54%      $  61,586        $  2,487         5.40%
Securities available for sale                      38,940      1,453     4.98%         50,088           1,807         4.82%
Money market investments(2)                         8,263        330     5.33%          6,280             276         5.88%
Loans(3)
  Commercial(1)                                   156,086     11,210     9.59%        146,311          10,975        10.03%
  Installment                                      49,765      3,254     8.73%         45,560           3,147         9.24%
  Mortgage                                         62,507      3,465     7.40%         57,237           3,130         7.31%
                                               ----------  ---------               ----------      ----------       
Total interest-earning assets interest income  $  371,385  $  22,026     7.92%     $  367,062       $  21,822         7.95%

Cash and due from banks                            32,535     -        -               30,770          -                -
Other non-earning assets                           13,300     -        -               11,847          -                -
Less allowance for loan losses                     (4,239)    -        -               (4,071)         -                -
Less unrealized loss on securities available 
 for sale                                            (335)    -        -               (1,437)         -                -
                                               ----------                          ----------
TOTAL ASSETS                                   $  412,646     -        -           $  404,171          -                -
                                               ==========                          ==========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Interest-bearing deposits                      $  269,768   $  6,940     3.44%     $  274,945        $  7,465         3.63%
Money market borrowings                               207          8     5.16%            371              17         6.13%
Long-term debt                                        427         27     8.45%            470              28         7.97%
                                               ----------   --------               ----------        --------        
Total interest-bearing funds
  interest expense                             $  270,402   $  6,975     3.45%     $  275,786        $  7,510         3.64%
                                               ----------  ----------             -----------        --------        
Demand deposits and other noninterest- 
 bearing liabilities                              108,635      -        -              98,152           -               -
Stockholders' equity                               33,609      -        -              30,233           -               -
                                               ----------                          ----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY     $  412,646      -        -          $  404,171           -               -
                                               ==========                          ==========

Net interest income                             -          $  15,051    -            -               $  14,312          -
                                                           =========                                =========
Interest rate spread(4)                                                  4.47%                                        4.31%
Interest rate margin(5)                                                  5.41%                                        5.21%

(1)    Fully taxable equivalent basis assuming a tax rate of 34%. Reflects disallowance of interest expense deductions.
(2)    Money market investments include interest-bearing deposits with banks and Federal funds sold.
(3)    Non-accrual loans are included in net loans; the related income is recorded in interest income on a cash basis.
(4)    Interest rate spread is calculated by subtracting the average rate paid for interest bearing funds from the average rate 
       earned on total earning assets.
(5)    Interest rate margin (net yield on earning assets) is calculated by dividing net interest income by total earning assets.

</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                     December 31, 1995                              December 31, 1994
                                              ---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------
                                            Average Balance    Interest  Average Rate    Average Balance    Interest   Average Rate
                                                                              (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                               <C>           <C>         <C>            <C>             <C>              <C>  
ASSETS:
Securities held to maturity(1)                    $  60,812     $  3,295    5.42%          $  63,392       $  3,299         5.20%
Securities available for sale                        47,840        2,296    4.80%             67,698          3,382         5.00%
Money market investments(2)                           9,101          528    5.80%              3,040            122         4.01%
Loans(3)
  Commercial(1)                                     147,293       14,755   10.02%            134,028         11,641         8.69%
  Installment                                        46,082        4,245    9.21%             41,469          3,663         8.83%
  Mortgage                                           57,650        4,210    7.30%             46,365          3,495         7.54%
                                                 ----------    ---------                  ----------      ---------
Total interest-earning assets income             $  368,778    $  29,329    7.95%         $  355,992      $  25,602         7.19%

Cash and due from banks                              31,571       -          -                29,473          -              -
Other  non-earning assets                            11,430       -          -                12,167          -              -
Less allowance for loan losses                       (4,129)      -          -                (3,558)         -              -
Less unrealized loss on securities available
  for sale                                           (1,208)      -          -                (1,291)         -              -
                                                -----------                              -----------
TOTAL ASSETS                                     $  406,442       -          -            $  392,783          -              -
                                                 ==========                               ==========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Interest-bearing deposits                        $  274,839    $  10,000    3.64%         $  267,863       $  7,284         2.72%
Money market borrowings                                 279           17    6.09%                849             40         4.71%
Long-term debt                                          465           38    8.17%                504             41         8.13%
                                                -----------     --------                 -----------       --------
Total interest-bearing funds interest expense    $  275,583    $  10,055    3.65%         $  269,216       $  7,365         2.74%
                                                 ----------    ---------                  ----------       --------       
Demand deposits and other noninterest-bearing 
   liabilities                                      100,093       -          -                95,606          -              -
Stockholders' equity                                 30,766       -          -                27,961          -              -
                                                -----------                              -----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY       $  406,442       -          -            $  392,783          -              -
                                                 ==========                               ==========

Net interest income                               -            $  19,274     -               -            $  18,237          -
                                                               =========                                  =========
Interest rate spread(4)                                                     4.30%                                           4.45%
Interest rate margin(5)                                                     5.23%                                           5.12%


(1)   Fully taxable equivalent basis assuming a tax rate of 34%. Reflects disallowance of interest expense deductions.
(2)   Money market investments include interest-bearing deposits with banks and Federal funds sold.
(3)   Non-accrual loans are included in net loans; the related income is recorded in interest income on a cash basis.
(4)   Interest rate spread is calculated by subtracting the average rate paid for interest bearing funds from the average rate 
      earned on total earning assets.
(5)   Interest rate margin (net yield on earning  assets) is  calculated  by dividing  net  interest income by total earning assets.

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

     Interest Income.  Total interest income increased  $3,742,000 or 14.7% from
$25,500,000  for the year ended December 31, 1994, to  $29,242,000  for the year
ended  December 31, 1995,  and increased  $880,000 or 3.6% from  $24,620,000  at
December 31, 1993, to December 31, 1994.  Loans represent the largest  component
of interest-earning  assets and generally result in a greater rate of yield than
investment securities.  Interest and fees on loans increased $4,411,000 or 23.5%
from  $18,799,000  during  1994 to  $23,210,000  during  1995.  The  increase in
interest  income was  primarily  due to an increase of  $29,163,000  or 13.1% in
average loans  outstanding from  $221,862,000 for 1994 to $251,025,000 for 1995,
and an increase in the average  yield on  interest-earning  assets from 7.19% in
1994 to 7.95% in 1995.  This  increase  was offset in part by a  $22,438,000  or
17.1% decrease in average  investment  securities from  $131,090,000 at December
31, 1994, to $108,652,000  at December 31, 1995.  Interest income on investments
decreased $1,075,000 or 16.3% from $6,579,000 in 1994 to $5,504,000 in 1995 as a
result of the lower average balances in 1995.

     Total interest income  increased  $231,000 or 1.1% from $21,751,000 for the
nine months ended  September 30, 1995, to $21,982,000  for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996.  Interest and fees on loans increased  $677,000 or 3.9% from
$17,252,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1995, to $17,929,000 for the
nine months  ended  September  30,  1996.  The  increase in interest  income was
primarily due to an increase of $19,250,000 or 7.7% in average loans outstanding
from  $249,108,000 for the nine months ended September 31, 1995, to $268,358,000
for the nine  months  ended  September  31,  1996.  This was offset in part by a
decrease  in  average  investment   securities  of  $16,910,000  or  15.1%  from
$111,674,000  for the nine months ended  September 30, 1995, to $94,764,000  for
the nine months ended September 30, 1996, and a decrease on the average yield on
interest-earning assets from 7.95% for the nine months ended September 30, 1995,
to 7.92% for the nine  months  ended  September  30,  1996.  Interest  income on
investments  decreased  $500,000  or 11.8% from  $4,223,000  for the  nine-month
period ending September 30, 1995, to $3,723,000 for the nine-month period ending
September 30, 1996,  as a result of the lower average  balance in the first nine
months of 1995.

     Interest Expense. Total interest expense increased $2,690,000 or 36.5% from
$7,365,000  for the year ended  December 31, 1994, to  $10,055,000  for the year
ended December 31, 1995, and decreased  $1,139,000 or 13.4% from  $8,504,000 for
the year ended  December 31, 1993, to $7,365,000 for the year ended December 31,
1994.  The  increase  from 1994 to 1995 was due to an  increase  in the  average
volume of interest-bearing  deposits and an increase in the average rate paid on
interest-bearing  liabilities  from  2.74% in 1994 to  3.65%  in  1995.  Average
interest-bearing  deposits  increased by $6,976,000 or 2.6% from $267,863,000 in
1994 to  $274,839,000  in 1995. The increase in the average rate paid was due to
an increase in the average  volume of higher rate  certificates  of deposits and
decreases in interest paid on lower rate savings and money market accounts.

     Total interest expense  decreased  $535,000 or 7.1% from $7,510,000 for the
nine months ended  September 30, 1995,  to $6,975,000  for the nine months ended
September  30,  1996.  This  decrease  was due to  decreases in both the average
volume of  interest-bearing  liabilities  and the  average  rate  paid.  Average
interest bearing deposits decreased $5,177,000 or 1.9% from $274,945,000 for the
nine months ended  September  30, 1995,  compared to  $269,768,000  for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996, and the average rates paid on  interest-bearing
liabilities decreased for the comparable nine month periods.

     The following table presents average balances and rates on interest-bearing
deposits for the nine-month and twelve-month periods indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     September 30, 1996     September 30, 1995
                               Average Balance   Average Rate   Average Balance   Average Rate
                              ----------------  -------------  ----------------  ---------------
                                             (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                          <C>                    <C>            <C>             <C>    
Demand                       $  101,911                             $  92,307
Money market accounts            63,168              1.86%             62,547       2.13%
Savings                          83,530              2.43%             85,371       2.58%
Certificates of deposit         123,070              4.93%            127,027       5.07%
                               ----------                          ----------
Total deposits               $  371,679                            $  367,252
                               ==========                          ==========

</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                     December 31, 1995                 December 31, 1994
                               Average Balance   Average Rate     Average Balance  Average Rate
                              ---------------    ------------     ---------------  ------------
                                            (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                             <C>               <C>                <C>           <C>     
Demand                          $  94,291                             $  91,192
Money market accounts              62,003           2.08                 72,817     1.95%
Savings                            84,796           2.60                100,786     2.41%
Certificates of deposit           128,040           5.08                 94,260     3.64%
                               ----------                            -----------
Total deposits                 $  369,130                            $  359,055
                               ==========                            ===========
</TABLE>


     Allowance and Provision for Loan Losses;  Non-Performing Loans.  Regardless
of  credit  standards,  there is a risk of loss in  every  loan  portfolio.  The
allowance for loan losses is a reserve  established  through charges to earnings
in the form of a provision for loan losses.  Management  establishes a provision
for loan  losses  based upon its  assessment  of the  inherent  risk in, and the
growth of, the loan  portfolio  as a whole.  A review of the quality of the loan
portfolio is conducted  internally by  management on a quarterly  basis with the
results presented to Midland's Board of Directors. This evaluation considers, in
addition to individual loan review,  several factors including,  but not limited
to, general economic conditions, loan portfolio composition,  prior loan losses,
and an estimation by management of future  potential  losses.  The provision for
loan losses was $500,000 in 1995,  $787,000 in 1994,  and $1,036,000 in 1993. As
of December 31, 1995,  the allowance for loan losses was  $4,321,000 or 1.67% of
total loans,  compared to  $3,881,000 or 1.60% of total loans as of December 31,
1994, and $3,211,000 or 1.47% of total loans as of December 31, 1993.

     The  provision  for loan  losses was  $190,000  for the nine  months  ended
September 30, 1996,  compared to $400,000 for the comparable  period in 1995. At
September  30, 1996,  the  allowance  for loan losses was  $4,208,000 or 1.5% of
total loans,  compared to  $4,218,000  or 1.6% of total loans at  September  30,
1995.

     The following  table  provides an analysis of Midland's  allowance for loan
losses as of the dates indicated: (1)

                                       September 30              December 31
                                     1996        1995         1995       1994
                                 ----------------------    ---------------------
                                                   (Dollars in thousands)
Ba1ance at beginning of year     $  4,321    $  3,881      $  3,881   $ 3,211
Loans charged off:
 Commercial                           164          13            18        -
 Real Estate                          113          14            14        -
 Installment                          111         156           187       347
                                  -------     --------      --------  --------

Recoveries on loans previously
 charged off                    $     85          120      $    159   $   230
                                 --------     --------      --------  --------
Net charge offs                      303           63            60       117
Provision charged to operating 
 expenses                            190          400           500       787
                                 --------     --------      --------  --------
Balance at end of peroid        $  4,208     $  4,218      $  4,321   $ 3,881
                                 ========     ========      ========  ========
Ratio of net charge offs during
 the period to average loans
 outstanding during period           .11%         .03%          .02%      .05%

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

(1)      As of December 31, 1995,  and December 31, 1994 and September 30, 1995,
there  were no loans  which were  "troubled  debt  restructuring"  as defined by
Financial  Accounting Standards No. 15- "Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for
Troubled Debt  Restructuring." As of September 30, 1996,  $214,000 is considered
to be "troubled debt restructuring" and is in compliance with its terms.

     Midland  places loans on  non-accrual  status when principal or interest is
past due 90 days or more, provided that Midland Bank's Senior Loan Committee may
choose  not  to  account  for  any  such  loan  on a  non-accrual  basis  if the
delinquency  is technical in nature and there is a clear  understanding  of when
payment  will be made.  Loans for which  payments are less than 90 days past due
are  placed  on  non-accrual  status  when  there  exists  serious  doubt  as to
collectibility.  At  September  30,  1996,  Midland  had  non-accrual  loans  of
$1,697,000  and  $154,000  of  accruing  loans  past  due 90 days,  compared  to
non-accrual  loans of $2,338,000  and $32,000 of accruing loans past due 90 days
at September 30, 1995.

     The following table summarizes the composition of Midland's  non-performing
assets as of the dates indicated:

                                           September 30        December 31
                                         1996        1995    1995        1994
                                      --------------------  --------------------
                                                  (Dollars in Thousands)
Non-accrual loans                      $ 1,697   $ 1,918    $ 2,382    $ 1,223
Other real estate owned, net                -        420        -          489
                                      ---------  --------   --------    -------

Total non-performing assets            $ 1,697   $ 2,338    $ 2,382    $ 1,712
                                       ========  ========   ========    ========

Non-performing assets to total loans       .59%      .90%       .92%       .71%
Non-performing assets to total assets      .40%      .57%       .56%       .43%


     The amount of gross  interest  income that would have been recorded for the
nine months ending September 30, 1996 and September 30, 1995, if the non-accrual
loans as of such date had been current in accordance  with their  original terms
and had been outstanding  throughout such period or since  origination,  if held
for part of such  period,  and the amount of interest  income on such loans that
was included in net income for such periods, is not material.

     Except for loans  accounted for on a non-accrual  basis as of September 30,
1996,  management is not aware of any  significant  possible  credit problems of
borrowers  which causes  management to have serious  doubts as to the ability of
such borrowers to comply with their present loan  repayment  terms and which may
cause such loans to be accounted for on a non-accrual basis. However,  there can
be no assurance  that  borrowers who currently  comply with their loan repayment
terms  will  continue  to do  so or  that  any  loans  not  accounted  for  on a
non-accrual  basis as of September 30, 1996 will not thereafter be accounted for
on a non-accrual basis.

     In addition,  as of September  30,  1996,  Midland had no  interest-bearing
assets (other than loans) that would be accounted for on a non-accrual  basis or
that were accruing and contractually past due 90 days or more.

     Other Operating Income. Other operating income,  including securities gains
or losses,  decreased  $45,000 or 1.5% from  $2,979,000 in 1994 to $2,934,000 in
1995, and decreased  $400,000 or 11.8% from  $3,379,000 in 1993 to $2,979,000 in
1994.  Service  charges  on  deposit  accounts  decreased  $51,000  or 2.0% from
$2,508,000 in 1994 to $2,457,000 in 1995, principally due to an $83,000 decrease
in overdraft  charges offset by a $34,000  increase in analysis fees.  Loan fees
decreased  $15,000  or 46.9%  from  $32,000  in 1994 to  $17,000  in 1995 due to
decreases  in late  charges  collected  and  commissions  collected on insurance
premiums on installment  loans.  Commissions  and fees increased  $7,000 or 2.9%
from  $237,000 in 1994 to $244,000 in 1995.  Other income  decreased  $12,000 or
5.3% from $227,000 in 1994 to $215,000 in 1995,  due primarily to decreased safe
deposit fees. In 1994 there was a loss on sale of securities of $25,000 compared
to a gain of $1,000 in 1995. Total other operating  income,  including  security
transactions,  represented  9% of total income in 1995  compared to 10% of total
income in 1994.

     Other operating  income,  including  securities gains or losses,  decreased
$245,000 or 11.0% from  $2,222,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1995,
to $1,977,000 for the nine months ended  September 30, 1996.  Service charges on
deposit accounts decreased $235,000 or 12.6% from $1,869,000 for the nine months
ended  September 30, 1995, to $1,634,000 for the nine months ended September 30,
1996,  principally  due to a $185,000  decrease  in  overdraft  and  uncollected
charges and a $47,000 decrease in analysis fees.  Commissions and fees decreased
$2,000 or 1.0% from  $192,000 for the nine months ended  September  30, 1995, to
$190,000 for the nine months ended  September 30, 1996.  Other income  decreased
$6,000 or 4.1% from  $147,000 for the nine months ended  September  30, 1995, to
$141,000 for the nine months ended  September  30, 1996,  due  primarily to safe
deposit fees. For the nine months ended September 30, 1995,  there was a gain on
the sale of  securities  of $2,000  compared  to no gains or losses for the nine
months  ended  September  30,  1996.  Total other  operating  income,  including
security  transactions,  represented  8.3% of total  income for the nine  months
ended  September 30, 1996,  compared to 9.3% of total income for the nine months
ended September 30, 1995.

     Other Operating Expense. Other operating expenses increased $33,000 or 0.2%
from  $14,487,000 in 1994 to $14,520,000 in 1995, and decreased  $15,000 or 0.1%
from  $14,502,000  in 1993 to 1994.  Salaries  and  related  expenses  increased
$463,000 or 6.0% from $7,739,000 in 1994 to $8,202,000 in 1995, due primarily to
salary  increases of $377,000 for annual merit and  incentive  compensation  and
increased insurance benefits of $85,000.  Occupancy expense increased $39,000 or
2.3% from  $1,715,000 in 1994 to $1,754,000 in 1995,  primarily due to increased
rental expense and maintenance  costs.  Premises and equipment expense increased
$87,000 or 5.1% from $1,715,000 in 1994 to $1,802,000 in 1995.  Purchases of new
furniture  and  equipment  of  $500,000  in 1995  resulted  in a $35,000 or 4.3%
increase of depreciation  expense from 1994 to 1995. Telephone expense increased
$19,000 or 10.3% from 1994 to 1995. Offsetting these increases was a $390,000 or
48.5%  decrease in FDIC expense from $804,000 in 1994 to $414,000 in 1995.  This
decrease  was due to  reductions  on the  FDIC  premiums  that are  assessed  on
outstanding deposits. The reduced FDIC premiums resulted in a refund of $229,000
for the second and third  quarters of 1995 and reduced  premiums  for the fourth
quarter of 1995.  Other expense  decreased  $166,000 or 6.6% from  $2,514,000 in
1994 to $2,348,000  in 1995. Of this amount,  $113,000 was due to a reduction in
the expense of maintaining and carrying other real estate owned.

     Other operating expense increased $181,000 or 1.6% from $11,137,000 for the
nine months ended  September 30, 1995, to $11,318,000  for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996.  Salaries and related  expenses  increased  $183,000 or 2.9%
from  $6,217,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1995, to $6,400,000 for
the nine months ended  September 30, 1996, due primarily to salary  increases of
$172,000  for  annual  merit  and  incentive  compensation.   Occupancy  expense
increased  $133,000 or 10.0% from $1,327,000 for the nine months ended September
30, 1995,  to  $1,460,000  for the nine months ended  September  30, 1996.  This
increase was due to increased rental expense and additional  maintenance  costs.
Of this amount,  $70,000 was a direct result of additional snow removal expense.
Premises and equipment expense increased $44,000 or 3.7% from $1,200,000 for the
nine months ended  September 30, 1995,  to $1,244,000  for the nine months ended
September  30,  1996.  Professional  services  increased  $107,000 or 63.3% from
$169,000 for the nine months ended  September 30, 1995, to $276,000 for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996, primarily due to additional costs incurred as a
result of a business process marketing effort.  Offsetting these increases was a
decrease of $286,000 or 12.9% in other  expenses  from  $2,224,000  for the nine
months  ended  September  30,  1995,  to  $1,938,000  for the nine months  ended
September  30,  1996.  Of this  amount,  $376,000 was due to a reduction in FDIC
premiums, which are assessed on outstanding deposits.

Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity

     Interest  Rate   Sensitivity.   Midland  seeks  to  manage   interest  rate
sensitivity to avoid net interest margin risk and to enhance  consistent  growth
of net interest  income through  periods of changing  rates.  Interest rate risk
arises from mismatches  between repricing or maturity  characteristics of assets
and liabilities. More assets repricing or maturing than liabilities over a given
time frame is considered  asset  sensitive,  and more  liabilities  repricing or
maturing  than assets is  considered  liability  sensitive.  An asset  sensitive
position will generally  enhance  earnings in a rising interest rate environment
and will negatively impact earnings in a falling interest rate environment and a
liability  sensitive  position will generally enhance earnings in a falling rate
environment and negatively impact earnings in a rising rate environment.

     Interest rate sensitivity  varies with different types of  interest-earning
assets and interest-bearing  liabilities.  Overnight federal funds (with respect
to which rates  change  daily) and loans which are tied to the prime rate differ
considerably  from  long-term   investment   securities  and  fixed-rate  loans.
Similarly,  time deposits are much more interest  sensitive than regular savings
accounts.

     The  following  table  sets forth the  contractual  maturity  or  repricing
distribution   of  Midland's   interest-earning   assets  and   interest-bearing
liabilities as of September 30, 1996.  Midland's interest sensitivity gap (i.e.,
interest-sensitive  assets less interest  sensitive  liabilities),  the ratio of
cumulative total  interest-earning  assets to cumulative total  interest-bearing
liabilities, and Midland's cumulative interest sensitivity gap ratio:


<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                    (Dollars in Thousands)
                                                                         (unaudited)

Assets/Liabilities Subject to         Within      Within       Within      Within        Over    
Interest Rate Adjustment              3 Mos.      6 Mos.        1 Yr.       5 Yrs.       5 Yrs.        Total
                                      ------      ------       ------       ------       -----         -----
<S>                                 <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>         
Loans and Leases:
  Fixed rate by maturity            $  6,622     $  4,293    $  11,678     $  51,282     $  6,346   $  80,221
  Floating rate by interval          131,412        5,715       10,178        55,083        6,870     209,258

Securities:
  Fixed rate by maturity               9,939        7,289       14,746        49,891        3,471      85,336
  Floating rate by interval            5,188          191           -             -            -        5,379
  Federal Funds Sold                     800            -           -             -            -          800
                                  ----------     --------     --------     ---------      -------   ---------

Total Interest-Earning Assets     $  153,961     $  17,488    $  36,602    $  156,256    $ 16,687   $ 380,994
                                  ==========      ========    =========    ==========    ========   =========

Money market accounts              $  67,046             -           -             -            -   $  67,046
Savings accounts                      82,709             -           -             -            -      82,709
Time Deposits $100M and over          18,180         7,263    $   1,487           204           -      27,134
Time Deposits under $100M              8,649        46,086       24,717        17,541           7   $  97,000
                                 -----------     ---------    ---------     ---------   ---------   ---------

Total Interest-Bearing
Liabilities                       $  176,584     $  53,349    $  26,204     $  17,745   $       7   $  273,889
                                  ==========     =========    =========     =========   =========   ==========

Net Position (Interest
Sensitivity Gap)                     (22,623)      (35,861)      10,398       138,511      16,680                 
                                 -----------      ---------   ---------     ---------    --------                 

Cumulative Interest Sensitivity
  Gap                                (22,623)      (58,484)     (48,086)       90,425     107,105         
Ratio of Cumulative Gap to
  Total Assets                        (5.31%)      (13.72%)     (11.28%)        21.21%      25.13%        
</TABLE>

         The  amount of  Midland's  interest  sensitive  liabilities  (generally
deposits  with  maturities of one year or less) have in the past not matched the
amount of its interest  sensitive assets (assets which reprice based on an index
or have short term  maturities).  This  imbalance  is referred to as an interest
sensitivity  gap, and measures the potential impact of changes to earnings based
on changes in the general level of interest rates. In general,  the net interest
income of a financial  institution  will be benefited if the  institution  has a
negative interest sensitivity gap during periods of declining interest rates and
a positive interest sensitivity gap during periods of increasing interest rates.
Likewise,  net  interest  income  generally  will  be  adversely  affected  if a
financial  institution has a positive interest sensitivity gap during periods of
declining  interest rates or a negative interest  sensitivity gap during periods
of increasing interest rates.

         For a number of reasons, the table set forth above reflecting Midland's
interest  rate  sensitivity  analysis is not a complete  picture of the possible
effect of interest rate changes on net interest  income.  First,  changes in the
general  level of interest  rates will not affect all  categories  of assets and
liabilities  equally or  simultaneously.  Second, the table represents a one-day
position;  variations  occur daily as Midland  adjusts its interest  sensitivity
throughout the year. Third,  assumptions must be made to construct such a table.
For  example,  there  are  several  savings  products  categorized  as  interest
sensitive in the 30 day interval;  however, they may be adjusted less frequently
than changes in the leading rate indicators. Fourth, the re-pricing distribution
of interest  sensitive  assets may not be  indicative  of the liquidity of those
assets. Finally, since the table is based on contractual maturities, it does not
include estimates of early principal payment on mortgage and installment loans.

         Liquidity.  Liquidity is a measure of Midland's  ability to fund loans,
withdrawals  of deposits  and other cash  outflows in a cost  effective  manner.
Midland's  principal  source  of  funds is  deposits  and,  to a lessor  extent,
scheduled amortization and prepayments of loan principal.  In addition,  Midland
has  available  other  sources  of  credit,  including  borrowings,   sales  and
maturities of investment securities and funds provided by operations. While loan
payments and maturing  investments are relatively  predictable sources of funds,
deposit  flows are  greatly  influenced  by  general  interest  rates,  economic
conditions and competition.

         Midland's  primary source of cash from financing  activities during the
first nine months of 1996 and 1995,  as well as during  1995 and 1994,  was from
the net decrease in the investment portfolios and the net increases in deposits.
Total deposits equaled $388,951,000,  $374,323,000,  $388,260,000,  $370,235,000
and  $377,303,000  as of September 30, 1996,  September  30, 1995,  December 31,
1995, December 31, 1994, and December 31, 1993,  respectively.  Total securities
for the periods ended September 30, 1996, September 30, 1995, December 31, 1995,
December  31,  1994  and  December  31,  1993  were  $90,715,000,  $101,396,000,
$98,036,000, $115,422,000 and $140,866,000, respectively. To further support and
enhance its liquidity  position,  Midland has  established  lines of credit with
other banks. In addition,  Midland may borrow from the Federal Home Loan Bank of
New York, subject to certain limitations.

         Midland  Bank  has an  Asset/Liability  Management  Committee  which is
comprised  entirely  of  members of senior  management  of  Midland  Bank.  This
committee,  which  advises  the  Investment  Committee  of  Midland's  Board  of
Directors,  is responsible for reviewing interest rate risk and enhancing future
liquidity needs over various time periods.  Its primary goals are to maintain an
appropriate  balance  between   interest-earning   assets  and  interest-bearing
liabilities and to assure adequate liquidity.

Capital

         Stockholders'  equity increased  $1,799,000 or 5.6% from $32,372,000 at
December 31, 1995, to  $34,171,000 at September 30, 1996.  Stockholders'  equity
increased  $4,093,000  or 14.5%  from  $28,279,000  at  December  31,  1994,  to
$32,372,000  at  December  31,  1995,  and  increased   $359,000  or  1.3%  from
$27,920,000  at December  31,  1993,  to December  31,  1994.  The growth in all
periods was generated through earnings retention.

         The FDIC and Federal Reserve Board have adopted minimum  risk-based and
leverage  capital  guidelines which are discussed at "Supervision and Regulation
of Midland-Capital Requirements."

Impact of Inflation

         The financial statements and related financial data and notes presented
herein  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  GAAP,   which  requires  the
measurement of financial  position and operating  results in terms of historical
dollars,  without  considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money
over time due to inflation.

         Unlike  most  industrial  companies,  virtually  all of the  assets and
liabilities of Midland are monetary in nature. As a result,  interest rates have
a more  significant  impact on  performance  than the  effects of general  price
levels.  Although  interest  rates  generally  move in the  same  directions  as
inflation,  the  magnitude  of such  changes  varies.  The  possible  effect  of
fluctuating   interest  rates  is  discussed  more  fully  at  "Interest    Rate
Sensitivity and Liquidity."



                               BUSINESS OF MIDLAND

General

         Midland was  organized as a bank holding  company under the laws of New
Jersey in 1985 to acquire all of the outstanding stock of Midland Bank.  Midland
engages in no business  activities  other than  acting as a holding  company for
Midland Bank.  Midland Bank owns all of the outstanding  stock of Midland Realty
Co., Inc. ("Midland Realty") and Midpar Investment, Inc. ("Midpar").

         Midland  Realty is a New  Jersey  corporation  organized  in 1967 which
holds and manages  real estate for  Midland  Bank.  As of  September  30,  1996,
Midland Realty had assets of $1,489,000.

         Midpar is a New Jersey  corporation  organized  in 1985  which  manages
certain  investments  for Midland  Bank.  As of September  30, 1996,  Midpar had
assets of $54,402,000.

Business of Midland Bank

         The Midland Bank and Trust Company is a New Jersey banking organization
located in Paramus,  New Jersey. In 1985,  Midland was formed for the purpose of
acquiring all of the outstanding  stock of Midland Bank. Assets in the last five
years have grown from  $362,492,000  at December 31, 1991,  to  $426,233,000  at
September 30, 1996. For the nine months ended September 30, 1996,  Midland's net
income after taxes was  $3,362,000,  compared to $3,079,000  for the nine months
ended  September  30, 1995.  On September  30, 1996,  deposit  liabilities  were
$388,951,000  and net loans  were  $285,271,000  compared  to  $374,323,000  and
$254,326,000,  respectively,  at September 30, 1995. Net interest income for the
nine months ended September 30, 1996 was $15,007,000  compared to $14,241,000 at
September  30, 1995.  As of September  30, 1996,  loans past due 90 days or more
totaled $154,000, not including non-accrual loans of $1,697,000.

         Midland Bank offers  traditional  commercial  bank  services  including
checking,  savings and money  market  accounts,  time  deposits and safe deposit
services.  A variety of loans  including  commercial,  real estate and  consumer
installment  loans are offered to persons and  businesses  located  primarily in
central and eastern  Bergen  County,  New Jersey.  Midland Bank also offers cash
management services to its customers.

         Midland  Bank  commenced  operations  in  April,  1958,  and  currently
operates through its main office located at 80 East Ridgewood  Avenue,  Paramus,
New Jersey,  and 13 branch offices located throughout central and eastern Bergen
County  in the  towns of  Paramus,  Fort  Lee,  Englewood,  Northvale,  Oradell,
Ridgefield, Tenafly, Waldwick and Hackensack, New Jersey.

Lending

         Midland  concentrates its lending  activities in three principal areas:
commercial,  consumer  installment  and mortgage.  At September 30, 1996,  these
categories  accounted  for  approximately  57%,  19% and 24%,  respectively,  of
Midland's  loan  portfolio.  The  interest  rates  charged for the loans made by
Midland vary with the degree of risk,  the size and  maturity of the loans,  the
borrower's   relationship  with  Midland,  and  prevailing  money  market  rates
indicative  of Midland's  cost of funds.  The  majority of  Midland's  loans are
generated in Bergen County, New Jersey.

         The  following  table sets forth the  amounts of loans  outstanding  by
category as of the dates indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                          September 30                             December 31
                                   --------------------------------------   -----------------------
                                    1996         1995            1995                 1994
                                   --------------------------------------   -----------------------
                                               (unaudited)
                                                               (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                             <C>          <C>               <C>                <C>   
Commercial                      $  161,758   $  150,381        $  150,570         $  143,507
Consumer Installment                56,138       47,148            46,651             43,543
Real estate                         67,918       59,032            59,188             55,011
Construction                         3,665        1,983             2,256                -
                                ----------   ----------       -----------         ----------

Total loans                        289,479      258,544           258,665            242,061
                                ----------   ----------       -----------         ----------

Allowance for Loan Losses           (4,208)      (4,218)           (4,321)            (3,881)            
Net Loans                       $  285,271  $   254,326        $  254,344         $  238,180
                                ==========  ===========        ==========         ==========
</TABLE>

         Average loan  balances for 1995 were up 13.1% over 1994.  The 1995 year
end loan  balance of  $258,665,000  was 6.8% higher than the balance on the same
date of 1994. At year end 1995, the loan to deposit ratio was 66.6% versus 65.4%
at December 31, 1994.

         Loan  balances  at  September  30,  1996,   reflected  an  increase  of
$30,935,000  or 12.0% from the period  ending  September  30,  1995.  The higher
growth rate resulted from increasing economic activity in general.

     Midland  relies  substantially  on  local  promotional  activity,  personal
contacts  by bank  officers,  directors  and  employees  to  compete  with other
financial institutions.  Midland makes loans to borrowers whose applications, in
the view of  Midland  managment,  include a sound  purpose,  a viable  repayment
source and a plan of repayment  established at inception and generally backed by
a secondary  source of repayment.  Midland has established a written loan policy
for each of its categories of loans which is reviewed  periodically by the Board
of Directors.  The loan  portfolio is reviewed  periodically  by Midland  Bank's
Credit Quality Committee to initiate steps to accelerate the collections of past
due loans and other actions deemed necessary in order to maintain a good quality
loan portfolio.

         Commercial  Loans.  Commercial  loans  include  business  related loans
priced by Midland at variable  and fixed rates of  interest.  At  September  30,
1996, approximately 57% or $165,423,000 of Midland's loan portfolio consisted of
commercial loans. Commercial loans include operating lines of credit, letters of
credit, working capital, asset acquisition,  construction and loans for business
related purposes.

         Real Estate Loans.  Approximately  24% or $67,918,000 of the total loan
portfolio of $289,479,000 at September 30, 1996, was secured by residential real
estate.  The loan to value ratio for a real estate  loan is  dependent  upon the
borrower,  the  type of  project  and the  duration.  Loan to value  ratios  are
generally at 75% or less for commercial and 80% for 1-4 family  residential real
estate loans at the time the loan is made.

         Midland has an active residential real estate department which provides
loans for 1-4 family  residences.  Commercial  real estate  lending is generally
reserved  for  productive  as opposed to  investment  or  speculative  purposes.
Midland  requires debt service  ratios which it considers to be adequate as part
of its  consideration  of the  financial  viability  of the  borrower.  The real
property provides a secondary source of repayment.

         Midland  utilizes  third-party  appraisers  for  appraising  all  loans
secured by real estate.  These  appraisers  are approved  annually.  Midland has
adopted real estate appraisal  standards as set forth in FDIC regulations  which
are applied to all regulated real estate transactions.

         Consumer Installment Loans. The consumer installment loan portfolio was
$56,138,000  at September  30, 1996.  These loans  represent a diverse  group of
borrowers and include  automobile  loans,  personal loans,  home equity lines of
credit and overdraft protection.

Investment Portfolio

         Midland's  investment portfolio consists primarily of U.S. Treasury and
U.S. Agency  securities.  Government  regulations  limit the type and quality of
investments  in which  Midland  may  invest  its  funds.  See  "Supervision  and
Regulation of Midland."

         Midland has established a written  investment  policy which is reviewed
annually.  This  policy  identifies  investment  criteria  and  states  specific
objectives in terms of risk, interest rate sensitivity and liquidity.  Midland's
primary  investment  goal is to  acquire  the  best  mix of  securities  for its
investment portfolio in terms of quality, term and marketability.

         Midland Bank has established an Investment Committee which is comprised
of its President,  Treasurer and certain members of the Board of Directors. This
Investment  Committee  is  responsible  for  reviewing  interest  rate  risk and
liquidity  needs over various time periods.  The Investment  Committee  monitors
Midland's investment  portfolio to ensure compliance with guidelines.  Midland's
Board of  Directors  review  monthly the minutes from the  Investment  Committee
meetings.



<PAGE>
<TABLE>

         The following tables present the mix of Midland's  investment portfolio
along  with the  amortized  cost and  market  values of those  components  as of
September 30, 1996 and 1995, and as of December 31, 1995 and 1994:

<CAPTION>
                                                        September 30, 1996                     September 30, 1995
                                                 Amortized Cost    Market Value       Amortized Cost    Market Value
                                                                         (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                              
<S>                                              <C>                <C>                 <C>               <C>  
Securities held to maturity:
  U.S. Treasury                                  $  29,151          $  28,971           $  40,378         $  40,041
  U.S. Agencies                                     16,753             16,645              14,563            14,520
  States and political                               1,768              1,847               3,674             3,752
  Other                                              2,860              2,860                 264               264
                                                 ---------          ---------           ---------         ---------

Total investment securities-HTM                  $  50,532          $  50,323           $  58,879         $  58,577
                                                 =========          =========           =========         =========

Securities available for sale:
  U.S. Treasury                                  $  26,627          $  26,456           $  30,388         $  29,966
  U.S. agencies                                     12,004             11,936              12,091            11,834
  Other                                              1,788              1,791                 711               717
                                                 ---------          ---------           ---------         ---------

Total investment securities-AFS                  $  40,419          $  40,183           $  43,190         $  42,517
                                                 =========          =========           =========         =========

</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     December 31, 1995                     December 31, 1994
                                             Amortized Cost      Market Value       Amortized Cost      Market Value
                                                                     (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                            <C>                <C>                 <C>               <C>   
Securities held to maturity:
  U.S. Treasury                                $  38,331          $  38,365           $  38,076         $  36,315
  U.S. Agencies                                   16,844             16,981              20,195            19,344
  States and political                             2,439              2,533               5,159             5,180
  Other                                              611                611                 754               754
                                                 -------            -------           ---------         ---------

Total investment securities-HTM                $  58,225          $  58,490           $  64,184         $  61,593
                                               =========          =========           =========         =========

Securities available for sale:
  U.S. Treasury                                $  29,301          $  29,174           $  36,648         $  34,747
  U.S. agencies                                   10,069              9,915              16,142            15,359
  Other                                              711                722               1,163             1,132
                                                --------           --------           ---------         ---------

Total investment securities-AFS                $  40,081          $  39,811           $  53,953         $  51,238
                                               =========          =========           =========         =========
</TABLE>

         Investment  securities  held to maturity are carried at cost,  adjusted
for the accretion of discounts and  amortization  of premiums using the interest
method.  Amortization  and accretion are  recognized as  adjustments to interest
income.

         The  portfolio  includes no  obligation  of a single state or political
subdivision   issuer  with  an  aggregate   book  value  in  excess  of  10%  of
shareholders'  equity.  Mortgage  backed  securities are scheduled  according to
anticipated principal repayments and prepayments.

Deposits

         Deposits  are the  primary  source of funds used by Midland for lending
and other general business purposes. In addition to deposits, Midland may derive
additional  funds  from  principal  repayments  on loans,  the sale of loans and
investment  securities and borrowings from other financial  institutions and the
FHLB (which lends to the member  institutions  within its assigned region).  The
level  of  deposit  liabilities  can vary  significantly  and is  influenced  by
prevailing interest rates, money market conditions,  general economic conditions
and competition.

         Midland   primarily    attracts   deposits   from   local   businesses,
professionals  and retail  customers.  Midland  attempts  to ensure a  satisfied
customer base by offering a full range of banking products  including  checking,
savings,  money market accounts and  certificates of deposit  accounts.  Midland
also offers Individual Retirement Accounts. Midland attempts to control the flow
of deposits  primarily by pricing its accounts to remain  competitive with other
financial institutions in its market area, although Midland does not necessarily
seek to match the  highest  rates  paid by  competing  institutions.  Management
believes that the customers  provide a strong and relatively stable core deposit
base.

         Total deposits increased 3.9% from September 30, 1995, to September 30,
1996.  There were some changes in the deposit mix.  Most of the mix changes were
the   result   of   the   increase   in   interest-bearing    demand   deposits.
Noninterest-bearing  demand and  interest-bearing  demand deposits  increased to
46.8% from 43.1% of total  deposits,  respectively,  at September 30, 1996,  and
September 30, 1995.  Savings deposits decreased slightly from 22.1% to 21.2% and
time  certificates  decreased  from 34.7% to 31.9% from  September  30, 1995, to
September 30, 1996.

         At September 30, 1996,  deposits  totaled  $388,951,000 or 91% of total
assets.  Approximately  68% of the deposit base  consisted  of demand  deposits,
savings  and money  market  accounts.  Time  deposits  of  $100,000 or more with
specific  maturities  totaled  $27,134,000  at  September  30,  1996,  of  which
$18,180,000 mature within three months from such date, $8,750,000 mature between
three and twelve months from such date and $204,000  mature  between  twelve and
sixty months from such date.

Property

         Midland Realty owns the five-story main office building used by Midland
Bank which is located at 80 East Ridgewood  Avenue,  Paramus,  New Jersey.  This
location has 32,000 square feet of floor area and provides 5 teller  windows,  2
drive up windows,  1 ATM and safe deposit  facilities.  Midland Realty subleases
approximately  2,955  square  feet in this  building  to 2  unrelated  entities.
Midland  Bank  owns  its  branch  offices  located  in  Englewood,  Oradell  and
Ridgefield,  New Jersey.  Midland Bank leases its branch  facilities  located in
Englewood  (1 limited  service  facility),  Fort Lee (2  branches),  Hackensack,
Northvale,  Paramus (2 branches), Tenafly and Waldwick, New Jersey. Midland Bank
also leases space in buildings in Paramus and Oradell, which it uses for support
operations and training facilities.

Competition

         The primary service area of Midland Bank is affluent Bergen County, New
Jersey, particularly the central, northwestern, northern valley and southeastern
regions.  Bergen County is a densely populated suburb of New York City, which is
largely  suburban in nature,  although  its location on several  major  arterial
routes has attracted the headquarters of many large corporations.

         Midland  Bank  has   competition   within   Bergen   County  from  many
well-established  financial institutions.  In addition to competition from other
commercial  banking  institutions,  there is  competition  from savings and loan
companies,  credit  unions and other types of  financial  institutions.  Many of
Midland Bank's  competitors are larger and more  substantially  capitalized than
Midland Bank. They have established  positions in Bergen County and have greater
resources  than  Midland Bank for lending and to pay for  advertising,  physical
facilities, personnel and interest on deposited funds.

         The primary  factors  affecting  competition  for deposits are interest
rates,  the quality and range of financial  services offered and the convenience
of office locations and office hours. The primary factors in competing for loans
are interest rates,  loan  origination fees and the quality and range of lending
services  offered.  Other factors which affect  competition  include the general
availability of lendable funds and credit, general and local economic conditions
and the quality of service provided to customers.

         Midland  Bank  relies  substantially  on  local  promotional  activity,
personal  contacts  by its  officers,  directors,  employees  and  shareholders,
extended hours,  personalized  service, and its reputation in the communities it
serves to compete effectively.

Legal Proceedings

         Midland  is not  presently  involved  in any  legal  proceedings  which
Midland's  management  believes  to be material to its  financial  condition  or
results of operations.  As the nature of Midland's  business involves  providing
certain  financial  services,  the collection of loans and the  enforcement  and
validity of mortgages  and other liens,  Midland and Midland Bank are parties in
various  legal  proceedings  (such  as  garnishment  proceedings)  which  may be
considered as arising in the ordinary course of their business.

Employees

         As of September  30, 1996,  Midland Bank employed 171 persons on a full
time basis and 37 persons on a part time basis. Midland Bank's employees are not
parties to any collective bargaining agreement.  Midland Bank provides a variety
of employee benefits and believes employee relations are good.


                      SUPERVISION AND REGULATION OF MIDLAND

Midland

         As a registered  bank holding  company  under the Bank Holding  Company
Act,  Midland is subject  to the  regulations  and  supervision  of the  Federal
Reserve  Board.  The Bank Holding  Company Act requires  Midland to file reports
with the Federal Reserve Board and provide additional  information  requested by
the Federal  Reserve  Board.  Midland  must  receive the approval of the Federal
Reserve  Board before it may acquire all or  substantially  all of the assets of
any bank,  or  ownership  or control of the voting  shares of any bank if, after
giving effect to such  acquisition of shares,  Midland would own or control more
than 5% of the voting shares of such bank.

         Midland is prohibited from engaging in, or acquiring direct or indirect
ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company engaged
in,  non-banking  activities,  unless  the  Federal  Reserve  Board  by order or
regulation  has found  such  activities  to be  closely  related  to  banking or
managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. In making such
determinations,  the Federal Reserve Board considers  whether the performance of
such activities by a bank holding  company would offer  advantages to the public
which outweigh any possible adverse effects.

         Midland and its  subsidiaries  are deemed to be  affiliates  of Midland
Bank under the Federal  Reserve Act. That Act establishes  certain  restrictions
which limit the extent to which an  affiliated  bank may supply funds to Midland
and  other   affiliates.   Midland  is  also  subject  to  restrictions  on  the
underwriting  and  the  public  sale  and  distribution  of  securities  and  is
prohibited  from engaging in certain tie-in  arrangements in connection with any
extension of credit, sale or lease of property, or furnishing of services.

Midland Bank

         The  operations  of  Midland  Bank are  subject  to  federal  and state
statutes  applicable to banks chartered  under the State of New Jersey.  The New
Jersey Banking Commissioner (the  "Commissioner")  regularly examines such areas
as reserves, loans, investments,  management practices and other aspects of bank
operations.  These  examinations  are  for  the  protection  of  Midland  Bank's
depositors  and  not  for  its  shareholders.   In  addition  to  these  regular
examinations,  Midland Bank must furnish to the Commissioner  quarterly  reports
containing a full and accurate statement of its affairs.

         Subsidiary  banks of a bank  holding  company  are  subject  to certain
restrictions  imposed by the Federal  Reserve Act on any  extension of credit to
the bank holding company or any of its  subsidiaries on investments and stock or
other  securities  thereof,  and on the  taking of such stock or  securities  as
collateral for loans to any borrower.

         The  operations of Midland Bank are also subject to the  regulations of
the FDIC, which insures the deposits of Midland Bank up to a maximum of $100,000
per depositor.  The FDIC issues  regulations,  conducts  periodic  examinations,
requires the filing of reports and generally  supervises  the  operations of its
insured banks.  This  supervision  and regulation is intended  primarily for the
protection of depositors.

Dividend Restrictions

         Under New Jersey corporate law, cash dividends and other  distributions
by Midland with respect to its stock are subject to  declaration by its Board of
Directors at its discretion out of net assets.  Dividends cannot be declared and
paid when such payment  would make Midland  insolvent or unable to pay its debts
as they come due.

         Federal  Reserve  Board policy  prohibits a bank  holding  company from
declaring or paying a cash  dividend  which would  impose undue  pressure on the
capital of subsidiary banks or would be funded only through  borrowings or other
arrangements  that  might  adversely  affect  the  holding  company's  financial
position.  The policy  further  declares that a bank holding  company should not
continue its existing rate of cash  dividends on its common stock unless its net
income is  sufficient to fully fund each  dividend and its  prospective  rate of
earnings  retention appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality and
overall  financial  condition.  Other Federal  Reserve Board policies forbid the
payment by bank  subsidiaries to their parent companies of management fees which
are  unreasonable  in  amount  or  exceed a fair  market  value of the  services
rendered (or, if no market exists, actual costs plus a reasonable profit).

         Midland's sole source of income and funds are dividends paid by Midland
Bank.  The  ability of Midland  Bank to pay  dividends  is subject to New Jersey
banking law and to the powers of the  Federal  Reserve  Board.  Under New Jersey
banking  law,  Midland Bank may not,  without the approval of the  Commissioner,
declare  dividends in any one  calendar  year unless its surplus is greater than
50% of its common stock equity.  The ability of Midland Realty and Midpar to pay
dividends to Midland Bank is subject to the NJBCA.

         In addition,  the Federal  Reserve  Board has the authority to prohibit
banks regulated by it from engaging in practices which in its opinion are unsafe
or unsound.  Such  practices  could include the payment of dividends  under some
circumstances.  Moreover,  the payment of  dividends  may be  inconsistent  with
capital adequacy guidelines of the various regulatory authorities.

         Under  federal and state law,  Midland may be subject to  assessment to
restore the capital of Midland Bank should it become impaired.

Capital Requirements

         Midland is subject to the minimum  capital  requirements of the Federal
Reserve  Board and the FDIC.  As a result of these  requirements,  the growth in
assets of Midland is limited by the amount of its capital  account as defined by
the  regulatory   agencies.   Capital   requirements   may  have  an  effect  on
profitability  and the payment of dividends by Midland.  If Midland is unable to
increase its assets without  violating the minimum  capital  requirements  or is
forced to reduce assets, its ability to generate earnings would be reduced.

         The  Federal  Reserve  Board  and  the  FDIC  have  adopted  guidelines
utilizing  a  risk-based  capital   structure.   These  guidelines  apply  on  a
consolidated  basis to bank holding companies with  consolidated  assets of $150
million  or more.  For bank  holding  companies  with less than $150  million in
consolidated  assets,  the  guidelines  apply on a  bank-only  basis  unless the
holding company is engaged in non-bank activity involving  significant  leverage
or has a  significant  amount of  outstanding  debt that is held by the  general
public.  Midland  currently has  consolidated  assets of more than $150 million;
accordingly, the risk-based capital guidelines apply to Midland.

         The  risk-based  guidelines  require  Midland  to  maintain  a level of
capital based  primarily on the risk of its assets and  off-balance  sheet items
which are placed in one of four risk  categories.  Assets in the first category,
such as cash,  have no risk and therefore  carry a zero percent  risk-weight and
require no  capital  support.  Capital  support  is  required  for assets in the
remaining three risk categories -- those categories having a risk-weight of 20%,
50% and 100%,  respectively.  A financial institution's risk-based capital ratio
is calculated by dividing its qualifying total capital base by its risk-weighted
assets.  Qualifying  capital is divided into two tiers.  Core  capital  (Tier 1)
consists  of  common  shareholders'  equity  capital,  non-cumulative  perpetual
preferred   stock  and  minority   interests  in  equity  capital   accounts  of
consolidated   subsidiaries,   less  goodwill  and  other   intangible   assets.
Supplementary  capital (Tier 2) consists of items such as allowance for possible
loan and lease losses,  cumulative and limited-life  preferred stock,  mandatory
convertible securities and subordinated debt. Tier 2 capital qualifies as a part
of total capital up to a maximum of 100% of Tier 1 capital. Amounts in excess of
these  limits  may be issued  but are not  included  in the  calculation  of the
risk-based capital ratio.

         Under current  guidelines,  Midland must maintain a risk-based  capital
ratio  of 8%,  of  which  at  least  4 % must be in the  form  of core  capital.
Midland's ratios of Tier 1 and total capital to risk-weighted assets were 11.55%
and 12.80% at September 30, 1996.

         The purposes of the  risk-based  capital  guidelines  are twofold -- to
make capital  requirements  more sensitive to differences in risk profiled among
banking  organizations,  and to aid in making  the  definition  of bank  capital
uniform internationally. To achieve these purposes, the guidelines recognize the
riskiness  of assets by  lowering  capital  requirements  for some  assets  that
clearly  have less risk than  others,  and they  recognize  that there are risks
inherent in off-balance  sheet activities.  The guidelines  require that banking
organizations  hold  capital  to  support  such  activities.  In  addition,  the
guidelines  establish a  definition  of capital and minimum  risk-based  capital
standards  which are  consistent  on an  international  basis  and that  place a
greater emphasis on equity capital.

         The federal  regulatory  agencies have also adopted a minimum  leverage
ratio which is intended to supplement  risk-based  capital  requirements  and to
insure that all financial  institutions  continue to maintain a minimum level of
capital.  Current  regulations  stipulate that banks maintain a minimum level of
Tier 1 capital to total assets. The most highly rated banks in terms of safe and
sound operation that are not experiencing or anticipating significant growth are
required to have Tier 1 capital equal to at least 3% of total assets.  All other
banks are expected to maintain a minimum  leverage  capital ratio (i.e.,  Tier 1
capital  divided by total  assets) in excess of the 3% minimum  level.  The FDIC
regulations require a financial institution to maintain a minimum ratio of 4% to
5%, depending on the condition of the institution.  Midland's leverage ratio was
8.11% at September 30, 1996.

Governmental Monetary Policies and Economic Conditions

         The principal  sources of funds  essential to the business of banks and
bank holding  companies are deposits,  stockholders'  equity and borrowed funds.
The  availability  of these  and  other  potential  sources  of  funds,  such as
preferred stock or commercial  paper,  and the extent to which they are utilized
depends on many  factors,  the most  important of which are the Federal  Reserve
Board's monetary policies and the relative costs of different types of funds. An
important  function of the Federal  Reserve  Board is to regulate  the  national
supply  of bank  credit  in  order to  combat  recession  and curb  inflationary
pressure.  Among the  instruments of monetary policy used by the Federal Reserve
Board to implement these objectives are open market  operations in United States
Government  securities,  changing  the  discount  rate on bank  borrowings,  and
changing reserve  requirements  against bank deposits.  The monetary policies of
the Federal Reserve Board have had a significant impact on the operating results
of  commercial  banks in the past and are  expected  to continue to do so in the
future. In view of the recent changes in regulations  affecting commercial banks
and other  actions  and  proposed  actions  by the  federal  government  and its
monetary and fiscal authorities,  including proposed changes in the structure of
banking in the United States,  no prediction can be made as to future changes in
interest rates, credit availability,  deposit levels, the overall performance of
banks generally or of Midland.

Recent Legislation and Regulatory Action

         The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994
was  enacted by Congress  in  September  of 1994.  Under the Act,  beginning  on
September  29, 1995,  bank holding  companies  could acquire banks in any state,
notwithstanding  contrary  state  law,  and all banks  commonly  owned by a bank
holding  company could act as agents for one another.  An agent bank can receive
deposits,  renew time deposits,  accept payments and close and service loans for
its principal bank, but will not be considered a branch of that principal bank.

         A bank may also merge with a bank in another  state and operate  either
office as a branch,  notwithstanding  pre-existing  contrary state law. This law
becomes  automatically  effective in all states on June 1, 1997,  unless (1) the
law  becomes  effective  in a  given  state  at any  earlier  date  selected  by
legislation in that state; or (2) the law does not become  effective at all in a
given state because by legislation  enacted before June 1, 1997, that state opts
out of coverage by the interstate  merger  provision.  Upon  consummation  of an
interstate  merger,  the resulting bank may acquire or establish branches on the
same basis that any  participant  in the merger could have if the merger had not
taken place.

         Banks may also merge with  branches  of banks in other  states  without
merging with the banks  themselves,  or may  establish de novo branches in other
states,  if the laws of the other states  expressly  permit such mergers or such
interstate de novo branching.


                                  
                 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
                            AND MANAGEMENT OF MIDLAND


         On September 30, 1996,  there were 129,220  shares of Midland's  Common
Stock  outstanding,  including  3,962  Treasury  shares,  held of  record by 231
shareholders.  Only  shareholders  of record as of  __________,  1996,  shall be
entitled to vote at the Special  Meeting and each share is entitled to one vote.
As of September 30, 1996,  Midland's Board of Directors and affiliated  entities
owned or controlled  approximately  61% of the  outstanding  shares of   Midland
Common Stock.  Each director has indicated his intention to vote in favor of the
Merger Agreement.

         The  following  table  sets  forth  information  with  respect  to  the
beneficial  ownership of Midland  Common Stock as of September 30, 1996, and the
number and  percentage of  outstanding  shares of Valley Common Stock into which
such  shares  would be  converted  in the Merger,  by (i) each  person  known by
Midland  to own  beneficially  more than 5% of the  outstanding  Midland  Common
Stock, (ii) each current director of Midland,  and (iii) all executive  officers
and directors of Midland as a group. Except as otherwise indicated,  each of the
persons  named below has sole voting and  investment  power with  respect to the
Midland Common Stock owned by them.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                Amount and Nature of                         Shares of Valley     Percent of Valley
                              Beneficial Ownership of                      Common Stock to be     Common Stock to be
Name of Beneficial Owner        Midland Common Stock    Percent of Class         Received          held Post Merger
- ------------------------        --------------------    ----------------         --------          ----------------

<S>                                       <C>              <C>                    <C>                        <C>
Norwood Associates II                     68,923(1)        50.9%                 2,067,690                   5.2%
c/o Graham O. Jones
45 Essex Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601

Graham O. Jones                           68,958(1)        50.9%                 2,068,740                   5.2%
200 Lincoln Street
Englewood, NJ

Walter H. Jones, III                      68,958(1)        50.9%                 2,068,740                   5.2%
401 Morrow Road
Englewood, NJ

Susan H. Jones                            68,923(1)        50.9%                 2,067,690                   5.2%
2906 N Street, N.W.
Washington, DC


Deborah R. J. Boillot                     68,923(1)        50.9%                 2,067,690                   5.2%
44 Coronation Road West
02-01 Astrid Meadows
Singapore

P. Russell Bodrato                           298              *                       8,940                   *

Burton B. Goldmeier                        5,659(2)         4.5%                    169,770                   *

Robert M. Meyer                            5,111(3)         4.1%                    153,330                   *

Richard L. Nelson                            254              *                       7,620                   *

Theodore L. Peasley                          162              *                       4,860                   *

James R. Poole                               556(4)           *                      16,680                   *

Richard H. Weisinger                         103              *                       3,090                   *

Charles E. Williams                           50(5)           *                       1,500                   *

All executive officers and
directors as a group (11
persons)                                  82,445(6)        60.9%                  2,473,350                 6.2%
- ------------------------
*    Less than 1 percent.
(1)  Includes  68,923 shares held by Norwood  Associates II, a New Jersey  partnership whose partners are siblings
     Walter H. Jones, III, Graham O. Jones, Susan H. Jones and Deborah R. J. Boillot.
(2)  Includes 1,100 shares held by Mr. Goldmeier's spouse.
(3)  Includes 5,000 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 1996.
(4)  Includes 520 shares held by an IRA in Mr. Poole's name.
(5)  Includes 15 shares held jointly by Mr. Williams and his spouse.
(6)  Includes 6,250 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 1996.
</TABLE>
                         CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS OF MIDLAND

         Midland Bank has had banking transactions in the ordinary course of its
business with directors,  officers,  principal shareholders and their associates
on the same terms,  including  interest rates and collateral on loans,  as those
prevailing  at the  same  time for  comparable  transactions  with  unaffiliated
parties. To the extent that such transactions consisted of extensions of credit,
they did not, in the opinion of  management,  involve more than a normal risk of
collectibility or present other unfavorable  features. As of September 30, 1996,
Midland's  directors and executive officers were indebted to Midland Bank in the
aggregate amount of $11,780,000,  none of which such loans were delinquent. This
indebtedness  is secured  by  mortgages  and/or  security  interests  in real or
personal property owned by these persons.
   
         In   addition,   in  the  first  nine  months  of  1996   Midland  paid
approximately  $150,000 for legal services to a law firm whose partner is Graham
O. Jones, a director and  shareholder of Midland.  In the opinion of management,
such  charges  are  reasonable  in  relation to the  services  provided  and are
consistent with those that would have been received from non-affiliated counsel.


                       DESCRIPTION OF VALLEY COMMON STOCK

         The authorized capital stock of Valley consists of 75,000,000 shares of
common  stock,  of which  36,366,749  shares were issued and  outstanding  as of
September 30, 1996.

General
         Valley is a New Jersey general business corporation governed by the New
Jersey Business  Corporation Act and a registered bank holding company under the
Bank Holding Company Act. The following  description of Valley Common Stock sets
forth certain general terms of Valley Common Stock.

Dividend Rights

         Holders of Valley  Common Stock are entitled to dividends  when, as and
if declared by the Board of Directors of Valley out of funds  legally  available
for the  payment  of  dividends.  The only  statutory  limitation  is that  such
dividends  may not be paid  when  Valley  is  insolvent.  Because  funds for the
payment of dividends by Valley must come primarily from the earnings of Valley's
bank subsidiary,  as a practical matter,  any restrictions on the ability of VNB
to pay dividends will act as  restrictions  on the amount of funds available for
payment of dividends by Valley.

         As a national banking association, VNB is subject to limitations on the
amount of dividends it may pay to Valley, VNB's only shareholder. Prior approval
by the OCC is required to the extent the total of all  dividends  to be declared
by VNB in any  calendar  year  exceeds net  profits,  as defined,  for that year
combined with VNB's retained net profits from the preceding two calendar  years,
less any transfers to capital surplus. Under this limitation,  VNB could declare
dividends in 1996 without prior  approval of the OCC of up to $52.1 million plus
an  amount  equal to VNB's  net  profits  for 1996 to the date of such  dividend
declaration.

         Valley is also subject to the certain  Federal  Reserve Board  policies
which may, in certain circumstances,  limit its ability to pay dividends.  These
policies  require,  among other things,  that a bank holding company  maintain a
minimum  capital  base.  The  Federal  Reserve  Board  would most likely seek to
prohibit any dividend  payment  which would reduce a holding  company's  capital
below these minimum amounts.

Voting Rights

         At  meetings  of  shareholders,  holders  of  Valley  Common  Stock are
entitled  to one vote per  share.  The  quorum  for  shareholders'  meeting is a
majority of the outstanding shares. Generally,  actions and authorizations to be
taken or given by  shareholders  require the approval of a majority of the votes
cast by  holders  of  Valley  Common  Stock at a  meeting  at which a quorum  is
present.

Liquidation Rights

         In the event of  liquidation,  dissolution  or  winding  up of  Valley,
holders of Valley  Common  Stock are  entitled  to share  equally and ratably in
assets available for distribution after payment of debts and liabilities.

Assessment and Redemption

         All  outstanding  shares of  Valley  Common  Stock  are fully  paid and
nonassessable.  The Valley  Common Stock is not  redeemable at the option of the
issuer or the holders thereof.

Other Matters

         The transfer  agent and  registrar for Valley Common Stock is presently
American Stock Transfer and Trust Company.  Valley Common Stock is traded on the
New York Stock  Exchange,  and is registered  with the Commission  under Section
12(b) of the Exchange Act.


         COMPARISON OF THE RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS OF VALLEY AND MIDLAND

         Valley and Midland are each business  corporations  incorporated in New
Jersey  under the New Jersey  Business  Corporation  Act (the  "NJBCA").  At the
Effective  Time, each Midland  shareholder  will become a shareholder of Valley.
The  following is a comparison  of certain  provisions of Valley's and Midland's
respective  Certificates  of  Incorporation  and bylaws.  This  summary does not
purport to be complete  and is  qualified  in its  entirety by  reference to the
Banking Act and the NJBCA,  which statutes may change from time to time, and the
Certificate of Incorporation of Valley, which also may be changed.

Voting Requirements

         Under the NJBCA,  unless a greater vote is specified in the certificate
of  incorporation,  any amendment to a New Jersey  corporation's  certificate of
incorporation,  the voluntary dissolution of the corporation,  the sale or other
disposition of all or substantially all of a corporation's assets otherwise than
in the  ordinary  course  of  business  or the  merger or  consolidation  of the
corporation with another corporation, requires in each case the affirmative vote
of a majority of the votes cast by shareholders  of the corporation  entitled to
vote  thereon.  Neither  Valley's nor  Midland's  Certificate  of  Incorporation
presently   contains   provisions   specifying   a  greater   vote  in   certain
circumstances. All shareholder voting rights of Valley are vested in the holders
of Valley Common Stock and all  shareholder  voting rights of Midland are vested
in the holders of Midland Common Stock.

Cumulative Voting

         Under the NJBCA,  shareholders of a New Jersey  corporation do not have
cumulative  voting rights in the election of directors unless the certificate of
incorporation  so provides.  Neither Valley's  Certificate of Incorporation  nor
Midland's Certificate of Incorporation presently provide for cumulative voting.
Classified Board of Directors

         The NJBCA permits a New Jersey  corporation to provide for a classified
board  in  its  certificate  of   incorporation.   Neither  the  Certificate  of
Incorporation  of Valley nor the Certificate of Incorporation of Midland provide
for a classified Board of Directors.  The entire Board of each entity is elected
each year.

Shareholder Consent to Corporate Action

         Except as otherwise provided by the certificate of incorporation (and
neither Valley's nor Midland's Certificate of Incorporation  provides otherwise)
the NJBCA permits any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of
a corporation's shareholders, other than the annual election of directors, to be
taken without a meeting upon the written consent of shareholders  who would have
been entitled to cast the minimum  number of votes  necessary to authorize  such
action at a meeting of shareholders at which all  shareholders  entitled to vote
were present and voting. The annual election of directors, if not conducted at a
shareholders'  meeting, may only be effected by unanimous written consent. Under
the  NJBCA,  a  shareholder  vote on a plan of merger or  consolidation,  if not
conducted  at a  shareholders'  meeting,  may only be  effected  by either:  (i)
unanimous written consent of all shareholders entitled to vote on the issue with
advance  notice  to  any  other   shareholders,   or  (ii)  written  consent  of
shareholders  who would have been  entitled to cast the minimum  number of votes
necessary to authorize such action at a meeting, together with advance notice to
all other shareholders.

Dividends

         Unless there are other  restrictions  contained in its  certificate  of
incorporation  (and neither Valley's  Certificate of Incorporation nor Midland's
Certificate of Incorporation presently contain any such restriction),  the NJBCA
generally  provides that a New Jersey  corporation may declare and pay dividends
on its  outstanding  stock so long as the corporation is not insolvent and would
not become insolvent as a consequence of the dividend payment. Because funds for
the payment of  dividends  by Valley must come  primarily  from the  earnings of
Valley's bank subsidiary, as a practical matter, any restrictions on the ability
of VNB to pay dividends act as restrictions on the amount of funds available for
the payment of dividends  by Valley.  At  September  30, 1996,  Valley had $52.1
million available for shareholder dividends. For a description of the regulatory
restrictions  on dividend  payments by VNB, see  "Description  of Valley Capital
Stock -- Dividend Rights."

By-laws

         Under the NJBCA, the board of directors of a New Jersey corporation has
the power to adopt,  amend,  or repeal the  corporation's  by-laws,  unless such
powers are reserved in the  certificate of  incorporation  to the  shareholders.
Neither  Valley's  Certificate  of  Incorporation  nor Midland's  Certificate of
Incorporation presently reserve such powers to shareholders.

Limitations of Liability of Directors and Officers

         Under  the  NJBCA,  a  New  Jersey   corporation  may  include  in  its
certificate of incorporation a provision which would, subject to the limitations
described  below,  eliminate or limit  directors' or officers'  liability to the
corporation  or bank, as the case may be, or to its  shareholders,  for monetary
damage for  breaches  of their  fiduciary  duty of care.  A director  or officer
cannot be relieved  from  liability or otherwise  indemnified  for any breach of
duty  based  upon an act or  omission  (i) in  breach of such  person's  duty of
loyalty to the entity or its shareholders, (ii) not in good faith or involving a
knowing  violation  of law, or (iii)  resulting  in receipt by such person of an
improper  personal  benefit.   Both  Valley's  and  Midland's   Certificates  of
Incorporation contain provisions which limit a director's or officer's liability
to the full extent permitted by New Jersey law.


                                  LEGAL OPINION

         Certain legal matters  relating to the issuance of the shares of Valley
Common Stock offered hereby and certain tax  consequences  of the Merger will be
passed upon by Pitney, Hardin, Kipp & Szuch, counsel to Valley. Attorneys in the
law firm of Pitney,  Hardin,  Kipp & Szuch  beneficially  owned 5,244  shares of
Valley  Common  Stock and 300 shares of Midland  Common Stock as of November 15,
1996.


                                     EXPERTS

         The  consolidated  financial  statements  of Midland as of December 31,
1995 and 1994 and for each of the years in the three-year  period ended December
31, 1995 have been included herein and in the Registration Statement in reliance
upon  the  report  of  KPMG  Peat  Marwick  LLP,  independent  certified  public
accountants,  appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.

         The report of KPMG Peat  Marwick  LLP with  respect to Midland  for the
years ended  December 31, 1995 and 1994 refers to Midland's  adoption in 1994 of
the  provisions  of the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board's  Statement of
Financial  Accounting  Standards No. 115 "Accounting for Certain  Investments in
Debt and Equity Securities." Additionally,  as discussed in notes 1 and 9 to the
consolidated financial statements,  Midland changed its method of accounting for
income  taxes  in 1993 to  adopt  the  provisions  of the  Financial  Accounting
Standards  Board's  Statement  of  Financial   Accounting   Standards  No.  109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes".

          The  consolidated  financial  statements  of Valley as of December 31,
1995 and 1994 and for each of the years in the three-year  period ended December
31, 1995 have been  incorporated  by  reference  herein and in the  Registration
Statement  in reliance  upon the report of KPMG Peat  Marwick  LLP,  independent
certified public  accountants,  incorporated by reference  herein,  and upon the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

         The  report of KPMG Peat  Marwick  LLP with  respect  to Valley for the
years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 refers to Valley's adoption of provisions
of the Financial  Accounting Standards Board's Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards  No.  115,  "Accounting  for  Certain  Investments  in Debt and Equity
Securities"  in 1994 and  Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes" in 1993.

<PAGE>
                                    
                                                          APPENDIX A



                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

                  THIS  AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER,  dated as of September 13,
1996  ("Agreement"),  is among Valley National Bancorp, a New Jersey corporation
and registered bank holding company ("Valley"), Valley National Bank, a national
banking  association  ("VNB"),  Midland  Bancorporation,   Inc.,  a  New  Jersey
corporation and registered bank holding company  ("Midland") and Midland Bank, a
bank chartered under the laws of New Jersey (the "Bank").

                  WHEREAS, Valley desires to acquire Midland and Midland's Board
of Directors has determined, based upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set
forth,  that  the  acquisition  is in the  best  interests  of  Midland  and its
stockholders.  The  acquisition  will be  accomplished  by merging  Midland into
Valley with Valley as the surviving  corporation and, at the same time,  merging
the Bank  into VNB with VNB as the  surviving  bank,  and  Midland  shareholders
receiving the  consideration  hereinafter set forth.  The Boards of Directors of
Midland,  Valley, the Bank and VNB have duly adopted and approved this Agreement
and the Board of Directors  of Midland has directed  that it be submitted to its
shareholders for approval.

                  WHEREAS,  as a  condition  precedent  to  entering  into  this
Agreement,  Valley has  required  that  Midland  grant it an option to  purchase
35,000  shares of  Midland's  authorized  but  unissued  common  stock and, as a
consequence,  Valley and Midland have  entered  into a Stock  Option  Agreement,
dated the date hereof (the "Valley Stock Option").

                  NOW,  THEREFORE,  intending to be legally  bound,  the parties
hereto agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   THE MERGER

                  1.1. The Merger.  Subject to the terms and  conditions of this
Agreement, at the Effective Time (as hereafter defined), Midland shall be merged
with and into Valley (the "Merger") in accordance  with the New Jersey  Business
Corporation  Act and Valley shall be the surviving  corporation  (the "Surviving
Corporation").  Immediately  following  the  Effective  Time,  the Bank shall be
merged with and into VNB as provided in Section 1.7 hereof.

                  1.2. Effect of the Merger. At the Effective Time (as hereafter
defined),  the Surviving  Corporation  shall be considered the same business and
corporate entity as each of Midland and Valley and thereupon and thereafter, all
the property,  rights, powers and franchises of each of Midland and Valley shall
vest in the Surviving Corporation and the Surviving Corporation shall be subject
to and be deemed to have assumed all of the debts, liabilities,  obligations and
duties of each of Midland and Valley and shall have  succeeded to all of each of
their relationships,  fiduciary or otherwise, as fully and to the same extent as
if such property rights,  privileges,  powers,  franchises,  debts, obligations,
duties and relationships had been originally acquired,  incurred or entered into
by the Surviving Corporation.

                  1.3.  Certificate  of   Incorporation.   The  certificate  of
incorporation  of Valley as it exists  immediately  prior to the Effective  Time
shall not be amended by the Merger,  but shall  continue as the  certificate  of
incorporation of the Surviving  Corporation  until otherwise amended as provided
by law.

                  1.4.  Bylaws.  The bylaws of Valley as they exist  immediately
prior to the  Effective  Date shall  continue  as the  by-laws of the  Surviving
Corporation until otherwise amended as provided by law.

                  1.5.  Directors  and  Officers.  The directors and officers of
Valley as of the Effective  Time shall continue as the directors and officers of
the  Surviving  Corporation  with the  additions  provided  for in Section  5.15
hereof.

                  1.6.  Effective  Time and  Closing.  The Merger  shall  become
effective  (and  be  consummated)  upon  the  effective  time  specified  in the
certificate  of merger (the  "Certificate  of Merger") filed with the New Jersey
Secretary of State.  The term "Effective Time" shall mean the date and time when
the  Certificate  of  Merger  as so filed  becomes  effective.  A  closing  (the
"Closing") shall take place prior to the Effective Time at 10:00 a.m.,  February
28,  1997,  or, if later than  February  28,  1997,  on the tenth  business  day
following the receipt of all necessary regulatory and governmental approvals and
consents and the expiration of all statutory  waiting periods in respect thereof
and the  satisfaction  or waiver of the  conditions to the  consummation  of the
Merger  specified in Article VI hereof (other than the delivery of certificates,
opinions and other instruments and documents to be delivered at the Closing), at
Valley's main office, or at such other place, time or date as Valley and Midland
may mutually agree upon.  Immediately  following the Closing, the Certificate of
Merger shall be filed with the New Jersey Secretary of State and it shall become
effective at the opening of business on the next business day.

                  1.7.  The Bank Merger.  Immediately  following  the  Effective
Time,  the Bank  shall be  merged  with and  into  VNB (the  "Bank  Merger")  in
accordance  with the  provisions  of the  National  Bank Act and the New  Jersey
Banking  Act of 1948,  as  amended,  and VNB  shall be the  surviving  bank (the
"Surviving  Bank").  Upon the  consummation  of the Bank  Merger,  the  separate
existence of the Bank shall cease and the Surviving Bank shall be considered the
same  business and  corporate  entity as each of the Bank and VNB and all of the
property,  rights,  powers and franchises of each of the Bank and VNB shall vest
in the Surviving Bank and the Surviving Bank shall be deemed to have assumed all
of the debts,  liabilities,  obligations  and duties of each of the Bank and VNB
and shall have  succeeded  to all of each of their  relationships,  fiduciary or
otherwise,  as  fully  and  to the  same  extent  as if  such  property  rights,
privileges, powers, franchises, debts, obligations, duties and relationships had
been originally  acquired,  incurred or entered into by the Surviving Bank. Upon
the  consummation of the Bank Merger,  the articles of association and bylaws of
VNB shall become the articles of  association  and bylaws of the Surviving  Bank
and the officers,  employees and directors of VNB and the officers and employees
of the Bank shall be the officers, employees and directors of the Surviving Bank
with such  additions  from the  directors  of Midland as  specified  herein.  In
connection with the execution of this Agreement,  the Bank and VNB shall execute
and deliver a separate  merger  agreement  (the "Bank Merger  Agreement") in the
form of Appendix  A,  annexed  hereto,  for  delivery  to the OCC (as  hereafter
defined) and the  Commissioner  (as hereafter  defined) for approval of the Bank
Merger.

                                   ARTICLE II
                          
                          CONVERSION OF MIDLAND SHARES

                  2.1.  Conversion of Midland Shares and Options.  Each share of
common stock, $15.00 par value, of Midland ("Midland Common Stock"),  issued and
outstanding  immediately  prior to the Effective Time other than Excluded Shares
(as defined in Section  2.4  hereof),  and each  validly  outstanding  option to
purchase  Midland Common Stock,  shall,  by virtue of the Merger and without any
action on the part of the holder  thereof,  be  converted,  paid or  canceled as
follows:

                  (a) Midland  Common Stock.  Each share of Midland Common Stock
shall be converted  into and represent the right to receive 30.00 (the "Exchange
Ratio") shares of Valley's  common stock,  no par value ("Valley Common Stock"),
subject to adjustments as set forth in this subsection 2.1(a).

                  (i) The  Exchange  Ratio  and the  Average  Closing  Price (as
hereafter  defined) shall be appropriately  adjusted for any stock split,  stock
dividend,  stock combination,  reclassification or similar transaction ("Capital
Change") effected by Valley with respect to Valley Common Stock between the date
hereof and the  Effective  Time.  The  parties  shall  mutually  agree upon such
adjustment in writing or, if unable to agree, shall arbitrate the dispute, using
a  mutually   agreed  upon   arbitrator   whose  decision  shall  be  final  and
non-appealable.

                  (ii) No  fractional  shares of  Valley  Common  Stock  will be
issued,  and in lieu  thereof,  each  holder of Midland  Common  Stock who would
otherwise  be entitled to a fractional  interest  will receive an amount in cash
determined by multiplying such fractional  interest by the Average Closing Price
(as hereafter defined).

                  (iii) The "Average Closing Price" shall mean the average price
of Valley Common Stock  calculated based upon the closing price during the first
10 of the 15 consecutive  trading days  immediately  preceding the Closing.  The
Average  Closing Price shall be  determined by (x) first,  recording the closing
price (the "Daily  Price") of Valley Common Stock reported on the New York Stock
Exchange and published in The Wall Street  Journal during the first 10 of the 15
consecutive  trading days  immediately  preceding  the Closing;  and (y) second,
computing the average of the Daily Prices in the 10 day period.

                  (b)  Midland  Stock  Options.  At  the  Effective  Time,  each
outstanding option to purchase Midland Common Stock (a "Midland Option") granted
under the Stock Option Plans of Midland (the  "Midland  Option  Plans") shall be
converted, at the election of the holder of such Midland Option (an "optionee"),
as follows:

                  (i) into an option to purchase  Valley Common  Stock,  wherein
(x) the right to purchase shares of Midland Common Stock pursuant to the Midland
Option shall be converted  into the right to purchase that same number of shares
of Valley Common Stock multiplied by the Exchange Ratio, (y) the option exercise
price per share of Valley  Common  Stock shall be the previous  option  exercise
price per share of the Midland  Common Stock  divided by the Exchange  Ratio and
(z) in all other material respects the option shall be subject to the same terms
and conditions as governed the Midland  Option on which it was based,  including
the length of time within which the option may be exercised  and for any options
which are  "incentive  stock options" (as defined in Section 422 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),  the adjustments shall be and are
intended to be effected in a manner which is consistent  with Section  424(a) of
the Code; or

                  (ii) if the  Midland  Option is fully  vested at the  Closing,
into the right to receive immediately after the Effective Time a number of whole
shares of Valley Common Stock equal to {(x) the amount determined by multiplying
(A) the number of shares of Midland Common Stock covered by the Midland  Option,
times (B) the Exchange Ratio, times (C) the Average Closing Price, minus (y) the
aggregate  exercise  price for the  Midland  Option}  (z) divided by the Average
Closing  Price.  No  fractional  shares of Valley  Common  Stock shall be issued
pursuant to this Section  2.1(b)(ii),  and in lieu  thereof,  each  optionee who
would  otherwise be entitled to a fractional  interest will receive an amount in
cash determined by multiplying  such fractional  interest by the Average Closing
Price.

                  2.2.     Exchange of Shares.

                  (a) Midland and Valley hereby  appoint  Valley  National Bank,
Trust  Department  (the "Exchange  Agent") as the Exchange Agent for purposes of
effecting the conversion of Midland Common Stock and Midland Options. As soon as
practicable  after the  Effective  Time,  the Exchange  Agent shall mail to each
holder of record (a "Record  Holder") of a certificate  or  certificates  which,
immediately  prior to the  Effective  Time  represented  outstanding  shares  of
Midland  Common  Stock (the  "Certificates"),  a mutually  agreed upon letter of
transmittal  (which shall specify that delivery  shall be effected,  and risk of
loss and  title to the  Certificates  shall  pass,  only  upon  delivery  of the
Certificates to the Exchange  Agent),  and instructions for use in effecting the
surrender of the  Certificates  in exchange for Valley Common Stock (and cash in
lieu of fractional shares) as provided in Section 2.1 hereof.

                  (b)  Upon   surrender  of  a  Certificate   for  exchange  and
cancellation  to the Exchange  Agent,  together with such letter of transmittal,
duly  executed,  the Record  Holder  shall be entitled  to  promptly  receive in
exchange  for such  Certificate  the  consideration  as  provided in Section 2.1
hereof and the Certificates so surrendered shall be canceled. The Exchange Agent
shall not be obligated to deliver or cause to be delivered to any Record  Holder
the  consideration to which such Record Holder would otherwise be entitled until
such Record  Holder  surrenders  the  Certificate  for  exchange  or, in default
thereof, an appropriate  Affidavit of Loss and Indemnity Agreement and/or a bond
as may be reasonably  required in each case by Valley.  Notwithstanding the time
of surrender of the Certificates, Record Holders shall be deemed shareholders of
Valley for all  purposes  from the  Effective  Time,  except that  Valley  shall
withhold  the  payment of  dividends  from any Record  Holder  until such Record
Holder  effects the exchange of  Certificates  for Valley  Common  Stock.  (Such
Record Holder shall  receive such withheld  dividends,  without  interest,  upon
effecting the share exchange.)

                  (c) After the Effective  Time,  there shall be no transfers on
the stock  transfer books of Midland of the shares of Midland Common Stock which
were  outstanding   immediately   prior  to  the  Effective  Time  and,  if  any
Certificates  representing such shares are presented for transfer, they shall be
canceled and exchanged for the consideration as provided in Section 2.1 hereof.

                  (d) If payment of the  consideration  pursuant  to Section 2.1
hereof  is to be  made  in a name  other  than  that in  which  the  Certificate
surrendered in exchange therefor is registered,  it shall be a condition of such
payment  that the  Certificate  so  surrendered  shall be properly  endorsed (or
accompanied  by an  appropriate  instrument of transfer) and otherwise in proper
form for transfer,  and that the person requesting such payment shall pay to the
Exchange  Agent in advance any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the
payment to a person other than that of the registered  holder of the Certificate
surrendered,  or  required  for any  other  reason,  or shall  establish  to the
satisfaction  of the  Exchange  Agent  that  such  tax has  been  paid or is not
payable.

                  (e)  With  respect  to each  outstanding  Midland  Option  the
Exchange Agent shall, 10 days prior to Closing, distribute option election forms
to each  optionee  and,  upon receipt from the optionee of a properly  completed
option  election,  shall after the  Effective  Time  distribute  to the optionee
Valley  Common  Stock  or an  amendment  to  the  option  grant  evidencing  the
conversion  of the  grant  to an  option  to  purchase  Valley  Common  Stock in
accordance with Section 2.1 hereof.

                  2.3. No Dissenters' Rights.  Consistent with the provisions of
the New Jersey  Business  Corporation  Act, no shareholder of Midland shall have
the right to dissent with respect to the Merger.

                  2.4.  Excluded Shares.  Each share of Midland Common Stock (i)
which is held by Midland as treasury  stock or (ii) which is held by Bank or any
other direct or indirect subsidiary of Bank (except as trustee or in a fiduciary
capacity) or (iii) which is held by Valley, shall be canceled and retired at the
Effective Time.

                  2.5.  Valley  Shares.   The  shares  of  Valley  Common  Stock
outstanding at the Effective Time shall not be affected by the Merger, but along
with the  additional  shares of Valley  Common Stock to be issued as provided in
Section 2.1 hereof,  shall become the outstanding  common stock of the Surviving
Corporation.

                                   ARTICLE III

                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MIDLAND

                  References herein to "Midland Disclosure  Schedule" shall mean
all of the  disclosure  schedules  required by this Article III, dated as of the
date hereof and referenced to the specific  sections and  subsections of Article
III of this  Agreement,  which have been delivered on the date hereof by Midland
to Valley. Midland hereby represents and warrants to Valley as follows:

                  3.1.     Corporate Organization.

                  (a) Midland is a corporation duly organized,  validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the State of New Jersey.  Midland has the
corporate  power and authority to own or lease all of its  properties and assets
and to carry on its business as it is now being  conducted  and is duly licensed
or  qualified  to do  business in each  jurisdiction  in which the nature of the
business  conducted  by it or the  character or location of the  properties  and
assets owned or leased by it makes such  licensing or  qualification  necessary,
except  where  the  failure  to be so  licensed  or  qualified  would not have a
material  adverse  effect  on the  business,  operations,  assets  or  financial
condition of Midland on a  consolidated  basis.  Midland is registered as a bank
holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended ("BHCA").

                  (b) Each of the  Subsidiaries  of  Midland  are  listed in the
Midland Disclosure Schedule. The term "Subsidiary",  when used in this Agreement
with respect to Midland,  means any  corporation,  joint  venture,  association,
partnership,  trust or other entity in which Midland has, directly or indirectly
at least a 50% interest or acts as a general partner. Each Subsidiary of Midland
is duly organized,  validly  existing and in good standing under the laws of its
state of incorporation.  The Bank is a New Jersey commercial bank whose deposits
are  insured  by the  Bank  Insurance  Fund  of the  Federal  Deposit  Insurance
Corporation  ("FDIC") to the fullest extent permitted by law. Each Subsidiary of
Midland  has the  corporate  power  and  authority  to own or  lease  all of its
properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being  conducted
and is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each  jurisdiction  in which
the nature of the business  conducted by it or the  character or location of the
properties   and  assets  owned  or  leased  by  it  makes  such   licensing  or
qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified
would not have a material adverse effect on the business,  operations, assets or
financial  condition  of Midland and its  Subsidiaries.  The Midland  Disclosure
Schedule sets forth true and complete copies of the Certificate of Incorporation
and  Bylaws of  Midland  and each  Midland  Subsidiary  as in effect on the date
hereof. Except as set forth in the Midland Disclosure Schedule, Midland does not
own or control, directly or indirectly,  any equity interest in any corporation,
company,  association,  partnership,  joint  venture or other entity and owns no
real estate,  except (i) residential real estate acquired through foreclosure or
deed in lieu of foreclosure in each individual instance with a fair market value
less than $500,000 and (ii) real estate used for its banking premises.

                  3.2.  Capitalization.  The authorized capital stock of Midland
consists  solely of 300,000 shares of Midland Common Stock. As of June 30, 1996,
there were 125,294 shares of Midland Common Stock issued and outstanding, net of
3,926 shares issued and held in the treasury.  As of August 31, 1996, there were
10,150 shares of Midland  Common Stock  issuable  upon  exercise of  outstanding
Midland Options (the "Option  Shares") granted to, officers of the Bank pursuant
to the Midland Option Plan. The Midland Disclosure  Schedule sets forth true and
complete  copies of the Midland  Option  Plans and of each  outstanding  Midland
Option.  All issued and  outstanding  shares of Midland  Common  Stock,  and all
issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each Midland Subsidiary,  have
been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid, and nonassessable.  The
authorized capital stock of the Bank consists of 331,125 shares of common stock,
$5.00 par value. All of the outstanding  shares of capital stock of each Midland
Subsidiary  are  owned  by  Midland  and  are  free  and  clear  of  any  liens,
encumbrances,  charges,  restrictions or rights of third parties. Except for the
Midland  Options and the Valley Stock  Option,  neither  Midland nor any Midland
Subsidiary has or is bound by any outstanding subscriptions,  options, warrants,
calls,  commitments  or agreements  of any  character  calling for the transfer,
purchase or  issuance  of any shares of capital  stock of Midland or any Midland
Subsidiary  or any  securities  representing  the right to purchase or otherwise
receive any shares of such capital stock or any securities  convertible  into or
representing  the right to purchase or subscribe for any such shares,  and there
are no agreements or understandings with respect to voting of any such shares.

                  3.3.     Authority; No Violation.

                  (a)  Subject  to  the  approval  of  this  Agreement  and  the
transactions  contemplated hereby by the shareholders of Midland, and subject to
the parties obtaining all necessary regulatory  approvals,  Midland and the Bank
have full  corporate  power and authority to execute and deliver this  Agreement
and to consummate the  transactions  contemplated  hereby in accordance with the
terms hereof.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation
of the transactions  contemplated  hereby have been duly and validly approved by
the Board of  Directors  of each of  Midland  and the Bank.  The  execution  and
delivery of the Bank Merger  Agreement has been duly and validly approved by the
Board of Directors of the Bank. Except for the approvals  described in paragraph
(b) below, no other corporate proceedings on the part of Midland or the Bank are
necessary to consummate  the  transactions  contemplated  hereby (except for the
approval by Midland of the Bank Merger Agreement).  This Agreement has been duly
and validly  executed  and  delivered by Midland and the Bank,  and  constitutes
valid and  binding  obligations  of Midland  and the Bank,  enforceable  against
Midland and the Bank in accordance with its terms.

                  (b) Neither the  execution  and delivery of this  Agreement by
Midland  and the  Bank,  nor the  consummation  by  Midland  and the Bank of the
transactions  contemplated  hereby  in  accordance  with the  terms  hereof,  or
compliance by Midland and the Bank with any of the terms or  provisions  hereof,
will (i)  violate  any  provision  of  Midland's  or the Bank's  Certificate  of
Incorporation  or other governing  instrument or Bylaws,  (ii) assuming that the
consents and approvals set forth below are duly  obtained,  violate any statute,
code, ordinance,  rule, regulation,  judgment, order, writ, decree or injunction
applicable  to  Midland  or the Bank or any of their  respective  properties  or
assets,  or (iii)  except  as set  forth  in the  Midland  Disclosure  Schedule,
violate,  conflict with,  result in a breach of any provisions of,  constitute a
default  (or an event  which,  with  notice  or lapse  of time,  or both,  would
constitute  a default)  under,  result in the  termination  of,  accelerate  the
performance  required  by,  or  result in the  creation  of any  lien,  security
interest,  charge or other encumbrance upon any of the respective  properties or
assets of Midland or the Bank under, any of the terms,  conditions or provisions
of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement
or other instrument or obligation to which Midland or the Bank is a party, or by
which either or both of them or any of their respective properties or assets may
be bound or  affected  except,  with  respect to (ii) and (iii)  above,  such as
individually and in the aggregate will not have a material adverse effect on the
business,   operations,  assets  or  financial  condition  of  Midland  and  its
Subsidiaries  on a consolidated  basis,  and which will not prevent or delay the
consummation of the transactions  contemplated  hereby.  Except for consents and
approvals of or filings or  registrations  with or notices to the Comptroller of
the Currency  ("OCC"),  the  Commissioner  of Banking of the State of New Jersey
(the  "Commissioner"),  the Board of  Governors  of the Federal  Reserve  System
("FRB"),  the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission  ("SEC"),  applicable  state
securities  bureaus or commissions,  the New Jersey  Secretary of State, and the
shareholders of Midland, no consents or approvals of or filings or registrations
with or notices to any third party or any public body or authority are necessary
on  behalf of  Midland  or the Bank in  connection  with (x) the  execution  and
delivery by Midland and the Bank of this Agreement and (y) the  consummation  by
Midland  and  the  Bank  of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby  and (z) the
execution  and  delivery  by the  Bank  of the  Bank  Merger  Agreement  and the
consummation by the Bank of the transactions contemplated thereby.

                  3.4.     Financial Statements.

                  (a) The Midland  Disclosure  Schedule sets forth copies of the
consolidated  statements  of condition of Midland as of December 31, 1993,  1994
and 1995,  and the  related  consolidated  statements  of income,  stockholders'
equity and cash flows for the  periods  ended  December  31 in each of the three
years 1993 through  1995, in each case  accompanied  by the audit report of KPMG
Peat Marwick,  LLP,  independent public accountants with respect to Midland, and
the unaudited  consolidated  statements  of condition  and related  consolidated
statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows of Midland for the six
months ended June 30, 1996 (collectively,  the "Midland Financial  Statements").
The  Midland  Financial  Statements  (including  the  related  notes)  have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted  accounting  principles  ("GAAP")
consistently  applied  during  the  periods  involved,  and fairly  present  the
consolidated financial condition of Midland as of the respective dates set forth
therein, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity
and cash  flows  fairly  present  the  results of the  consolidated  operations,
stockholders'  equity and cash flows of Midland for the  respective  periods set
forth therein.

                  (b) The books and records of Midland and its Subsidiaries have
been and are being  maintained in material  compliance with applicable legal and
accounting requirements, and reflect only actual transactions.

                  (c)  Except  as and  to the  extent  reflected,  disclosed  or
reserved  against  in the  Midland  Financial  Statements  (including  the notes
thereto),  as of June 30, 1996 neither Midland nor any of its  Subsidiaries  had
any material  liabilities,  whether absolute,  accrued,  contingent or otherwise
material to the business,  operations,  assets or financial condition of Midland
or any of its Subsidiaries.  Since June 30, 1996 and to the date hereof, neither
Midland nor any of its  Subsidiaries  have  incurred  any  material  liabilities
except in the ordinary  course of business and consistent  with prudent  banking
practice, except as specifically contemplated by this Agreement.

                  3.5.   Brokerage   Fees.   Neither  Midland  nor  any  of  its
Subsidiaries nor any of their respective  directors or officers has employed any
broker or finder or incurred any  liability for any broker's or finder's fees or
commissions  in connection  with any of the  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement. Midland has employed Capital Consultants of Princeton, Inc. ("Capital
Consultants")  to render a  fairness  opinion on its  behalf.  There are no fees
(other than time charges  billed at usual and  customary  rates)  payable to any
consultants,   including  lawyers  and  accountants,  in  connection  with  this
transaction or which would be triggered by consummation  of this  transaction or
the  termination  of the services of such  consultants  by Midland or any of its
Subsidiaries  other  than fees  which  will be  payable  by  Midland  to Capital
Consultants  for its  fairness  opinion.  Copies of  Midland's  agreements  with
Capital Consultants are set forth in the Midland Disclosure Schedule.

                  3.6.     Absence of Certain Changes or Events.
                  (a)  There  has not been any  material  adverse  change in the
business,   operations,  assets  or  financial  condition  of  Midland  and  its
Subsidiaries  on a  consolidated  basis  since  June 30,  1996 and to  Midland's
knowledge,  no facts or conditions exist which Midland believes will cause or is
likely to cause such a material adverse change in the future.

                  (b) Except as set forth in the  Midland  Disclosure  Schedule,
neither  Midland nor any of its  Subsidiaries  has taken or permitted any of the
actions  set forth in Section  5.2  hereof  between  June 30,  1996 and the date
hereof and Midland and the Midland  Subsidiaries  have conducted  their business
only in the ordinary course, consistent with past practice.

                  3.7.  Legal  Proceedings.  Except as  disclosed in the Midland
Disclosure  Schedule,  neither Midland nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to
any, and there are no pending or, to  Midland's  knowledge,  threatened,  legal,
administrative,  arbitral or other proceedings,  claims, actions or governmental
investigations of any nature against Midland or any of its Subsidiaries.  Except
as disclosed in the Midland Disclosure Schedule,  neither Midland nor any of its
Subsidiaries is a party to any order, judgment or decree entered against Midland
or any Midland Subsidiary in any lawsuit or proceeding.

                  3.8.     Taxes and Tax Returns.

                  (a) To its knowledge, Midland and each Midland Subsidiary have
duly  filed  (and  until  the   Effective   Time  will  so  file)  all  returns,
declarations,  reports,  information returns and statements ("Returns") required
to be filed by them in respect of any federal,  state and local taxes (including
withholding taxes,  penalties or other payments required) and each has duly paid
(and until the Effective Time will so pay) all such taxes due and payable, other
than  taxes or other  charges  which  are being  contested  in good  faith  (and
disclosed  to Valley in  writing).  Midland  and each  Midland  Subsidiary  have
established  (and until the  Effective  Time will  establish) on their books and
records  reserves for the payment of all federal,  state and local taxes not yet
due and payable,  but  incurred in respect of Midland or any Midland  Subsidiary
through such date, which reserves are, to the knowledge of Midland, adequate for
such  purposes.  Except as set forth in the  Midland  Disclosure  Schedule,  the
federal income tax returns of Midland and its Subsidiaries have been examined by
the Internal  Revenue  Service (the "IRS") (or are closed to examination  due to
the expiration of the applicable  statute of  limitations)  and no  deficiencies
were asserted as a result of such examinations  which have not been resolved and
paid in full.  Except  as set  forth in the  Midland  Disclosure  Schedule,  the
applicable  state income tax returns of Midland and its  Subsidiaries  have been
examined by the applicable  authorities (or are closed to examination due to the
expiration of the statute of limitations) and no deficiencies were asserted as a
result of such  examinations  which have not been  resolved and paid in full. To
the knowledge of Midland,  there are no audits or other  administrative or court
proceedings presently pending nor any other disputes pending, or claims asserted
for,  taxes or  assessments  upon  Midland or any of its  Subsidiaries,  nor has
Midland or any of its Subsidiaries  given any currently  outstanding  waivers or
comparable consents regarding the application of the statute of limitations with
respect to any taxes or Returns.

                  (b) Except as set forth in the  Midland  Disclosure  Schedule,
neither Midland nor any of its  Subsidiaries  (i) has requested any extension of
time within  which to file any tax Return which Return has not since been filed,
(ii) is a party to any  agreement  providing  for the  allocation  or sharing of
taxes, (iii) is required to include in income any adjustment pursuant to Section
481(a)  of the  Code,  by reason of a  voluntary  change  in  accounting  method
initiated  by Midland  or any  Midland  Subsidiary  (nor does  Midland  have any
knowledge that the IRS has proposed any such  adjustment or change of accounting
method) or (iv) has filed a consent  pursuant  to Section  341(f) of the Code or
agreed to have Section 341(f)(2) of the Code apply.

                  3.9.  Employee  Benefit  Plans.  Except  as  disclosed  in the
Midland Disclosure Schedule:

                  (a) Neither Midland nor any of its  Subsidiaries  maintains or
contributes  to any  "employee  pension  benefit  plan",  within the  meaning of
Section  3(2)(A) of the Employee  Retirement  Income  Security  Act of 1974,  as
amended  ("ERISA") (the "Midland  Pension  Plans"),  "employee  welfare  benefit
plan",  within  the  meaning  of Section  3(1) of ERISA  (the  "Midland  Welfare
Plans"),  stock option plan, stock purchase plan,  deferred  compensation  plan,
severance plan, bonus plan,  employment agreement or other similar plan, program
or arrangement. Neither Midland nor any of its Subsidiaries has, since September
2, 1974, contributed to any "Multiemployer Plan", within the meaning of Sections
3(37) and 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

                  (b) Midland has delivered to Valley in the Midland  Disclosure
Schedule a complete and accurate copy of each of the  following  with respect to
each of the Midland Pension Plans and Midland Welfare Plans:  (i) plan document,
summary  plan  description,  and  summary  of  material  modifications  (if  not
available,  a detailed  description of the  foregoing);  (ii) trust agreement or
insurance contract,  if any; (iii) most recent IRS determination letter, if any;
(iv) most recent actuarial  report, if any; and (v) most recent annual report on
Form 5500.

                  (c) The present  value of all accrued  benefits  under each of
the Midland Pension Plans subject to Title IV of ERISA, based upon the actuarial
assumptions used for purposes of the most recent actuarial valuation prepared by
such Pension Plan's actuary, did not exceed the then current value of the assets
of such plans allocable to such accrued benefits.

                  (d) During the last five years,  the Pension Benefit  Guaranty
Corporation  (the  "PBGC")  has not  asserted  any claim for  liability  against
Midland or any of its Subsidiaries which has not been paid in full.

                  (e) All premiums (and interest  charges and penalties for late
payment,  if  applicable)  due to the PBGC with respect to each Midland  Pension
Plan have been  paid.  All  contributions  required  to be made to each  Midland
Pension Plan under the terms  thereof,  ERISA or other  applicable law have been
timely made, and all amounts  properly accrued to date as liabilities of Midland
and its Subsidiaries which have not been paid have been properly recorded on the
books of Midland and its Subsidiaries.

                  (f) To the knowledge of Midland,  each of the Midland  Pension
Plans, the Midland Welfare Plans and each other plan and arrangement  identified
on the  Midland  Disclosure  Schedule  has been  operated in  compliance  in all
material  respects with the  provisions  of ERISA,  the Code,  all  regulations,
rulings  and  announcements  promulgated  or  issued  thereunder,  and all other
applicable governmental laws and regulations.  Furthermore, the IRS has issued a
favorable determination letter with respect to each of the Midland Pension Plans
and Midland is not aware of any fact or circumstance  which would disqualify any
such plan,  that could not be  retroactively  corrected (in accordance  with the
procedures of the IRS).

                  (g) To the  knowledge  of  Midland,  within  the past two plan
years no non-exempt prohibited  transaction,  within the meaning of Section 4975
of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA,  has  occurred  with  respect to any of the
Midland Welfare Plans or Midland Pension Plans.

                  (h) No Midland  Pension Plan or any trust  created  thereunder
has been  terminated,  nor have there been any "reportable  events",  within the
meaning of Section 4034(b) of ERISA,  with respect to any of the Midland Pension
Plans.

                  (i) To the  knowledge  of  Midland,  no  "accumulated  funding
deficiency",  within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code,  has been  incurred
with respect to any of the Midland Pension Plans.

                  (j) There are no  pending,  or, to the  knowledge  of Midland,
threatened or anticipated claims (other than routine claims for benefits) by, on
behalf of or against any of the  Midland  Pension  Plans or the Midland  Welfare
Plans, any trusts related thereto or any other plan or arrangement identified in
the Midland Disclosure Schedule.

                  (k) No Midland  Pension or Welfare  Plan  provides  medical or
death benefits (whether or not insured) beyond an employee's retirement or other
termination of service,  other than (i) coverage  mandated by law, or (ii) death
benefits under any Midland Pension Plan.

                  (l)  Except  with  respect  to  customary  health,   life  and
disability  benefits or as disclosed in the Midland Disclosure  Schedule,  there
are no unfunded  benefits  obligations  which are not  accounted for by reserves
shown on the  Midland  Financial  Statements  and  established  under  GAAP,  or
otherwise noted on such financial statements.

                  (m) With respect to each Midland Pension and Welfare Plan that
is funded  wholly or  partially  through an insurance  policy,  there will be no
liability of Midland or any Midland  Subsidiary as of the  Effective  Time under
any such insurance policy or ancillary  agreement with respect to such insurance
policy in the nature of a retroactive rate adjustment,  loss sharing arrangement
or other actual or  contingent  liability  arising  wholly or  partially  out of
events occurring prior to the Effective Time.

                  (n) Except as  hereafter  agreed to by Valley in writing or as
disclosed  on  the  Midland  Disclosure   Schedule,   the  consummation  of  the
transactions  contemplated by this Agreement will not (i) entitle any current or
former  employee of Midland or any Midland  Subsidiary  to severance  pay or any
similar payment, or (ii) accelerate the time of payment, accelerate the vesting,
or  increase  the amount,  of any  compensation  due to any current  employee or
former employee under any Midland Pension Plan or Midland Welfare Plan.

                  3.10.    Reports.

                  (a) Each  communication  mailed by Midland to its stockholders
since  January 1, 1993,  and each  annual,  quarterly or special  report,  proxy
statement or  communication,  as of its date,  complied in all material respects
with all applicable  statutes,  rules and regulations enforced or promulgated by
the applicable  regulatory  agency and did not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material  fact required to be stated  therein
or  necessary  in order to make the  statements  made  therein,  in light of the
circumstances  under  which  they  were  made,  not  misleading;  provided  that
disclosures  as of a later date shall be deemed to modify  disclosures  as of an
earlier date.

                  (b) Midland  and the Bank have,  since  January 1, 1993,  duly
filed with the FDIC and the FRB in correct  form in all  material  respects  the
monthly, quarterly and annual reports required to be filed under applicable laws
and  regulations,  and Midland promptly will deliver or make available to Valley
accurate and complete copies of such reports.  The Midland  Disclosure  Schedule
lists all examinations of Midland or the Bank conducted by either the New Jersey
Department  of Banking,  FDIC or the FRB since  January 1, 1993 and the dates of
any responses thereto submitted by Midland or the Bank.

                  3.11. Midland and Bank Information.  The information  relating
to Midland and the Bank to be  contained in the Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  (as
defined in Section 5.6(a) hereof) to be delivered to  stockholders of Midland in
connection  with the  solicitation  of their  approval of this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, as of the date the Proxy  Statement/Prospectus
is mailed to  stockholders  of Midland,  and up to and including the date of the
meeting of stockholders to which such Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  relates, will
not contain any untrue  statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary to make the  statements  therein,  in light of the  circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading.

                  3.12.    Compliance with Applicable Law.

                  (a)  General.  Except as set forth in the  Midland  Disclosure
Schedule,  each of  Midland  and the  Midland  Subsidiaries  hold  all  material
licenses,  franchises,  permits  and  authorizations  necessary  for the  lawful
conduct of its business under and pursuant to each, and has complied with and is
not in default in any respect under any,  applicable law, statute,  order, rule,
regulation,  policy and/or guideline of any federal, state or local governmental
authority  relating to Midland or the Bank  (other  than where such  defaults or
non-compliances  will  not,  alone or in the  aggregate,  result  in a  material
adverse  effect on the business,  operations,  assets or financial  condition of
Midland  and its  Subsidiaries  on a  consolidated  basis) and  Midland  has not
received  notice of violation of, and does not know of any violations of, any of
the above.

                  (b) CRA. Without limiting the foregoing,  to its knowledge the
Bank has complied in all material  respects with the Community  Reinvestment Act
("CRA")  and  Midland  has no reason to believe  that any person or group  would
object to the  consummation  of this  Merger  due to the CRA  performance  of or
rating of the Bank. Except as listed on the Midland  Disclosure  Schedule to the
knowledge  of the Bank,  no person or group  has  adversely  commented  upon the
Bank's CRA performance.

                  3.13.    Certain Contracts.

                  (a) Except as  disclosed  in the Midland  Disclosure  Schedule
under  this  Section  or  Section  3.5,  (i)  neither  Midland  nor any  Midland
Subsidiary  is a party to or bound by any  contract  or  understanding  (whether
written or oral) with respect to the employment or termination of any present or
former officers,  employees,  directors or consultants.  The Midland  Disclosure
Schedule  sets forth true and correct  copies of all  employment  agreements  or
termination agreements with officers,  employees,  directors,  or consultants to
which Midland or any Midland Subsidiary is a party.

                  (b) Except as  disclosed in the Midland  Disclosure  Schedule,
(i) as of the date of this Agreement, neither Midland nor any Midland Subsidiary
is a party to or bound by any commitment,  agreement or other  instrument  which
contemplates  the  payment by Midland or any  Midland  Subsidiary  of amounts in
excess of  $100,000,  or which  has a term  extending  beyond  March 1, 1997 and
cannot be terminated by Midland or its subsidiary  without  consent of the other
party  thereto,  (ii) no  commitment,  agreement  or other  instrument  to which
Midland or any  Midland  Subsidiary  is a party or by which any of them is bound
limits the freedom of Midland or any Midland  Subsidiary  to compete in any line
of  business  or with any  person,  and (iii)  neither  Midland  nor any Midland
Subsidiary is a party to any collective bargaining agreement.

                  (c) Except as  disclosed in the Midland  Disclosure  Schedule,
neither Midland nor any Midland Subsidiary nor, to the knowledge of Midland, any
other party  thereto,  is in default in any material  respect under any material
lease,  contract,  mortgage,  promissory  note,  deed of  trust,  loan or  other
commitment or arrangement.

                  3.14.    Properties and Insurance.

                  (a)  Midland and its  Subsidiaries  have good and, as to owned
real property,  marketable title to all material assets and properties,  whether
real or personal,  tangible or intangible,  reflected in Midland's  consolidated
balance  sheet as of June 30,  1996,  or owned and acquired  subsequent  thereto
(except to the extent that such assets and properties  have been disposed of for
fair value in the ordinary  course of business since June 30, 1996),  subject to
no encumbrances,  liens,  mortgages,  security interests or pledges,  except (i)
those items that secure  liabilities that are reflected in such balance sheet or
the notes thereto or incurred in the ordinary  course of business after the date
of such balance sheet,  (ii)  statutory  liens for amounts not yet delinquent or
which are  being  contested  in good  faith,  (iii)  such  encumbrances,  liens,
mortgages,  security interests,  pledges and title imperfections that are not in
the  aggregate  material to the  business,  operations,  assets,  and  financial
condition of Midland and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole and (iv) with respect
to owned real property,  title imperfections noted in title reports delivered to
Valley prior to the date hereof.  Midland and its  Subsidiaries  as lessees have
the right under valid and subsisting leases to occupy,  use, possess and control
all  property  leased by them in all material  respects as  presently  occupied,
used, possessed and controlled by them.

                  (b) The  Midland  Disclosure  Schedule  lists all  policies of
insurance covering business  operations and all insurable  properties and assets
of Midland and its Subsidiaries  showing all risks insured against, in each case
under valid,  binding and enforceable  policies or bonds,  with such amounts and
such  deductibles as are specified.  As of the date hereof,  neither Midland nor
any of its  Subsidiaries  has received any notice of cancellation or notice of a
material  amendment of any such insurance  policy or bond or is in default under
such policy or bond, no coverage  thereunder is being  disputed and all material
claims thereunder have been filed in a timely fashion.

                  3.15.  Minute  Books.  The  minute  books of  Midland  and its
Subsidiaries  contain records that are accurate in all material  respects of all
meetings and other corporate  action held of their  respective  stockholders and
Boards  of  Directors  (including  committees  of  their  respective  Boards  of
Directors).

                  3.16.  Environmental  Matters.  Except  as  disclosed  in  the
Midland  Disclosure  Schedule,  neither Midland nor any of its  Subsidiaries has
received any written notice, citation, claim, assessment, proposed assessment or
demand for abatement  alleging that Midland or any of its  Subsidiaries  (either
directly or as a  successor-in-interest  in connection  with the  enforcement of
remedies  to  realize  the  value  of  properties   serving  as  collateral  for
outstanding  loans)  is  responsible  for  the  correction  or  clean-up  of any
condition material to the business, operations, assets or financial condition of
Midland or its  Subsidiaries.  Except as  disclosed  in the  Midland  Disclosure
Schedule,  Midland has no knowledge  that any toxic or hazardous  substances  or
materials  have been emitted,  generated,  disposed of or stored on any property
owned or  leased  by  Midland  or any of its  Subsidiaries  in any  manner  that
violates  or,  after  the  lapse of time may  violate,  any  presently  existing
federal,  state or local  law or  regulation  governing  or  pertaining  to such
substances and materials.

                  3.17.  Reserves.  As of the date hereof,  the reserve for loan
and lease losses in the Midland Financial Statements is, to Midland's knowledge,
adequate  based  upon past loan loss  experiences  and  potential  losses in the
current portfolio to cover all known or anticipated loan losses.

                  3.18. No Parachute Payments. No officer, director, employee or
agent (or former officer, director, employee or agent) of Midland or any Midland
Subsidiary is entitled  now, or will or may be entitled to as a  consequence  of
this Agreement or the Merger, to any payment or benefit from Midland,  a Midland
Subsidiary,  Valley or VNB which if paid or provided would constitute an "excess
parachute  payment",  as  defined  in  Section  280G of the Code or  regulations
promulgated thereunder.

                  3.19.  Disclosure.  There are no material facts concerning the
business,   operations,   assets  or  financial  condition  of  Midland  or  its
Subsidiaries  which  could  have a  material  adverse  effect  on the  business,
operations  or  financial   condition  of  Midland  or  its  Subsidiaries  on  a
consolidated  basis  which  have not been  disclosed  to  Valley  directly.  The
representations  and  warranties  contained in Article III of this Agreement are
accurate in all material respects.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF VALLEY

                  References  herein to the "Valley  Disclosure  Schedule" shall
mean all of the  disclosure  schedules  required by this Article IV, dated as of
the date hereof and  referenced  to the  specific  sections and  subsections  of
Article IV of this  Agreement,  which have been  delivered on the date hereof by
Valley to Midland.
Valley hereby represents and warrants to Midland as follows:

                  4.1.     Corporate Organization.

                  (a)  Valley  is  a  corporation  duly  organized  and  validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of New Jersey.  Valley
has the corporate  power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and
assets and to carry on its  business as it is now being  conducted,  and is duly
licensed or qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of
the business  conducted by it or the character or location of the properties and
assets owned or leased by it makes such  licensing or  qualification  necessary,
except  where  the  failure  to be so  licensed  or  qualified  would not have a
material  adverse  effect  on the  business,  operations,  assets  or  financial
condition of Valley or its Subsidiaries (defined below). Valley is registered as
a bank holding company under the BHCA.

                  (b) Each of the  Subsidiaries  of  Valley  are  listed  in the
Valley  Disclosure  Schedule.  The term "Subsidiary" when used in this Agreement
with reference to Valley,  means any  corporation,  joint venture,  association,
partnership,  trust or other entity in which Valley has, directly or indirectly,
at least a 50% interest or acts as a general partner.  Each Subsidiary of Valley
is duly  organized and validly  existing and in good standing  under the laws of
the jurisdiction of its incorporation. VNB is a national bank whose deposits are
insured by the Bank Insurance  Fund of the FDIC to the fullest extent  permitted
by law. Each  Subsidiary of Valley has the corporate  power and authority to own
or lease all of its  properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is
now being  conducted  and is duly  licensed or  qualified to do business in each
jurisdiction  in  which  the  nature  of  the  business  conducted  by it or the
character or location of the  properties  and assets owned or leased by it makes
such  licensing or  qualification  necessary,  except where the failure to be so
licensed or qualified would not have a material  adverse effect on the business,
operations, assets or financial condition of Valley and its Subsidiaries.

                  4.2.  Capitalization.  The authorized  capital stock of Valley
consists  solely of 75,000,000  shares of Valley Common Stock.  As of August 31,
1996, there were 36,364,799 shares of Valley Common Stock issued and outstanding
net of treasury stock, and 314,888  treasury  shares.  Since such date, and from
time to time hereafter,  Valley may repurchase shares of its Common Stock. Since
August 31, 1996,  to and  including  the date of this  Agreement,  no additional
shares  of Valley  Common  Stock  have been  issued  except in  connection  with
exercises of options  granted under the Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan of Valley
(the "Valley Option Plan") or grants of restricted stock under the Valley Option
Plan.  As of August 31, 1996,  except for: (a) 544,808  shares of Valley  Common
Stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and stock appreciation
rights  granted  pursuant to the Valley  Option Plan,  and (b) 11,369  shares of
Valley Common Stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding  stock options granted
to a consultant for Valley, there were no shares of Valley Common Stock issuable
upon the exercise of  outstanding  stock  options or  otherwise.  All issued and
outstanding shares of Valley Common Stock, and all issued and outstanding shares
of capital stock of Valley's Subsidiaries, have been duly authorized and validly
issued,  are fully paid,  nonassessable and free of preemptive  rights,  and are
free and clear of all liens,  encumbrances,  charges,  restrictions or rights of
third  parties.  All of the  outstanding  shares of  capital  stock of  Valley's
Subsidiaries  are owned by Valley  free and  clear of any  liens,  encumbrances,
charges,  restrictions  or rights of third  parties.  Except for the options and
stock  appreciation  rights  referred  to above  under the Valley  Option  Plan,
neither  Valley  nor  any  of  Valley's  Subsidiaries  has  or is  bound  by any
outstanding  subscriptions,  options, warrants, calls, commitments or agreements
of any character calling for the transfer, purchase or issuance of any shares of
capital stock of Valley or Valley's Subsidiaries or any securities  representing
the  right  to  otherwise  receive  any  shares  of such  capital  stock  or any
securities  convertible  into or representing the right to purchase or subscribe
for any such shares, and there are no agreements or understandings  with respect
to voting of any such shares.

                  4.3.     Authority; No Violation.

                  (a) Valley and VNB have full corporate  power and authority to
execute  and  deliver  this  Agreement  and  to  consummate   the   transactions
contemplated hereby in accordance with the terms hereof. Valley has a sufficient
number of  authorized  but  unissued  shares of Valley  Common  Stock to pay the
consideration  for the Merger set forth in Section  2.1 of this  Agreement.  The
execution  and  delivery  of  this  Agreement  and  the   consummation   of  the
transactions  contemplated  hereby  have been duly and  validly  approved by the
Board of Directors of each of Valley and VNB. The  execution and delivery of the
Bank  Merger  Agreement  has been  duly and  validly  approved  by the  Board of
Directors of VNB. No other  corporate  proceedings on the part of Valley and VNB
are necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby (except for the
approval by Valley of the Bank Merger  Agreement).  This Agreement has been duly
and validly executed and delivered by Valley and VNB and constitutes a valid and
binding  obligation  of Valley and VNB,  enforceable  against  Valley and VNB in
accordance with its terms.

                  (b) Neither the  execution or delivery of this  Agreement  nor
the  consummation by Valley and VNB of the transactions  contemplated  hereby in
accordance  with  the  terms  hereof,  will (i)  violate  any  provision  of the
Certificate of  Incorporation or Bylaws of Valley or the Articles of Association
or Bylaws of VNB,  (ii) assuming that the consents and approvals set forth below
are duly  obtained,  violate any statute,  code,  ordinance,  rule,  regulation,
judgment,  order, writ, decree or injunction  applicable to Valley or VNB or any
of their  respective  properties or assets,  or (iii)  violate,  conflict  with,
result in a breach of any provision of, constitute a default (or an event which,
with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, result
in the termination of, accelerate the performance  required by, or result in the
creation of any lien, security interest, charge or other encumbrance upon any of
the properties or assets of Valley or VNB under, any of the terms, conditions or
provisions  of any note,  bond,  mortgage,  indenture,  deed of trust,  license,
lease,  agreement or other  instrument or obligation to which Valley or VNB is a
party,  or by which  Valley or VNB or any of their  properties  or assets may be
bound or affected,  except, with respect to (ii) and (iii) above, such as in the
aggregate will not have a material  adverse effect on the business,  operations,
assets  or  financial  condition  of  Valley  and  Valley's  Subsidiaries  on  a
consolidated  basis,  or  the  ability  of  Valley  and  VNB to  consummate  the
transactions  contemplated  hereby.  Except for  consents  and  approvals  of or
filings or registrations with or notices to the OCC, the Commissioner,  the FRB,
the New Jersey  Secretary  of State,  the SEC, or  applicable  state  securities
bureaus or commissions,  no consents or approvals of or filings or registrations
with or notices to any third party or any public body or authority are necessary
on behalf of Valley or VNB in connection  with (a) the execution and delivery by
Valley or VNB of this  Agreement,  (b) the  consummation by Valley of the Merger
and the  other  transactions  contemplated  hereby  and (c)  the  execution  and
delivery by VNB of the Bank Merger  Agreement and the consummation by VNB of the
Bank Merger and other transactions  contemplated thereby. To Valley's knowledge,
no fact or  condition  exists which Valley has reason to believe will prevent it
or VNB from obtaining the aforementioned consents and approvals.

                  4.4.     Financial Statements.

                  (a) Valley has  previously  delivered to Midland copies of the
consolidated  statements  of  financial  condition  of Valley as of December 31,
1993, 1994 and 1995, the related consolidated  statements of income,  changes in
stockholders' equity and of cash flows for the periods ended December 31 in each
of the three fiscal years 1993 through  1995,  in each case  accompanied  by the
audit report of KPMG Peat  Marwick  LLP,  independent  public  accountants  with
respect to Valley,  and the  unaudited  consolidated  statements of condition of
Valley as of June 30, 1996 and the related unaudited consolidated  statements of
income,  changes in stockholders'  equity and cash flows for the six months then
ended as reported in Valley's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC
under  the  Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934,  as  amended  (the  "1934  Act")
(collectively,   the  "Valley  Financial  Statements").   The  Valley  Financial
Statements  (including the related notes), have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied during the periods
involved, and fairly present the consolidated financial position of Valley as of
the respective dates set forth therein, and the related consolidated  statements
of income,  changes in  stockholders'  equity and of cash flows  (including  the
related notes,  where applicable) fairly present the results of the consolidated
operations and changes in  stockholders'  equity and of cash flows of Valley for
the respective fiscal periods set forth therein.

                  (b) The books and records of Valley and its subsidiaries  have
been and are being  maintained in material  compliance with applicable legal and
accounting requirements, and reflect only actual transactions.

                  (c)  Except  as and  to the  extent  reflected,  disclosed  or
reserved  against  in the  Valley  Financial  Statements  (including  the  notes
thereto),  as of June 30, 1996 neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries had or
has, as the case may be, any material obligation or liability, whether absolute,
accrued, contingent or otherwise,  material to the business,  operations, assets
or  financial  condition  of Valley or any of its  Subsidiaries.  Since June 30,
1996,  neither  Valley nor any of its  Subsidiaries  have  incurred any material
liabilities,  except in the  ordinary  course of business  and  consistent  with
prudent banking practice.

                  4.5.  Brokerage  Fees.  Except  for  fees  to  be  paid  to MG
Advisors,  Inc., neither Valley nor VNB nor any of their respective directors or
officers has employed  any broker or finder or incurred  any  liability  for any
broker's  or  finder's  fees  or  commissions  in  connection  with  any  of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  4.6. Absence of Certain Changes or Events.  There has not been
any material  adverse  change in the business,  operations,  assets or financial
condition of Valley and Valley's Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis since June
30, 1996 and to Valley's  knowledge,  no fact or  condition  exists which Valley
believes will cause or is likely to cause such a material  adverse change in the
future.

                  4.7. Valley  Information.  The information  relating to Valley
and its subsidiaries, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby in
the Registration Statement and Proxy Statement/Prospectus (as defined in Section
5.6(a) hereof), as of the date of the mailing of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus,
and up to and  including the date of the meeting of  stockholders  of Midland to
which such  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  relates,  will not  contain  any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact  necessary to make
the  statements  therein,  in light of the  circumstances  under which they were
made, not misleading.

                  4.8.  Capital  Adequacy.  At the Effective Time,  after taking
into effect the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereunder,  Valley will
have   sufficient   capital  to  satisfy  all  applicable   regulatory   capital
requirements.

                  4.9.  Valley Common Stock.  At the Effective  Time, the Valley
Common Stock to be issued  pursuant to the terms of Section 2.1, when so issued,
shall be duly authorized,  validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable,  free
of  preemptive  rights  and  free  and  clear  of  all  liens,  encumbrances  or
restrictions  created by or through Valley, with no personal liability attaching
to the ownership thereof.

                  4.10.  Legal  Proceedings.  Except as  disclosed in the Valley
Disclosure Schedule,  neither Valley nor its Subsidiaries is a party to any, and
there  are  no  pending   or,  to   Valley's   knowledge,   threatened,   legal,
administrative,  arbitral or other proceedings,  claims, actions or governmental
investigations of any nature against Valley or any of its Subsidiaries which, if
decided adversely to Valley,  or any of its Subsidiaries,  would have a material
adverse  effect on the business,  operations,  assets or financial  condition of
Valley and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated  basis. Except as disclosed in the
Valley Disclosure Schedule, neither Valley nor any of Valley's Subsidiaries is a
party to any  order,  judgment  or  decree  entered  against  Valley or any such
Subsidiary  in any lawsuit or  proceeding  which  would have a material  adverse
effect on the business,  operations, assets or financial condition of Valley and
its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

                  4.11.  Taxes and Tax  Returns.  To the  knowledge  of  Valley,
Valley and its  Subsidiaries  have duly filed (and until the Effective Time will
so file) all  Returns  required  to be filed by them in respect of any  federal,
state and local taxes (including  withholding taxes, penalties or other payments
required) and have duly paid (and until the Effective Time will so pay) all such
taxes  due and  payable,  other  than  taxes or other  charges  which  are being
contested in good faith. Valley and its Subsidiaries have established (and until
the Effective Time will  establish) on their books and records  reserves for the
payment  of all  federal,  state and local  taxes not yet due and  payable,  but
incurred  in respect of Valley and its  Subsidiaries  through  such date,  which
reserves  are,  to the  knowledge  of Valley,  adequate  for such  purposes.  No
deficiencies  exist or have been  asserted  based  upon the  federal  income tax
returns of Valley and VNB.

                  4.12.    Employee Benefit Plans.

                  (a) Valley and its  Subsidiaries  maintain  or  contribute  to
certain "employee  pension benefit plans" (the "Valley Pension Plans"),  as such
term is defined in Section 3 of ERISA, and "employee welfare benefit plans" (the
"Valley Welfare  Plans"),  as such term is defined in Section 3 of ERISA.  Since
September 2, 1974,  neither Valley nor its Subsidiaries  have contributed to any
"Multiemployer Plan", as such term is defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA.

                  (b) Except as set forth in Valley Disclosure Schedule,  to the
knowledge  of Valley,  each of the Valley  Pension  Plans and each of the Valley
Welfare Plans has been operated in compliance in all material  respects with the
provisions  of ERISA,  the Code,  all  regulations,  rulings  and  announcements
promulgated or issued thereunder, and all other applicable governmental laws and
regulations.

                  (c)  To the  knowledge  of  Valley,  no  "accumulated  funding
deficiency" within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code has been incurred with
respect to any of the Valley Pension Plans.

                  (d)  Except  with  respect  to  customary  health,   life  and
disability benefits or as disclosed on the Valley Disclosure Schedule, there are
no unfunded benefit obligations which are not accounted for by reserves shown on
the financial statements of Valley and established under GAAP or otherwise noted
on such financial statements.

                  4.13.    Reports.

                  (a) Each  communication  mailed by Valley to its  stockholders
since  January 1, 1993,  and each  annual,  quarterly or special  report,  proxy
statement or  communication,  as of its date,  complied in all material respects
with all applicable  statutes,  rules and regulations enforced or promulgated by
the applicable  regulatory  agency and did not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material  fact required to be stated  therein
or  necessary  in order to make the  statements  made  therein,  in light of the
circumstances  under  which  they  were  made,  not  misleading;  provided  that
disclosures  as of a later date shall be deemed to modify  disclosures  as of an
earlier date.

                  (b) Valley  and VNB have,  since  January 1, 1993,  duly filed
with the OCC and the FRB in correct form in all  material  respects the monthly,
quarterly  and annual  reports  required to be filed under  applicable  laws and
regulations,  and Valley,  upon written  request  from  Midland,  promptly  will
deliver  or make  available  to Midland  accurate  and  complete  copies of such
reports.  The Valley Disclosure  Schedule lists the dates of all examinations of
Valley or VNB  conducted by either the OCC, the FRB or the FDIC since January 1,
1993, and the dates of any responses thereto submitted by Valley or VNB.

                  4.14.   Compliance   with   Applicable  Law.  Valley  and  its
Subsidiaries hold all material licenses,  franchises, permits and authorizations
necessary  for the  lawful  conduct  of their  respective  businesses  under and
pursuant  to each,  and has  complied  with and is not in default in any respect
under any,  applicable law,  statute,  order,  rule,  regulation,  policy and/or
guideline  of any federal,  state or local  governmental  authority  relating to
Valley and its  Subsidiaries  (other than where such  default or  non-compliance
will not result in a material adverse effect on the business, operations, assets
or financial  condition of Valley and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated  basis)
and Valley has not received  notice of  violations  of, and does not know of any
violations  of,  any  of the  above.  Without  limiting  the  foregoing,  to its
knowledge VNB has complied in all material  respects with the CRA and Valley has
no reason to believe that any person or group would  object to the  consummation
of the Merger due to the CRA  performance  or rating of VNB. To the knowledge of
Valley,  except as listed on the Valley Disclosure Schedule,  no person or group
has adversely commented upon VNB's CRA performance.

                  4.15.    Properties and Insurance.

                  (a) Valley  and its  Subsidiaries  have good and,  as to owned
real property,  marketable title to all material assets and properties,  whether
real or personal,  tangible or  intangible,  reflected in Valley's  consolidated
balance  sheet as of June 30,  1996,  or owned and acquired  subsequent  thereto
(except to the extent that such assets and properties  have been disposed of for
fair value in the ordinary  course of business since June 30, 1996),  subject to
no encumbrances,  liens,  mortgages,  security interests or pledges,  except (i)
those items that secure  liabilities that are reflected in such balance sheet or
the notes thereto or incurred in the ordinary  course of business after the date
of such balance sheet,  (ii)  statutory  liens for amounts not yet delinquent or
which are  being  contested  in good  faith,  (iii)  such  encumbrances,  liens,
mortgages,  security interests,  pledges and title imperfections that are not in
the  aggregate  material to the  business,  operations,  assets,  and  financial
condition of Valley and its subsidiaries  taken as a whole and (iv) with respect
to owned real property,  title imperfections noted in title reports delivered to
Midland prior to the date hereof.  Valley and its  Subsidiaries  as lessees have
the right under valid and subsisting leases to occupy,  use, possess and control
all  property  leased by them in all material  respects as  presently  occupied,
used, possessed and controlled by them.

                  (b) The business  operations and all insurable  properties and
assets of Valley and its  Subsidiaries are insured for their benefit against all
risks which,  in the  reasonable  judgment of the management of Valley should be
insured against, in each case under valid,  binding and enforceable  policies or
bonds,  with such  deductibles  and against  such risks and losses as are in the
opinion of the  management  of Valley  adequate for the  business  engaged in by
Valley and its  Subsidiaries.  As of the date hereof,  neither Valley nor any of
its Subsidiaries has received any notice of cancellation or notice of a material
amendment  of any such  insurance  policy or bond or is in  default  under  such
policy or bond, no coverage thereunder is being disputed and all material claims
thereunder have been filed in a timely fashion.

                  4.16.  Minute  Books.  The  minute  books  of  Valley  and its
Subsidiaries  contain records that are accurate in all material  respects of all
meetings and other corporate  action held of their  respective  stockholders and
Boards  of  Directors  (including  committees  of  their  respective  Boards  of
Directors).

                  4.17. Environmental Matters. Except as disclosed in the Valley
Disclosure Schedule, neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any
written notice, citation,  claim, assessment,  proposed assessment or demand for
abatement alleging that Valley or any of its Subsidiaries (either directly or as
a  successor-in-interest  in  connection  with the  enforcement  of  remedies to
realize the value of properties  serving as collateral for outstanding loans) is
responsible  for the  correction  or clean-up of any  condition  material to the
business,   operations,   assets  or  financial   condition  of  Valley  or  its
Subsidiaries.  Except as disclosed in the Valley Disclosure Schedule, Valley has
no knowledge  that any toxic or  hazardous  substances  or  materials  have been
emitted,  generated,  disposed of or stored on any  property  owned or leased by
Valley or any of its  Subsidiaries  in any manner that  violates  or,  after the
lapse of time may violate, any presently existing federal, state or local law or
regulation  governing  or  pertaining  to such  substances  and  materials,  the
violation  of which  would  have a  material  adverse  effect  on the  business,
operations,  assets or financial  condition of Valley and its  Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis.

                  4.18.  Reserves.  As of the date hereof,  the reserve for loan
and lease losses in the Valley Financial  Statements is, to Valley's  knowledge,
adequate  based  upon past loan loss  experiences  and  potential  losses in the
current portfolio to cover all known or anticipated loan losses.

                  4.19. Disclosures.  Except for other acquisition  transactions
which Valley may not yet have publicly  disclosed,  there are no material  facts
concerning  the business,  operations,  assets or financial  condition of Valley
which  could have a  material  adverse  effect on the  business,  operations  or
financial  condition of Valley which have not been disclosed to Midland directly
or  indirectly  by access  to any  filing  by  Valley  under  the 1934 Act.  The
representations  and  warranties  contained in Article IV of this  Agreement are
accurate in all material respects.

                                    ARTICLE V

                            COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES

                  5.1.  Conduct of the  Business of  Midland.  During the period
from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time,  Midland shall, and shall
cause each of its Subsidiaries to, conduct its respective business and engage in
transactions permitted hereunder only in the ordinary course and consistent with
prudent banking practice, except with the prior written consent of Valley, which
consent  will not be  unreasonably  withheld.  Midland  also  shall use its best
efforts to (i)  preserve  its  business  organization  and that of each  Midland
Subsidiary  intact,  (ii) keep  available to itself the present  services of its
employees and those of its  Subsidiaries,  provided that neither Midland nor any
of its Subsidiaries  shall be required to take any unreasonable or extraordinary
act or any action which would  conflict  with any other term of this  Agreement,
and (iii) preserve for itself and Valley the goodwill of its customers and those
of its Subsidiaries and others with whom business relationships exist.

                  5.2.     Negative Covenants and Dividend Covenants.

                  (a) Midland  agrees that from the date hereof to the Effective
Time,  except as  otherwise  approved  by Valley in writing or as  permitted  or
required  by this  Agreement,  it  will  not,  nor  will  it  permit  any of its
Subsidiaries to:

                  (i) change any provision of its  Certificate of  Incorporation
or Bylaws or any similar governing documents;

                  (ii) except for the issuance of Midland  Common Stock pursuant
to the present  terms of the  outstanding  Midland  Options and the Valley Stock
Option,  change  the  number  of shares of its  authorized  or issued  common or
preferred  stock or  issue  or grant  any  option,  warrant,  call,  commitment,
subscription,  right to purchase or agreement of any  character  relating to the
authorized or issued  capital stock of Midland or any Midland  Subsidiary or any
securities  convertible  into  shares  of  such  stock,  or  split,  combine  or
reclassify any shares of its capital stock,  or redeem or otherwise  acquire any
shares of such capital  stock,  or declare,  set aside or pay any  dividend,  or
other  distribution  (whether  in cash,  stock or  property  or any  combination
thereof)  in respect of its  capital  stock;  provided,  however,  from the date
hereof  to the  Effective  Time,  Midland  may  declare,  set  aside or pay cash
dividends per share of Midland Common Stock equivalent to the cash dividends per
share declared, set aside or paid by Valley during such period multiplied by the
Exchange Ratio,  and such dividends by Midland shall conform to the record dates
and payment dates as used by Valley;

                  (iii)  grant any  severance  or  termination  pay (other  than
pursuant to policies  of Midland in effect on the date hereof and  disclosed  to
Valley in the Midland Disclosure  Schedule or as agreed to by Valley in writing)
to, or enter into or amend any employment  agreement with, any of its directors,
officers or employees, adopt any new employee benefit plan or arrangement of any
type or amend  any such  existing  benefit  plan or  arrangement;  or award  any
increase in  compensation  or benefits to its  directors,  officers or employees
(including by any change in the "Target Value" as defined in Midland's Long-Term
Incentive  Plan,  which Target Value is currently  $10.00);  provided,  however,
Midland and the Bank may continue to award  regular and  customary pay increases
in compensation  to its  non-officer  employees and may award and pay bonuses to
its officers as set forth in a written schedule  previously  delivered to Valley
if such bonuses are fully accrued on its books for 1996;

                  (iv) sell or  dispose of any  substantial  amount of assets or
incur any significant  liabilities other than in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practices and policies;

                  (v) make any capital  expenditures in excess of $100,000 other
than pursuant to binding commitments  existing on the date hereof,  expenditures
necessary  to  maintain  existing  assets in good  repair  and  expenditures  to
renovate or relocate  the Bank's  branch  located at the Bergen Mall in Paramus,
New Jersey;

                  (vi) file any  applications  or make any contract with respect
to branching or site location or relocation.

                  (vii) agree to acquire in any manner whatsoever (other than to
foreclose on collateral for a defaulted loan) any business or entity;

                  (viii) make any material  change in its accounting  methods or
practices,  other than changes  required in accordance  with generally  accepted
accounting principles;

                  (ix)  take  any  action  that  would  result  in  any  of  the
representations  and  warranties  contained in Article III of this Agreement not
being true and correct in any material respect at the Effective Time; or

                  (x)      agree to do any of the foregoing.

                  (b) Valley  agrees that from the date hereof to the  Effective
Time,  except as  otherwise  approved by Midland in writing or as  permitted  or
required  by  this  Agreement,  it  will  not,  nor  will  it  permit  any of it
Subsidiaries to:

                  (i) take any action  that is  intended  or may  reasonably  be
expected to result in any of its  representations  and  warranties  set forth in
this Agreement  being or becoming  untrue in any material  respect,  or that may
result in any  condition,  agreement or covenant set forth in this Agreement not
being satisfied;

                  (ii)  take  or  cause  to be  taken  any  action  which  would
disqualify  the Merger as a tax free  reorganization  under  Section  368 of the
Code;

                  (iii)  consolidate  with or merge  with any  other  person  or
entity in which Valley is not the surviving entity, or convey, transfer or lease
its properties and assets  substantially  as an entirety to any person or entity
unless such person or entity shall  expressly  assume the  obligations of Valley
under this Agreement; or

                  (iv) authorize or enter into any agreement or commitment to do
any of the foregoing.

                  5.3. No Solicitation. Midland and the Bank shall not, directly
or indirectly, encourage or solicit or hold discussions or negotiations with, or
provide any  information  to, any person,  entity or group  (other than  Valley)
concerning  any merger or sale of shares of capital stock or sale of substantial
assets or  liabilities  not in the  ordinary  course  of  business,  or  similar
transactions  involving  Midland  or the  Bank (an  "Acquisition  Transaction").
Midland will promptly  communicate to Valley the terms of any proposal,  whether
written or oral, which it may receive in respect of any Acquisition Transaction.

                  5.4. Current  Information.  During the period from the date of
this  Agreement  to the  Effective  Time,  Midland will cause one or more of its
designated  representatives  to confer on a monthly or more frequent  basis with
representatives of Valley regarding Midland's business, operations,  properties,
assets and  financial  condition and matters  relating to the  completion of the
transactions  contemplated herein. Without limiting the foregoing,  Midland will
send to Valley a monthly list of each new loan or extension of credit,  and each
renewal of an existing loan or extension of credit, in excess of $500,000,  made
during such month,  and provide  Valley with a copy of the loan offering for any
such loan,  extension of credit, or renewal upon request.  As soon as reasonably
available,  but in no  event  more  than 45 days  after  the end of each  fiscal
quarter  (other than the last fiscal  quarter of each fiscal  year) ending after
the date of this  Agreement,  Midland  will  deliver to Valley  the Bank's  call
reports filed with the Commissioner and FDIC and Midland's  quarterly reports as
filed with the FRB and/or delivered to its shareholders, and Valley will deliver
to Midland Valley's  quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, as filed with the SEC under
the 1934 Act, and VNB's call reports filed with the OCC and the FDIC. As soon as
reasonably  available,  but in no event  more than 80 days after the end of each
fiscal  year,  Midland will deliver to Valley and Valley will deliver to Midland
their respective audited Annual Reports,  in the case of Valley as filed on Form
10-K with the SEC under the 1934 Act.

                  5.5.     Access to Properties and Records; Confidentiality.

                  (a)  Midland  and  the  Bank  shall  permit   Valley  and  its
representatives,   and   Valley   and  VNB   shall   permit   Midland   and  its
representatives,  accompanied by an officer of the respective party,  reasonable
access to their respective properties,  and shall disclose and make available to
Valley and its  representatives  or Midland and its  representatives as the case
may be, all books, papers and records relating to their respective assets, stock
ownership, properties, operations,  obligations and liabilities,  including, but
not  limited  to, all books of  account  (including  the  general  ledger),  tax
records, minute books of directors' and stockholders'  meetings,  organizational
documents,   bylaws,  material  contracts  and  agreements,   filings  with  any
regulatory authority,  independent auditors' work papers (subject to the receipt
by such auditors of a standard access representation letter),  litigation files,
plans  affecting  employees,  and any other business  activities or prospects in
which Valley and its representatives or Midland and its representatives may have
a reasonable  interest.  Neither party shall be required to provide access to or
to  disclose  information  where  such  access or  disclosure  would  violate or
prejudice  the  rights  of any  customer  or would  contravene  any  law,  rule,
regulation, order or judgment. The parties will use their best efforts to obtain
waivers of any such  restriction  and in any event make  appropriate  substitute
disclosure  arrangements  under  circumstances  in which the restrictions of the
preceding  sentence apply.  Midland  acknowledges that Valley may be involved in
discussions  concerning  other  potential  acquisitions  and Valley shall not be
obligated to disclose such  information to Midland except as such information is
publicly disclosed by Valley.

                  (b) All information furnished by the parties hereto previously
in  connection  with  transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement or pursuant
hereto  shall  be  used  solely  for  the  purpose  of  evaluating   the  Merger
contemplated  hereby  and shall be  treated  as the sole  property  of the party
delivering the information until consummation of the Merger  contemplated hereby
and, if such Merger shall not occur,  each party and each party's advisors shall
return  to  the  other  party  all  documents  or  other  materials  containing,
reflecting or referring to such information,  will not retain any copies of such
information,   shall  use  its  best  efforts  to  keep  confidential  all  such
information,  and shall not directly or indirectly use such  information for any
competitive  or  other  commercial  purposes.  In  the  event  that  the  Merger
contemplated  hereby is  abandoned,  all  documents,  notes  and other  writings
prepared by a party hereto or its advisors based on information furnished by the
other party shall be promptly destroyed. The obligation to keep such information
confidential  shall continue for five years from the date the proposed Merger is
abandoned  but  shall  not  apply to (i) any  information  which  (A) the  party
receiving the  information  can establish by convincing  evidence was already in
its possession prior to the disclosure thereof to it by the other party; (B) was
then  generally  known to the public;  (C) became known to the public through no
fault of the party receiving such information; or (D) was disclosed to the party
receiving  such  information  by a third  party  not bound by an  obligation  of
confidentiality;  or (ii)  disclosures  pursuant  to a legal  requirement  or in
accordance with an order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

                  (c) Without limiting the rights provided under Section 5.5(a),
each of Valley and Midland  shall have the right to conduct a full and  complete
acquisition  audit and to perform such due  diligence  as it deems  appropriate,
using  its own  officers  and  employees  or  third  parties,  for  purposes  of
determining whether there is a material breach of any representation or warranty
hereunder or a material adverse change in the business or financial condition of
the other party. Such acquisition audit or due diligence shall not be limited or
restricted  by virtue of any audit or due  diligence  performed  before the date
hereof or for any other reason, but shall not unduly interfere with the business
of the other party.

                  5.6.     Regulatory Matters.

                  (a) For  the  purposes  of  holding  the  meeting  of  Midland
shareholders  referred to in Section  5.7 hereof and  registering  or  otherwise
qualifying  under  applicable  federal and state  securities  laws Valley Common
Stock to be  issued to Record  Holders  and  optionees  in  connection  with the
Merger,  the parties  hereto shall  cooperate in the  preparation  and filing by
Valley  of a  Registration  Statement  with  the  SEC  which  shall  include  an
appropriate   proxy   statement  and   prospectus   satisfying   all  applicable
requirements of applicable state and federal laws,  including the Securities Act
of 1933,  as  amended  (the  "1933  Act"),  the 1934  Act and  applicable  state
securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.  (Such proxy statement
and  prospectus  in the form mailed by Midland to the Midland  shareholders  and
optionees together with any and all amendments or supplements thereto, is herein
referred to as the "Proxy  Statement/Prospectus" and the various documents to be
filed by Valley  under the 1933 Act with the SEC to register for sale the Valley
Common Stock to be issued to Record Holders and  optionees,  including the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, are referred to herein as the "Registration Statement").

                  (b) Valley shall furnish  information  concerning Valley as is
necessary  in order to  cause  the  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus,  insofar  as it
relates to Valley, to comply with Section 5.6(a) hereof.  Valley agrees promptly
to  advise  Midland  if at any time  prior to the  Midland  shareholder  meeting
referred  to in Section 5.7 hereof,  any  information  provided by Valley in the
Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  becomes  incorrect  or  incomplete  in any material
respect  and to provide  Midland  with the  information  needed to correct  such
inaccuracy  or omission.  Valley shall  furnish  Midland with such  supplemental
information    as   may   be   necessary   in   order   to   cause   the   Proxy
Statement/Prospectus,  insofar as it relates to Valley,  to comply with  Section
5.6(a) after the mailing thereof to Midland shareholders.

                  (c)  Midland  shall  furnish  Valley  with  such   information
concerning  Midland  and the Bank as is  necessary  in order to cause  the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, insofar as it relates to such corporations, to comply with
Section 5.6(a) hereof.  Midland agrees promptly to advise Valley if, at any time
prior to the Midland shareholder's meeting referred to in Section 5.6(a) hereof,
information  provided  by  Midland  in the  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  becomes
incorrect or incomplete in any material  respect and to provide  Valley with the
information needed to correct such inaccuracy or omission. Midland shall furnish
Valley with such supplemental  information as may be necessary in order to cause
the Proxy  Statement/Prospectus,  insofar as it relates to Midland and the Bank,
to comply with Section 5.6(a) after the mailing thereof to Midland shareholders.

                  (d)  Valley  shall as  promptly  as  practicable,  at its sole
expense,  make such filings as are necessary in connection  with the offering of
the Valley Common Stock with applicable state securities  agencies and shall use
all reasonable  efforts to qualify the offering of the Valley Common Stock under
applicable state securities laws at the earliest practicable date. Midland shall
promptly furnish Valley with such information regarding the Midland shareholders
as  Valley  requires  to  enable  it to  determine  what  filings  are  required
hereunder.  Midland authorizes Valley to utilize in such filings the information
concerning  Midland  and the Bank  provided  to Valley in  connection  with,  or
contained in, the Proxy Statement/ Prospectus. Valley shall furnish Midland with
copies of all such  filings  and keep  Midland  advised of the  status  thereof.
Valley and  Midland  shall as  promptly  as  practicable  file the  Registration
Statement  containing the Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  with the SEC, and each of
Valley and Midland shall promptly notify the other of all  communications,  oral
or written,  with the SEC  concerning the  Registration  Statement and the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.

                  (e) Valley shall cause the Valley Common Stock to be issued in
connection with the Merger to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

                  (f) The parties  hereto will cooperate with each other and use
their  best  efforts  to  prepare  all  necessary  documentation,  to effect all
necessary  filings  and to obtain  all  necessary  permits,  consents,  waivers,
approvals  and  authorizations  of all third  parties  and  governmental  bodies
necessary to consummate the transactions  contemplated by this Agreement as soon
as possible,  including,  without limitation,  those required by the OCC and the
FRB. The parties shall each have the right to review in advance all  information
relating  to the  other,  as the  case  may  be,  and  any of  their  respective
subsidiaries,  which  appears in any  filing  made  with,  or  written  material
submitted  to,  any third  party or  governmental  body in  connection  with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Valley and VNB shall cause at least
a draft of their respective applications to the FRB and an actual application to
the OCC to be filed  within 60 days of the date  hereof,  so long as Midland and
the Bank provide all information necessary to complete the application within 45
days of the date hereof.

                  (g) Each of the parties will promptly  furnish each other with
copies of written  communications  received  by them or any of their  respective
subsidiaries  from, or delivered by any of the  foregoing  to, any  governmental
body in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby.

                  5.7. Approval of Shareholders. Midland will (a) take all steps
necessary  duly to call,  give  notice  of,  convene  and hold a meeting  of the
shareholders  of Midland as soon as  reasonably  practicable  for the purpose of
securing the approval by such  shareholders of this Agreement,  (b) recommend to
the  shareholders of Midland the approval of this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated  hereby  and use  its  best  efforts  to  obtain,  as  promptly  as
practicable,  such  approvals,  and (c)  cooperate  and consult with Valley with
respect to each of the foregoing matters. In connection therewith,  Midland will
use reasonable  efforts to cause each director of Midland to agree,  and Norwood
Associates II will agree, (i) to vote in favor of the Merger, and (ii) take such
action as is necessary or is  reasonably  required by Valley to  consummate  the
Merger.

                  5.8. Further  Assurances.  Subject to the terms and conditions
herein  provided,  each of the parties  hereto agrees to use its best efforts to
take,  or cause to be taken,  all  actions  and to do, or cause to be done,  all
things  necessary,  proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to
satisfy the  conditions  to Closing and to  consummate  and make  effective  the
transactions  contemplated by this  Agreement,  including,  without  limitation,
using reasonable  efforts to lift or rescind any injunction or restraining order
or other order adversely  affecting the ability of the parties to consummate the
transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement  and  using its best  efforts  to
prevent the breach of any  representation,  warranty,  covenant or  agreement of
such party contained or referred to in this Agreement and to promptly remedy the
same.  Nothing  in this  section  shall be  construed  to  require  any party to
participate  in  any  threatened  or  actual  legal,   administrative  or  other
proceedings  (other than  proceedings,  actions or investigations to which it is
otherwise  a party or subject or  threatened  to be made a party or  subject) in
connection with consummation of the transactions  contemplated by this Agreement
unless such party shall consent in advance and in writing to such  participation
and the other party agrees to reimburse and indemnify such party for and against
any and all costs and damages related thereto.

                  5.9. Public Announcements.  The parties hereto shall cooperate
with each other in the  development  and  distribution  of all news releases and
other  public  disclosures  with  respect  to  this  Agreement  or  any  of  the
transactions  contemplated hereby, except as may be otherwise required by law or
regulation or as to which the party releasing such information has used its best
efforts to discuss with the other party in advance.

                  5.10. Failure to Fulfill Conditions.  In the event that Valley
or Midland  determines that a material condition to its obligation to consummate
the  transactions  contemplated  hereby cannot be fulfilled on or prior to April
30, 1997 and that it will not waive that condition,  it will promptly notify the
other party.  Except for any acquisition or merger  discussions Valley may enter
into with other  parties,  Midland and Valley will promptly  inform the other of
any facts  applicable to Midland or Valley,  respectively,  or their  respective
directors  or  officers,  that would be likely to prevent  or  materially  delay
approval of the Merger by any  governmental  authority or which would  otherwise
prevent or materially delay completion of the Merger.

                  5.11. Disclosure  Supplements.  From time to time prior to the
Effective Time, each party hereto will promptly  supplement or amend (by written
notice to the other) its  respective  Disclosure  Schedules  delivered  pursuant
hereto  with  respect  to any  matter  hereafter  arising  which,  if  existing,
occurring or known at the date of this Agreement, would have been required to be
set forth or  described  in such  Schedules or which is necessary to correct any
information  in such  Schedules  which has been rendered  materially  inaccurate
thereby. For the purpose of determining satisfaction of the conditions set forth
in Article VI, no  supplement  or amendment to such  Schedules  shall correct or
cure any warranty which was untrue when made, but  supplements or amendments may
be used to disclose  subsequent  facts or events to maintain the truthfulness of
any warranty.

                  5.12.   Printing    Arrangements.    Valley,   in   reasonable
consultation  with  Midland,  shall make all  arrangements  with  respect to the
printing and mailing of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

                  5.13.  Closing.  The parties  hereto shall  cooperate  and use
reasonable efforts to try to cause the Effective Time to occur on March 1, 1997.

                  5.14. Indemnification. After the Effective Time, to the extent
permitted by applicable law, and the Certificate of Incorporation or Articles of
Association,  Valley agrees that it will,  or will cause VNB to,  provide to the
directors  and officers of Midland and the Bank  indemnification  equivalent  to
that provided by the Certificate of Incorporation  and Bylaws of each of Midland
and the Bank with respect to acts or omissions  occurring prior to the Effective
Time, including without limitation,  the authorization of this Agreement and the
transactions  contemplated  hereby, for a period of six years from the Effective
Time, or in the case of matters occurring prior to the Effective Time which have
not been resolved prior to the sixth  anniversary of the Effective  Time,  until
such matters are finally  resolved.  To the extent  permitted by applicable law,
and the Certificate of Incorporation  or Articles of Association,  Valley or VNB
(as  applicable)  shall  advance  expenses  in  connection  with  the  foregoing
indemnification.

                  5.15.    New Valley Directors; Officers.

                  (a) Directors.  As of the Effective Time,  Valley and VNB each
shall cause its  respective  Board of Directors to take action to appoint at the
Effective Time Walter H. Jones, III and Graham O. Jones to the Board of 
Directors of Valley and VNB, respectively.

                  (b)  Officers.  As of the  Effective  Time,  VNB shall appoint
Robert M. Meyer,  Midland's Chief Executive Officer, as a member of VNB's senior
management and Valley shall assume in writing Mr. Meyer's employment contract, a
copy of which is included in the Midland Disclosure Schedule.

                  5.16.  Employment  Matters.  Valley  intends,  to  the  extent
practical, to continue the employment of all officers and employees of the Bank,
at the same location,  with the same or equivalent  salary and benefits.  Valley
intends, to the extent practical,  to have all Midland employees  participate in
the benefits and opportunities available to all Valley employees.

                  5.17. Pooling and Tax-Free Reorganization  Treatment.  Neither
Valley nor Midland shall  intentionally  take, fail to take or cause to be taken
or not be taken,  any action  within its  control,  whether  before or after the
Effective  Time,  which would  disqualify the Merger as a "pooling of interests"
for accounting  purposes or as a "reorganization"  within the meaning of Section
368(a) of the Code.

                  5.18.  Midland Option Plan. From and after the Effective Time,
each Midland  Option which is converted to an option to purchase  Valley  Common
Stock under Section 2.1(b)(i) shall be administered, operated and interpreted by
a committee  comprised of members of the Board of Directors of Valley  appointed
by the Board of  Directors  of Valley.  Valley  shall  reserve for  issuance the
number  of  shares  of  Valley  Common  Stock  necessary  to  satisfy   Valley's
obligations.  Valley shall also register,  if not previously registered pursuant
to the 1933 Act, the shares authorized for issuance under the Midland Options so
converted.

                  5.19.    Affiliates.

                  (a)  Promptly,  but in any  event  within  30 days,  after the
execution  and delivery of this  Agreement,  (i) Midland shall deliver to Valley
(x) a letter  identifying  all persons who, to the knowledge of Midland,  may be
deemed to be  affiliates  of Midland  under Rule 145 of the 1933 Act,  including
without  limitation  all directors  and executive  officers of Midland and (y) a
letter  identifying all persons who, to the knowledge of Midland,  may be deemed
to be  affiliates  of Midland as that term  (affiliate)  is used for purposes of
qualifying for pooling-of-interests  accounting treatment; and (ii) Valley shall
identify to Midland all persons who, to the  knowledge of Valley,  may be deemed
affiliates  of  Valley  as that  term  (affiliates)  is  used  for  purposes  of
qualifying for pooling-of-interests accounting treatment.

                  (b)  Midland  shall  cause each  director  of Midland  to, and
Midland  shall use its best efforts to cause each  executive  officer of Midland
and each other person who may be deemed an affiliate  of Midland  (under  either
Rule 145 of the 1933 Act or the  accounting  treatment  rules) to,  execute  and
deliver  to Valley  within 30 days  after the  execution  and  delivery  of this
Agreement, a letter substantially in the form of Exhibit 5.19 hereto agreeing to
be bound by the  restrictions  of Rule 145 and agreeing to be bound by the rules
which permit the Merger to be treated as a pooling of interests  for  accounting
purposes. In addition, Valley shall cause each director and executive officer of
Valley to, and Valley  shall use its best efforts to cause each other person who
may be  deemed an  affiliate  of Valley  (as that term is used for  purposes  of
qualifying for pooling of interests) to, execute and deliver to Valley within 30
days after the execution and delivery of this Agreement,  a letter in which such
persons  agree to be bound by the rules which permit the Merger to be treated as
a pooling of interests for accounting treatment.

                  (c) Valley  agrees to publish  financial  results  covering at
least  30  days  of  combined  operations  of  Valley  and  Midland  as  soon as
practicable after consummation of the Merger.

                  5.20.  Compliance  with  the  Industrial  Site  Recovery  Act.
Midland,  at its sole cost and  expense,  shall use its best  efforts  to obtain
prior to the Effective Time, with respect to each facility located in New Jersey
owned or operated by Midland or any Midland  Subsidiary  (each,  a  "Facility"),
either: (a) a Letter of Non-Applicability ("LNA") from the New Jersey Department
of  Environmental  Protection  ("NJDEP")  stating  that the  Facility  is not an
"industrial  establishment,"  as such term is defined under the Industrial  Site
Recovery Act ("ISRA");  (b) a Remediation Agreement issued by the NJDEP pursuant
to ISRA authorizing the  consummation of the  transactions  contemplated by this
Agreement;  (c)  a  Negative  Declaration  approval,  Remedial  Action  Workplan
approval,  No Further Action letter or other document or documents issued by the
NJDEP advising that the requirements of ISRA have been satisfied with respect to
the  Facility;  or (d) an opinion  addressed  to Valley  from New  Jersey  legal
counsel  reasonably  acceptable  to  Valley  to the  effect  that  ISRA has been
complied with, or is  inapplicable,  with respect to the Facility.  In the event
Midland  obtains a  Remediation  Agreement,  Midland will post or have posted an
appropriate  Remediation  Funding  Source  or will  have  obtained  the  NJDEP's
approval to self-guaranty any Remediation Funding Source required under any such
Remediation Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                               CLOSING CONDITIONS

                  6.1.   Conditions  of  Each  Party's  Obligations  Under  this
Agreement.  The  respective  obligations  of each party under this  Agreement to
consummate  the  Merger  shall  be  subject  to  the  satisfaction,   or,  where
permissible  under  applicable  law, waiver at or prior to the Effective Time of
the following conditions:

                  (a) Approval of Midland Shareholders;  SEC Registration.  This
Agreement and the transactions  contemplated  hereby shall have been approved by
the requisite vote of the shareholders of Midland.  The  Registration  Statement
shall have been declared effective by the SEC and shall not be subject to a stop
order or any threatened stop order,  and the issuance of the Valley Common Stock
shall have been  qualified in every state where such  qualification  is required
under the applicable state securities laws. The Valley Common Stock to be issued
in connection  with the Merger,  including  Valley Common Stock to be issued for
the Midland Options,  shall have been approved for listing on the New York Stock
Exchange.

                  (b)   Regulatory   Filings.   All   necessary   regulatory  or
governmental  approvals and consents  (including without limitation any required
approval of the OCC and any approval or waiver  required by the FRB) required to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained without
any term or condition which would materially impair the value of Midland and the
Bank, taken as a whole, to Valley. All conditions required to be satisfied prior
to the Effective  Time by the terms of such  approvals  and consents  shall have
been satisfied;  and all statutory waiting periods in respect thereof shall have
expired.

                  (c) Suits and Proceedings.  No order, judgment or decree shall
be  outstanding  against a party  hereto or a third  party  that  would have the
effect  of  preventing  completion  of the  Merger;  no  suit,  action  or other
proceeding shall be pending or threatened by any  governmental  body in which it
is sought to restrain or prohibit  the Merger or the Bank  Merger;  and no suit,
action or other  proceeding  shall be pending  before any court or  governmental
agency in which it is sought to  restrain  or  prohibit  the  Merger or the Bank
Merger or obtain other substantial  monetary or other relief against one or more
parties  hereto in  connection  with this  Agreement and which Valley or Midland
determines  in good faith,  based upon the advice of their  respective  counsel,
makes it inadvisable to proceed with the Merger because any such suit, action or
proceeding  has a  significant  potential  to be  resolved  in  such a way as to
deprive the party electing not to proceed of any of the material  benefits to it
of the Merger or the Bank Merger.

                  (d) Tax Free Exchange.  Valley and Midland shall have received
an opinion, satisfactory to Valley and Midland, of Pitney, Hardin, Kipp & Szuch,
counsel for Valley, to the effect that the transactions contemplated hereby will
result in a  reorganization  (as  defined  in Section  368(a) of the Code),  and
accordingly  no gain or loss will be recognized  for federal income tax purposes
to  Valley,  Midland,  VNB or the Bank or to the  shareholders  of  Midland  who
exchange  their shares of Midland for Valley  Common Stock (except to the extent
that cash is received in lieu of fractional shares of Valley Common Stock).

                  (e) Pooling of Interests.  The Merger shall be qualified to be
treated by Valley as a  pooling-of-interests  for accounting purposes and Valley
shall have  received a letter from KPMG Peat  Marwick LLP to the effect that the
Merger will qualify for pooling-of-interests  accounting treatment if closed and
consummated in accordance with the Agreement.

                  6.2.  Conditions  to the  Obligations  of  Valley  Under  this
Agreement.  The  obligations  of Valley  under this  Agreement  shall be further
subject to the satisfaction or waiver, at or prior to the Effective Time, of the
following conditions:

                  (a) Representations and Warranties; Performance of Obligations
of Midland and Bank. The  representations and warranties of Midland contained in
this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects on the Closing
Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date.  Midland shall have performed
in all material respects the agreements,  covenants and obligations necessary to
be performed by it prior to the Closing Date. With respect to any representation
or warranty  which as of the Closing Date has required a supplement or amendment
to the Midland  Disclosure  Schedule to render such  representation  or warranty
true and correct as of the Closing Date, the  representation  and warranty shall
be deemed true and correct as of the  Closing  Date only if (i) the  information
contained in the supplement or amendment to the Disclosure  Schedule  related to
events  occurring  following the execution of this  Agreement and (ii) the facts
disclosed in such  supplement or amendment  would not either alone,  or together
with any other  supplements  or amendments to the Midland  Disclosure  Schedule,
materially  adversely  effect the  representation  as to which the supplement or
amendment relates.

                  (b) Consents.  Valley shall have received the written consents
of any person whose consent to the transactions  contemplated hereby is required
under the applicable instrument.

                  (c) Opinion of Counsel.  Valley shall have received an opinion
of counsel to  Midland,  dated the date of the  Closing,  in form and  substance
reasonably  satisfactory  to Valley,  covering the matters set forth on Schedule
6.2 hereto and any other matters reasonably requested by Valley.

                  (d) Bank  Action.  The Bank  shall  have  taken all  necessary
corporate  action  to  effectuate  the Bank  Merger  immediately  following  the
Effective Time.

                  (e)  Certificates.  Midland shall have  furnished  Valley with
such certificates of its officers or other documents to evidence  fulfillment of
the conditions set forth in this Section 6.2 as Valley may reasonably request.

                  (f) Environmental Law Compliance. Midland shall have obtained,
with  respect to each  Facility,  an LNA, a  Remediation  Agreement,  a Negative
Declaration  approval,  a Remedial  Action  Workplan  approval  (in which  event
Midland will post or have posted an  appropriate  Remediation  Funding Source or
will have obtained the NJDEP's approval to self-guaranty any Remediation Funding
Source  required  under any such  Remediation  Agreement),  a No Further  Action
letter or other  document or  documents  issued by the NJDEP  advising  that the
requirements  of ISRA have been  satisfied  with  respect to the  Facility or an
opinion of the type referred to in Section 5.20(d) hereof.

                  6.3.  Conditions  to the  Obligations  of  Midland  Under this
Agreement.  The  obligations  of Midland under this  Agreement  shall be further
subject to the satisfaction or waiver, at or prior to the Effective Time, of the
following conditions:

                  (a) Representations and Warranties; Performance of Obligations
of Valley.  The  representations  and  warranties  of Valley  contained  in this
Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects on the Closing Date
as though made on and as of the Closing Date. Valley shall have performed in all
material respects, the agreements,  covenants and obligations to be performed by
it prior to the Closing  Date.  With respect to any  representation  or warranty
which as of the Closing  Date has  required a  supplement  or  amendment  to the
Valley  Disclosure  Schedule to render such  representation or warranty true and
correct as of the Closing Date, the  representation and warranty shall be deemed
true and correct as of the Closing Date only if (i) the information contained in
the  supplement  or  amendment  to the  Disclosure  Schedule  related  to events
occurring following the execution of this Agreement and (ii) the facts disclosed
in such  supplement or amendment  would not either  alone,  or together with any
other  supplements or amendments to the Valley Disclosure  Schedule,  materially
adversely  effect the  representation  as to which the  supplement  or amendment
relates.

                  (b) Opinion of Counsel to Valley.  Midland shall have received
an opinion of counsel  to  Valley,  dated the date of the  Closing,  in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Midland,  covering the matters set forth on
Schedule 6.3 hereto and any other matter reasonably requested by Midland.

                  (c) Fairness  Opinion.  Midland shall have received an opinion
from Capital Consultants as of the date of this Agreement and the date the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus is mailed to Midland's stockholders, to the effect that, in
its opinion,  the  consideration to be paid to stockholders of Midland hereunder
is fair to such stockholders from a financial point of view.

                  (d) Midland Directors and Officers.  Valley and VNB each shall
have taken all action  necessary  to appoint  Walter H. Jones, III and Graham O.
Jones to its Board of Directors as  specified  in Section  5.15,  VNB shall have
appointed  Robert M.  Meyer as a member of senior  management  of VNB and Valley
shall have assumed in writing the  contract of Robert M. Meyer,  all as provided
in Section 5.15.

                  (e)  Certificates.  Valley shall have  furnished  Midland with
such certificates of its officers or others and such other documents to evidence
fulfillment  of the  conditions  set forth in this  Section  6.3 as Midland  may
reasonably request.

                  (f) VNB Action.  VNB shall have taken all necessary  corporate
action to effectuate the Bank Merger immediately following the Effective Time.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                        TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

                  7.1.  Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated  prior to
the Effective  Time,  whether  before or after approval of this Agreement by the
stockholders of Midland:

                  (a)   By mutual written consent of the parties hereto.

                  (b) By Valley or Midland (i) if the  Effective  Time shall not
have  occurred  on or  prior  to  April  30,  1997  or  (ii)  if a  vote  of the
stockholders  of Midland  is taken and such  stockholders  fail to approve  this
Agreement at the meeting (or any  adjournment  thereof)  held for such  purpose,
unless in each case the failure of such  occurrence  shall be due to the failure
of the party  seeking to  terminate  this  Agreement  to perform or observe  its
agreements  set forth  herein to be  performed or observed by such party (or, in
the case of Midland, to be performed or observed by the directors of Midland) at
or before the Effective Time.

                  (c) By Valley or Midland upon  written  notice to the other if
any application for regulatory or governmental  approval necessary to consummate
the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby shall have been denied
or  withdrawn  at the request or  recommendation  of the  applicable  regulatory
agency or governmental  authority or by Valley upon written notice to Midland if
any such  application is approved with conditions  which  materially  impair the
value of Midland and the Bank, taken as a whole, to Valley.

                  (d) By Valley if (i) there  shall  have  occurred  a  material
adverse change in the business,  operations,  assets, or financial  condition of
Midland or the Bank,  taken as a whole,  from that  disclosed  by Midland on the
date of this  Agreement;  or (ii) if at the Closing the  stockholders  equity of
Midland  (prepared  in  accordance  with GAAP  consistently  applied  during the
periods  involved,  except that (A)  intangibles  and all merger related charges
which are  anticipated  to be expensed at the  Effective  Time shall be deducted
from stockholders  equity, (B) the amount of dividends paid by Midland after the
date hereof in excess of the amount of dividends paid by Midland during the same
period a year ago shall be added to  stockholders  equity  and (C)  stockholders
equity shall be calculated  without taking into account any changes (positive or
negative)  in  unrealized  gain or  loss on  securities  available  for  sale or
securities  held in a trading  account between June 30, 1996 and the Closing) is
less than the  stockholders  equity of Midland  (less  intangibles)  reported in
Financial  Statements  for the period ended June 30, 1996;  or (iii) there was a
material  breach  in  any  representation,   warranty,  covenant,  agreement  or
obligation of Midland hereunder.

                  (e) By Midland,  if (i) there  shall have  occurred a material
adverse  change in the business,  operations,  assets or financial  condition of
Valley or VNB from that  disclosed by Valley on the date of this  Agreement;  or
(ii)  there was a material  breach in any  representation,  warranty,  covenant,
agreement or obligation of Valley hereunder.

                  (f) By Valley or Midland if any condition to Closing specified
under Article VI hereof  applicable to such party cannot reasonably be met after
giving the other party a reasonable opportunity to cure any such condition.

                  (g) By Midland if (A) the Average  Closing  Price is less than
$19.50 and (B) Valley has not delivered a written notice to Midland unilaterally
agreeing to increase  the  Exchange  Ratio such that the value  (measured by the
Average  Closing  Price) of the  number of shares of Valley  Common  Stock to be
exchanged for one share of Midland Common Stock in the Merger,  based on the new
Exchange Ratio, is at least as high as the value would have been if the Exchange
Ratio were unchanged and the Average Closing Price were $19.50.

                  7.2.  Effect of  Termination.  In the event of the termination
and  abandonment  of this  Agreement  by either  Valley or Midland  pursuant  to
Section 7.1,  this  Agreement  shall  forthwith  become void and have no effect,
without any  liability  on the part of any party or its  officers,  directors or
stockholders,  except that Sections  5.5(b) and 8.1 hereof shall have continuing
effect as set forth therein.  Nothing contained herein,  however,  shall relieve
any party from any liability for any breach of this Agreement.

                  7.3. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by mutual action
taken by the  parties  hereto  at any time  before  or  after  adoption  of this
Agreement  by the  stockholders  of Midland  but,  after any such  adoption,  no
amendment  shall be made  which  reduces  or  changes  the amount or form of the
consideration  to be  delivered  to the  shareholders  of  Midland  without  the
approval of such  stockholders.  This  Agreement may not be amended except by an
instrument in writing signed on behalf of Valley and Midland.

                  7.4. Extension;  Waiver. The parties may, at any time prior to
the Effective Time of the Merger, (i) extend the time for the performance of any
of the  obligations  or other acts of the other parties  hereto;  (ii) waive any
inaccuracies in the  representations  and warranties  contained herein or in any
document delivered  pursuant thereto;  or (iii) waive compliance with any of the
agreements  or  conditions  contained  herein.  Any agreement on the part of any
party to any such  extension  or waiver  shall be valid  only if set forth in an
instrument in writing signed on behalf of such party against which the waiver is
sought to be enforced.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

                  8.1.  Expenses.  All costs and expenses incurred in connection
with this Agreement and the transactions  contemplated  hereby (including legal,
accounting and investment banking fees and expenses) shall be borne by the party
incurring such costs and expenses,  except that the cost of printing and mailing
the Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  shall be borne equally by the parties hereto if
the transaction is terminated.

                  8.2. Notices.  All notices or other  communications  which are
required or permitted  hereunder shall be in writing and sufficient if delivered
personally  or sent by  telecopier  with  confirming  copy  sent the same day by
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, as follows: (a) If to Valley, to:

                             Valley National Bancorp
                             1445 Valley Road
                             Wayne, New Jersey 07474-0558
                             Attn.: Gerald H. Lipkin
                                    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
                             Telecopier No. (201) 305-0024

                                            Copy to:

                             Pitney, Hardin, Kipp & Szuch
                             Attn.: Ronald H. Janis, Esq.
                             Delivery:
                             200 Campus Drive
                             Florham Park, New Jersey  07932
                             Mail:
                             P.O. Box 1945
                             Morristown, New Jersey  07962-1945
                             Telecopier No. (201) 966-1550

                  (b)      If to Midland, to:

                             Midland Bancorporation, Inc.
                             80 East Ridgewood Avenue
                             Paramus, New Jersey 07652-3661
                             Attn.: Robert M. Meyer
                                    President and Chief Executive Officer
                             Telecopier No. (201) 599-0785

                                            Copy to:

                             Herbert H. Davis III
                             Rothgerber, Appel, Powers & Johnson LLP
                             One Tabor Center, Suite 3000
                             1200 Seventeenth Street
                             Denver, Colorado  80202
                             Telecopier No. 303-623-9222

                  or such other  addresses  as shall be  furnished in writing by
any party,  and any such notice or  communications  shall be deemed to have been
given as of the date so delivered or telecopied and mailed.

                  8.3. Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall be binding upon
and shall  inure to the  benefit  of the  parties  hereto  and their  respective
successors  and  permitted  assigns.  Nothing in this  Agreement  is intended to
confer,  expressly  or by  implication,  upon any  other  person  any  rights or
remedies  under or by  reason  of this  Agreement,  except  for the  indemnitees
covered by Section 5.14 hereof.  No  assignment  of this  Agreement  may be made
except upon the written consent of the other parties hereto.
 
                 8.4.  Entire   Agreement.   This  Agreement,   the  Disclosure
Schedules  hereto and the other documents,  agreements and instruments  executed
and delivered  pursuant to or in connection  with this  Agreement,  contains the
entire  agreement  between the parties  hereto with respect to the  transactions
contemplated   by  this  Agreement  and   supersedes  all  prior   negotiations,
arrangements or  understandings,  written or oral, with respect thereto.  If any
provision of this Agreement is found invalid, it shall be considered deleted and
shall not invalidate the remaining provisions.

                  8.5.  Counterparts.  This  Agreement may be executed in one or
more  counterparts,  all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement
and each of which shall be deemed an original.

                  8.6.  Governing Law. This  Agreement  shall be governed by the
laws of the State of New Jersey,  without  giving  effect to the  principles  of
conflicts of laws thereof.

                  8.7.  Descriptive  Headings.  The descriptive headings of this
Agreement are for  convenience  only and shall not control or affect the meaning
or construction of any provision of this Agreement.

                  8.8. Survival. All representations,  warranties and, except to
the extent  specifically  provided  otherwise herein,  agreements and covenants,
other than those  agreements  and  covenants set forth in Sections 5.14 and 5.18
which shall survive the Merger, shall terminate as of the Effective Time.

                  8.9.   Knowledge.   Representations   made  herein  which  are
qualified  by the phrase to the best of Midland's  knowledge or similar  phrases
refer as of the date hereof to the best knowledge of the Chief Executive Officer
and the Chief  Lending  Officer  of  Midland  and  thereafter  refer to the best
knowledge  of  any  senior  officer  of  Midland  or  any  Midland   subsidiary.
Representations  made herein  which are  qualified  by the phrase to the best of
Valley's  knowledge or similar  phrases  refer as of the date hereof to the best
knowledge of the  President and Chief  Executive  Officer,  the  Executive  Vice
President/Legal  and the Chief Financial  Officer of Valley and thereafter refer
to the best knowledge of any senior officer of Valley or any Valley subsidiary.

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



ATTEST:                          VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP


/S/PETER SOUTHWAY                By: /S/GERALD H. LIPKIN
- -------------------------           -------------------------------------     
Peter Southway, Secretary           Gerald H. Lipkin, Chairman, President
                                      and Chief Executive Officer


ATTEST:                          MIDLAND BANCORPORATION, INC.


/S/NELA GOVIC                    By: /S/ROBERT M. MEYER
- ---------------------               -------------------------------------
Nela Govic, Secretary                Robert M. Meyer, President
                                      and Chief Executive Officer


ATTEST:                          VALLEY NATIONAL BANK


/S/PETER SOUTHWAY                By: /S/GERALD H. LIPKIN
- -----------------------              -------------------------------------
Peter Southway, Cashier              Gerald H. Lipkin, Chairman, President
                                       and Chief Executive Officer


ATTEST:                          MIDLAND BANK


/S/NELA GOVIC                    By: /S/ROBERT M. MEYER
- ------------------------             --------------------------------------
Nela Govic, Secretary                Robert M. Meyer, President
                                       and Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE>
                                      
                      CERTIFICATE OF NORWOOD ASSOCIATES II

                  Reference is made to the Agreement  and Plan of Merger,  dated
as of  September  13, 1996 (the  "Agreement"),  among Valley  National  Bancorp,
Valley  National  Bank,  Inc.  Midland  Bancorporation,  Inc. and Midland  Bank.
Capitalized terms used herein have the meanings given to them in the Agreement.

                  Each of the  following  persons,  being  all of the  owners of
Norwood Associates II, agrees to vote or cause to be voted all shares of Midland
Common Stock which are held by such person,  or over which such person exercises
full voting control, in favor of the Merger.



/S/ GRAHAM O. JONES
- -----------------------------

/S/ WALTER H. JONES III
- -----------------------------

/S/
- -----------------------------

/S/
- -----------------------------

/S/
- -----------------------------

/S/
- -----------------------------

/S/
- -----------------------------

/S/
- -----------------------------


<PAGE>
                                                               APPENDIX B



                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT



                  THIS STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT  ("Agreement") dated September 13,
1996, is by and between Valley National  Bancorp,  a New Jersey  corporation and
registered bank holding company ("Valley"),  and Midland Bancorporation,  Inc. a
New Jersey  corporation  ("Midland")  and  registered  bank holding  company for
Midland Bank ("Bank").

                                   BACKGROUND

                  1. Valley,  Midland, the Bank and Valley Bank ("Valley Bank"),
a  wholly-owned  subsidiary of Valley,  as of the date hereof,  have executed an
Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger  Agreement")  pursuant to which Valley
will  acquire  Midland  through a merger of Midland  with and into  Valley  (the
"Merger").

                  2. As an  inducement  to  Valley  to  enter  into  the  Merger
Agreement  and in  consideration  for such entry and  negotiation,  Midland  has
agreed to grant to Valley an option to purchase  authorized but unissued  shares
of  common  stock of  Midland  in an  amount  and on the  terms  and  conditions
hereinafter set forth.

                                    AGREEMENT

                  In consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and
agreements  set forth  herein and in the Merger  Agreement,  Valley and Midland,
intending to be legally bound hereby, agree:

                  1. Grant of Option. Midland hereby grants to Valley the option
to purchase  35,000  shares (the  "Option  Shares") of Midland's  common  stock,
$15.00 par value ("Common Stock") at an exercise price of $301.00 per share (the
"Option Price"), on the terms and conditions set forth herein (the "Option").

                  2.  Exercise of Option.  This Option shall not be  exercisable
until  the  occurrence  of a  Triggering  Event  (as  such  term is  hereinafter
defined).  Upon or after the  occurrence of a Triggering  Event (as such term is
hereinafter  defined),  Valley may exercise the Option,  in whole or in part, at
any time or from  time to time in  accordance  with  the  terms  and  conditions
hereof.

                  The term "Triggering Event" means the occurrence of any of the
following events:

                  A person or group (as such terms are defined in the Securities
Exchange  Act of 1934,  as  amended  (the  "Exchange  Act"),  and the  rules and
regulations thereunder) other than Valley or an affiliate of Valley:

                        a.  acquires  beneficial  ownership  (as  such  term  is
defined in Rule 13d-3 as promulgated  under the Exchange Act) of at least 20% of
the then  outstanding  shares  of  Common  Stock;  provided,  however,  that the
continuing  ownership by a person or group which as of the date hereof owns more
than 20% of the  outstanding  Common  Stock shall not  constitute  a  Triggering
Event;

                        b.  enters  into  a  written  letter  of  intent  or  an
agreement  with Midland  pursuant to which such person or any  affiliate of such
person  would (i) merge or  consolidate,  or enter into any similar  transaction
with Midland or Midland Bank,  (ii) acquire all or a significant  portion of the
assets or  liabilities  of Midland or Midland Bank, or (iii) acquire  beneficial
ownership  of  securities  representing,  or the  right  to  acquire  beneficial
ownership or to vote securities representing 20% or more of the then outstanding
shares of Common Stock;

                        c.  makes a filing  with any bank or  thrift  regulatory
authorities or publicly  announces a bona fide proposal (a  "Proposal")  for (i)
any merger,  consolidation or acquisition of all or a significant portion of all
the assets or liabilities of Midland or any other business combination involving
Midland or  Midland  Bank,  or (ii) a  transaction  involving  the  transfer  of
beneficial  ownership  of  securities  representing,  or the  right  to  acquire
beneficial  ownership  or to vote  securities  representing,  20% or more of the
outstanding  shares of Common Stock,  and  thereafter,  if such Proposal has not
been Publicly  Withdrawn (as such term is hereinafter  defined) at least 15 days
prior to the meeting of stockholders of Midland called to vote on the Merger and
Midland  stockholders  fail to  approve  the  Merger  by the  vote  required  by
applicable law at the meeting of stockholders called for such purpose; or

                        d. makes a bona fide Proposal and thereafter, but before
such Proposal has been Publicly Withdrawn, Midland willfully takes any action in
any manner which would  materially  interfere with its ability to consummate the
Merger or materially reduce the value of the Merger to Valley.

                  The term  "Triggering  Event"  also  means  the  taking of any
direct or indirect action by Midland or any of its directors, officers or agents
to invite,  encourage or solicit any proposal  which has as its purpose a tender
offer for the shares of Common Stock, a merger, consolidation, plan of exchange,
plan of acquisition or  reorganization  of Midland or Midland Bank, or a sale of
shares of Common  Stock or stock of Midland Bank or any  significant  portion of
the assets or liabilities of Midland or Midland Bank.

                  The term  "significant  portion"  means  20% of the  assets or
liabilities of Midland.

                  "Publicly  Withdrawn",  for  purposes  of clauses  (c) and (d)
above,  shall mean an unconditional bona fide withdrawal of the Proposal coupled
with a public  announcement of no further  interest in pursuing such Proposal or
in acquiring any controlling influence over Midland or in soliciting or inducing
any other person (other than Valley or any affiliate of Valley) to do so.

                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Option may not be exercised
at any  time (i) in the  absence  of any  required  governmental  or  regulatory
approval or consent  necessary  for Midland to issue the Option Shares or Valley
to exercise the Option or prior to the  expiration or termination of any waiting
period required by law, or (ii) so long as any injunction or other order, decree
or ruling issued by any federal or state court of competent  jurisdiction  is in
effect which prohibits the sale or delivery of the Option Shares.

                  Midland  shall  notify  Valley  promptly  in  writing  of  the
occurrence of any  Triggering  Event known to it, it being  understood  that the
giving of such notice by Midland shall not be a condition to the right of Valley
to exercise  the Option.  Midland  will not take any action which would have the
effect of preventing or disabling  Midland from  delivering the Option Shares to
Valley upon exercise of the Option or otherwise performing its obligations under
this Agreement.

                  In the event  Valley  wishes to exercise  the  Option,  Valley
shall  send a  written  notice  to  Midland  (the  date of which is  hereinafter
referred to as the "Notice  Date")  specifying the total number of Option Shares
it wishes to purchase and a place and date for the closing of such a purchase (a
"Closing");  provided, however, that a Closing shall not occur prior to two days
after  the  later of  receipt  of any  necessary  regulatory  approvals  and the
expiration of any legally required notice or waiting period, if any.

                  3.  Payment  and  Delivery  of  Certificates.  At any  Closing
hereunder (a) Valley will make payment to Midland of the aggregate price for the
Option Shares so purchased by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an
account  designated  by  Midland,  (b)  Midland  will  deliver to Valley a stock
certificate  or  certificates  representing  the  number  of  Option  Shares  so
purchased,  free and clear of all liens, claims, charges and encumbrances of any
kind or nature whatsoever created by or through Midland,  registered in the name
of Valley or its designee,  in such denominations as were specified by Valley in
its notice of  exercise  and  bearing a legend as set forth below and (c) Valley
shall pay any transfer or other taxes  required by reason of the issuance of the
Option Shares so purchased.

                  Unless  a   registration   statement  is  filed  and  declared
effective  under  Section  4  hereof,  a legend  will be  placed  on each  stock
certificate  evidencing  Option Shares issued pursuant to this Agreement,  which
legend will read substantially as follows:

                  The shares of stock  evidenced  by this  certificate  have not
         been  registered  for sale under the  Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933
         Act"). These shares may not be sold,  transferred or otherwise disposed
         of unless a  registration  statement  with  respect to the sale of such
         shares has been filed under the 1933 Act and declared  effective or, in
         the opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to Midland Bancorporation,
         Inc.,  said  transfer  would be  exempt  from  registration  under  the
         provisions of the 1933 Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

                  4.  Registration  Rights.  Upon or after the  occurrence  of a
Triggering  Event and upon receipt of a written  request  from  Valley,  Midland
shall prepare and file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, covering the Option and such number of Option Shares as Valley shall
specify in its  request,  and Midland  shall use its best  efforts to cause such
registration  statement to be declared  effective in order to permit the sale or
other  disposition  of the Option and the Option  Shares,  provided  that Valley
shall  in no event  have  the  right  to have  more  than one such  registration
statement  become  effective  and further  provided  that Midland shall have the
right to delay for up to six months such  registration  if the Option Shares can
and will be registered in connection with the filing of a Registration Statement
on Form S-4 (or a successor form) by any person acquiring Midland.

                  In  connection  with such filing,  Midland  shall use its best
efforts  to  cause  to be  delivered  to  Valley  such  certificates,  opinions,
accountant's  letters and other documents as Valley shall reasonably request and
as are customarily provided in connection with registrations of securities under
the  Securities  Act of 1933,  as amended.  All expenses  incurred by Midland in
complying with the provisions of this Section 4, including  without  limitation,
all registration and filing fees,  printing expenses,  fees and disbursements of
counsel  for  Midland  and blue sky fees and  expenses  shall be paid by Valley.
Underwriting  discounts and  commissions to brokers and dealers  relating to the
Option  Shares,  fees and  disbursements  of  counsel  to  Valley  and any other
expenses incurred by Valley in connection with such registration  shall be borne
by Valley.  In connection  with such filing,  Midland  shall  indemnify and hold
harmless Valley against any losses,  claims,  damages or  liabilities,  joint or
several,  to which Valley may become  subject,  insofar as such losses,  claims,
damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based
upon any untrue  statement with respect to Midland or alleged  untrue  statement
with respect to Midland of any material  fact with respect to Midland  contained
in  any  preliminary  or  final  registration  statement  or  any  amendment  or
supplement  thereto,  or arise out of a  material  fact with  respect to Midland
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the  statements  therein with
respect to Midland not  misleading;  and Midland will  reimburse  Valley for any
legal  or other  expense  reasonably  incurred  by  Valley  in  connection  with
investigating or defending any such loss,  claim,  damage,  liability or action;
provided,  however,  that  Midland  will not be liable in any case to the extent
that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon an
untrue  statement or alleged  untrue  statement of omission or alleged  omission
made in such  preliminary or final  registration  statement or such amendment or
supplement  thereto in reliance upon and in conformity with written  information
furnished  by or on  behalf of Valley  specifically  for use in the  preparation
thereof.  Valley will indemnify and hold harmless  Midland to the same extent as
set forth in the  immediately  preceding  sentence  but only with  reference  to
written information  specifically furnished by or on behalf of Valley for use in
the  preparation  of such  preliminary or final  registration  statement or such
amendment or supplement thereto; and Valley will reimburse Midland for any legal
or other expense reasonably incurred by Midland in connection with investigating
or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action.

                  5. Adjustment Upon Changes in Capitalization.  In the event of
any change in the Common Stock by reason of stock dividends, split-ups, mergers,
recapitalizations,  combinations,  conversions, exchanges of shares or the like,
then  the  number  and kind of  Option  Shares  and the  Option  Price  shall be
appropriately adjusted.

                  In the event any capital reorganization or reclassification of
the Common Stock, or any consolidation, merger or similar transaction of Midland
with another entity, or in the event any sale of all or substantially all of the
assets of Midland  shall be  effected  in such a way that the  holders of Common
Stock shall be entitled to receive  stock,  securities or assets with respect to
or in exchange for Common Stock,  then,  as a condition of such  reorganization,
reclassification,  consolidation, merger or sale, lawful and adequate provisions
(in form reasonably satisfactory to the holder hereof) shall be made whereby the
holder hereof shall  thereafter  have the right to purchase and receive upon the
basis and upon the  terms and  conditions  specified  herein  and in lieu of the
Common Stock immediately theretofore purchasable and receivable upon exercise of
the rights  represented  by this  Option,  such shares of stock,  securities  or
assets as may be issued or payable with respect to or in exchange for the number
of shares of Common Stock  immediately  theretofore  purchasable  and receivable
upon exercise of the rights represented by this Option had such  reorganization,
reclassification,  consolidation,  merger  or sale not  taken  place;  provided,
however,  that if such  transaction  results  in the  holders  of  Common  Stock
receiving only cash, the holder hereof shall be paid the difference  between the
Option  Price and such  cash  consideration  without  the need to  exercise  the
Option.

                  6. Filings and  Consents.  Each of Valley and Midland will use
its best efforts to make all filings with, and to obtain  consents of, all third
parties  and  governmental  authorities  necessary  to the  consummation  of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  Exercise  of the Option  herein  provided  shall be subject to
compliance with all applicable laws including, in the event Valley is the holder
hereof,  approval of the Board of  Governors of the Federal  Reserve  System and
Midland  agrees  to  cooperate  with  and  furnish  to the  holder  hereof  such
information  and  documents  as  may  be  reasonably  required  to  secure  such
approvals.

                  7.  Representations and Warranties of Midland.  Midland hereby
represents and warrants to Valley as follows:

                        a. Due  Authorization.  Midland has full corporate power
and authority to execute,  deliver and perform this  Agreement and all corporate
action  necessary for execution,  delivery and performance of this Agreement has
been duly taken by Midland.

                        b. Authorized Shares.  Midland has taken and, as long as
the Option is outstanding, will take all necessary corporate action to authorize
and reserve for issuance all shares of Common Stock that may be issued  pursuant
to any exercise of the Option.

                        c. No  Conflicts.  Neither the execution and delivery of
this  Agreement  nor  consummation  of  the  transactions   contemplated  hereby
(assuming all  appropriate  regulatory  approvals) will violate or result in any
violation or default of or be in conflict with or constitute a default under any
term of the  certificate  of  incorporation  or by-laws  of  Midland  or, to its
knowledge, any agreement,  instrument,  judgment, decree, statute, rule or order
applicable to Midland.

                  8. Specific  Performance.  The parties hereto acknowledge that
damages  would be an inadequate  remedy for a breach of this  Agreement and that
the  obligations  of the  parties  hereto  shall  be  specifically  enforceable.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Valley shall have the right to seek money damages
against Midland for a breach of this Agreement.

                  9. Entire  Agreement.  This Agreement  constitutes  the entire
agreement  between the parties  with  respect to the subject  matter  hereof and
supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral,
among the parties or any of them with respect to the subject matter hereof.

                  10.  Assignment  or Transfer.  Valley may not sell,  assign or
otherwise transfer its rights and obligations hereunder, in whole or in part, to
any person or group of  persons  other than to an  affiliate  of Valley.  Valley
represents that it is acquiring the Option for Valley's own account and not with
a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution of the Option.  Valley
is aware that  presently  neither  the  Option  nor the Option  Shares are being
offered by a registration  statement filed with, and declared  effective by, the
Securities  and Exchange  Commission,  but instead are being offered in reliance
upon the exemption from the registration  requirements  pursuant to Section 4(2)
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

                  11.  Amendment of Agreement.  By mutual consent of the parties
hereto, this Agreement may be amended in writing at any time, for the purpose of
facilitating  performance  hereunder or to comply with any applicable regulation
of any  governmental  authority or any applicable  order of any court or for any
other purpose.

                  12.  Validity.  The  invalidity  or  unenforceability  of  any
provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or  enforceability  of
any other  provisions  of this  Agreement,  which shall remain in full force and
effect.

                  13.  Notices.  All  notices,  requests,   consents  and  other
communications  required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given when delivered  personally,  by express  service,
cable,  telegram or telex, or by registered or certified mail (postage  prepaid,
return receipt requested) to the respective parties as follows:

                           If to Valley, to:

                                    Valley National Bancorp
                                    1445 Valley Road
                                    Wayne, New Jersey  07474-0558
                                    Attn.:  Gerald H. Lipkin
                                    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
                                    Telecopier No. (201) 305-0024

                                    Copy to:

                                    Pitney, Hardin, Kipp & Szuch
                                    Attn.:  Ronald H. Janis, Esq.

                                    Delivery:

                                    200 Campus Drive
                                    Florham Park, New Jersey  07932

                                    Mail:
                                    P.O. Box 1945
                                    Morristown, New Jersey  07962-1945
                                    Telecopier No. (201) 966-1550

                           If to Midland, to:

                                    Midland Bancorporation, Inc.
                                    80 East Ridgewood Avenue
                                    Paramus, New Jersey  07653
                                    Attn.:  Robert M. Meyer
                                    President and Chief Executive Officer
                                    Telecopier No. (201) 599-0785

                                    Copy to:

                                    Herbert H. Davis III
                                    Rothgerber, Appel, Powers & Johnson LLP
                                    One Tabor Center, Suite 3000
                                    1200 Seventeenth Street
                                    Denver, Colorado  80202
                                    Telecopier No. 303-623-9222

or to such other  address  as the person to whom  notice is to be given may have
previously  furnished  to the others in  writing  in the manner set forth  above
(provided  that  notice of any change of address  shall be  effective  only upon
receipt thereof).

                  14.  Governing  Law. This  Agreement  shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey.

                  15.  Captions.  The captions in the Agreement are inserted for
convenience and reference purposes,  and shall not limit or otherwise affect any
of the terms or provisions hereof.

                  16. Waivers and Extensions.  The parties hereto may, by mutual
consent,  extend the time for  performance of any of the  obligations or acts of
either  party  hereto.  Each  party  may waive  (i)  compliance  with any of the
covenants of the other party  contained in this Agreement  and/or (ii) the other
party's performance of any of its obligations set forth in this Agreement.

                  17. Parties in Interest.  This Agreement shall be binding upon
and inure  solely to the  benefit  of each  party  hereto,  and  nothing in this
Agreement,  express or implied,  is intended to confer upon any other person any
rights  or  remedies  of any  nature  whatsoever  under  or by  reason  of  this
Agreement,  except as  provided  in Section 10  permitting  Valley to assign its
rights and obligations hereunder only to an affiliate of Valley.

                  18.  Counterparts.  This  Agreement  may be executed in two or
more counterparts,  each of which shall be deemed to be an original,  but all of
which shall constitute one and the same agreement.

                  19. Termination.  The Option granted hereby, to the extent not
previously exercised,  shall terminate upon either the termination of the Merger
Agreement  as  provided   therein  or  the   consummation  of  the  transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement;  provided, however, that if termination of
the Merger  Agreement  occurs after the occurrence of a Triggering  Event,  this
Agreement  and the Option  granted  hereby shall not  terminate  until 18 months
following the date of the termination of the Merger Agreement.

                  IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  each of the parties hereto,  pursuant to
resolutions  adopted by its Board of Directors,  has caused this Agreement to be
executed by its duly authorized officer,  all as of the day and year first above
written.

                                       MIDLAND BANCORPORATION, INC.


                                       By:  /S/ ROBERT M MEYER
                                          ------------------------------------
                                          Robert M. Meyer, President and
                                                Chief Executive Officer

                                       VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP


                                       By:  /S/ GERALD H. LIPKIN
                                          ------------------------------------ 
                                          Gerald H. Lipkin, Chairman, President
                                                and Chief Executive Officer

<PAGE>
                                                       APPENDIX C




November          , 1996




PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

Board of Directors
Midland Bancorporation, Inc.
80 East Ridgewood Avenue
Paramus, NJ 07652-3661

Members of the Board:

Midland  Bancorporation,  Inc.  ("MIDLAND") and The Midland Bank & Trust Company
("MIDLAND  BANK")  have  entered  into an  Agreement  and Plan of  Merger  dated
September 13, 1996, ("MERGER AGREEMENT") with Valley National Bancorp ("VALLEY")
and Valley  National Bank ("VNB") which  provides for the merger of MIDLAND with
and into VALLEY ("MERGER") and the merger of Midland Bank into VNB.

If the MERGER is approved and  consummated,  subject to the provisions of MERGER
AGREEMENT,  each share of MIDLAND Common Stock issued and outstanding (excluding
shares held by VALLEY) shall be converted at the  Effective  Time into the right
to receive 30.00 shares  ("EXCHANGE  RATIO") of common stock,  no par value,  of
VALLEY.

You have  requested our opinion as to whether the  consideration  offered in the
MERGER is fair, from a financial point of view, to the stockholders of MIDLAND.

Capital Consultants of Princeton,  Inc. ("CAPITAL CONSULTANTS"),  as a customary
part  of its  investment  banking  business,  is  engaged  in the  valuation  of
commercial  banking and thrift  institutions  and their securities in connection
with mergers and  acquisitions,  private  placements  and valuations for estate,
corporation and other purposes.

In arriving at our opinion we have  reviewed and  analyzed,  among other things:
(i) the MERGER AGREEMENT;  (ii) the VALLEY Registration Statement on Form S-4 of
which  this  Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  is a part;  (iii)  publicly  available
information relating to VALLEY and MIDLAND including, for VALLEY, annual reports
to shareholders and annual reports on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the years
ended December 31, 1993 through 1995, the Consolidation  Financial Statements of
December 31, 1995,  1994, and 1993, and the quarterly report to shareholders and
quarterly  reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC for the  periods  ended March
31,  June 30,  and  September  30,  1996,  and for  MIDLAND  annual  reports  to
stockholders  for the years ended  December 31, 1993 through 1995,  Consolidated
Financial  Statements as of December 31, 1995,  1994, and 1993 together with the
Report of Independent  Public  Accountants and quarterly reports of Consolidated
Conditions and Income as filed with the Federal  Deposit  Insurance  Corporation
for the periods ended March 31, June 30, and  September  30, 1996;  (iv) certain
historical  operating and financial  information provided to CAPITAL CONSULTANTS
by the managements of MIDLAND and VALLEY; (v) historical and current market data
for the MIDLAND  Common  Stock and the VALLEY  Common  Stock;  (vi) the publicly
available  financial data and stock market  performance  data of publicly traded
banking and thrift  institutions  which  CAPITAL  CONSULTANTS  deemed  generally
comparable  to  MIDLAND  and  VALLEY;  (vii)  the  nature  and  terms of  recent
acquisitions and merger transactions involving banking institutions and bank and
thrift holding companies that CAPITAL CONSULTANTS  considered reasonably similar
to MIDLAND and VALLEY in financial character,  operating  character,  historical
performance,  geographic  market and  economy;  and (viii)  such other  studies,
analyses,  inquiries and reports as CAPITAL CONSULTANTS deemed  appropriate.  In
addition,   CAPITAL  CONSULTANTS  conducted  meetings  with  members  of  senior
management of MIDLAND and VALLEY for purposes of reviewing the future  prospects
of MIDLAND and VALLEY.  CAPITAL CONSULTANTS evaluated the pro forma ownership of
the VALLEY  Common  Stock by  MIDLAND  stockholders,  relative  to the pro forma
contribution of MIDLAND assets, deposits,  equity, and earnings to the pro forma
resulting company in the MERGER.  CAPITAL CONSULTANTS also took into account its
experience  in other  transactions,  as well as its knowledge of the banking and
thrift industries and its experience in securities valuations.

While we have taken care in our investigation and analysis,  we have relied upon
and assumed the accuracy,  completeness  and fairness of the financial and other
information  provided to us or publicly  available,  and have not  attempted  to
verify  same.  We have not  made or  obtained  any  independent  evaluations  or
appraisals of the assets or liabilities of MIDLAND or VALLEY.

In conducting our analysis and arriving at our opinion,  we have considered such
financial and other factors as we have deemed  appropriate in the circumstances.
In rendering  our opinion,  we have assumed that in the course of obtaining  the
necessary  regulatory  approvals for the MERGER,  no conditions  will be imposed
that  would have a  material  adverse  effect on the  contemplated  benefits  of
MERGER.  Our  opinion is  necessarily  based upon  market,  economic,  and other
conditions as they exist and can be evaluated as of the date of this letter.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion as investment bankers
that the  consideration to be paid in the MERGER is fair, from a financial point
of view, to the stockholders of MIDLAND.

Very truly yours,



CAPITAL CONSULTANTS OF PRINCETON, INC.

<PAGE>
                                  

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MIDLAND BANCORPORATION, INC


<S>                                                                                                                 <C>
Independent Auditors' Report.........................................................................                F - 1

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1994.............................................            F - 2

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993.........................      F - 3

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993...........      F - 4         

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993.....................      F - 5

Notes to consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994, 1993...................      F - 6

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1996 (unaudited) and December 31, 1995.........................     FF - 1

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three-month periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 (unaudited)....     FF - 2

Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 (unaudited).....     FF - 3

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996                 
  and 1995 (unaudited).........................................................................................     FF - 4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 
  (unaudited)..................................................................................................     FF - 5

Note to consolidated financial statements for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996
  and 1995 (unaudited).........................................................................................     FF - 6

</TABLE>

<PAGE>


                                                        

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

         The Board of Directors and Stockholders
         Midland Bancorporation, Inc.:

         We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Midland
         Bancorporation,  Inc. and  subsidiary as of December 31, 1995 and 1994,
         and  the  related  consolidated  statements  of  income,  stockholders'
         equity,  and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year  period
         ended December 31, 1995. 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.

         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 referred to above
         present fairly,  in all material  respects,  the financial  position of
         Midland  Bancorporation,  Inc. and  subsidiary at December 3l, 1995 and
         1994, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each
         of the years in the three year  period  ended  December  31,  1995,  in
         conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

         As discussed in note 1 to the consolidated  financial  statements,  the
         Corporation changed its method of accounting for investments in 1994 to
         adopt the  provisions of the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board's
         Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards No. 115  "Accounting  for
         Certain  Investments in Debt and Equity Securities."  Additionally,  as
         discussed in notes 1 and 9 to the  consolidated  financial  statements,
         the  Corporation  changed its method of accounting  for income taxes in
         1993 to adopt the  provisions  of the  Financial  Accounting  Standards
         Board's   Statement  of  Financial   Accounting   Standards   No.  109,
         "Accounting for Income Taxes."





                                                    KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP

         Short Hills, New Jersey
         January 29, 1996




<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                    Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                                            CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                                            DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994

                                                                           1995         1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    (Dollars In Thousands)
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>
ASSETS
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Cash and due from banks (Note 3)...............................        $ 31,508     $ 32,069
  Federal funds................................................          15,550        2,675
Interest-bearing deposits with banks...........................          12,000           --
                                                                      ---------      -------
                                                                         59,058       34,744
SECURITIES (Note 4):
  Held to maturity, market value
    of $58,490,000 in 1995 and $61,593,000
    in 1994....................................................          58,225       64,184
  Available for sale...........................................          39,811       51,238
  
LOANS (Notes 5 and 6):
  Commercial...................................................         152,826      143,507
  Installment..................................................          46,651       43,543
  Real estate mortgage.........................................          59,188       55,011
                                                                      ---------      -------
                                                                        258,665      242,061
Less:
  Allowance for loan...........................................          (4,321)      (3,881)
                                                                      ---------      -------
   Net loans...................................................         254,344      238,180
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, net (Notes 7 and 10)...................           7,659        7,765
ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE....................................           3,211        3,169
OTHER ASSETS (Note 5)..........................................           1,784        2,450
                                                                      ---------      -------
   Total assets................................................      $  424,092   $  401,730
  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
DEPOSITS (Note 8):
  Demand.......................................................      $  111,542   $  109,148
  Money Market Accounts........................................          60,936       65,619
  Savings......................................................          85,472       92,572
  Certificates of Deposit......................................         130,310      102,896
                                                                      ---------     --------
    Total deposits.............................................         388,260      370,235
NOTE PAYABLE (Note 10).........................................             446          487
ACCRUED INTEREST PAYABLE AND OTHER LIABILITIES (Note 9)........           3,014        2,729
                                                                   ------------    ---------
    Total liabilities..........................................         391,720      373,451
   
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 11)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Common stock, par value $15.00 per share;
  authorized 300,000 shares: issued 129,220  shares............           1,938        1,938
  Surplus......................................................             565          565
Retained earnings (Note 12)....................................          30,836       28,041
                                                                    -----------   ----------
                                                                         33,339       30,544
  Less - Net unrealized loss on securities available for sale,
         net of tax............................................            (178)      (1,792)
  
  Less - Treasury stock at cost, 3,477 shares in 1995 and
    2,327 shares in 1994.......................................            (789)        (473)
                                                                      ---------    ----------
Total stockholders' equity.....................................          32,372       28,279
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.................       $ 424,092    $ 401,730
                                                                     ==========   ==========
     
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>

                                      F-2

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                    Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                                         CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993


                                                                               1995       1994           1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>           <C>      
INTEREST INCOME:
Loans (Note 5).........................................................   $  23,210  $  18,799     $  17,248
Money market investments and cash equivalents..........................         528        122           310
Securities:
    Held to maturity...................................................       3,208      3,197         7,062
    Available for sale.................................................       2,296      3,382            --
                                                                            -------    -------         -----
        Total interest income..........................................      29,242     25,500        24,620

INTEREST EXPENSE (Note 8):
Deposits...............................................................      10,000      7,284         8,482
Federal funds purchased................................................          17         40           -
Other borrowed funds...................................................          38         41            22
                                                                             ------     ------        ------
        Total interest expense.........................................      10,055      7,365         8,504
                                                                             ------     ------        ------
        Net interest income............................................      19,187     18,135        16,116

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES (Note 5) ....................................         500        787         1,036
                                                                             ------     ------        ------
        Net interest income after provision for loan losses............      18,687     17,348        15,080
                                                                             ------     ------        ------

OTHER OPERATING INCOME:
    Service charges on deposit accounts................................       2,457      2,508         2,302
    Loan fees..........................................................          17         32            40
    Commissions and fees...............................................         244        237           272
    Other income.......................................................         215        227           510
    Gain (loss) on sale of securities..................................           1        (25)          255
                                                                             ------    -------        ------
        Total other operating income...................................       2,934      2,979         3,379
                                                                             ------     ------        ------

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES (Notes 6, 7 and 11):
Salaries and related expense...........................................       8,202      7,739         7,327
Occupancy expense......................................................       1,754      1,715         1,675
Premises and equipment expense.........................................       1,802      1,715         1,807
Federal deposit insurance expense......................................         414        804           761
Other..................................................................       2,348      2,514         2,932
                                                                             ------     ------        ------
    Total other operating expenses.....................................      14,520     14,487        14,502
                                                                            -------     ------        ------
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change..       7,101      5,840         3,957
Income taxes (Note 9)..................................................       2,664      2,137         1,256
                                                                             ------     ------        ------
Net income before cumulative effect of accounting change...............       4,437      3,703         2,701
Cumulative effect of accounting change.................................          --         --           151
                                                                              -----      -----        ------

NET INCOME.............................................................    $  4,437   $  3,703      $  2,852

Income per share.......................................................    $  34.99   $  29.16      $  22.45
Weighted average shares outstanding....................................     126,805    126,987       127,023

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

</TABLE>
                                      F-3
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                       
                                    Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993


                                                                                              Net Unrealized
                                                                                                 Loss on             
                                                                                                Securities     
                                                                                                Available            Total
                                                                      Retained    Treasury       for Sale          Stockholders
                                           Common Stock    Surplus    Earnings     Stock        Net of Tax           Equity   
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      (Dollars in Thousands)

<S>                                         <C>         <C>       <C>             <C>           <C>             <C>      
 Balance, December 31, 1992.............     $  1,938    $   565   $  23,836       $  (445)      $     -         $  25,894
  Net income............................           -          -        2,852           -               -             2,852
  Cash dividends ($6.50 per share).....            -          -         (826)          -               -              (826)
                                            ----------   --------   --------- -    --------      ----------      ----------
  Balance, December 31, 1993...........      $  1,938    $   565   $  25,862       $  (445)      $     -         $  27,920
                                              --------    -------   ---------      ---------     ----------       ---------

 Net income.................                       -          -        3,703           -               -             3,703
  Cash dividends ($12.00 per share).....           -          -       (1,524)          -               -            (1,524)
  Treasury stock acquired.............             -          -           -            (28)            -               (28)
  Net unrealized loss on securities
   available for sale, net of tax                  -          -           -             -            (1,792)        (1,792)
                                              --------    -------   ---------      --------       ----------    ----------
  Balance, December 31, 1994                 $  1,938     $  565   $  28,041       $  (473)        $ (1,792)      $ 28,279
                                              --------     ------   ---------      ---------      ----------     ---------
 
 Net income.................                       -          -         4,437           -               -            4,437
 Cash dividends ($13.00 per share).....            -          -        (1,642 )         -               -           (1,642)
 Treasury stock acquired...............            -          -           -           (316)             -             (316)
 Net decrease in unrealized loss on securities
  available for sale, net of tax........           -          -          -            -               1,614          1,614
                                             ---------    ------- ------------   ----------        --------       ---------
  Balance, December 31, 1995............     $  1,938     $  565   $  30,836       $  (789)       $    (178)     $  32,372
                                             ========     ======   =========       =========      ==========     =========

 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
                                      F-4

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                    Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                                        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



                                    Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                    YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993


                                                                         1995           1994           1993
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>             <C>           <C>     
 Operating Activities                                                           (Dollars in Thousands)
    Net income.....................................................     $  4,437        $  3,703      $  2,852
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
    provided by operating activities
      Depreciation.................................................        1,069           1,052           856
      Net amortization and accretion - securities..................          822           1,065         1,142
      Provision for loan losses....................................          500             787         1,036
      Provision for valuation allowance for other real estate......           30             121           245
      Deferred income tax..........................................         (416)           (215)         (314)
      Loss (gain) on sales and calls of securities.................           (1)             25          (255)
      Increase in accrued interest receivable......................          (42)            (55)         (267)
      (Increase) decrease in other assets..........................          222            (266)        1,136
      Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable and other 
        liabilities................................................          (90)            262          (498)
                                                                        --------         -------       -------
         Net cash provided by operating activities.................        6,531           6,479         5,933
                                                                         -------         -------       -------


Investing Activities
    Proceeds from sales of securities - held to maturity...........          -               -          10,712
    Proceeds from maturities of securities held to maturity........       19,313           8,465        41,991
    Proceeds from sales of securities - available for sale.........        2,995          13,712           -
    Proceeds from maturities of securities - available for sale....       10,450          13,888           -
    Purchases of securities held to maturity.......................      (13,749)         (9,980)      (76,233)
    Purchases of securities - available for sale...................          -            (3,523)         -
    Net (increase) decrease in loans...............................      (16,664)        (24,166)       (7,566)
    Purchase of premises and equipment, net........................         (963)           (596)       (3,944)
                                                                         -------         -------      --------
         Net cash (used) provided by investing activities..........        1,382          (2,200)      (35,040)
                                                                         -------         -------      --------


Financing Activities
    Net (decrease) increase in demand deposits
      and other interest bearing deposits..........................       (9,389)        (8,103)       45,285
    Net increase (decrease) in certificates of deposit.............       27,414          1,035       (14,435)
    Principal payments on long-term debt...........................          (41)           (38)          (92)
    Increase in long-term debt.....................................          -              -             540
    Dividends paid.................................................       (1,267)        (1,270)         (826)
    Treasury stock acquired........................................         (316)           (28)         -
                                                                       ---------     -----------     ---------
         Net cash (used) provided by financing activities..........       16,401         (8,404)       30,472
                                                                       ---------         ------      --------
    Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents...............       24,314         (4,125)        1,365
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year.................       34,744         38,869        37,504
                                                                       ---------         ------     ---------
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of year.......................    $  59,058      $  34,744    $   38,869
                                                                       =========      =========     =========
Noncash investing - additions to
    real estate owned, net.........................................   $      -       $       -     $      266
                                                                      ==========     ===========    =========
Transfer of investment securities to the
    available for sale portfolio...................................   $      -       $       -     $   77,704
                                                                      ==========     ===========   ==========

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

</TABLE>
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                  Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)  Summary of significant accounting policies: Principles of consolidation The
     accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  include the  accounts of
     Midland  Bancorporation,  Inc.  and its  direct and  indirect  wholly-owned
     subsidiaries (the Corporation), The Midland Bank and Trust Company, Midland
     Realty Co., Inc. and Midpar  Investment,  Inc.  (together,  the Bank).  All
     significant  intercompany  accounts and  transactions  have been eliminated
     from the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

     Business
     The Bank  provides a full  range of  banking  services  to  individual  and
     corporate  customers through its branches in Northern New Jersey.  The Bank
     is subject to  competition  from other  financial  institutions  and to the
     regulations of certain  Federal and state  agencies and undergoes  periodic
     examinations by those regulatory authorities.

     Basis of financial statement presentation
     The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with
     generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  In preparing the consolidated
     financial  statements,   management  is  required  to  make  estimates  and
     assumptions  that affect the reported  amounts of assets and liabilities as
     of the date of the balance  sheet and revenues and expenses for the period.
     Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.

     Material estimates that are particularly  susceptible to significant change
     in the  near-term  relate to the  determination  of the  allowance for loan
     losses  and the  valuation  of real  estate  acquired  in  connection  with
     foreclosures   or  in   satisfaction  of  loans.  In  connection  with  the
     determination  of the  allowance  for loan  losses and real  estate  owned,
     management   generally  obtains  independent   appraisals  for  significant
     properties.

     Cash and cash equivalents
     For the purposes of cash flow,  cash and cash  equivalents  include cash on
     hand,  demand and  interest-bearing  deposits  with banks and Federal funds
     sold with maturities of three months or less from date of purchase.

     Securities
     Effective  January  1,  1994,  the  Bank  adopted  Statement  of  Financial
     Accounting  Standards No. 115,  "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt
     and  Equity  Securities"  (SFAS No.  115).  Securities  that may be sold in
     response  to or in  anticipation  of  changes  in  interest  rates or other
     factors,  are  classified  as available for sale and carried at fair value.
     The  unrealized  gains and losses on these  securities  are reported net of
     applicable  taxes as a  separate  component  of  stockholders'  equity.  If
     management  has the  intent  and the  Bank has the  ability  at the time of
     purchase  to  hold  securities  until  maturity,  they  are  classified  as
     held-to-maturity and carried at amortized historical cost.

     Interest  income on securities,  adjusted for  amortization of premiums and
     accretion of discounts,  is recognized using the straight line method which
     generally   approximates  the  interest  method,   over  the  term  of  the
     investment.

     Loans
     Loans are stated at their principal  amounts  outstanding,  net of unearned
     income and loan  origination  fees and costs.  Interest on loans is accrued
     and credited to interest income based on loan principal amounts outstanding
     at appropriate  interest rates.  Loan  origination  fees and certain direct
     loan  origination  costs are deferred and  recognized  over the life of the
     loan as an adjustment to the loan's yield.  When management  believes there
     is sufficient  doubt as to the ultimate  collectibility  of interest on any
     loan, the accrual of applicable  interest is  discontinued.  Any subsequent
     payments are  credited to income as received.  Other loan fees are recorded
     as earned and included in non-interest income.

     Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  114,  "Accounting  by
     Creditors for Impairment of a Loan," (SFAS No. 114) as amended by Statement
     of Financial Standards No. 118,  "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of
     a Loan Income  Recognition  and  Disclosures,"  (SFAS No. 118) were adopted
     prospectively  by the Bank on  January 1,  1995.  SFAS No.  114  defines an
     impaired  loan  as a  loan  for  which  it is  probable  based  on  current
     information,  that the lender  will not  collect  all amounts due under the
     contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Bank has defined

                                      F-6
<PAGE>

                  Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     the population of impaired loans to be all  non-accrual  loans.  Commercial
     and mortgage  impaired  loans are  individually  assessed to determine that
     each  loan's  carrying  value is not in  excess  of the  fair  value of the
     related collateral or the present value of the expected future cash flows.

     Allowance for loan losses
     The allowance for loan losses is  established  through a provision for loan
     losses charged to income. Losses on loans are charged against the allowance
     when  management  believes  the  collectibility  of  principal is unlikely.
     Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The allowance
     for  loan  losses  is  based  upon   factors   such  as   individual   loan
     characteristics,  changes in composition  and volume of the loan portfolio,
     economic  conditions  and other  factors  that may warrant  recognition  in
     maintaining  an allowance at a level  sufficient  to provide for  estimated
     loan losses.  Management  believes  that the  allowance  for loan losses is
     adequate.  While management uses available  information to recognize losses
     on loans,  future  additions to the  allowance  may be  necessary  based on
     changes in economic  conditions,  particularly  in Northern New Jersey.  In
     addition,  various  regulatory  agencies,  as an  integral  part  of  their
     examination  process,  periodically  review the Bank's  allowance  for loan
     losses.  Such  agencies may require the Bank to recognize  additions to the
     allowance based on their judgments about  information  available to them at
     the time of their examination.

     Premises and Equipment
     Premises and equipment are stated at cost,  less  accumulated  depreciation
     and amortization.  Depreciation is computed using the straight-line  method
     over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Leasehold  improvements are
     amortized using the straight-line  method over the life of the lease or the
     estimated useful life of the improvement,  whichever is shorter.  The costs
     for improvements and major  renovations are capitalized,  while repairs and
     maintenance  costs are expensed as incurred.  Gains and losses are realized
     upon disposition and are reflected in current earnings.

     Other real estate owned
     Other real estate owned is property acquired through foreclosure or deed in
     lieu of  foreclosure.  These  properties  are carried at fair  value,  less
     estimated  costs to sell.  When a property is  acquired,  the excess of the
     loan balance over fair value is charged to the allowance for loan losses. A
     reserve  for  real  estate  owned  has  been  established  to  provide  for
     subsequent  write downs that may be required.  Real estate owned is carried
     net of the related  reserve.  Operating  results  from real  estate  owned,
     including rental income,  operating expenses, and gains and losses realized
     from the sales of real estate owned are  recorded as  incurred.  Other real
     estate  owned in 1994 is  included  in  other  assets  in the  accompanying
     consolidated balance sheets.

     Employee benefit plans
     The Bank has an incentive  savings plan, which includes a  non-contributory
     profit sharing plan, in effect for the benefit of eligible  employees.  The
     incentive   savings  plan  allows  eligible   employees  to  make  personal
     contributions  by means of payroll  deductions  and the Bank makes matching
     contributions  out of  current  year  earnings.  The  Bank's  contributions
     ($495,000 in 1995,  $491,000 in 1994 and $450,000 in 1993) to the plans are
     at the discretion of the Board of Directors, subject to limitations imposed
     under the Internal  Revenue Code.  During 1993, the Bank established a long
     term incentive  program for key executives.  The plan has been  established
     with the  intention  of providing  added  incentive  to key  executives  to
     increase profits of the  Corporation.  The executives and the amount of the
     award are subject to limits as set forth in the plan. Contributions made by
     the plan in 1995,  1994  and 1993  were  $81,000,  $54,000  and  $27,000,
     respectively.

     Income taxes
     The  Corporation  files a  consolidated  Federal  income  tax  return.  For
     financial  statement  purposes,  taxes of the  parent  and  subsidiary  are
     recorded on the basis of filing separate returns.

     The  Corporation  accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of
     Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" (SFAS
     No. 109).  Under the asset and liability  method of SFAS No. 109,  deferred
     tax assets and  liabilities  are  recognized  for the estimated  future tax
                                      F-7
 
<PAGE>
 
                  Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     consequences  attributable to differences  between the financial  statement
     carrying  amounts of existing assets and  liabilities and their  respective
     tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and  liabilities are measured using enacted
     tax rates in effect for the year in which those  temporary  differences are
     expected  to be  recovered  or settled.  Under SFAS No. 109,  the effect on
     deferred tax assets and  liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized
     in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

     Effective January 1, 1993, the Bank adopted SFAS No. 109 and has separately
     reported the  cumulative  effect of that change in the method of accounting
     for income taxes in the 1993 statement of income (See note 9).

     Income per share
     Income per share is  calculated  by  dividing  net  income by the  weighted
     average number of shares outstanding during each year.

(2)  Dispositions:
     On February  1, 1993,  the Bank  signed an  agreement  with a New York Bank
     (Purchaser)  for the sale of its Visa and Credit  Card  Business.  The Bank
     will  continue to offer Visa credit  cards  through  the  Purchaser  and in
     return will receive a fee for each new account it opens. The gain resulting
     from this transaction was $215,000 which was recognized in 1993.

(3)  Cash: 
     The Bank is required by the Federal Reserve Bank to maintain a cash reserve
     balance based upon deposits.  The amount of the reserve for the years ended
     December 31, 1995 and 1994 was  approximately  $5,400,000  and  $4,400,000,
     respectively.

(4)  Securities - held to maturity and available for sale:
     The following is a comparison of the carrying value, gross unrealized gains
     and  losses  and  approximate  market  value of  investment  securities  by
     maturity  at  December  31,  1995 and  1994.  Expected  maturities  on debt
     securities may differ from  contractual  maturities as certain  obligations
     provide  the  issuer the right to call or prepay  the  obligation  prior to
     scheduled   maturity  without  penalty.   Equity  securities  do  not  have
     contractual maturities.  In December 1993, the Corporation restructured its
     investment  portfolio by selling securities of $10,712,000 and establishing
     an available for sale  portfolio  through the transfers of  $77,704,000  of
     securities from the investment securities held to maturity portfolio.


                                      F-8
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     Securities - held to maturity,
     December 31, 1995
     (Dollars in Thousands):
                                                                                           Gross      Gross
                               Within 1                           Over 10    Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized    Market
                                 Year     1-5 Years  5-10 Years    Years        Cost       Gains      Losses        Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>     <C>          <C>      
United States Treasury.....     $  15,095  $  23,2336   $    -     $      -    $  38,331    $  147   $  (113)     $ 38,365
United States Government
  agencies.................         1,015      12,793        425       2,611      16,844       211       (74)       16,981
States and political
  subdivisions.............         1,282         -          -         1,157       2,439        94         -         2,533
Other......................           611         -          -           -           611       -           -           611
                                ---------  ----------    -------   ---------   ---------   -------     -------   ---------
                                $  18,003   $  36,029     $  425    $  3,768   $  58,225    $  452    $  (187)   $  58,490
                                =========   =========     ======    ========   =========    ======    ========   =========

</TABLE>

                                                                    F-9


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


Securities - available for sale
December 31, 1995 
(Dollars in Thousands):
                                                                                           Gross      Gross
                               Within 1                           Over 10    Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized    Market
                                 Year     1-5 Years  5-10 Years    Years        Cost       Gains      Losses        Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>            <C>     <C>         <C>      
United States Treasury.....     $  13,111   $  16,910   $    -     $      -  $  29,301      $  13   $  (140)    $  29,174
United States Government
  agencies.................         5,033       5,036        -           -      10,069        -        (154)        9,915
Other......................           175         536        -           -         711         11       -             722
                                ---------   ---------    -------   --------- ---------      -----   -------     ---------
                                $  18,319   $  21,762    $         $     -   $  40,081      $  24   $  (294)    $  39,811
                                =========   =========    =======   ========= =========      =====   =======     =========

   
                                                                         
Securities - held to maturity
December 31, 1994 
(Dollars in Thousands):
                                                                                           Gross      Gross
                               Within 1                           Over 10    Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized    Market
                                 Year     1-5 Years  5-10 Years    Years        Cost       Gains      Losses        Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United States Treasury.....      $  6,016   $  32,060     $  -     $      -    $  38,076   $   -   $  (1,761)    $  36,315
United States Government
  agencies.................         5,999      10,617        -         3,579      20,195        14      (865)       19,344
States and political
  subdivisions.............         3,327         633        -         1,199       5,519        43       (22)        5,180
Other......................           754         -          -           -           754       -         -             754
                                ---------  ----------     ------   ---------   ---------    ------   -------     ---------
                                $  16,096   $  43,310     $  -      $  4,778   $  64,184     $  57 $  (2,648)    $  61,593
                                =========   =========     ======    ========   =========     ===== =========     =========



Securities - available for sale
December 31, 1994 (Dollars in Thousands):                                                  Gross      Gross
                               Within 1                           Over 10    Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized    Market
                                 Year     1-5 Years  5-10 Years    Years        Cost       Gains      Losses        Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United States Treasury.....      $  5,007   $  31,641   $    -     $     -   $  36,648     $  -   $  (1,901)    $  34,747
United States Government
  agencies.................         5,983      10,159        -           -      16,142        -        (783)       15,359
Other......................           454         709        -           -       1,163        -         (31)        1,132
                                ---------   ---------    -------   --------- ---------     ------ ---------     ---------
                                $  11,444   $  42.509    $         $     -   $  53,953     $  -   $  (2,715)    $  51,238
                                =========   =========    =======   ========= =========     ====== =========     =========

</TABLE>


Gains and  losses  were  realized  on sales and calls of  securities  as follows
(Dollars in Thousands):

                                    Held to Maturity      Available for Sale
                                    ----------------      ------------------
                         1995     1994        1993          1995      1994
                       -------------------------------      -----------------
Gross gains.......... $  -        $  -       $  256         $  2    $   10
Gross (losses).......       (1)       -          (1)          -         (35)
                        ------    -----      -------        -----      -----
Net gains (losses)...  $    (1)    $  -      $  255         $  2    $   (25)
                       =======   =========   ========      =======     ======
                                

Securities  with a carrying  value of $4,940,000  and $5,315,000 at December 31,
1995 and 1994, respectively,  were pledged to secure public funds on deposit and
for other purposes as required by law.

                                      F-10
<PAGE>

                  Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(5)  Loans and allowance for loan losses:

     The following table presents information  concerning loans accounted for on
     a  non-accrual   basis,  other  real  estate  owned  and  loans  which  are
     contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments
     but have not been classified as non-accrual.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       December 31,
                                                                            1995                              1994
                                                                            ----                              ----
                                                                                  (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                                      <C>                              <C>     
Non-accrual loans.....................................                   $  2,382                         $  1,223
Other real estate owned (net of valuation allowance of
  $229,000 as of December 31, 1994)...................                        -                                489
                                                                        ---------                         --------
Total.................................................                   $  2,382                         $  1,712
                                                                         ========                          ========
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing
  interest............................................                  $       8                         $     17
                                                                        =========                          ========
</TABLE>

If the non-accrual  loans had performed in accordance with their original terms,
interest  income would have increased by $150,000,  $88,000 and $81,000 in 1995,
1994 and 1993,  respectively.  Interest income of approximately $24,000,  $6,000
and $39,000 were received on these loans for the years ended  December 31, 1995,
1994 and 1993, respectively.  At December 31, 1995, there were no commitments to
lend  additional   funds  to  borrowers  whose  loans  were  on  non-accrual  or
contractually past due in excess of 90 days and still accruing interest.

                                      F-11

<PAGE>
                  Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



A summary of other real estate  owned for the years ended  December 31, 1995 and
1994 is as follows:

                                                 1995       1994
                                               ----------------------
                                              (Dollars in Thousands)
Acquired in foreclosure                          $  -    $  718
Valuation  allowance.......                         -      (229)
Total other real estate owned, net                $ -     $ 489
                                               ========= =========
 

The  following  table is an analysis of the  valuation  allowance for other real
estate owned for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993:

                                                 1995          1994       1993
                                           ------------------------------------
                                                   (Dollars in Thousands)
Balance, beginning of year                      $ 229         $ 353      $ 125
                                                        
Provision charged to expense...............        30           121        245
Chargeoffs.................................      (259)         (245)       (17)
                                                ------        ------     ------ 
Balance, end of year.......................     $ -           $ 229      $ 353
                                               =======        ======     ======

An analysis of the  allowance  for loan losses for the years ended  December 31,
1995, 1994 and 1993 is as follows:

                                                 1995          1994       1993
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                    (Dollars in Thousands)
Balance, beginning of                        $  3,881      $  3,211    $  2,903
year........................................
Provision charged to                              500           787       1,036
expense.....................................
Recoveries of previously charged-off loans..      159           230         293
Loans charged off...........................     (219)         (347)     (1,021)
                                              -------      --------   -  ------
Balance, end of year                         $  4,321      $  3,881    $  3,211
                                             ========      ========    ========


SFAS No. 114 and SFAS No.  118 were  adopted  prospectively  on January 1, 1995.
These  statements  address the accounting for impaired loans and specify how the
allowance for loan losses  related to these impaired loans should be determined.
The  adoption  of these  statements  did not  affect  the  level of the  overall
allowance  or  the  Corporation's  operating  results.  Income  recognition  and
charge-off policies were not changed as a result of these statements.

At December 31, 1995,  the impaired  loan  portfolio  was  primarily  collateral
dependent as defined under SFAS No. 114 and totaled $2,382,000 for which general
and specific  allocations  to the allowance  for loan losses of $1,251,000  were
identified.  The average  balance of impaired loans during 1995 was  $1,709,000.
The amount of cash basis  interest  income that was recognized on impaired loans
during year-end 1995 was $24,000.

The Bank grants  commercial,  mortgage and installment loans to those New Jersey
residents and businesses  within its local trading area. Its borrowers'  ability
to repay their  obligations  is dependent  upon various  factors,  including the
borrower's  income  and  net  worth,  cash  flows  generated  by the  underlying
collateral,  value of the underlying  collateral and priority of the Bank's lien
on the property. Such factors are dependent upon various economic conditions and
individual  circumstances  beyond  the  Bank's  control;  the Bank is  therefore
subject to risk of loss.  The Bank believes its lending  policies and procedures
adequately  minimize  the  potential  exposure  to such risks and that  adequate
provisions for loan losses are provided for all known and inherent risks. During
1995,  the Bank  transferred  other real  estate  owned of  $420,000 at carrying
value,  to  Investment  in Real  Estate  which  is part of other  assets  on the
consolidated balance sheet.

                                      F-12

                  Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(6)  Related party transactions:
     Loans to directors,  policy making officers and their affiliated interests,
     which  were  granted  at  prevailing   interest   rates  and  terms,   were
     approximately  $6,371,000  and  $9,818,000  at December  31, 1995 and 1994,
     respectively.  On  December  31,  1995,  none of the loans  outstanding  to
     directors,  policy  making  officers and their  affiliated  interests  were
     delinquent. In addition, the Bank paid approximately $160,000, $141,000 and
     $168,000 during 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively,  for legal services to a
     law firm whose partners,  through  interests in other entities,  ultimately
     are  shareholders of the  Corporation.  In the opinion of management,  such
     charges are reasonable in relation to the services  provided and consistent
     with those that would have been received from nonaffiliated counsel.

(7)  Premises and equipment, net:
     An analysis of premises and equipment is as follows:

                                                             December 31,
                                                          1995             1994
                                         --------------------------------------
                                                    (Dollars in Thousands)

Land............................................. $        961      $       961
Capitalized lease - land.........................          540              540
Buildings........................................        3,099            3,028
Furniture and equipment..........................        7,032            6,532
Leasehold improvements...........................        3,748            3,356
                                                         -----            -----
                                                     $  15,380         $ 14,417
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization...       (7,721)          (6,652)
                                                     ---------        ----------
                                                    $    7,659        $   7,765
                                                    ==========        =========

     Depreciation  and  amortization  of  premises  and  equipment  amounted  to
     $1,069,000,  $1,052,000 and $856,000 for the years ended December 31, 1995,
     1994 and 1993:


(8)  Deposits:
     The following table shows the time remaining to maturity of certificates of
     deposit of $100,000 or more, at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively:


                                                  1995                  1994
                                            ---------------------------------
                                                    (Dollars in Thousands)
Three months or less.........................$  20,267             $  14,173
Over three months but within twelve months...    5,348                 2,396
Over twelve months...........................      303                   506
                                             ---------             ---------
Total........................................$  25,918             $  17,075
                                             =========             =========

     Interest  expense  on time  certificates  of deposit  in  denominations  of
     $100,000 or more amounted to $910,000,  $298,000 and $242,000 in 1995, 1994
     and 1993, respectively.

     Interest paid on deposits, Federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds
     during  1995,  1994  and  1993  amounted  to  $10,086,000,  $7,468,000  and
     $8,744,000, respectively.


(9)  Income Taxes:
     The current and deferred  portion of the tax  provision  (exclusive  of the
     cumulative effect of adoption of SFAS No. 109) are as follows:

                                      F-13
<PAGE>

                  Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Year Ended December 31, (Dollars in Thousands)      1995       1994       1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current taxes:
    Federal....................................$  2,554    $  1,976   $  1,413
    State......................................     526         376          6
                                               --------    --------   --------
Total current..................................   3,080       2,352      1,419
                                               --------    --------   --------
Deferred taxes:
    Federal....................................    (375)       (142)      (163)
    State......................................     (41)        (73)      -
                                               --------    --------   --------
Tax provision..................................$  2,664    $  2,137   $  1,256
                                               =========    ========   ========

The deferred tax effect on the net unrealized  loss on securities  available for
sale  under  SFAS No.  115 as of  December  31,  1995 and  1994 is  $92,000  and
$923,000, respectively. The total income tax provision of $2,664,000, $2,137,000
and $1,256,000 for 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively,  reflects an effective tax
rate of 37%, 37% and 32%, respectively.  The reasons for the differences between
the  statutory  Federal  income  tax rate  (34%) and the  effective  rate are as
follows:

Year Ended December 31, (Dollars in Thousands)     1995        1994      1993
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal statutory income tax....................$ 2,414    $  1,986   $ 1,345
 Increase (decrease) in Federal income tax 
 resulting from:
   Tax-exempt income............................    (66)        (67)     (112)
   State income tax, net of Federal tax benefit.    320         200         4
   Decrease in valuation allowance..............     -          (54)       -
   Other, net...................................     (4)         72        19
                                                  ------   ---------  -------
Tax provision...................................$ 2,664    $  2,137  $  1,256
                                                 ======== ==========  ========


The tax effects of temporary  differences that give rise to significant portions
of the deferred tax assets and  liabilities of December 31, 1995,  1994 and 1993
are presented below:

                                             1995          1994         1993
                                           -------------------------------------
Deferred assets:                                    (Dollars in Thousands)
    Provision for loan losses..............$  600        $  424       $  133
    Valuation of real estate owned.........   101            91          131
    Deferred loan fees.....................   141           148           91
    State net operating losses.............   -             -             54
    SFAS 115...............................    92           923          -
    Non-deductible accrued expenses........   119            44           67
    Other..................................     9             3           31
                                           ------      --------       ------
Gross deferred tax assets.................. 1,062         1,633          507
    Valuation allowance....................    --            --          (54)
                                           ------       -------       ------
Net deferred tax assets.................... 1,062         1,633          453
Deferred tax liabilities:
    Fixed assets...........................  (158)         (302)         (36)
    Securities.............................   (60)          (72)        (296)
                                           ------      --------        ------
Gross deferred tax liabilities.............  (218)         (374)        (332)
Net deferred tax asset.....................$  844      $  1,259       $  121
                                           ======      =========      ========

The  valuation  allowance  for  deferred  tax  assets as of  January 1, 1994 was
$54,000.  The net  change in the total  valuation  allowance  for the year ended
December  31, 1994 was a decrease of $54,000,  due to  utilization  of state net
operating losses.

Income taxes paid amounted to  $2,225,000,  $1,730,000  and  $1,375,000 in 1995,
1994  and  1993,  respectively.   

                                      F-14
<PAGE>

                  Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(10) Note payable:
     The  Corporation  has a capitalized  lease agreement for the acquisition of
     land with a book value of $540,000. The lease requires a monthly payment of
     $6,552  through July 2003.  The present value of net minimum lease payments
     for 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 are $45,000,  $48,000, $52,000, $57,000
     and  $61,000,  respectively.  Total  present  value  of net  minimum  lease
     payments through 2003 amount to $183,000.

(11) Commitments and contingencies:
     The Bank is party,  in the  ordinary  course  of  business,  to  litigation
     involving  collection  matters,  contract  claims  and other  miscellaneous
     causes of action  arising from its business.  Management  does not consider
     that any such proceedings  depart from usual routine litigation and, in its
     judgment,  the Bank's financial position will not be affected materially by
     any present proceedings.

     The  Bank  leases  certain  of its  branch  facilities  as well as  certain
     equipment under  noncancelable  operating  leases expiring at various dates
     through 2017. Rent expense charged to operations was $746,000, $719,000 and
     $773,000  during  1995,  1994 and 1993,  respectively.  The minimum  annual
     rentals under the terms of real property leases as of December 31, 1995 are
     as follows:
      
                    1996                $  727,000
                    1997                   627,000
                    1998                   527,000
                    1999                   406,000
                    2000                   247,000
                    2001 and thereafter $  490,000

     Certain of the above  leases  provide for  increased  rental  payments as a
     result of the increases in the cost of living index.

     In the normal course of business, there are outstanding various commitments
     and contingent liabilities,  such as commitments to extend credit which are
     not reflected in the accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements.  At
     December 31, 1995, the Bank had commitments to extend credit of $31,990,000
     including  standby  letters  of credit  of  $3,121,000.  Of these  amounts,
     approximately  49% related to unused home equity lines of credit.  Excluded
     from these  amounts are  commitments  to extend credit in the form of check
     credit or related plans.

     The Bank has an agreement to repurchase  mortgage loans  previously sold in
     the event of default of  payments  within the first four months in the life
     of the loan.  As of  December  31,  1995,  there  were no loans  subject to
     recourse.

(12) Dividend and other restrictions:

     Certain  limitations  exist on the ability of the Bank to declare dividends
     to the Corporation.  Under New Jersey State Law, dividends may be paid only
     if capital would remain unimpaired and remaining retained earnings would be
     no less than 50  percent  of common  stock.  At  December  31,  1995,  this
     restriction  did not result in any  effective  limitation  on the operating
     effectiveness of the subsidiary.

(13) Recent accounting pronouncements:
     In May 1995, the FASB issued  Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards
     No. 122,  "Accounting for Mortgage  Servicing  Rights" (SFAS No. 122). This
     Statement requires  recognition of the rights to service mortgage loans for
     others,whether  those rights were acquired through purchase or origination.
     SFAS No. 122 also requires that  capitalized  mortgage  servicing rights be
     evaluated  for  impairment  based on the fair  value of those  rights  with
     impairment  recognized  through  a  valuation  allowance.  SFAS No.  122 is
     effective for the fiscal years  beginning  after December 15, 1995 and will
     not have a material effect on the Bank's  consolidated  financial condition
     of results of operations.

                                      F-15
<PAGE>


                  Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


     In October 1995, FASB issued  Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards
     No. 123,  "Accounting  for Stock-Based  Compensation"  (SFAS No. 123). This
     Statement  establishes  financial  accounting  and reporting  standards for
     stock-based  employee  compensation  plans.  SFAS No.  123  encourages  all
     entities to adopt the "fair values based method" of accounting for employee
     stock compensation  plans.  However,  SFAS No. 123 also allows an entity to
     continue to measure compensation cost under such plans using the "intrinsic
     value based  method".  The  accounting  requirements  of this Statement are
     effective  for  transactions  entered into in fiscal years that begin after
     December 15, 1995. The Bank anticipates  accounting for  compensation  cost
     under the intrinsic values based methods must provide pro forma disclosures
     for all awards  granted in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 1994.
     Such  disclosures  include net income and earnings per share as if the fair
     values based method of accounting had been applied.

(14) Fair value of financial instruments:

     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosure About Fair
     Value  of  Financial  Instruments  SFAS  No.  107,  requires  that the Bank
     disclose  estimated  fair values for its  financial  instruments.  The fair
     value  estimates  are made at a discrete  point in time  based on  relevant
     market  information  about the  financial  instruments.  Because  no market
     exists for a significant portion of the Bank's financial instruments,  fair
     value  estimates  are based on judgments  regarding  future  expected  loss
     experience,  current economic  conditions,  risk characteristics of various
     instruments,  and such other  factors.  These  estimates are  subjective in
     nature and involve  uncertainties and matters of significant  judgment and,
     therefore,  cannot be determined  with  precision.  Changes in  assumptions
     could significantly affect the estimates.

     In  addition,  the fair value  estimates  are based on  existing on and off
     balance  sheet  financial  instruments  without  attempting to estimate the
     value of anticipated future business and the value of asset and liabilities
     that  are  not  considered  financial  instruments.  In  addition,  the tax
     ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses
     can have a  significant  effect on fair value  estimated  and have not been
     considered in many of these estimates.

     Financial  assets 
     Fair values are  estimated for  portfolios of loans with similar  financial
     characteristics.  Loans are  segregated by type,  such as  residential  and
     commercial real estate,  commercial and other consumer.  Each loan category
     is further  segmented into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms, and by
     performing,  and  non-performing  categories.  The  fair  value of loans is
     primarily calculated by discounting  contractual cash flows using estimated
     market  discount  rates  which  reflect the credit and  interest  rate risk
     inherent in the loan. For performing residential mortgage loans, fair value
     is estimated by discounting  contractual cash flows adjusted for prepayment
     estimated using discount rates based on secondary market source adjusted to
     reflect  differences in servicing  credit costs.  Fair value of significant
     nonperforming  loans is based  on  either  recent  external  appraisals  or
     estimated  cash  flows  which  are   discounted   using  a  rate  which  is
     commensurate with the associated risk.  Assumptions  regarding credit risk,
     cash flows, and discount rates are judgmentally  determined using available
     market  information and specific  borrower  information.  The fair value of
     cash and cash  equivalents  are considered to approximate  carrying  value.
     Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand and interest bearing
     deposits with banks and Federal funds sold with  maturities of three months
     or less.  The fair value of  securities,  including  available for sale are
     based on quoted market prices.

     Financial liabilities
     The fair value of deposits with no stated  maturity,  such as  non-interest
     bearing demand deposits,  savings,  and NOW and money market  accounts,  is
     equal to the amount payable on demand as of December 31, 1995 and 1994. The
     fair value of certificates  of deposit is based on the discounted  value of
     contractual  cash flows.  The discount  rate is  estimated  using the rates
     currently  offered  for  deposits  of  similar  remaining  maturities.  The
     estimated fair value of time deposits,  including $100,000 and over, do not
     include the benefit that results from the low-cost  funding provided by the
     deposit liabilities compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market.

     Off-Balance  sheet  financial  instruments
     The fair value of commitments to extend credit is estimated  using the fees
     currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the
     remaining terms of the agreements and the present  creditworthiness  of the
     

                                      F-16


                  Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


     counterparties.  For fixed rate loan commitments, fair value also considers
     the difference  between  current levels of interest rates and the committed
     rates.  The fair value of commitments to extend credit are not deemed to be
     material.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     The  estimated  fair value of  financial  instruments  at  December  31, is
     summarized as follows:

                                             1995          1995          1994           1994
                                         Carrying     Estimated      Carrying      Estimated
(Dollars in Thousands)                     Amount    Fair Value        Amount     Fair Value
- --------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- --------------

<S>                                     <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>      
Financial Assets: 
  Cash and cash equivalents             $  59,058     $  59,058     $  34,744      $  34,744
  Securities - held to maturty             58,225        58,490        64,184         61,593
  Securities - available for sale          39,811        39,811        51,238         51,238
  Loans, net,                             254,344       257,975       238,180        240,141
Financial liabilities:
  Deposits............................  $ 388,260     $ 388,938     $ 370,235     $  370,042
 
</TABLE>
 
(15) Midland Bancorporation, Inc. (Parent Company only):
     The  earnings  of the Bank are  recognized  by the  Corporation,  using the
     equity  method  of  accounting.   Accordingly,  earnings  are  recorded  as
     increases in the  Corporation's  investment  and dividends  paid reduce the
     investment in the  subsidiary.  Dividends  payable by the  Corporation  are
     unrestricted, although the ability of the Corporation to pay dividends will
     largely depend upon the dividends paid to it by the Bank. Dividends payable
     by the Bank to the Corporation are restricted under supervisory regulations
     (see Note 12).  Condensed  financial  statements of the Parent Company only
     follow:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                Parent Company Only
                                           Condensed Financial Statements
                                                                                              December 31,
Condensed Balance Sheets                                                                    1995               1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                                                    <C>                <C>      
Assets:
    Investment in subsidiary...................................                        $  32,843          $  28,531
    Cash.......................................................                              165                  9
                                                                                             ---                  -
        Total..................................................                        $  33,008          $  28,540
                                                                                       =========          =========

Liabilities....................................................                        $     636          $     261
Stockholders' equity...........................................                           32,372             28,279
                                                                                       ---------          ---------
        Total..................................................                        $  33,008          $  28,540
                                                                                       =========          =========

Condensed Statements of Income
Years Ended December 31,                                                  1995             1994          1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        (Dollars in Thousands)

Income:
        Dividend income........................................       $  1,783         $  1,320       $   856
                                                                      --------         --------       -------

Expense:
        Other operating expense................................             44               45            32
                                                                      --------         --------      --------
Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiary.....          1,739            1,275           824
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiary...................          2,698            2,428         2,028
                                                                      --------         --------      --------
        Net income.............................................       $  4,437         $  3,703      $  2,852
                                                                      ========         ========      ========
</TABLE>



                  Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31,                                                  1995             1994          1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        (Dollars in Thousands)

<S>                                                                   <C>              <C>           <C>     
Operating Activities
    Net income.................................................       $  4,437         $  3,703      $  2,852
    Equity in undistributed income of subsidiary...............         (2,698)          (2,428)       (2,028)
                                                                      ---------       ----------     --------- -
        Net cash provided by operating activities..............          1,739            1,275           824
                                                                      --------         --------      --------

Financing Activities
    Dividends paid.............................................         (1,267)         (1,270)          (826)
    Treasury stock acquired....................................           (316)            (28)           -
                                                                       -------         --------        -------
        Net cash used by financing activities..................         (1,583)        (1,298)           (826)
                                                                       -------         --------       --------

        (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents.......            156            (23)             (2)
        Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year.........              9              32             34
                                                                     ---------         -------       --------
        Cash and cash equivalents at end of year...............       $    165        $      9       $     32
                                                                      ========        ========       ========

</TABLE>

                                                                    F-17
<PAGE>



                   Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                    SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND DECEMBER 31, 1995

                                            Sept 30, 1996         Dec 31, 1995
                                             (Unaudited)
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                                    (Dollars in Thousands)
ASSETS                                   
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:                                                  
 Cash and due from banks..........................     $ 36,900         31,508 
 Federal funds....................................          800         15,550 
 Interest bearing deposits with banks.............           -          12,000 
                                                      -----------    ----------
                                                         37,700         59,058 
SECURITIES:                                                                    
 Held to maturity.................................       50,532         58,225 
 Available for sale...............................       40,183         39,811 
LOANS:                                                                         
 Commercial.......................................      165,423        152,826 
 Installment......................................       56,138         46,651 
 Real estate mortgage.............................       67,918         59,188 
                                                      ----------     ----------
                                                        289,479        258,665 
 Less:                                                                         
 Allowance for loan losses........................       (4,208)        (4,321)
                                                      ----------     ----------
  Net loans.......................................      285,271        254,344 
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, net.......................        7,760          7,659 
ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE.......................        2,997          3,211 
OTHER ASSETS......................................        1,790          1,784 
     Total assets.................................    $ 426,233     $  424,092 
                                                      =========     ========== 
                                                                               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                           
DEPOSITS:                                                                      
 Demand...........................................    $ 115,062    $   111,542 
 Money Market Accounts............................       67,046         60,936 
 Savings..........................................       82,709         85,472 
 Certificates of Deposit..........................      124,134        130,310 
                                                      ----------     ----------
   Total deposits.................................      388,951        388,260 
NOTE PAYABLE......................................          413            446 
ACCRUED INTEREST PAYABLE AND OTHER LIABILITIES            2,698          3,014 
                                                      ----------    ---------- 
   Total liabilities..............................      392,062        391,720 
                                                      ----------    -----------
                                                                               
                                                                               
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                           
 Common stock, par value $ 15.00 per share;                                    
  authorized 300,000 shares, issued 129,220 shares        1,938          1,938 
 Surplus..........................................          565            565 
 Retained earnings................................       32,757         30,836 
                                                      ----------     ----------
                                                         35,260         33,339 
  Less-Net unrealized loss on securities available                        
   for sale, net of tax ..........................         (156)          (178)
  Less - Treasury stock at cost, 3,962 shares at                               
   September 30, 1996 and 3,477 shares at                                      
   December 31, 1995                                       (933)          (789)
                                                      ----------    ---------- 
  Total stockholders' equity......................       34,171         32,372 
                                                       ---------     ----------
   Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.....    $ 426,233    $   424,092 
                                                      =========     ========== 
                                                                               
See accompanying note to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

                                      FF-1
<PAGE>


                   Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

        THREE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
            (Unaudited)

                                                            Sept 30,    Sept 30,
                                                               1996        1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        (Dollars  in  thousands  except
                                          per share  data)

INTEREST INCOME:
  Loans...................................................$   6,190  $   5,880
  Money market investments and cash equivalents...........       76        160
  Securities:
    Held to maturity......................................      709        779
    Available for sale....................................      527        547
                                                          ---------   --------
      Total interest income...............................    7,502      7,366
                                                           --------   --------

INTEREST EXPENSE:
  Deposits................................................    2,385      2,575
  Federal funds purchased.................................        5          2
  Other borrowed funds....................................        8          9
                                                            -------   --------
    Total interest expense................................    2,398      2,586
                                                            -------   --------
    Net interest income...................................    5,104      4,780

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES:................................       80        100
                                                            -------    -------
    Net interest income after provision for loan losses...    5,024      4,680
                                                            -------    -------

OTHER OPERATING INCOME:
  Service charges on deposit accounts.....................      548        607
  Loan fees...............................................        5          3
  Commissions and fees....................................       61         71
  Other income............................................       38         43
                                                           ---------   --------
    Total other operating income..........................      652        724
                                                            --------    --------

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Salaries and related expense............................    2,102      2,070
  Occupancy expense.......................................      474        447
  Premises and equipment expense..........................      416        393
  Professional services...................................      146         71
  Other...................................................      613        589
                                                           --------   --------
    Total other operating expenses........................    3,751      3,570
                                                           --------   --------
  Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of         1,925      1,834
    accounting change.....................................
  Income taxes............................................      756        691
                                                           --------   --------

NET INCOME................................................ $  1,169   $  1,143
                                                           ========   ========

Income per share..........................................   $ 9.33     $ 9.00
Weighted average shares outstanding.......................  125,270    126,893

See accompanying note to unaudited consolidated financial statements.


                                      FF-2
<PAGE>



                   Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

        NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
             Unaudited)

                                                          Sept 30,      Sept 30,
                                                              1996          1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                (Dollars  in  thousands except  per share data)

INTEREST INCOME:
  Loans................................................... $  17,929  $  17,252
  Money market investments and cash equivalents...........       330        276
  Securities:
    Held to maturity......................................     2,270      2,416
    Available for sale....................................     1,453      1,807
                                                           ---------   --------
      Total interest income...............................    21,982     21,751
                                                            --------   --------

INTEREST EXPENSE:
  Deposits................................................     6,940      7,465
  Federal funds purchased.................................         8         17
  Other borrowed funds....................................        27         28
                                                             -------   --------
    Total interest expense................................     6,975      7,510
                                                             -------   --------
    Net interest income...................................    15,007     14,241

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES:................................       190        400
                                                             -------    -------
    Net interest income after provision for loan losses...    14,817     13,841
                                                             -------    -------

OTHER OPERATING INCOME:
  Service charges on deposit accounts.....................     1,634      1,869
  Loan fees...............................................        12         12
  Commissions and fees....................................       190        192
  Other income............................................       141        147
  Gain (loss) on sale of securities.......................      -             2
                                                           ---------     ------
    Total other operating income..........................     1,977      2,222
                                                             -------    -------

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Salaries and related expense............................     6,400      6,217
  Occupancy expense.......................................     1,460      1,327
  Premises and equipment expense..........................     1,244      1,200
  Professional services...................................       276        169
  Other...................................................     1,938      2,224
                                                            --------   --------
    Total other operating expenses........................    11,318     11,137
                                                            --------   --------
  Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of
     accounting change....................................     5,476      4,926
  Income taxes............................................     2,114      1,847
                                                            --------   --------

NET INCOME................................................  $  3,362   $  3,079
                                                            ========   ========

Income per share..........................................    $26.79     $24.26
Weighted average shares outstanding.......................   125,490    126,893

See accompanying note to unaudited consolidated financial statments.


                                      FF-3

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

                             NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 and 1996

                                                (Unaudited)
                                                                                                 Net Unrealized
                                                                                                        Loss on        
                                                                                                     Securities         Total
                                                    Common                Retained    Treasury     Avalable for     Stockholders'
    (Dollars in Thousands)                           Stock     Surplus    Earnings       Stock       Net of Tax       Equity
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                <C>           <C>      <C>          <C>            <C>           <C>    
Balance, December 31, 1994                          $1,938        $565     $28,041      $(473)         $(1,792)      $28,279
Net income....................................          --          --       3,079          --               --        3,079
Cash dividends ($6.00 per share)..............          --          --        (761)         --               --         (761)
Net decrease in unrealized loss on securities
  available for sale, net of  tax.............          --          --          --         --            1,348         1,348
                                                   -------      ------   ---------    --------          -------      -------
Balance, September 30, 1995...................      $1,938        $565    $ 30,359      $(473)           $(444)      $31,945
                                                    ======        ====    ========      ======           ======      =======


Balance, December 31, 1995                          $1,938        $565     $30,836      $(789)           $(178)      $32,372
Net income....................................          --          --       3,362         --               --         3,362
Cash dividends ($11.50 per share).............          --          --      (1,441)        --               --        (1,441)
Treasury stock acquired.......................          --          --          --       (144)              --          (144)

Net decrease in unrealized loss on securities
  available for sale, net of tax..............          --          --          --         --               22            22
                                                   -------       -----    --------     -------           ------    ---------
Balance, September 30, 1996...................      $1,938        $565     $32,757      $(933)           $(156)    $  34,171
                                                    ======        ====     =======      ======           ======    =========


See accompanying note to unaudited consolidated financial statments.

</TABLE>

                                                         FF-4
<PAGE>


                   Midland Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

               NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 and 1995
                                   (Unaudited)



                                                             1996          1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Operating Activities                                    (Dollars in Thousands)
  Net Income........................................      $ 3,362       $ 3,079 
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash                               
  provided by operating activities:                                             
                                                                                
      Depreciation...................................         738           810 
      Net amortization and accretion - securities....         506           612 
      Provision for loan losses......................         190           400 
      Provision for valuation allowance for other                               
        real estate..................................          73            30 
      Loss (gain) on sales and calls of securities             --            (2)
      Decrease (increase) in accrued interest                                   
        receivable...................................         214          (231)
      (Increase) decrease in other assets............        (292)         (232)
      Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable                           
        and other liabilities........................        (316)         (792)
                                                             -----         -----
      Net cash provided by operating activities......        4,475        3,674 
                                                          --------       -------
                                                                                
Investing Activities                                                            
 Proceeds from maturities of securities held to                                 
   maturity..........................................      13,898        12,946 
 Proceeds from sales of securities - available for                              
   sale..............................................          --         2,996 
 Proceeds from maturities of securities - available                             
   for sale..........................................      12,175         7,450 
 Purchases of securities held to maturity............      (6,459)       (7,932)
 Purchases of securities - available for sale........     (12,766)            --
 Net (increase) decrease in loans....................     (31,117)      (16,546)
 Purchase of premises and equipment, net.............        (637)         (796)
                                                           -------      --------
  Net cash (used) provided by investing activities        (24,906)       (1,882)
                                                           -------       -------
Financing Activities                                                            
  Net increase (decrease) in deposits...............          691         4,088 
  Principal payments on long-term debt..............          (33)          (30)
  Dividends paid....................................       (1,441)         (761)
  Treasury stock acquired...........................         (144)           -- 
    Net cash (used) provided by financing activities         (927)         3,297
                                                          --------         -----
  Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents..      (21,358)         5,089
  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year....       59,058         34,744
                                                          --------        ------
  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period........    $  37,700       $ 39,833
                                                         =========     =========
                                                          
See accompanying note to unaudited consolidated financial statements.


                                      FF-5


<PAGE>




                          MIDLAND BANCORPORATION, INC.

               NOTE TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


                           September 30, 1996 and 1995

     (Information   as  of  September  30,  1996  and  for  the  nine-month  and
     three-month periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 is unaudited)


(1)  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     The accompanying  consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
     Midland  Bancorporation,  Inc.  and its  direct and  indirect  wholly-owned
     subsidiaries (the Corporation), The Midland Bank and Trust Company, Midland
     Realty Co., Inc. and Midpar  Investment,  Inc.  (together,  the Bank).  All
     significant  intercompany  accounts and  transactions  have been eliminated
     from the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements.

     The  consolidated  balance sheets at September 30, 1996,  the  consolidated
     statements  of income for the  nine-month  and  three-month  periods  ended
     September 30, 1996 and 1995, the  consolidated  statements of stockholders'
     equity for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 and the
     consolidated  statements  of cash flows for the  nine-month  periods  ended
     September  30, 1996 and 1995 have been  prepared by the  Corporation  on an
     accrual basis without audit. In the opinion of management,  all adjustments
     (which  include  only normal  recurring  adjustments)  necessary to present
     fairly the financial  condition,  results of operations,  and cash flows at
     September 30, 1996 for all periods presented have been made. The results of
     operations for the nine-month and  three-month  periods ended September 30,
     1996 are not necessarily  indicative of the operating  results for the full
     year.

     Certain   information  and  disclosures   normally  included  in  financial
     statements  prepared  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting
     principles have been omitted.  These financial statements are to be read in
     conjunction  with the December 31, 1995 audited  financial  statements  and
     notes thereto.

<PAGE>
                                                                      

                                     PART II
                   INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS


Item 20.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

                  Indemnification.    Article   VI   of   the   certificate   of
incorporation  of Valley National  Bancorp  provides that the corporation  shall
indemnify its present and former officers, directors,  employees, and agents and
persons  serving at its request against  expenses,  including  attorney's  fees,
judgments, fines or amounts paid in settlement,  incurred in connection with any
pending or threatened civil or criminal  proceeding to the full extent permitted
by the New Jersey Business  Corporation Act. The Article also provides that such
indemnification shall not exclude any other rights to indemnification to which a
person may otherwise be entitled,  and  authorizes  the  corporation to purchase
insurance  on behalf of any of the  persons  enumerated  against  any  liability
whether or not the  corporation  would have the power to indemnify him under the
provisions of Article VI.

                  The New Jersey Business Corporation Act empowers a corporation
to indemnify a corporate agent against his expenses and liabilities  incurred in
connection with any proceeding (other than a derivative  lawsuit)  involving the
corporate  agent by reason of his being or having been a corporate  agent if (a)
the agent acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or
not opposed to the best  interests of the  corporation,  and (b) with respect to
any criminal proceeding,  the corporate agent had no reasonable cause to believe
his conduct was unlawful.  For purposes of the Act, the term  "corporate  agent"
includes  any  present or former  director,  officer,  employee  or agent of the
corporation,  and a person serving as a "corporate  agent" at the request of the
corporation for any other enterprise.

                  With respect to any  derivative  action,  the  corporation  is
empowered  to  indemnify a corporate  agent  against his  expenses  (but not his
liabilities)  incurred in connection with any proceeding involving the corporate
agent by reason of his being or having been a corporate agent if the agent acted
in good faith and in a manner he reasonably  believed to be in or not opposed to
the best  interests  of the  corporation.  However,  only the court in which the
proceeding was brought can empower a corporation to indemnify a corporate  agent
against  expenses  with  respect to any  claim,  issue or matter as to which the
agent was adjudged liable for negligence or misconduct.

                  The  corporation may indemnify a corporate agent in a specific
case if a  determination  is made by any of the  following  that the  applicable
standard of conduct was met: (i) the Board of Directors, or a committee thereof,
acting by a majority  vote of a quorum  consisting of  disinterested  directors;
(ii) by  independent  legal counsel,  if there is not a quorum of  disinterested
directors  or  if  the  disinterested   quorum  empowers  counsel  to  make  the
determination; or (iii) by the shareholders.

                  A corporate agent is entitled to mandatory  indemnification to
the  extent  that the agent is  successful  on the  merits or  otherwise  in any
proceeding,  or in defense of any claim, issue or matter in the proceeding. If a
corporation  fails or  refuses to  indemnify  a  corporate  agent,  whether  the
indemnification  is permissive  or mandatory,  the agent may apply to a court to
grant him the requested indemnification.  In advance of the final disposition of
a proceeding, the corporation may pay an agent's expenses if the agent agrees to
repay  the  expenses  unless  it is  ultimately  determined  he is  entitled  to
indemnification.

                  Exculpation.  Article VIII of the certificate of incorporation
of Valley National Bancorp provides:

                           A director or officer of the Corporation shall not be
                  personally  liable to the Corporation or its  shareholders for
                  damages for breach of any duty owed to the  Corporation or its
                  shareholders,  except that this provision  shall not relieve a
                  director  or  officer  from  liability  for any breach of duty
                  based upon an act or omission  (i) in breach of such  person's
                  duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its  shareholders,  (ii)
                  not in good faith or involving a knowing  violation of law, or
                  (iii)  resulting  in  receipt  by such  person of an  improper
                  personal benefit.  If the New Jersey Business  Corporation Act
                  is  amended  after  approval  by  the   shareholders  of  this
                  provision to authorize corporate action further eliminating or
                  limiting the personal liability of directors or officers, then
                  the liability of a director  and/or officer of the Corporation
                  shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted
                  by the New Jersey Business Corporation Act as so amended.

                           Any repeal or modification of the foregoing paragraph
                  by the  shareholders of the Corporation or otherwise shall not
                  adversely  affect any right or  protection  of a  director  or
                  officer of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal
                  or modification.

The New Jersey Business Corporation Act, as it affects exculpation, has not been
changed since the adoption of this provision by Valley National Bancorp in 1987.


Item 21.

A.  Exhibits

Exhibit No.       Description
- -----------       -----------   

2(a)*             Agreement and Plan of Merger,  dated as of September 13, 1996,
                  by  and  among  Valley  National  Bancorp  ("Valley"),  Valley
                  National   Bank   ("VNB"),   Midland   Bancorporation,    Inc.
                  ("Midland")  and The Midland Bank and Trust Company  ("Midland
                  Bank"),    included    as    Appendix    A   to   the    Proxy
                  Statement-Prospectus.

2(b)*             Stock Option  Agreement,  dated  September  13,  1996,  by and
                  between  Valley and  Midland,  included  as  Appendix B to the
                  Proxy Statement-Prospectus.

5                 Opinion of Pitney,  Hardin, Kipp & Szuch as to the legality of
                  the securities to be registered.

8                 Opinion of  Pitney,  Hardin,  Kipp & Szuch as to  certain  tax
                  consequences of the Merger.

10(a)**           "Employment Agreements" dated June 6, 1986 between Valley, VNB
                  and  Gerald  H.   Lipkin  and  Sam  P.   Pinyuh,   are  hereby
                  incorporated  by  reference  from  Valley's  Form 10-K  Annual
                  Report for the fiscal period ending December 31, 1992.

10(b)**           "The Valley National  Bancorp  Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan"
                  dated  January 18, 1994, is hereby  incorporated  by reference
                  from Valley's  Notice of Annual  Meeting of  Shareholders  and
                  Proxy dated March 1, 1994.

10(c)**           Amendment to "Employment  Agreements"  between Valley, VNB and
                  Gerald H. Lipkin and Sam P. Pinyuh dated December 10, 1991, is
                  hereby  incorporated  by  reference  from  Valley's  Form 10-K
                  Annual Report for the fiscal period ending December 31, 1991.

10(d)**           "Employment Agreement" dated December 10, 1991 between Valley,
                  VNB and Peter  Southway,  is hereby  incorporated by reference
                  from  Valley's  Form 10-K Annual  Report for the fiscal period
                  ending December 31, 1991.

10(e)**           "Severance  Agreements"  dated August 17, 1994 between Valley,
                  VNB and Gerald H. Lipkin,  Peter Southway,  and Sam P. Pinyuh,
                  is hereby incorporated by reference from Valley's Registration
                  Statement (No. 33-557865) on Form S-4 filed on October 4, 1994
                  in  connection  with the merger of Valley with Rock  Financial
                  Corporation.

23(a)             Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP with respect to Valley.

23(b)             Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP with respect to Midland.

23(c)*            Consent of Pitney,  Hardin, Kipp & Szuch (included in Exhibits
                  5 and 8 hereto).

23(d)             Consent of Capital Consultants of Princeton, Inc.

99(a)             Form of Proxy Card to be utilized by the Board of Directors of
                  Midland.

- ----------------------
*   Included elsewhere in this registration statement.
**  Incorporated by Reference from other filed documents, as indicated.


B.  Financial Schedules

         All financial  statement  schedules have been omitted  because they are
not  applicable  or the  required  information  is  included  in  the  financial
statements or notes thereto or incorporated by reference therein.


C.   Report, Opinion or Appraisals

         Fairness Opinion of Capital Consultants of Princeton,  Inc. is included
as Appendix C to the Proxy Statement-Prospectus.


Item 22.  Undertakings

1.  The  undersigned   registrant   hereby  undertakes  that,  for  purposes  of
determining  any liability  under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's  annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable,  each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) that is incorporated by reference in the  registration  statement shall be
deemed to be a new  registration  statement  relating to the securities  offered
therein,  and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.

2. The undersigned  registrant hereby  undertakes as follows:  that prior to any
public  reoffering  of the  securities  registered  hereunder  through  use of a
prospectus  which is a part of this  registration  statement,  by any  person or
party who is deemed to be an underwriter  within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the
issuer  undertakes that such reoffering  prospectus will contain the information
called for by the  applicable  registration  form with respect to reofferings by
persons who may be deemed  underwriters,  in addition to the information  called
for by the other items of the applicable form.

3. The registrant undertakes that every prospectus (i) that is filed pursuant to
paragraph  2  immediately   preceding,   or  (ii)  that  purports  to  meet  the
requirements  of Section 10(a) (3) of the Act and is used in connection  with an
offering  of  securities  subject  to Rule  415,  will be  filed as a part of an
amendment  to the  registration  statement  and  will  not be  used  until  such
amendment is  effective,  and that,  for purposes of  determining  any liability
under the Securities Act of 1933,  each such post effective  amendment  shall be
deemed to be a new  registration  statement  relating to the securities  offered
therein,  and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.

4. Insofar as indemnification  for liabilities  arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors,  officers and controlling  persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing  provisions,  or otherwise,  the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities  and Exchange  Commission
such  indemnification  is against  public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore,  unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities  (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director,  officer or  controlling  person of the registrant in the
successful  defense of any  action,  suit or  proceeding)  is  asserted  by such
director,  officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been  settled by  controlling  precedent,  submit to a court of  appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such  indemnification  by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.

5. The  undersigned  registrant  hereby  undertakes  to respond to requests  for
information  that is incorporated  by reference into the prospectus  pursuant to
Items 4, 10(b),  11, or 13 of this form,  within one  business day of receipt of
such  request,  and to send the  incorporated  documents  by first class mail or
other equally  prompt means.  This includes  information  contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the
date of responding to the request.

6. Subject to appropriate  interpretation,  the  undersigned  registrant  hereby
undertakes  to supply by means of a  post-effective  amendment  all  information
concerning a transaction,  and the company being acquired involved therein, that
was not the  subject  of and  included  in the  registration  statement  when it
becomes effective.


<PAGE>


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  the
Registrant  has duly  caused  this  registration  statement  to be signed on its
behalf by the  undersigned,  thereunto  duly  authorized,  in the Town of Wayne,
State of New Jersey, on the 15th day of November, 1996.


                                VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP



                                By: GERALD H. LIPKIN
                                   ------------------------
                                   Gerald H. Lipkin,
                                   Chairman, President and 
                                   Chief Executive Officer


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

        Signature                  Title                               Date

GERALD H. LIPKIN        Chairman, President and Chief       November 15, 1996
- ------------------------ Executive Officer and Director     
Gerald H. Lipkin        

PETER SOUTHWAY          Vice Chairman (Principal Financial  November 15, 1996
- ------------------------ Officer) and Director
 Peter Southway         

ALAN D. ESKOW           Corporate Secretary and Senior Vice November 15, 1996
- ------------------------ President (Principal Accounting
Alan D. Eskow            Officer) 
                        

                                  Director                  November ___, 1996
- ------------------------        
Andrew Abramson

                                  Director                  November ___, 1996
- ------------------------        
Pamela Bronander

JOSEPH COCCIA                     Director                  November 15, 1996
- ------------------------        
Joseph Coccia

                                  Director                  November ___, 1996
- ------------------------        
Austin C. Drukker

                                  Director                  November ___, 1996
- ------------------------        
Michael Francis

WILLARD L. HEDDEN                 Director                  November 15, 1996
- ------------------------        
Willard L. Hedden

THOMAS P. INFUSINO                Director                  November 15, 1996
- ------------------------        
Thomas P. Infusino

GERALD KORDE                      Director                  November 15, 1996
- ------------------------        
Gerald Korde

                                  Director                  November ___, 1996
- ------------------------        
Joleen Martin

ROBERT E. McENTEE                 Director                  November 15, 1996
- ------------------------        
Robert E. McEntee

WILLIAM McNEAR                    Director                  November 15, 1996
- ------------------------        
William McNear

SAM P. PINYUH                     Director                  November 15, 1996
- ------------------------        
Sam P. Pinyuh

ROBERT RACHESKY                   Director                  November 15, 1996
- ------------------------        
Robert Rachesky

                                  Director                  November ___, 1996
- ------------------------        
Barnett Rukin

RICHARD F. TICE                   Director                  November 15, 1996
- ------------------------        
Richard F. Tice

LEONARD VORCHEIMER                Director                  November 15, 1996
- ------------------------
Leonard Vorcheimer

                                  Director                  November ___, 1996
- ------------------------
Joseph L. Vozza




                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS


A.  Exhibits


Exhibit No.   Description
- ----------    -----------
 
2(a)*         Agreement  and Plan of Merger,  dated as of September 13, 1996, by
              and among Valley National Bancorp, ("Valley") Valley National Bank
              ("VNB"), Midland Bancorporation, Inc. ("Midland"), and The Midland
              Bank and Trust Company  ("Midland Bank") included as Appendix A to
              the Proxy Statement-Prospectus.

2(b)*         Stock Option  Agreement,  dated September 13, 1996, by and between
              Valley  and   Midland,   included  as  Appendix  B  to  the  Proxy
              Statement-Prospectus.

5             Opinion of Pitney,  Hardin, Kipp & Szuch as to the legality of the
              securities to be registered.

8             Opinion  of  Pitney,  Hardin,  Kipp  &  Szuch  as to  certain  tax
              consequences of the Merger.

10(a)**       "Employment Agreements" dated June 6, 1986 between Valley, VNB and
              Gerald H. Lipkin and Sam P.  Pinyuh,  are hereby  incorporated  by
              reference  from  Valley's  Form 10-K Annual  Report for the fiscal
              period ending December 31, 1992.

10(b)**       "The Valley National Bancorp Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan" dated
              January  18,  1994,  is  hereby  incorporated  by  reference  from
              Valley's Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders  and Proxy dated
              March 1, 1994.

10(c)**       Amendment  to  "Employment  Agreements"  between  Valley,  VNB and
              Gerald H. Lipkin and Sam P. Pinyuh dated  December  10,  1991,  is
              hereby  incorporated  by reference  from Valley's Form 10-K Annual
              Report for the fiscal period ending December 31, 1991.

10(d)**       "Employment Agreement" dated December 10, 1991 between Valley, VNB
              and Peter  Southway,  is hereby  incorporated  by  reference  from
              Valley's  Form 10-K  Annual  Report for the fiscal  period  ending
              December 31, 1991.

10(e)**       "Severance  Agreements" dated August 17, 1994 between Valley,  VNB
              and Gerald H. Lipkin, Peter Southway, and Sam P. Pinyuh, is hereby
              incorporated by reference from Valley's Registration  Statement of
              Form S-4 filed on October 4, 1994 in connection with the merger of
              Valley with Rock Financial Corporation.

23(a)         Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP with respect to Valley.

23(b)         Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP with respect to Midland.

23(c)*        Consent of Pitney,  Hardin,  Kipp & Szuch  (included in Exhibits 5
              and 8 hereto).

23(d)         Consent of Capital Consultants of Princeton, Inc.


Exhibit No.   Description
- -----------   -----------
 
99(a)         Form of Proxy Card to be  utilized  by the Board of  Directors  of
              Midland.

              Form of Fairness Opinion of Capital Consultants of Princeton, Inc.
              is included as Appendix C to the Proxy Statement-Prospectus.

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

*    Included elsewhere in this registration statement.

**  Incorporated by Reference from other filed documents, as indicated.



                                                                     EXHIBIT 5


                          PITNEY, HARDIN, KIPP & SZUCH
                               MAIL P.O. BOX 1945
                        MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY 07962-1945

                                                              November 15, 1996


Valley National Bancorp
1445 Valley Road
Wayne, New Jersey 07470
Attn.:  Mr. Gerald H. Lipkin, Chairman,
         President and Chief Executive Officer



                  We  have  acted  as  counsel   to  Valley   National   Bancorp
("Valley"), a New Jersey corporation which is a registered bank holding company,
and Valley  National  Bank ("VNB"),  a federally  chartered  commercial  banking
corporation which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Valley, in connection with the
proposed merger of Midland Bancorporation, Inc. ("Midland") with and into Valley
(the  "Merger").  The Merger will be effected  pursuant to the  provisions of an
Agreement  and Plan of  Merger  dated as of  September  13,  1996  (the  "Merger
Agreement")  by and among Valley,  VNB,  Midland and Midland's  subsidiary,  The
Midland  Bank  and  Trust  Company  ("Midland   Bank").   The  Merger  Agreement
contemplates  that  Midland  Bank will be merged  with and into VNB  immediately
following the Merger, pursuant to a related Bank Merger Agreement.

                  We have examined the  Registration  Statement on Form S-4 (the
"Registration Statement") to be filed by Valley with the Securities and Exchange
Commission in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Act"),  of shares of common stock of Valley,  no par value (the
"Shares") to be issued pursuant to the Merger Agreement.

                  We have  also  examined  originals,  or  copies  certified  or
otherwise identified to our satisfaction,  of the Merger Agreement, the Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws of Valley, as currently in effect,  and
relevant  resolutions of the Board of Directors of Valley;  and we have examined
such other  documents  as we deemed  necessary  in order to express  the opinion
hereinafter set forth.

                  In our  examination  of such  documents  and records,  we have
assumed the  genuineness of all  signatures,  the  authenticity of all documents
submitted to us as originals, and conformity with the originals of all documents
submitted to us as copies.

                  Based on the foregoing, it is our opinion that when, as and if
the  Registration   Statement  shall  have  become  effective  pursuant  to  the
provisions  of the Act, and the Shares shall have been duly issued and delivered
in the  manner  contemplated  by  the  Merger  Agreement  and  the  Registration
Statement,  including the Prospectus  relating to the Shares (the "Prospectus"),
the Shares will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

                  The  foregoing  opinion is limited to the federal  laws of the
United States and the laws of the State of New Jersey,  and we are expressing no
opinion as to the effect of the laws of any other jurisdiction.

                  We  consent  to use  of  this  opinion  as an  Exhibit  to the
Registration  Statement  and to the  reference  to this firm  under the  heading
"Legal Opinion" in the Prospectus.


                                                 Very truly yours,



                                                 PITNEY, HARDIN, KIPP & SZUCH



                                                                       EXHIBIT 8


                                                              November 15, 1996


Valley National Bancorp
1455 Valley Road
Wayne, New Jersey 07474
Attn:    Gerald H. Lipkin, Chief
         Executive Officer

Midland Bancorporation, Inc.
80 East Ridgewood Avenue
Paramus, New Jersey 07652
Attn:    Robert M. Meyer, President
         and Chief Executive Officer

                  Re:      Merger of Midland Bancorporation, Inc.
                           With and Into Valley National Bancorp.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have  represented  Valley  National  Bancorp  ("Valley"),  a New  Jersey
corporation which is a registered bank holding company, and Valley National Bank
("VNB"),  a national banking  association  wholly-owned by Valley, in connection
with the proposed  merger of Midland  Bancorporation,  Inc.  ("Midland"),  a New
Jersey  corporation  which is a registered bank holding  company,  with and into
Valley (the "Merger"), and the proposed merger immediately thereafter of Midland
Bank, a bank chartered under the laws of New Jersey and wholly-owned by Midland,
with and into VNB. The Merger shall be effected  pursuant to the  provisions  of
the  Agreement  and  Plan of  Merger  dated  September  13,  1996  (the  "Merger
Agreement"),  among Valley, VNB, Midland, and Midland Bank. The Merger Agreement
defines those  capitalized  terms appearing in this letter which are not defined
in this letter.

     In connection with such  representation,  we have reviewed the Registration
Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission  pertaining to
the Merger (the "Registration Statement"),  and, in our opinion, the information
included in the section of the Registration  Statement captioned "Federal Income
Tax  Consequences"   accurately   describes  the  material  federal  income  tax
consequences of the Merger. In addition,  we have attached to this letter a form
of opinion of this firm regarding certain federal income tax matters  applicable
to the  Merger  (the  "Closing  Tax  Opinion").  Section  6.1(d)  of the  Merger
Agreement  requires as a condition  precedent to the  consummation of the Merger
the delivery of the Closing Tax Opinion by this firm. At this time, we expect to
deliver  the  Closing Tax  Opinion  substantially  in the form  attached to this
letter at the Closing.

     We  consent to the use of this  opinion  as an Exhibit to the  Registration
Statement and to the reference to this firm under the heading "Legal Opinion" in
the Registration Statement.

                                                   Very truly yours,


                                                   PITNEY, HARDIN, KIPP & SZUCH




<PAGE>

                                                        [Date of Effectice Time]


Valley National Bancorp
1455 Valley Road
Wayne, New Jersey 07474
Attn:    Gerald H. Lipkin, Chief
         Executive Officer

Midland Bancorporation, Inc.
80 East Ridgewood Avenue
Paramus, New Jersey 07652
Attn:    Robert M. Meyer, President
         and Chief Executive Officer

                  Re:      Merger of Midland Bancorporation, Inc.
                           With and Into Valley National Bancorp.

Ladies and Gentlemen

         We have represented  Valley National Bancorp  ("Valley"),  a New Jersey
corporation which is a registered bank holding company, and Valley National Bank
("VNB"),  a national banking  association  wholly-owned by Valley, in connection
with the proposed  merger of Midland  Bancorporation,  Inc.  ("Midland"),  a New
Jersey  corporation  which is a registered bank holding  company,  with and into
Valley (the "Merger"), and the proposed merger immediately thereafter of Midland
Bank, a bank chartered under the laws of New Jersey and wholly-owned by Midland,
with and into VNB. The Merger shall be effected  pursuant to the  provisions  of
the  Agreement  and  Plan of  Merger  dated  September  13,  1996  (the  "Merger
Agreement"),  among  Valley,  VNB,  Midland,  and Midland  Bank. We deliver this
opinion pursuant to Section 6.1(d) of the Merger Agreement. The Merger Agreement
defines those  capitalized  terms appearing in this letter which are not defined
in this letter.  Unless otherwise indicated,  all sections refer to the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").

         Pursuant to the terms of the Merger  Agreement,  at the Effective Time,
the Merger shall be  effected  by the merger of Midland with and into Valley,
with Valley surviving, and immediately thereafter, by the merger of Midland Bank
with and into VNB, with VNB surviving, in accordance with federal and New Jersey
law.

         Pursuant  to  the  Merger  Agreement,   at  the  Effective  Time,  each
outstanding share of common stock, no par value, of Midland (the "Midland Common
Stock"),  other than shares held by Midland as treasury stock or held by Midland
Bank or any other  direct or  indirect  subsidiary  of Midland  Bank  (except as
trustee or in a fiduciary  capacity) or held by Valley,  shall be converted into
the right to receive and be  exchangeable  for 30 shares of Valley Common Stock.
No  fractional  shares of Valley  Common  Stock will be issued in  exchange  for
Midland Common Stock.

         In addition to the  foregoing  facts,  on the date of this letter,  you
have  delivered  to us  officer  certificates  in which  you have  made  certain
representations,  which we consider  relevant to this opinion,  in regard to the
Merger and have authorized us to rely on such  representations in expressing the
opinions contained in this letter.

         As counsel to Valley and VNB, we have examined the Merger Agreement and
copies  of  ancillary  agreements,   certificates,   instruments  and  documents
pertaining  to the  Merger  delivered  by the  parties  to the  Merger.  In such
examination,  we  have  assumed  the  genuineness  of  all  signatures  and  the
authenticity  of all documents  submitted to us. As to any facts material to our
opinions  expressed in this  letter,  we have relied on  representations  of the
parties  to  the  Merger  and  have  not  undertaken  to  verify  any  of  those
representations  by  independent  investigation.  We  have  based  our  opinions
contained  in this  letter on our  analysis  of the Code,  Treasury  Regulations
promulgated  thereunder,  and relevant interpretive  authorities as in effect on
the date of this letter.

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

         1. The Merger  qualifies  as a  "reorganization"  within the meaning of
Section 368(a)(1)(A).  Valley and Midland each are a "party to a reorganization"
within the meaning of Section 368(b)(2).

         2. No gain or loss will be recognized  for federal  income tax purposes
by Valley or Midland in connection with the Merger. Sections 361(a) and 1032(a).

         3. No gain or loss will be recognized  for federal  income tax purposes
by holders of shares of Midland  Common Stock upon the  conversion in the Merger
of such shares solely into shares of Valley Common Stock. Section 354(a).

         4. The basis of shares of Valley Common Stock received in the Merger by
holders of Midland  Common Stock will be the same as the basis of such shares of
Midland Common Stock surrendered in exchange therefor. Section 358.

         5. The holding  period of shares of Valley Common Stock received in the
Merger by holders of Midland  Common Stock will include the period  during which
such shares of Midland Common Stock  surrendered in exchange  therefor were held
by the holder thereof, provided such shares of Midland Common Stock were held as
capital assets. Section 1223(1).

                                          Very truly yours,



                                          PITNEY, HARDIN, KIPP & SZUCH





                                                                   Exhibit 23(a)

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT




The Board of Directors
Valley National Bancorp:




We consent to the use of our report  incorporated herein by reference and to the
reference   to  our   Firm   under   the   heading   "Experts"   in  the   Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.

Our report refers to a change in accounting for certain  investments in debt and
equity securities in 1994 and accounting for income taxes in 1993.



                                                           KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP


Short Hills, New Jersey
November 12, 1996



                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

                                                                   Exhibit 23(b)

The Board of Directors
Midland Bancorporation, Inc.:



We consent to inclusion of our report  dated  January 29, 1996,  with respect to
the consolidated balance sheets of Midland  Bancorporation,  Inc. as of December
31, 1995 and 1994, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in
stockholders'  equity,  and cash  flows for each of the years in the  three-year
period ended  December 31, 1995,  which report appears in the Form S-4 of Valley
National Bancorp and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in
the proxy/prospectus.

Our  report  refers  to a  change  in  the  method  of  accounting  for  certain
investments  in debt and equity  securities  in 1994 and  accounting  for income
taxes in 1993.



                                                           KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP

Short Hills, New Jersey
November 12, 1996



                                                                   Exhibit 23(d)


November 15, 1996



To Whom It May Concern:

We hereby consent to the use of our fairness opinion letter attached as Appendix
C and to the  reference  to our firm under the  heading  "Opinion  of  Midland's
Financial  Advisor"  in the  Registration  Statement  filed by  Valley  National
Bancorp with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission  in  connection  with the
proposed acquisition of Midland Bancorporation, Inc. by Valley National Bancorp.


Very truly yours,



CAPITAL CONSULTANTS OF PRINCETON, INC.




                                                                   EXHIBIT 99(a)

                          MIDLAND BANCORPORATION, INC.
                               Paramus, New Jersey

         THIS PROXY IS  SOLICITED  BY AND ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
MIDLAND  BANCORPORATION,  INC. Please return promptly in the enclosed  envelope,
which requires no postage if mailed in the USA.

         The  undersigned,  a holder of common stock of Midland  Bancorporation,
Inc., a New Jersey  corporation  (the  "Company"),  acknowledges  receipt of the
Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders and the  accompanying  Proxy Statement
dated , 1996,  and,  revoking any proxy  heretofore  given,  hereby  appoints P.
Russell  Bodrato,  Richard L. Nelson and James R. Poole,  and each of them, with
full power to each of substitution and revocation, as proxies to vote all shares
of common stock of the Company held by them of record on , 1996,  at the Special
Meeting of  Shareholders  of the  Company to be held at 550  Kinderkamack  Road,
Oradell, New Jersey, on ___________, 1997, at _____ p.m. and at any adjournments
thereof, upon the matters set forth on the reverse side.

         (1)      To approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the  "Agreement")
                  between  the  Company,  The  Midland  Bank and Trust  Company,
                  Valley  National   Bancorp  and  Valley  National  Bank  dated
                  September  13,  1996,  as more  fully  described  in the Proxy
                  Statement.

                  -- FOR               -- AGAINST              --  ABSTAIN

         (2)      In  their  discretion, to vote upon such other business as may
                  properly come before the meeting.

         Management  has  indicated  its  intention  to  vote  in  favor  of the
Agreement  and  recommends  that  Company  shareholders  vote  in  favor  of the
Agreement.  THE PROXY,  WHEN PROPERLY  EXECUTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED  SHAREHOLDER,
WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER  DIRECTED  HEREIN.  IF NO CHOICE IS SPECIFIED,  THIS
PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE AGREEMENT.

         (Please  sign exactly as name  appears  below.  When shares are held by
joint  tenants,   both  should  sign.   When  signing  as  attorney,   executor,
administrator,  trustee  or  guardian,  please  give  full  title as such.  If a
corporation,  please affix  corporate  seal. If a partnership,  please signed in
partnership name by authorized person.)

                                                     Dated:              , 199


                                                     Signature


                                                     Signature (if held jointly)


PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY BY USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.




© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission