VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
S-4, 1998-07-15
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 15, 1998
                                                      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
                                  973-305-8800
               (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
                                  973-305-8800
            (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.                    RICHARD FISCH, ESQ.
MICHAEL W. ZELENTY, ESQ.                 Malizia, Spidi, Sloane & Fisch, P.C.
Pitney, Hardin, Kipp & Szuch             One Franklin Square
200 Campus Drive                         1301 K Street, N.W., Suite 700E
Florham Park, New Jersey 07932           Washington, D.C.  20005
(973) 966-6300                           (202) 434-4665


<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 as of May 29, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement"), among Valley National Bancorp
("Valley"),  Valley  National Bank ("VNB"),  Wayne Bancorp,  Inc.  ("Wayne") and
Wayne Savings Bank, F.S.B.  ("Wayne 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. |_|

         If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the  Securities  Act,  check the following box and
list  the  Securities  Act   registration   number  of  the  earlier   effective
registration statement for the same offering. |_| ___________

         If this  form is a  post-effective  amendment  filed  pursuant  to Rule
462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities
Act registration number of the earlier effective  registration statement for the
same offering. |_| __________

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                           CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

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

Title of each class of                            Proposed maximum       Proposed Maximum
   securities to be          Amount to be        offering price per     aggregate offering          Amount of
      registered              registered               unit**                 price**           registration fee
- ------------------------ ---------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
<S>                        <C>                        <C>                   <C>                      <C>
Common  Stock,  No  Par    2,254,445 Shares*          $34.58125             $77,961,526              $22,999
Value
======================== ====================== ====================== ====================== ======================

</TABLE>

* The number of shares of Valley Common Stock issuable in the Merger in exchange
for shares of Wayne Common Stock,  assuming the Exchange Ratio of 1.10 set forth
in the Merger Agreement,  and assuming that all currently outstanding options to
acquire  shares of Wayne Common Stock are exercised  prior to the Effective Time
of the Merger.  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.

**Estimated  solely for the purpose of calculating the  registration fee for the
filing on Form S-4 pursuant to Rule 457(f)(1)  under the Securities Act based on
the  Exchange  Ratio of 1.10 and on the average  ($31.4375)  of the high and low
prices  reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market  (National  Market) for Wayne Common
Stock as of July 10, 1998, a date within five  business days prior to the filing
of this Registration Statement.


         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>

                                  [WAYNE LOGO]






                                                              ____________, 1998





To the Stockholders of Wayne Bancorp, Inc.:


         We cordially invite you to attend a special meeting of the stockholders
of Wayne  Bancorp,  Inc.  The meeting is to be held at  [Location]  on [Date and
Time].

         The meeting has been called to seek your approval of a Merger Agreement
which  provides  for Wayne to be merged with and into Valley  National  Bancorp.
Immediately  following  the merger,  Wayne's  subsidiary,  Wayne  Savings  Bank,
F.S.B., will be merged into Valley's subsidiary, Valley National Bank.

         Upon completion of the merger, each share of Wayne Common Stock will be
converted into 1.10 shares of Valley Common Stock.  Cash will be paid in lieu of
fractional shares. The 1.10 exchange ratio is subject to standard  anti-dilution
adjustments. The investment banking firm of Sandler O'Neill & Partners, L.P. has
advised your Board of Directors that, in its opinion, as of the date hereof, the
exchange  ratio is fair from a  financial  point of view to the holders of Wayne
Common Stock. A copy of Sandler  O'Neill's  opinion is included as Appendix C to
the attached Proxy Statement-Prospectus.

         Completion  of the Merger is subject to certain  conditions,  including
approval of the Merger  Agreement  by the  affirmative  vote at the Meeting of a
majority of the outstanding  shares of Wayne Common Stock,  whether in person or
by proxy.

         We urge you to read the attached Proxy Statement-Prospectus  carefully.
The Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  describes  the Merger  Agreement  in detail and
includes a copy of the Merger Agreement as Appendix A.

         Your Board of Directors has unanimously  approved the Merger  Agreement
and unanimously recommends that you vote "FOR" approval of the Merger Agreement.

         It is very  important  that your shares be  represented at the Meeting.
Whether or not you plan to attend,  please complete,  date and sign the enclosed
proxy card and return it promptly in the postage paid envelope we have provided.
Failure to return a properly  executed proxy card or to vote at the Meeting will
have the same effect as a vote against the Merger Agreement.





                      On behalf of your Board of Directors,


                          Harold P. Cook, III, Chairman


<PAGE>




                    NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                        TO BE HELD ON ____________, 1998

To the Stockholders of Wayne Bancorp, Inc.:

         NOTICE IS HEREBY  GIVEN  that a special  meeting of  stockholders  (the
"Meeting")  of Wayne  Bancorp,  Inc.  ("Wayne")  will be held on [Day of  Week],
[Date], 1998, at [Time], at [Location], for the following purposes:

         (1)      To  consider  and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt an
                  Agreement  and Plan of Merger,  dated as of May 29,  1998 (the
                  "Merger  Agreement"),  by and among  Valley  National  Bancorp
                  ("Valley"),  Valley  National  Bank,  Wayne and Wayne  Savings
                  Bank,  F.S.B.,  which provides for Wayne to be merged with and
                  into Valley (the "Merger").  A copy of the Merger Agreement is
                  included   as   Appendix   A   to   the   accompanying   Proxy
                  Statement-Prospectus.  If the proposed  Merger is consummated,
                  each share of Wayne Common  Stock will be converted  into 1.10
                  shares of Valley  Common  Stock,  subject to adjustment as set
                  forth in the  Merger  Agreement  and  described  in the  Proxy
                  Statement-Prospectus,  with  cash  paid in lieu of  fractional
                  shares.

         (2)      To transact  such other  business as may properly  come before
                  the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

         The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on ____________,
1998 as the record  date for the  Meeting.  Only  stockholders  of record at the
close of  business  on the record date will be entitled to notice of and to vote
at the Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

         All  stockholders  are urged to attend the  Meeting  in  person.  It is
important that proxies be returned promptly.  Therefore, whether or not you plan
to be present in person at the  Meeting,  please  date,  sign and  complete  the
enclosed proxy and return it in the enclosed envelope, which requires no postage
if mailed in the United  States.  If you decide to attend the  Meeting,  you may
revoke your proxy and vote your shares in person.

Wayne, New Jersey
____________, 1998

                                       By Order of the Board of Directors

                                       __________________________________
                                       Secretary

YOUR BOARD OF  DIRECTORS  HAS  UNANIMOUSLY  APPROVED  THE MERGER  AGREEMENT  AND
RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.


<PAGE>

PROXY STATEMENT OF                       PROSPECTUS OF
WAYNE BANCORP, INC.                      VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
for its Special Meeting s                for its Common Stock to be issued in
of Stockholders                          connection with the merger of 
to be held on ___________, 1998          Wayne Bancorp, Inc. with and into 
and all adjournments or                  Valley National Bancorp
postponements thereof

         The Board of Directors of Wayne  Bancorp,  Inc.  ("Wayne") has called a
Special  Meeting of Wayne  stockholders  (the  "Meeting")  to be held on [Day of
Week],  [Date],  1998.  The Meeting  has been  called to seek Wayne  stockholder
approval of a Merger Agreement which provides for Wayne to be merged with Valley
National Bancorp ("Valley"),  with Valley as the surviving  corporation.  If the
Merger is completed,  Wayne's  subsidiary,  Wayne Savings Bank, F.S.B.,  will be
merged into Valley National Bank.

         Upon completion of the Merger, each share of Wayne Common Stock will be
converted into 1.10 shares of Valley Common Stock.  Cash will be paid in lieu of
fractional shares. The 1.10 exchange ratio is subject to standard  anti-dilution
adjustments.

         Completion  of the Merger is subject to certain  conditions,  including
approval of the Merger  Agreement  by the  affirmative  vote at the Meeting of a
majority of the outstanding  shares of Wayne Common Stock,  whether in person or
by proxy.

         Valley  has filed a  Registration  Statement  with the  Securities  and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC") covering the shares of Valley Common Stock which
will be issued in connection with the Merger. This document serves two purposes.
It is the Proxy  Statement being used by the Wayne Board of Directors to solicit
proxies to be used at the Meeting,  and it is the Prospectus of Valley regarding
the Valley Common Stock to be issued if the Merger is completed.

         This  document  does not serve as a prospectus  to cover any resales of
Valley  Common Stock to be issued in  connection  with the Merger.  No person is
authorized to make use of this Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  in  connection  with
such resales,  although such  securities  may be traded  without the use of this
Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  by those persons not deemed to be  "affiliates"  of
Wayne under applicable securities laws. Persons who are considered  "affiliates"
of Wayne will be subject to  restrictions  on their ability to resell the Valley
Common Stock received by them in the Merger.

         This  Proxy   Statement-Prospectus   is  first   being  sent  to  Wayne
stockholders on or about ___________, 1998. It describes the Merger Agreement in
detail  and  includes  a copy of the  Merger  Agreement  as  Appendix  A.  Wayne
stockholders are urged to read this document carefully.

         THE SECURITIES  OFFERED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY
THE SEC OR THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT  INSURANCE  CORPORATION  (THE "FDIC") NOR HAS THE
SEC OR THE FDIC PASSED UPON THE  ACCURACY  OR  ADEQUACY  OF THIS  DOCUMENT.  ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

         ALL INFORMATION REGARDING WAYNE CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT WAS SUPPLIED
BY  WAYNE.  ALL  INFORMATION  REGARDING  VALLEY  CONTAINED  OR  INCORPORATED  BY
REFERENCE IN THIS DOCUMENT WAS SUPPLIED BY VALLEY.

         THE  SECURITIES  OFFERED HEREBY ARE NOT SAVINGS  ACCOUNTS,  DEPOSITS OR
OTHER  OBLIGATIONS OF A BANK OR SAVINGS  ASSOCIATION  AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE
FDIC OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.

         NO PERSON HAS BEEN  AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY  INFORMATION  OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION OTHER THAN WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THIS DOCUMENT. IF SUCH INFORMATION
OR  REPRESENTATION  IS GIVEN OR MADE,  IT MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED.

        The date of this Proxy Statement-Prospectus is ____________, 1998

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS



                                                                               Page
<S>                                                                            <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION..............................................................
ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS.............................................................
INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE..............................................
SUMMARY............................................................................
         The Meeting...............................................................
         The Companies ............................................................
         The Merger................................................................
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF VALLEY..................................................
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF WAYNE...................................................
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA.........................................................
SUMMARY PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION............................................
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................
CERTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING VALLEY ..............................................
         General...................................................................
         Valley National Bank......................................................
CERTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING WAYNE................................................
         General...................................................................
         Wayne Savings Bank, F.S.B.................................................
THE MEETING .......................................................................
         Time and Place............................................................
         Purpose of the Meeting....................................................
         Record Date; Voting Rights; Proxies.......................................
         Solicitation of Proxies...................................................
         Quorum....................................................................
         Required Vote.............................................................
THE PROPOSED MERGER................................................................
         General Description of the Merger; Closing; Effective Time; Bank Merger...
         Consideration; Cash in Lieu of Fractional Shares..........................
         Conversion of Wayne Options...............................................
         Background of and Reasons for the Merger..................................
         Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger ...............................
         Opinion of Wayne's Financial Advisor......................................
         Resale Considerations with Respect to the Valley Common Stock.............
         Conditions to the Merger..................................................
         Conduct of Business Pending the Merger....................................
         Customary Representations, Warranties and Covenants.......................
         Regulatory Approvals......................................................
         Management and Operations After the Merger................................
         Exchange of Certificates..................................................
         Amendments; Termination ..................................................
         Accounting Treatment of the Merger........................................
         Federal Income Tax Consequences ..........................................
         No Dissenters' Rights.....................................................
PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION....................................................
DESCRIPTION OF VALLEY COMMON STOCK.................................................
         General ..................................................................
         Dividend Rights...........................................................
         Voting Rights.............................................................
         Liquidation Rights........................................................
         Assessment and Redemption.................................................
         Other Matters.............................................................
COMPARISON OF THE RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS OF VALLEY AND WAYNE.......................
         Voting Requirements.......................................................
         Cumulative Voting.........................................................
         Classified Board of Directors ............................................
         Shareholder Consent to Corporate Action...................................
         Dividends ................................................................
         By-laws...................................................................
         Limitations of Liability of Directors or Officers.........................
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS..............................................................
OTHER MATTERS......................................................................
LEGAL OPINION......................................................................
EXPERTS............................................................................

APPENDIX A        Agreement and Plan of Merger..................................A-1
APPENDIX B        Stock Option Agreement........................................B-1
APPENDIX C        Fairness Opinion of Sandler O'Neill & Partners, L.P...........C-1
APPENDIX D        Form 10-K of Wayne (without exhibits).........................D-1
APPENDIX E        Annual Report to Stockholders of Wayne........................E-1
APPENDIX F        Form 10-Q of Wayne (without exhibits).........................F-1


</TABLE>

<PAGE>


                              AVAILABLE INFORMATION

         Each of Valley  National  Bancorp  ("Valley") and Wayne  Bancorp,  Inc.
("Wayne") 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" or the
"SEC").  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 (the "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. Wayne Common
Stock is listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market, and certain material as to Wayne can
be inspected at the offices of the National  Association of Securities  Dealers,
Inc. (the "NASD"), 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.

         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.


                             ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS

         This  Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  includes  copies of  Wayne's  Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997  (excluding  exhibits),
Wayne's 1997 Annual Report to Stockholders and Wayne's  Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended  March  31,  1998.  See  Appendixes  D,  E and F,
respectively.


                      INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

         The  following  documents  filed  by  Valley  with the  Commission  are
incorporated herein by reference:

         1. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997.

         2. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998.

         3. Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 23,
            1998, April 15, 1998 and June 5, 1998.

         4. Form 8-A filed by Valley to register its Common and Preferred  Stock
            pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act.

         All documents filed by Valley pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date hereof and prior to the earlier
of (i) the date of the Special  Meeting of stockholders of Wayne (the "Meeting")
to which this Proxy Statement-Prospectus relates, or (ii) the termination of the
Merger Agreement which is the subject of the Meeting, are hereby incorporated by
reference  into this Proxy  Statement and shall be deemed a part hereof from the
date of filing of such documents.

         Any  statement  contained  in a document  incorporated  or deemed to be
incorporated  by reference  herein shall be deemed to be modified or  superseded
for purposes of this Proxy  Statement  to the extent that a statement  contained
herein or in any other 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.

         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 D.
ESKOW,  CORPORATE SECRETARY,  VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP,  1455 VALLEY ROAD, WAYNE,
NEW JERSEY 07470;  TELEPHONE  NUMBER (973)  305-8800.  IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY
DELIVERY OF SUCH  DOCUMENTS,  ANY SUCH REQUEST  SHOULD BE MADE BY  ____________,
1998.

         CONTAINED   WITHIN  AND   INCORPORATED   BY  REFERENCE  IN  THIS  PROXY
STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS  ARE CERTAIN FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS WITH RESPECT TO THE
FINANCIAL  CONDITION,  RESULTS OF  OPERATIONS  AND BUSINESS OF VALLEY AND WAYNE.
SUCH STATEMENTS ARE NOT HISTORICAL FACTS AND INCLUDE  EXPRESSIONS ABOUT VALLEY'S
AND/OR WAYNE'S  CONFIDENCE,  STRATEGIES AND EXPRESSIONS ABOUT EARNINGS,  NEW AND
EXISTING  PROGRAMS AND PRODUCTS,  RELATIONSHIPS,  OPPORTUNITIES,  TECHNOLOGY AND
MARKET  CONDITIONS.  THESE  STATEMENTS  MAY  BE  IDENTIFIED  BY  FORWARD-LOOKING
TERMINOLOGY,  SUCH AS "EXPECT",  "BELIEVE" OR  "ANTICIPATE",  OR  EXPRESSIONS OF
CONFIDENCE LIKE "STRONG" OR "ON-GOING",  OR SIMILAR  STATEMENTS OR VARIATIONS OF
SUCH TERMS.  FACTORS THAT MAY CAUSE  ACTUAL  RESULTS TO DIFFER  MATERIALLY  FROM
THOSE CONTEMPLATED BY SUCH FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDE, AMONG OTHERS, THE
FOLLOWING POSSIBILITIES:  (1) EXPECTED COST SAVINGS OR REVENUE ENHANCEMENTS FROM
THE MERGER CANNOT BE REALIZED AS ANTICIPATED;  (2) DEPOSIT  ATTRITION,  CUSTOMER
LOSS OR  REVENUE  LOSS  FOLLOWING  THE  MERGER IS  GREATER  THAN  EXPECTED;  (3)
COMPETITIVE  PRESSURE IN THE BANKING AND FINANCIAL  SERVICES INDUSTRY  INCREASES
SIGNIFICANTLY;  (4) CHANGES IN THE INTEREST  RATE  ENVIRONMENT;  AND (5) GENERAL
ECONOMIC  CONDITIONS,  EITHER NATIONALLY OR IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, ARE LESS
FAVORABLE THAN EXPECTED.


<PAGE>

                                     SUMMARY

                  The  following is a summary of certain  information  regarding
the  matters to be  considered  at the  Meeting.  This  summary  is  necessarily
incomplete and is qualified by the more detailed information contained elsewhere
in this Proxy  Statement-Prospectus,  including  the  Appendixes  hereto and the
documents  incorporated by reference herein. Wayne stockholders should carefully
read the entire Proxy Statement-Prospectus, including the Appendixes.


THE MEETING

Date, Time and Place of
Meeting.....................  The   special   meeting   of   stockholders   (the
                              "Meeting") of Wayne Bancorp,  Inc.  ("Wayne") will
                              be  held  on  [Day of  Week],  [Date]  [Time],  at
                              [Location].

Record Date.................  _____________, 1998 (the "Record Date").

Shares Entitled to Vote...    ________  shares of common stock,  $0.01 par value
                              per share,  of Wayne ("Wayne  Common  Stock") were
                              outstanding  on the Record  Date and  entitled  to
                              vote at the Meeting.

Purpose of Meeting..........  To consider and vote upon an Agreement and Plan of
                              Merger  dated  as of May  29,  1998  (the  "Merger
                              Agreement"),  by and among Valley National Bancorp
                              ("Valley"),  Valley's  national  bank  subsidiary,
                              Valley National Bank ("VNB"),  Wayne,  and Wayne's
                              federally-chartered savings bank subsidiary, Wayne
                              Savings Bank, F.S.B. ("WSB").

Vote Required...............  The affirmative  vote, in person or by proxy, of a
                              majority of the outstanding shares of Wayne Common
                              Stock is required to approve the Merger Agreement.

Recommendation of the Wayne
Board of Directors..........  The  Wayne  Board  of  Directors  has  unanimously
                              approved  the  Merger  Agreement  and  unanimously
                              recommends  that  Wayne  stockholders  vote  "FOR"
                              approval of the Merger Agreement.

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  "BHCA").  Valley  has  one  banking
                              subsidiary, VNB, a national bank which operates 97
                              branches located in northern New Jersey.  At March
                              31,  1998,  Valley  had  consolidated   assets  of
                              approximately  $5.1  billion.  Valley's  principal
                              executive offices are located at 1455 Valley Road,
                              Wayne,  New Jersey 07474, and its telephone number
                              is (973) 305-8800.

Wayne.......................  Wayne  is  a  unitary  savings  and  loan  holding
                              company  organized  under the laws of the State of
                              Delaware and registered under the Home Owners Loan
                              Act of 1933,  as  amended  (the  "HOLA").  Wayne's
                              principal  subsidiary  is WSB,  a federal  savings
                              bank  which  operates  six  branches   located  in
                              northern New Jersey.  At March 31, 1998, Wayne had
                              consolidated   assets  of   approximately   $272.0
                              million.  Wayne's principal  executive offices are
                              located  at  1195  Hamburg  Turnpike,  Wayne,  New
                              Jersey 07470,  and its  telephone  number is (973)
                              305-5500.


THE MERGER

General Description of the
Merger; Closing; Effective
Time; Bank Merger.........    The Merger  Agreement  provides  for the merger of
                              Wayne with and into  Valley (the  "Merger"),  with
                              Valley as the  surviving  entity.  A closing under
                              the Merger Agreement (the "Closing") will occur on
                              the  tenth  business  day  after  receipt  of  all
                              necessary  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 Wayne  agree  upon.
                              However,  the  Closing  will  not  occur  prior to
                              October  2, 1998  without  Valley's  consent.  The
                              Merger  will  become  effective  at the time  (the
                              "Effective  Time")  specified in  certificates  of
                              merger  which Valley will file with the New Jersey
                              and Delaware  Secretaries  of State  following the
                              Closing. The parties anticipate that the Effective
                              Time will be the  opening of business on the first
                              business day after the Closing  Date.  Immediately
                              following  consummation of the Merger, WSB will be
                              merged with and into VNB (the "Bank Merger"), with
                              VNB as the surviving entity.

Consideration...............  Upon  consummation  of the  Merger,  each share of
                              Wayne   Common   Stock   issued  and   outstanding
                              immediately  prior to the  Effective  Time will be
                              converted into 1.10 shares (the "Exchange  Ratio")
                              of common stock of Valley,  no par value  ("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.

Conversion of Stock Options.  At the Effective Time, each outstanding  option to
                              purchase  Wayne  Common  Stock (a "Wayne  Option")
                              granted under the stock option plans of Wayne will
                              be  converted  into an option to  purchase  Valley
                              Common  Stock on the  same  terms  and  conditions
                              existing for the current Wayne 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.

Cash in Lieu of Fractional
Shares; Average Pre-Closing
Price.......................  In lieu of  fractional  shares  of  Valley  Common
                              Stock,  Wayne  stockholders will receive,  without
                              interest,  a cash payment equal to the  fractional
                              share  interest to which they would  otherwise  be
                              entitled in the Merger  multiplied  by the Average
                              Pre-Closing  Price of  Valley  Common  Stock.  The
                              "Average Pre-Closing Price" of Valley Common Stock
                              is defined as the average of the closing prices of
                              Valley  Common  Stock as  reported on the New York
                              Stock  Exchange  (the "NYSE") and published in the
                              Wall Street  Journal  during the five  consecutive
                              trading days ending with (and  including) the date
                              the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the
                              "OCC")  notifies  Valley  that it has  granted its
                              approval  required for consummation of the Merger.
                              The  Average   Pre-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.

Opinion of Wayne's
Financial Advisor...........  The  Board  of  Directors  of Wayne  has  retained
                              Sandler   O'Neill  &  Partners,   L.P.   ("Sandler
                              O'Neill") as its  financial  advisor in connection
                              with the Merger.  Sandler  O'Neill  has  delivered
                              written  opinions  dated May 29, 1998 and the date
                              of this Proxy Statement-Prospectus to the Board of
                              Directors of Wayne with  respect to the  fairness,
                              from a financial  point of view,  of the  Exchange
                              Ratio to the  stockholders of Wayne in the Merger.
                              For   information    concerning   the   procedures
                              followed, assumptions made, matters considered and
                              qualifications on the review undertaken by Sandler
                              O'Neill  in  rendering  its  opinions,   see  "THE
                              PROPOSED  MERGER -- Opinion  of Wayne's  Financial
                              Advisor"    and   Appendix   C   to   this   Proxy
                              Statement-Prospectus,  which  sets  forth  Sandler
                              O'Neill's   updated   fairness   opinion   in  its
                              entirety.

Federal Income Tax
Consequences................  In connection with the  Registration  Statement of
                              which  this  Proxy  Statement  is a part,  Pitney,
                              Hardin,  Kipp &  Szuch,  counsel  to  Valley,  has
                              delivered  its  opinion  to the  effect  that  the
                              Merger will  qualify as a tax-free  reorganization
                              as defined in Section 368 of the Internal  Revenue
                              Code of 1986,  as amended (the  "Code").  Assuming
                              the  applicability  of Section 368(a) of the Code,
                              the  conversion  of Wayne Common Stock into Valley
                              Common  Stock  will  be  a  nontaxable  event  for
                              Valley,  Wayne  and  the  Wayne  stockholders.  No
                              taxable gain or loss will have to be recognized by
                              Wayne  stockholders  until  they  sell the  Valley
                              Common Stock  received by them in the Merger.  The
                              basis of the Valley Common Stock  received by each
                              Wayne  stockholder  will be the basis of the Wayne
                              Common  Stock  converted  in  connection  with the
                              Merger and the holding period of the Valley Common
                              Stock will include the holding period of the Wayne
                              Common Stock converted.

                              Wayne  stockholders  are  urged  to read  the more
                              complete description of the tax consequence of the
                              Merger  contained  under the caption "THE PROPOSED
                              MERGER -- Federal Income Tax Consequences," and to
                              consult  their own tax advisors as to the specific
                              tax  consequences  to  them  of the  Merger  under
                              applicable tax laws.

Exchange of Certificates....  Promptly  after the Effective  Time,  the Exchange
                              Agent  for  Valley  will send  Wayne  stockholders
                              letters  of  transmittal  and   instructions   for
                              exchanging    their   stock    certificates    for
                              certificates  representing  Valley  Common  Stock.
                              Holders of Wayne  Common  Stock should not send in
                              their  stock   certificates   until  they  receive
                              instructions from the Exchange Agent.

No Dissenters Rights........  Consistent  with the  provisions  of the  Delaware
                              General  Corporation  Law, no stockholder of Wayne
                              will have the right to dissent from the Merger.

Conditions to the Merger....  Consummation  of the Merger is  contingent  upon a
                              number of  conditions,  including  the receipt of:
                              approval of the Merger by the required vote of the
                              holders  of  Wayne  Common  Stock;  all  necessary
                              regulatory   approvals;   an  updated  opinion  of
                              counsel  to Valley to the  effect  that the Merger
                              will result in a tax free reorganization; a letter
                              from Valley's  independent  public  accountants to
                              the  effect  that  the  Merger  will  qualify  for
                              pooling-of-interests accounting treatment; and the
                              opinion of Sandler  O'Neill  which is  attached as
                              Appendix C to this Proxy Statement.

Regulatory Approvals........  Consummation  of the  Merger  and the Bank  Merger
                              requires  the  approval of 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  stockholders of Wayne.
                              An  application  for OCC  approval  was  filed  on
                              __________,  1998.  Also  on  ___________,   1998,
                              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 BHCA.  While
                              Valley  and  Wayne   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 Wayne.

Termination Rights..........  The Merger Agreement may be terminated by Wayne if
                              the  Average  Pre-Closing  Price of Valley  Common
                              Stock is less than $26.00. Valley has the right to
                              terminate  the Merger  Agreement  if  Wayne's  net
                              operating  income  excluding  security  gains  and
                              losses (after tax but excluding  expenses  related
                              to the  Merger  Agreement)  for  any  full  fiscal
                              quarter   after   March  31,  1998  is  less  than
                              $375,000.  The Merger  Agreement may be terminated
                              by either  Wayne or Valley if the  Effective  Time
                              has not  occurred  by March 31,  1999.  For a more
                              complete    description   of   these   and   other
                              termination  rights available to Wayne and Valley,
                              see "THE  PROPOSED  MERGER --  Termination  of 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  Wayne  at  any  time  prior  to  the
                              Effective   Time.    However,    following   Wayne
                              stockholder  approval  of  the  Merger  Agreement,
                              Wayne  stockholders  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 is  expected to be  accounted  for as a
                              pooling  of  interests  for  financial   reporting
                              purposes,  and it is a condition  to Valley's  and
                              Wayne's  obligations  to  close  the  Merger  that
                              Valley  receive  a  letter  from  its  independent
                              auditor to the effect that the Merger will qualify
                              for  pooling-of-interests   accounting  treatment.
                              Under   the    pooling-of-interests    method   of
                              accounting,  Wayne's  historical  basis of assets,
                              liabilities  and   stockholders   equity  will  be
                              retained by Valley as the surviving entity.

No Solicitation by Wayne of
Alternative Transactions....  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Wayne has agreed
                              that  it  will  not,   directly   or   indirectly,
                              encourage  or  solicit  or  hold   discussions  or
                              negotiations  with, or provide any information to,
                              any person other than Valley concerning any merger
                              or  similar  acquisition   transactions  involving
                              Wayne  or  WSB  (an  "Acquisition   Transaction").
                              However,  Wayne  may  enter  into  discussions  or
                              negotiations or provide  information in connection
                              with   an   unsolicited    possible    Acquisition
                              Transaction  if the Board of  Directors  of Wayne,
                              after  consulting with counsel,  determines in the
                              exercise of its  fiduciary  responsibilities  that
                              such action should be so taken.  This restriction,
                              along with the Stock Option Agreement described in
                              the  following  paragraph,  may  be  considered  a
                              deterrent  to  other  potential   acquisitions  of
                              control of Wayne.

Stock Option to Valley for
Wayne Shares................  In connection  with the  negotiation of the Merger
                              Agreement,  Valley and Wayne  entered into a Stock
                              Option  Agreement  (the "Stock Option  Agreement")
                              dated as of May 29,  1998.  Pursuant  to the Stock
                              Option  Agreement,  Wayne granted Valley an option
                              (the  "Option"),  exercisable  only under  certain
                              limited and specifically defined circumstances, to
                              purchase  up to 400,000  authorized  but  unissued
                              shares  of  Wayne   Common   Stock,   representing
                              approximately  19.9% of the shares of Wayne Common
                              Stock  outstanding  on the  date  the  Option  was
                              granted,  for an  exercise  price  of  $24.50  per
                              share. Valley does not have any voting rights with
                              respect  to  the  shares  of  Wayne  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.

                              If   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
                              Wayne  Common  Stock  received   pursuant  to  the
                              exercise  of the Option if those  shares were sold
                              for more than  $24.50  per share.  The  ability of
                              Valley to  exercise  the Option and to cause up to
                              an additional 400,000 shares of Wayne Common Stock
                              to be issued  may be  considered  a  deterrent  to
                              other potential  acquirors of control of Wayne, as
                              it  is   likely  to   increase   the  cost  of  an
                              acquisition  of all of the shares of Wayne  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.

Interests of Certain
Persons in the Merger.......  The  Merger  Agreement  provides  that,  as of the
                              Effective  Time,  each  of  Valley  and  VNB  will
                              appoint  Harold  P.  Cook,   III,   currently  the
                              Chairman of the Board of  Directors  of Wayne,  to
                              its Board of Directors.  Current Wayne  directors,
                              other than Mr. Cook,  Johanna O'Connell and Dennis
                              Pollack,  will be  invited  to serve  as  advisory
                              directors  for VNB and receive  aggregate  fees of
                              approximately  $31,000 each,  equally  distributed
                              over the period ended March 1, 2002.

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

                              At  the  Record  Date,   directors  and  executive
                              officers  of Wayne and their  affiliates  of Wayne
                              owned  _____  shares or ____% of the Wayne  Common
                              Stock.

                              For  additional   information  see  "THE  PROPOSED
                              MERGER --  Interests  of  Certain  Persons  in the
                              Merger."

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 Wayne, who may be deemed to
                              be   "affiliates"   of   Wayne   under   Rule  145
                              promulgated under the Securities Act.

Differences in
Stock-holders' Rights.......  At the Effective Time, each Wayne stockholder will
                              become a  stockholder  of  Valley.  The  rights of
                              Wayne  stockholders are currently  governed by the
                              Delaware  General   Corporation  Law  and  Wayne's
                              Certificate  of  Incorporation  and  By-laws.  The
                              rights of Valley  stockholders are governed by the
                              New Jersey  Business  Corporation Act and Valley's
                              Certificate  of  Incorporation  and  By-laws.  The
                              rights of Wayne  and  Valley  stockholders  differ
                              with  respect to voting  requirements  and various
                              other matters.

<PAGE>

                        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.  The data for the years ended December 31, 1997 through  December
31, 1993 are derived from Valley's consolidated financial statements, which have
been audited. The consolidated  financial statements as of December 31, 1997 and
1996,  and for each of the years in the  three-year  period  ended  December 31,
1997,  and the  report  thereon,  are  incorporated  by  reference  herein.  See
"INFORMATION  INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE."  Interim  unaudited data for the three
months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 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 three months
ended  March 31, 1998 are not  necessarily  indicative  of results  which may be
expected for any other interim period or for the year as a whole.

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               For Three Months
                                                    Ended                              For Years Ended December 31,
                                                  March 31,
                                              ---------------------    --------------------------------------------------------
                                                  1998       1997          1997       1996        1995        1994       1993
                                              ---------------------    --------------------------------------------------------
                                                              (Dollars in thousands, except for per share amounts)
<S>                                           <C>        <C>           <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C> 
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Interest income                               $  92,599  $  91,284     $ 368,318  $ 353,168   $ 345,348   $ 318,083   $ 305,313
Interest expense                                 37,916     39,052       155,977    154,833     153,326     124,830     122,525
                                              ---------- ----------    ---------- ----------  ----------  ---------- ----------
Net interest income                              54,683     52,232       212,341    198,335     192,022     193,253     182,788
Provision for possible loan losses                2,500      1,200        12,250      3,356       3,169       5,984       9,002
                                              ---------- ----------    ---------- ----------  ----------  ---------- ----------
Net interest income after provision
  for possible loan losses                       52,183     51,032       200,091    194,979     188,853     187,269     173,786
Non-interest income                              10,225     10,115        42,315     29,651      24,446      26,946      31,369
Non-interest expense                             29,519     29,399       123,228    117,716     104,723     105,081     100,173
                                              ---------- ----------    ---------- ----------  ----------  ---------- ----------
Income before income taxes and
  cumulative effect of accounting change         32,889     31,748       119,178    106,914     108,576     109,134     104,982
Income taxes                                      9,604     10,848        34,186     36,076      41,543      40,860      36,894
                                              ---------- ----------    ---------- ----------  ----------  ---------- ----------
Income before cumulative effect of
  accounting change                              23,285     20,900        84,992     70,838      67,033      68,274      68,088
Cumulative effect of accounting change, 
  net of tax (1)                                     --         --            --         --          --          --        (251)
                                              ========== =========     =========  =========   =========   =========  ==========
Net income                                    $  23,285  $  20,900     $  84,992  $  70,838   $  67,033   $  68,274   $  67,837
                                              ========== ==========    ========== ==========  =========   ========== ==========

PER COMMON SHARE DATA: (2)
Earnings per share:
         Basic                                $    0.44  $    0.40     $  1.61    $   1.33    $    1.24   $   1.27    $   1.28
         Diluted                                   0.44       0.39        1.60        1.33         1.24       1.26        1.26
Book Value                                         9.14       8.26        8.98        8.16         7.94       7.05        6.86
Dividends                                          0.22       0.19        0.85        0.76         0.72       0.69        0.54

RATIOS:
Return on average assets                           1.85 %     1.64 %      1.67 %      1.42 %       1.38 %     1.44 %      1.51 %
Return on average equity                          19.52 %    19.34 %     18.88 %     16.64 %      16.44 %    18.26 %     20.11 %

FINANCIAL CONDITION DATA:
Total assets                                 $5,085,680  $ 5,117,119  $ 5,090.655 $5,115,547   $5,009,903 $4,820,316  $ 4,665,700
Investment securities held to maturity          154,531      204,254      161,552    255,277      325,290    918,167    1,291,501
Investment securities available for sale        942,371    1,064,579    1,107,225    989,698    1,185,385    747,676      541,561
Trading account securities                        1,420          --            --         --           --         --           --
Loans (net of unearned income)                3,659,498    3,488,223    3,622,332  3,471,248    3,051,840  2,834,817    2,490,003
Allowance for possible loan losses               46,008       45,911       46,372     46,022       43,991     45,905       44,555
Deposits                                      4,391,473    4,550,887    4,402,954  4,567,065    4,472,133  4,250,237    4,147,531
Stockholders' equity                            481,997      436,486      475,359    430,384      432,609    378,895      361,160
- --------------------

</TABLE>

(1) Represents  cumulative  effect of adopting SFAS 109,  "Accounting for Income
    Taxes."

(2) The per share data has been  restated  to give  retroactive  effect to stock
    splits and dividends.

<PAGE>

                        SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF WAYNE

The  following  table  sets  forth  certain  selected  historical   consolidated
financial  data for  Wayne.  This data is  derived  from,  and should be read in
conjunction with, the consolidated  financial statements of Wayne, including the
notes thereto,  included elsewhere herein. The data for the years ended December
31,  1997  through  December  31,  1993 are derived  from  Wayne's  consolidated
financial  statements,  which  have been  audited.  The  consolidated  financial
statements  as of December  31, 1997 and 1996,  and for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1997, and the report thereon,  are included
in  this  Proxy  Statement-Prospectus.  See  "ACCOMPANYING  DOCUMENTS."  Interim
unaudited  data for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997  reflect,  in
the opinion of the management of Wayne,  all  adjustments  (consisting of normal
recurring  adjustments)  necessary for a fair presentation of such data. Results
for the three  months  ended March 31, 1998 are not  necessarily  indicative  of
results which may be expected for any other interim  period or for the year as a
whole.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 For Three Months Ended
                                                         March 31,                            For Years Ended December 31,
                                                  ----------------------    --------------------------------------------------------
                                                     1998         1997        1997       1996        1995       1994        1993
                                                  ----------------------     -------------------------------------------------------
                                                             (Dollars in thousands, except for per share amounts)
<S>                                                <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Interest income                                    $   4,827  $    4,433  $  18,766   $  15,458  $  13,136   $  11,833  $   12,633
Interest expense                                       2,583       2,254      9,908       7,958      6,950       5,172       5,753
                                                   ---------  ----------- ---------   ---------  ----------- ---------  -----------
Net interest income                                    2,244       2,179      8,858       7,500      6,186       6,661       6,880
Provision for possible loan losses                        70         125        400         200        152         316         286
                                                   ---------  ----------- ---------   ---------  ----------- ---------  -----------
Net interest income after provision
  for possible loan losses                             2,174       2,054      8,458       7,300      6,034       6,345       6,594
Non-interest income                                      175         183        697         585        275         720         496
Non-interest expense                                   1,699       1,391      5,990       6,816      4,951       4,432       4,155
                                                   ---------  ----------- ---------   ---------   ---------- ---------  -----------
Income before income taxes                               650         846      3,165       1,069      1,358       2,633       2,935
Income taxes                                             255         342      1,211         403        487         944         745
                                                   =========  ==========  =========   =========  =========   =========  ===========
Net income                                         $     395  $      504  $   1,954   $     666  $     871   $   1,689  $    2,190
                                                   =========  ==========  =========   =========  =========   =========  ===========

PER COMMON SHARE DATA: (1)
Earnings per share:
  Basic                                            $  0.22    $    0.25    $   1.04   $     n/a     $    n/a    $   n/a    $   n/a
  Diluted                                             0.22         0.27        1.03         n/a          n/a        n/a        n/a
Book Value                                           17.15        16.57       16.86         n/a          n/a        n/a        n/a
Dividends                                             0.05         0.05        0.20         n/a          n/a        n/a        n/a

RATIOS:
Return on average assets                              0.59 %       0.83 %      0.76 %      0.31 %       0.46 %     0.93 %     1.21 %
Return on average equity                              4.57 %       5.60 %      5.63 %      2.33 %       5.12 %    10.79 %    15.76 %

FINANCIAL CONDITION
DATA:
Total assets                                       $ 272,007   $ 245,435   $ 270,043   $ 244,081   $ 207,997   $ 176,664   $ 183,228
Investment securities held to maturity                 2,318       2,983       2,913       3,229       3,841      50,304      33,774
Investment securities available for sale              68,688      78,608      73,413      80,867      58,155       3,360      11,715
Loans (net of unearned income)                       189,425     154,940     181,102     147,214     113,577     114,634     107,570
Allowance for possible loan losses                     2,240       1,914       2,170       1,789       1,589       1,543       1,237
Deposits                                             203,532     180,902     198,479     178,947     173,822     159,013     166,821
Stockholders' equity                                  34,532      35,732      33,944      36,911      17,299      16,259      15,005
- --------------------

</TABLE>

(1) Because  the  conversion  of WSB from  mutual to stock form and the  related
    creation  of Wayne as the  holding  company  for WSB (the "WSB  Conversion")
    closed on June 27, 1996,  earnings per share for Wayne prior to 1997 are not
    presented.

<PAGE>

                           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 Wayne
Common Stock for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and for each of the years
in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997, on an historical and pro forma
basis, as well as pro forma  equivalent per share data for Wayne. The historical
per share data have been derived  from the  financial  statements  of Valley and
Wayne 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;"  "Summary -- Selected Financial Data of
Valley" and "Summary -- Selected Financial Data of Wayne."

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                      Pro Forma
                                                                                                    Equivalent per
                                                Historical        Historical        Pro Forma           Wayne
                                                  Valley            Wayne           Combined          Share (1)
                                                  ------            -----           ---------         ---------
<S>                                               <C>               <C>               <C>              <C>       
Three Months Ended
March 31, 1998
Earnings Per Share
         Basic...........................         $  0.44           $  0.22           $  0.43           $  0.47
         Diluted.........................            0.44              0.22              0.43              0.47
Book Value Per Share.....................            9.14             17.15              9.40             10.34
Cash Dividends Per Share (2).............            0.22              0.05              0.22              0.24

Year Ended December 31, 1997
Earnings Per Share
         Basic...........................         $  1.61           $  1.04           $  1.58           $  1.74
         Diluted.........................            1.60              1.03              1.57              1.73
Book Value Per Share.....................            8.98             16.86              9.23             10.15
Cash Dividends Per Share (2).............            0.85              0.20              0.85              0.94

Year Ended December 31, 1996(3)
Earnings Per Share
         Basic...........................         $  1.33           $n/a(3)           $  1.33           $n/a(3)
         Diluted.........................            1.33            n/a(3)              1.33            n/a(3)
Book Value Per Share.....................            8.16            n/a(3)              8.16            n/a(3)
Cash Dividends Per Share (2).............            0.76            n/a(3)              0.76            n/a(3)

Year Ended December 31, 1995(3)
Earnings Per Share
         Basic...........................         $  1.24           $n/a(3)           $  1.24           $n/a(3)
         Diluted.........................            1.24            n/a(3)              1.24            n/a(3)
Book Value Per Share.....................            7.94            n/a(3)              7.94            n/a(3)
Cash Dividends Per Share (2).............            0.72            n/a(3)              0.72            n/a(3)

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

</TABLE>

(1) Wayne 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 1.10.

(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.

(3) Because the WSB Conversion  occurred on June 27, 1996,  Historical Wayne and
    Pro Forma  Equivalent  Per Wayne Share data prior to 1997 are not presented,
    and Wayne's per share data have been  excluded  from the Pro Forma  Combined
    presentation for years prior to 1997.

         The first table below presents, for the periods indicated, the high and
low closing prices per share of Valley Common Stock and Wayne Common Stock.  The
second table below presents information concerning the last sale price of Valley
Common Stock and of Wayne  Common  Stock on May 28, 1998 (the last  business day
preceding the announcement of the Merger Agreement),  and the last sale price of
Valley  Common Stock and of Wayne Common  Stock on  _____________,  1998, a date
shortly  prior to the date of this Proxy  Statement-Prospectus.  The tables also
present the  equivalent  value of Valley  Common Stock per Wayne share which has
been calculated by multiplying the last sale price of Valley Common Stock on the
dates indicated by the Exchange Ratio of 1.10.  Valley Common Stock is traded on
the NYSE and Wayne  Common Stock traded on the Nasdaq  National  Market  System.
Wayne  stockholders  are urged to obtain  current  market  quotations for Valley
Common Stock and Wayne Common Stock.  Because the Exchange Ratio is fixed, Wayne
stockholders  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.

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                Equivalent
                                      Closing Sale                 Closing Sale              Value of Valley
                                     Price Per Share             Price Per Share             Common Stock Per
                                        of Valley                    of Wayne                 Share of Wayne
                                     Common Stock(1)               Common Stock                Common Stock
                                    High         Low            High          Low         High            Low
                                  --------    --------        --------     -------        ----------    ---------
<S>                               <C>         <C>             <C>          <C>             <C>          <C>
1996:
First Quarter.....................$  20.10    $  17.25        $ n/a(2)     $ n/a(2)        $   22.11    $   18.98
Second Quarter...................    22.55       19.45          n/a(2)       n/a(2)            24.81        21.40
Third Quarter....................    21.25       18.55           13.88         10.75           23.38        20.41
Fourth Quarter...................    20.75       18.85           15.25         13.69           22.83        20.74

1997:
First Quarter.................... $  21.15    $  19.35        $  18.00     $   14.88       $   23.27    $   21.29
Second Quarter...................    22.40       20.35           20.25         16.00           24.64        22.39
Third Quarter....................    25.35       21.90           24.88         19.00           27.89        24.09
Fourth Quarter...................    32.20       25.05           27.50         21.00           35.42        27.56

1998:
First Quarter.................... $  33.70    $  28.20        $  31.00     $   23.00       $   37.07    $   31.02
Second Quarter...................    34.09       29.00           32.00         29.88           37.50        31.90
Third Quarter (through _________,
1998)............................

</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                         Equivalent
                               Closing Sale                 Closing Sale               Value of Valley
                             Price Per Share              Price Per Share             Common Stock Per
                                of Valley                     of Wayne                 Share of Wayne
                               Common Stock                 Common Stock              Common Stock
DATE
<S>                               <C>                          <C>                       <C>
May 28, 1998                      $31.25                       $30.75                    $34.38
____________, 1998

</TABLE>

(1) The prices of Valley  Common  Stock have been  restated to give  retroactive
    effect to stock dividends and splits.

(2) Prior to the WSB  Conversion  on June 27,  1996,  there was no Wayne  Common
    Stock outstanding.

<PAGE>

                     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 three  month  period  ended  March 31,  1998 and for the years
ended  December 31, 1997,  1996 and 1995, and the Pro Forma  Unaudited  Combined
Condensed  Statement  of Financial  Condition  at March 31, 1998.  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
statement of  financial  condition  purposes on March 31,  1998.  See "PRO FORMA
FINANCIAL  INFORMATION." The Summary Pro Forma financial information is based on
the historical financial statements of Valley and Wayne included or incorporated
by reference herein. See Appendixes D, E and F and "INFORMATION  INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE".  The Pro Forma  financial  information  assumes an Exchange Ratio of
1.10  shares  of  Valley  Common  Stock  for each  share of Wayne  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.

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               For the Three
                                                               Months Ended
                                                                 March 31,       For the Years Ended December 31,
                                                                              ----------------------------------------
                                                                   1998          1997          1996          1995
                                                              ----------------------------  ------------  ------------
                                                               (Dollars in thousands, except for per share amounts)
<S>                                                             <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>         
Income Statement Data:
Net interest income...........................................  $   56,927   $   221,199   $   205,835   $  198,208
Provision for possible loan losses............................       2,570        12,650         3,556        3,321
Net interest income after provision for possible loan losses..      54,357       208,549       202,279      194,887
Income before income taxes....................................      33,539       122,343       107,983      109,934
Net income....................................................      23,680        86,946        71,504       67,904
Earnings per common share: (1)(2)
      Basic...................................................        0.43          1.58          1.33         1.24
      Diluted.................................................        0.43          1.57          1.33         1.24

                                                               As of March 31,
                                                                    1998
                                                              ------------------
Financial Condition Data:
Total assets..................................................  $5,357,687
Total deposits................................................   4,595,005
Total stockholders' equity....................................     516,529
Book value per common share...................................        9.40

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

</TABLE>

(1) Because the WSB Conversion occurred on June 27, 1996, Wayne's per share data
    have been excluded from the Pro Forma Combined  presentation for years prior
    to 1997.

(2) Valley's   historical   earnings  per  share  have  been  restated  to  give
    retroactive effect to stock dividends and splits.


<PAGE>


                                  INTRODUCTION

         This  Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  solicits,  on behalf of the Board of
Directors of Wayne Bancorp, Inc. ("Wayne"), approval by the holders of shares of
common stock of Wayne, $0.01 par value per share ("Wayne Common Stock"),  of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 29, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement"),
by  and  among  Valley  National  Bancorp  ("Valley"),  Valley's  national  bank
subsidiary,  Valley National Bank ("VNB"), Wayne and Wayne's federally-chartered
savings bank subsidiary,  Wayne Savings Bank,  F.S.B.  ("WSB").  Pursuant to the
Merger Agreement, Wayne will be merged with and into Valley (the "Merger"), with
Valley  as the  surviving  entity.  Immediately  following  consummation  of the
Merger,  WSB will merge with and into VNB (the "Bank  Merger"),  with VNB as the
surviving  entity,  pursuant to a separate merger agreement  between VNB and WSB
(the "Bank Merger  Agreement").  If the Merger Agreement is approved and becomes
effective,  each  outstanding  share of Wayne Common Stock,  except for Excluded
Shares (as defined  below),  will be converted  into 1.10 shares (the  "Exchange
Ratio") of common stock of Valley, no par value ("Valley Common Stock"), subject
to  adjustment  provisions  set forth in the  Merger  Agreement  and more  fully
described in this Proxy Statement, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares.

         In  addition,  each  option to purchase a share of Wayne  Common  Stock
pursuant  to  Wayne's  existing  stock  option  plans and  agreements  (a "Wayne
Option") will be converted in the Merger into options to purchase  Valley Common
Stock on the same terms and  conditions  existing for the current  Wayne 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.

         A copy of the Merger  Agreement is attached as Appendix A to this Proxy
Statement-Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference.

         All information and statements  contained  herein with respect to Wayne
were  supplied  by  Wayne  and  all  information  and  statements  contained  or
incorporated by reference herein with respect to Valley were supplied by Valley.


                      CERTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING VALLEY

General

         Valley is a New Jersey corporation registered as a bank holding company
under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHCA").  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.

         At March 31, 1998, Valley had consolidated assets of approximately $5.1
billion, deposits of $4.4 billion and stockholders' equity of $482.0 million.

         Valley's  principal  executive offices are located at 1455 Valley Road,
Wayne,  New  Jersey  07474,  and its  telephone  number is (973)  305-8800.  See
"AVAILABLE INFORMATION" and "INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE."

Valley National Bank

         VNB is a national banking association  chartered in 1927 under the laws
of the United States. VNB provides a full range of commercial and retail banking
services.  These  services  include  acceptance  of  demand,  savings  and  time
deposits,; extension of consumer, real estate, Small Business Administration and
other commercial credits;  and full personal and corporate trust services,  such
as pension and fiduciary  services.  VNB's maintains its main office in Passaic,
New Jersey and at March 31, 1998 operated [97] branches in northern New Jersey.

         VNB has  several  wholly-owned  subsidiaries  which  include a mortgage
servicing  company,  an investment  company  which holds,  maintains and manages
investment  assets for VNB, a  subsidiary  which  owns and  manages  residential
mortgage loans, a subsidiary  which owns and services auto loans and an Edge Act
Corporation  which is the holding  company for a  wholly-owned  finance  company
located in Toronto,  Canada.  The mortgage  servicing company services loans for
others as well as VNB.


                       CERTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING WAYNE

General

         Wayne is a Delaware  corporation  registered  as a unitary  savings and
loan  holding  company  under  the Home  Owners  Loan Act of  1933,  as  amended
("HOLA"). Wayne was created at the direction of the board of directors of WSB to
acquire  all  of the  capital  stock  Wayne  issued  in  connection  with  WSB's
conversion  from the mutual to stock form,  which was  consummated  in June 1996
(the "WSB Conversion").

         At March 31,  1998,  Wayne  had  consolidated  assets of  approximately
$272.0  million,  deposits of $203.5 million and  stockholders'  equity of $34.5
million.

         Wayne's  principal  executive  offices  are  located  at  1195  Hamburg
Turnpike,  Wayne,  New Jersey 07470, and its telephone number is (973) 305-5500.
For  additional   information   regarding  Wayne  and  WSB,  see   "ACCOMPANYING
DOCUMENTS."

Wayne Savings Bank, F.S.B.

         WSB was organized in 1921 as the Pequannock and Wayne Building and Loan
Association,  a New Jersey mutual  building and loan  association.  In 1946, WSB
changed its name to Wayne  Savings  and Loan  Association,  a New Jersey  mutual
savings and loan  association,  and  converted to a federally  chartered  mutual
savings bank under its current name in 1994. On June 27, 1996, WSB completed the
WSB  Conversion.  WSB operates  through  seven  banking  offices,  including its
administrative  office, all located in the northern New Jersey area and provides
a variety of financial  services to the  communities  it serves.  These services
include the  acceptance of  certificate,  savings,  NOW and money market deposit
accounts  and  the  extension  of  one-  to   four-family   residential   credit
supplemented  with the  origination  of  commercial,  construction  and consumer
loans.


                                   THE MEETING

Time and Place

         This Proxy Statement-Prospectus  solicits, on behalf of the Wayne Board
of  Directors,  proxies to be voted at a Special  Meeting of  Stockholders  (the
"Meeting")  of  Wayne  which  is to be held on [Day of  Week],  [Date],  1998 at
[Time], at [Location], and at any adjournments or postponements thereof.

Purpose of the Meeting

         At the  Meeting,  Wayne  stockholders  will  consider and vote upon the
approval  of the  Merger  Agreement  and any other  matters as may  properly  be
brought before the Meeting and at any adjournments or postponements thereof.

         The Board of  Directors  of Wayne has  unanimously  approved the Merger
Agreement  and  recommends  a vote "FOR"  approval  and  adoption  of the Merger
Agreement.

Record Date; Voting Rights; Proxies

         The  Wayne  Board of  Directors  has fixed  the  close of  business  on
________,  1998 as the record date for the Meeting  (the  "Record  Date").  Only
holders of record of Wayne  Common  Stock on the Record Date will be entitled to
receive  notice  of,  and to vote  at,  the  Meeting  or at any  adjournment  or
postponement  thereof.  On the Record Date,  there were ________ shares of Wayne
Common Stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the Meeting.

         All  properly  executed  proxies  will,  unless such  proxies have been
previously  revoked,  be voted in accordance with the instructions  indicated on
such proxies.  If no  instructions  are indicated  thereon,  such shares will be
voted "FOR" approval of the Merger Agreement. The Board of Directors of Wayne is
not aware of any  matters  other  than as  described  in the  Notice of  Special
Meeting that are to come before the Meeting.  If any other matter or matters are
properly  presented  for action  before the  Meeting,  the persons  named in the
enclosed  form of  proxy  will  have  discretion  to vote  on  such  matters  in
accordance with their best judgment, unless such authorization is withheld.

         The presence of a  stockholder  at the Meeting  will not  automatically
revoke such  stockholder's  proxy. A stockholder may revoke any proxy that he or
she has given any time prior to its  exercise.  To do so, the  stockholder  must
file a written  notice of  revocation  with,  or deliver a duly  executed  proxy
bearing a later date to ______________________, ____________, _________________.

         Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Meeting  will be  tabulated  by
the election inspectors appointed for the Meeting, who will determine whether or
not a quorum is  present.  Where,  as to any matter  submitted  to a vote of the
Wayne stockholders, proxies are marked as abstentions (or stockholders appear in
person but abstain  from  voting) or a broker  indicates on a proxy that it does
not  have  discretionary   authority  with  respect  to  certain  shares,   such
abstentions  and "broker  non-votes"  will be treated as shares that are present
and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum.

         WAYNE STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT FORWARD ANY STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH THEIR
PROXY  CARDS.  IF THE  MERGER  IS  CONSUMMATED,  STOCK  CERTIFICATES  SHOULD  BE
DELIVERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH  INSTRUCTIONS  SET FORTH IN A LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
WHICH WOULD BE SENT TO WAYNE  STOCKHOLDERS  BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT PROMPTLY AFTER
THE EFFECTIVE TIME.

Solicitation of Proxies

         In addition to using the mails,  the directors,  officers and employees
of Wayne may solicit proxies for the Meeting from  stockholders  personally,  by
telephone or by telegraph.  These officers,  directors and employees will not be
specifically compensated for their services. [Wayne has retained ___________,  a
proxy soliciting firm ("_________"), to assist in the solicitation of proxies at
a fee of $___, plus reimbursement of certain out-of-pocket expenses estimated to
be approximately  $___.] Wayne will also make  arrangements with brokerage firms
and other custodians,  nominees and fiduciaries to send proxy materials to their
principals  and will  reimburse such parties for their expenses in doing so. The
cost of soliciting proxies for the Meeting,  [including the fees and expenses of
________,] will be borne by Wayne.

Quorum

         The  presence,  in person or by proxy,  of at least a majority of Wayne
Common Stock issued and  outstanding  and entitled to be voted at the Meeting is
necessary to constitute a quorum.

Required Vote

         Each share of Wayne Common Stock will be entitled to one vote upon each
matter  properly  submitted at the Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement
thereof.  The  affirmative  vote,  in person or by proxy,  of a majority  of the
outstanding  shares of Wayne  Common  Stock is  required in order to approve and
adopt the Merger  Agreement.  The Merger cannot be consummated in the absence of
this required Wayne stockholder approval.

         THE REQUIRED VOTE OF THE WAYNE  STOCKHOLDERS ON THE MERGER AGREEMENT IS
BASED UPON THE TOTAL  NUMBER OF  OUTSTANDING  SHARES OF WAYNE STOCK AND NOT UPON
THE NUMBER OF SHARES  WHICH ARE  ACTUALLY  VOTED.  ACCORDINGLY,  THE  FAILURE TO
SUBMIT A PROXY CARD, TO VOTE IN PERSON AT THE MEETING, ABSTENTION FROM VOTING BY
A STOCKHOLDER  AND ANY BROKER  NON-VOTE WILL HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS A "NO" VOTE
WITH RESPECT TO THE MERGER AGREEMENT.

         As of the Record Date,  the directors  and executive  officers of Wayne
beneficially  owned  (excluding  shares which could be acquired upon exercise of
options) an  aggregate  of _______  shares of Wayne  Common  Stock (____% of the
issued and outstanding  shares). The Wayne directors and executive officers have
expressed  their  intention  to vote the shares of Wayne  Common Stock that they
beneficially own in favor of the Merger Agreement.

         THE MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE MEETING ARE OF GREAT  IMPORTANCE TO
THE  STOCKHOLDERS  OF  WAYNE.  ACCORDINGLY,  STOCKHOLDERS  ARE URGED TO READ AND
CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS,
AND TO  COMPLETE,  DATE,  SIGN AND  PROMPTLY  RETURN THE  ENCLOSED  PROXY IN THE
ENCLOSED POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE.


                               THE PROPOSED MERGER

         A copy of the Merger  Agreement is attached as Appendix A to this Proxy
Statement and is  incorporated by reference  herein.  Descriptions of the Merger
and the Merger  Agreement  are  qualified in their  entirety by reference to the
Merger Agreement.

General Description of the Merger; Closing; Effective Time; Bank Merger

         The  Merger  Agreement  provides  for the merger of Wayne with and into
Valley (the "Merger"),  with Valley as the surviving entity. A closing under the
Merger  Agreement  (the  "Closing")  will occur on the tenth  business day after
receipt of all necessary  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 Wayne agree upon. However,  the Closing will
not occur  prior to  October  2, 1998  without  Valley's  consent.  The  parties
currently  anticipate  closing in October 1998. The Merger will become effective
at the time (the  "Effective  Time")  specified in  certificates of merger which
Valley will file with the New Jersey and Delaware Secretaries of State following
the Closing.  The parties anticipate that the Effective Time will be the opening
of business on the first  business day after the Closing Date. The exact Closing
Date and  Effective  Time are  dependent  upon  satisfaction  of all  conditions
precedent,  some of  which  are not  under  the  control  of  Valley  or  Wayne.
Immediately  following  consummation of the Merger,  WSB will be merged with and
into VNB (the "Bank Merger"), with VNB as the surviving entity.

Consideration; Cash in Lieu of Fractional Shares

         At the Effective  Time,  each  outstanding  share of Wayne Common Stock
(except for Excluded  Shares)  will be converted  into the right to receive 1.10
shares (the  "Exchange  Ratio") of Valley  Common Stock.  "Excluded  Shares" are
those  shares of Wayne  Common  Stock  which  (i) are held by Wayne as  treasury
shares, or (ii) are held by Valley or any of its subsidiaries (other than shares
held as trustee or in a fiduciary  capacity and shares held as  collateral on or
in lieu of a debt previously contracted).

         In lieu of fractional shares of Valley Common Stock, Wayne stockholders
will receive,  without  interest,  a cash payment equal to the fractional  share
interest to which they would  otherwise be entitled in the Merger  multiplied by
the Average  Pre-Closing Price of Valley Common Stock. The "Average  Pre-Closing
Price" of Valley Common Stock is defined as the average of the closing prices of
Valley Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock  Exchange (the "NYSE") and
published in The Wall Street  Journal during the five  consecutive  trading days
ending  with  (and  including)  the date the  Office of the  Comptroller  of the
Currency (the "OCC") notifies  Valley that it has granted its approval  required
for  consummation of the Merger.  All shares of Valley Common Stock to be issued
to each holder of Wayne Common Stock will be  aggregated  to  constitute as many
whole shares as possible  before  determining  such  person's  fractional  share
interest.

         The Exchange Ratio and the Average  Pre-Closing  Price of Valley Common
Stock will be appropriately adjusted for any stock split, stock dividend,  stock
combination,  reclassification  or similar  transaction  effected by Valley with
respect to Valley Common Stock between the date of the Merger  Agreement and the
Effective Time.

         The price of Valley Common Stock at the Effective Time may be higher or
lower than the market price at the time of entering  into the Merger  Agreement,
the time of mailing  this Proxy  Statement,  the time of the Meeting or the time
certificates  representing  shares  of Valley  Common  Stock  are  delivered  in
exchange for shares of Wayne Common Stock following  consummation of the Merger.
Wayne  stockholders are urged to obtain current market quotations for the Valley
Common Stock and the Wayne Common Stock.

Conversion of Wayne Options

         The Merger Agreement  provides that each outstanding option to purchase
Wayne Common Stock (a "Wayne Option")  granted under the Wayne stock option plan
will be converted at the Effective Time into an option to purchase Valley Common
Stock wherein (x) the right to purchase shares of Wayne Common Stock pursuant to
the Wayne Option will 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 will be the  previous
option  exercise  price per share of Wayne 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 Wayne Option on which it was based,
including  the length of time within which the option may be  exercised.  Valley
has reserved for issuance the number of shares of Valley Common Stock  necessary
to satisfy Valley's  obligations under such converted options, and has agreed to
register  such shares  pursuant to the  Securities  Act. As of the Record  Date,
there were Wayne Options outstanding for _____ shares of Wayne Common Stock.

Background of and Reasons for the Merger

         Background of the Merger

         On March 20, 1998, after considering Wayne's financial performance, the
strong  financial  institution  merger  and  acquisition  market in New  Jersey,
concerns of its  stockholders  expressed  in  conjunction  with  Wayne's  annual
meeting of  stockholders,  and the strong economy,  Wayne issued a press release
stating its Board of Directors had  determined  that it was in the best interest
of its stockholders to seek a sale or merger of the company.  The Board approved
the engagement of Sandler O'Neill to act as representative  for Wayne to explore
the market and contact  potential  acquirors to determine  the  feasibility  and
economics of a merger of Wayne with another financial institution or its holding
company  and to  assist in  structuring  and  negotiating  a  possible  business
combination  transaction,  and render its opinion  regarding the fairness from a
financial  point of view,  of the  consideration  proposed to be received by the
stockholders of Wayne in such transaction.

         In  April  1998,  Wayne's  management,  with  assistance  from  Sandler
O'Neill,  identified  18  companies  believed  to be the  most  likely  to offer
favorable terms to acquire Wayne.

         Sandler  O'Neill then contacted  these  institutions on a no-name basis
for  indications of interest.  Based on  discussions  with Sandler  O'Neill,  15
parties  elected to receive  additional  confidential  information  about Wayne.
These  prospective  candidates  were given a  specific  time frame to review the
information.  In late April, five institutions  submitted formal  indications of
interest  regarding  a  possible  business  combination  with  Wayne.   Valley's
indication  of interest  was the highest at such time.  Management  of Wayne met
with Sandler O'Neill and legal counsel to review the indications of interest. On
April  28,  1998,  the Wayne  Board  met to  discuss  the  proposals.  The Board
determined to seek further discussions regarding two of the proposals.

         Both  institutions met with Wayne management and revised proposals were
presented in early May, 1998. An analysis of the revised proposals was presented
by Sandler O'Neill to the Wayne Board on May 8, 1998. Valley's proposal remained
the highest in dollar value to Wayne stockholders.  The Wayne Board engaged in a
comprehensive  discussion  and analysis of the following  factors in determining
with which merger candidate to proceed:  (a) the Board's obligation to provide a
favorable  investment  return to Wayne's  stockholders;  (b) the market risk and
opportunity associated with a stock-for-stock  transaction;  (c) the wherewithal
of the  parties  to  complete  the  transaction;  (d)  the  tax  and  accounting
consequences of the transaction to Wayne's stockholders;  (e) the proposed terms
of a definitive  agreement;  and (f) the effect of the proposed  transaction  on
employees, customers and the community. After completing its analysis, the Board
authorized  continuing  negotiations  with  Valley  and  one  other  institution
regarding the terms of a merger agreement.

         During the week of May 11,  Valley  completed  a  detailed  on site due
diligence  on Wayne.  In addition,  during the week of May 11, Wayne  personnel,
Sandler O'Neill personnel and Wayne's legal  representatives  traveled to Valley
to perform due diligence on Valley.

         After preliminary  negotiations on the terms of a definitive  agreement
with Valley,  the Wayne Board met again on May 18 and 19, 1998 to review a draft
of the Merger  Agreement  and consider the  transaction  with Valley.  The Board
directed  management,  its counsel and Sandler O'Neill to continue  negotiations
with Valley. During the next week, counsel, Sandler O'Neill and Wayne management
continued to negotiate the proposed agreement with representatives of Valley. On
May 28, 1998,  counsel,  Sandler O'Neill and management  reviewed with the Board
the terms of the proposed  agreement and Sandler O'Neill  discussed the fairness
of the  proposed  exchange  ratio  from a  financial  point of view.  The  Board
determined  that the Valley offer would  produce the maximum  benefit to Wayne's
stockholders  based primarily upon it being a stock  transaction in which income
taxes could be deferred,  it being the highest value in nominal terms,  the good
prospects for long-term  growth and relative  liquidity in Valley's  stock,  and
Valley's history of completing  acquisitions.  Further,  the Board felt that the
proposed  transaction  with Valley offered a greater  likelihood of stability in
the  operations of the Bank,  thereby  benefiting  employees,  customers and the
community. As a result, the Board authorized signing the Merger Agreement.

         Recommendations  of the Wayne  Board of  Directors  and Reasons for the
Merger

         The Wayne  Board  believes  that the Merger is fair to, and in the best
interests of, Wayne and its  stockholders.  Accordingly,  the Board  unanimously
approved the Merger Agreement and Merger and recommends that Wayne  stockholders
vote FOR the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and Merger.

         In reaching  its  determination  that the Merger is fair to, and in the
best interests of, Wayne and its stockholders,  the Board considered a number of
factors including, but not limited to, the following:

         (i) the  current  condition  and  growth  prospects  of  Wayne  and its
subsidiaries,  its historical results of operations and its prospective  results
of operations were Wayne to remain independent;

         (ii) the  recent  communications  among  Wayne  stockholders  and Wayne
regarding the continued independence or sale of Wayne;

         (iii) the economic,  business and  competitive  climate for banking and
financial  institutions in Northern New Jersey, with special consideration given
to recent  transactions  that have increased the competitive  environment in the
financial services and banking industries;

         (iv) the greater liquidity represented by the Valley Common Stock to be
received in the Merger;

         (v) the greater financial and managerial resources and customer product
offerings of Valley which could  increase  the  competitiveness  of the combined
institution  in Wayne's  market  area and its  ability to serve the  depositors,
customers and communities currently served by Wayne;

         (vi) the commitment of Valley to the Wayne community and its employees;

         (vii) the historical  results of operations and financial  condition of
Valley and the future prospects for Valley,  including  anticipated  benefits of
the Merger;

         (viii) the fact that the Merger  will be a tax-free  reorganization  to
Wayne stockholders for federal income tax purposes; and

         (ix) the  presentation  of  Sandler  O'Neill  of its  opinion  that the
Exchange Ratio was fair to holders of Wayne Common Stock from a financial  point
of view.

         THE WAYNE BOARD OF  DIRECTORS  UNANIMOUSLY  RECOMMENDS  THAT THE MERGER
AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER BE APPROVED BY ALL STOCKHOLDERS OF WAYNE.

         Valley's Reasons

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

Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger

         In considering the  recommendation of the Wayne Board of Directors with
respect  to the  Merger,  holders  of Wayne  Common  Stock  should be aware that
certain  members of the Board of Directors and  management of Wayne have certain
interests in the Merger in addition to their interests generally as stockholders
of Wayne.  All of such additional  interests are described  below, to the extent
material, and except as described below such persons have, to the best knowledge
of Wayne,  no material  interest in the Merger apart from those of  stockholders
generally.  The Wayne Board of  Directors  was aware of these  interests  of its
directors and officers and considered  them,  among other matters,  in approving
the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby:

         Board  Membership.  The  Merger  Agreement  provides  that,  as of  the
Effective  Time,  each of  Valley  and VNB will  appoint  Harold P.  Cook,  III,
currently  the  Chairman  of the Board of  Directors  of Wayne,  to its Board of
Directors.

         Advisory Board; Consultants. Each director of Wayne as of the Effective
Time, other than Mr. Cook, Johanna O'Connell and Dennis Pollack, will be invited
by VNB to serve on VNB's Regional  Advisory Boards and receive aggregate fees of
approximately  $31,000 each, equally  distributed over the period ended March 1,
2002.  Ms.  O'Connell and Mr.  Pollack will serve as consultants to Valley until
March 1, 2002.

         Stock  Benefits.  Option and stock awards to  individual  directors and
officers  pursuant to the Wayne  Incentive  Stock Plan  ("Incentive  Plan") will
continue  to vest in  accordance  with the terms of such  awards as long as such
individual  remains an advisory  director,  employee or  consultant of Valley or
VNB.

         Indemnification;  Directors and  Officers.  Wayne has agreed to provide
the directors and officers of Wayne and WSB  indemnification  equivalent to that
provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or Charter, as the case may be, and
Bylaws  of each of Wayne and WSB with  respect  to acts or  omissions  occurring
prior to the Effective  Time 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  permissible,  Valley or VNB (as
applicable)  has agreed to advance  expenses in  connection  with the  foregoing
indemnification.

         Severance  Benefits.  Valley  has  agreed  to  honor  existing  written
employment and severance contracts with officers and employees of Wayne and WSB.
Furthermore,  following the Effective Time and for one year thereafter,  VNB has
agreed, to the extent not duplicative of other severance benefits,  to honor the
existing  WSB  severance  policy to pay one week of  severance  for each year of
service  completed while employed by Wayne and/or WSB, with a maximum benefit of
12 weeks.

Opinion of Wayne's Financial Advisor

         Pursuant  to an  engagement  letter  dated as of August  27,  1996 (the
"Sandler Agreement"), Wayne retained Sandler O'Neill as an independent financial
advisor  in  connection  with  Wayne's  general   valuation   analyses  and  its
consideration of possible  business  combinations  with a second party.  Sandler
O'Neill is a  nationally  recognized  investment  banking  firm whose  principal
business specialty is banks and savings institutions.  In the ordinary course of
its investment  banking  business,  Sandler O'Neill is regularly  engaged in the
valuation of such businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and
acquisitions and other corporate transactions.

         Pursuant to the terms of the Sandler  Agreement,  Sandler O'Neill acted
as  financial  advisor to Wayne in  connection  with the Merger.  In  connection
therewith, the Wayne Board requested Sandler O'Neill to render its opinion as to
the  fairness,  from a financial  point of view,  of the  Exchange  Ratio to the
holders of Wayne  Common  Stock.  At the May 28, 1998  meeting at which  Wayne's
Board approved and adopted the Merger  Agreement,  Sandler O'Neill  delivered to
the Wayne Board its oral  opinion,  subsequently  confirmed in writing as of May
29, 1998,  that, as of such date, the Exchange Ratio was fair,  from a financial
point of view, to the holders of shares of Wayne Common Stock.  Sandler  O'Neill
has also delivered to the Wayne Board a written  opinion dated as of the date of
this Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  (the "Sandler O'Neill Fairness Opinion") which
is  substantially  identical to the May 29, 1998  opinion.  The full text of the
Sandler  O'Neill  Fairness  Opinion,  which sets forth the procedures  followed,
assumptions made,  matters  considered and qualifications and limitations on the
review undertaken in connection with such opinion,  is attached as Appendix C to
this Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  and is incorporated  herein by reference.  The
description  of the opinion set forth  herein is  qualified  in its  entirety by
reference  to Appendix C.  Holders of shares of Wayne  Common Stock are urged to
read the Sandler  O'Neill  Fairness  Opinion in its entirety in connection  with
their consideration of the proposed Merger.

         The Sandler O'Neill  Fairness  Opinion was provided to Wayne's Board of
Directors  for its  information  and is directed  only to the  fairness,  from a
financial point of view, of the Exchange Ratio to the holders of shares of Wayne
Common Stock. It does not address the underlying  business  decision of Wayne to
engage in the Merger or any other aspect of the Merger and does not constitute a
recommendation  to any  holder of shares  of Wayne  Common  Stock as to how such
stockholder  should vote at the Meeting with respect to the Merger  Agreement or
any other matter related thereto.

         In connection with rendering its May 29, 1998 opinion,  Sandler O'Neill
performed a variety of  financial  analyses.  The  following is a summary of the
material  analyses  performed by Sandler  O'Neill,  but does not purport to be a
complete  description of all the analyses  underlying Sandler O'Neill's opinion.
The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process involving  subjective
judgments and is not  necessarily  susceptible to a partial  analysis or summary
description.  Accordingly,  Sandler  O'Neill  believes that its analyses must be
considered  as a whole and that  selecting  portions  of such  analyses  and the
factors  considered by it, without  considering all factors and analyses,  could
create an incomplete view of the evaluation processes underlying its opinion. In
performing its analyses,  Sandler O'Neill made numerous assumptions with respect
to industry  performance,  business and economic  conditions  and various  other
matters,  many of which cannot be predicted and are beyond the control of Wayne,
Valley and  Sandler  O'Neill.  Any  estimates  contained  in  Sandler  O'Neill's
analyses are not necessarily  indicative of future results or values,  which may
be  significantly  more or less favorable than such estimates.  Estimates on the
values of companies do not purport to be appraisals or  necessarily  reflect the
prices at which companies or their securities may actually be sold. Because such
estimates are  inherently  subject to  uncertainty,  neither  Wayne,  Valley nor
Sandler O'Neill assumes responsibility for their accuracy.

         Summary of Proposal.  Sandler  O'Neill  reviewed the financial terms of
the proposed  transaction.  Based on the price of Valley Common Stock on May 28,
1998 of $31.31 and an  Exchange  Ratio of 1.10,  Sandler  calculated  an implied
transaction  value  per  share of Wayne  of  $34.44.  Based  upon  such  implied
transaction  value and Wayne's  March 31, 1998  financial  information,  Sandler
O'Neill  calculated  the price to  tangible  book value and price to last twelve
months' earnings.  This analysis yielded a price to tangible book value multiple
of 2.00x and a price to last twelve months' earnings multiple of 35.1x.

         Stock  Trading  History.  Sandler  O'Neill  reviewed the history of the
reported  trading  prices  and volume of the Wayne  Common  Stock and the Valley
Common Stock,  and the  relationship  between the movements in the prices of the
Wayne Common Stock and the Valley  Common Stock,  respectively,  to movements in
certain stock  indices,  including  the Standard & Poor's 500 Index,  the NASDAQ
Banking Index and composite  groups of publicly traded savings  institutions (in
the case of Wayne) and publicly traded commercial banks (in the case of Valley),
identified  below.  During the one-year period ended May 22, 1998,  Wayne Common
Stock outperformed the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, the NASDAQ Banking Index and
the  composite  group.  During the one-year  period  ended May 25, 1998,  Valley
Common Stock outperformed the Standard & Poor's 500 Index and underperformed the
NASDAQ Banking Index and the composite group.

         Comparable  Company Analysis.  Sandler O'Neill used publicly  available
information  to  compare  selected  financial  and market  trading  information,
including  balance sheet  composition,  asset quality ratios,  loan loss reserve
levels,  profitability,  capital adequacy,  dividends and trading multiples, for
Wayne  and two  different  groups  of  savings  institutions.  The  first  group
consisted  of Wayne  and the  following  19  publicly  traded  regional  savings
institutions  (the  "Regional  Group"):  Chester  Valley  Bancorp Inc.,  Yonkers
Financial  Corp.,  Pittsburgh Home Financial  Corp.,  Equitable  Federal Savings
Bank,  1st Bergen  Bancorp,  Financial  Bancorp Inc.,  Leeds Federal  Bankshares
(MHC),  WVS Financial  Corp.,  Catskill  Financial  Corp.,  Alliance Bank (MHC),
Independence  Federal Savings Bank,  Washington  Savings Bank, FSB,  Skaneateles
Bancorp Inc.,  Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes (MHC),  Harbor  Federal  Bancorp
Inc., Elmira Savings Bank, Peoples Home Savings Bank (MHC), Laurel Capital Group
and Crusader Holding Corp.  Sandler O'Neill also compared Wayne to a group of 12
publicly traded savings institutions which had a return on average equity (based
on last twelve  months'  earnings) of greater than 12.5% and a price to tangible
book value of greater than 175% (the "Highly Valued  Group").  The Highly Valued
Group included the following  institutions:  Warren  Bancorp Inc.,  Harleysville
Savings Bank,  Lawrence  Savings Bank,  First Citizens Corp.,  Winton  Financial
Corp., Equitable Federal Savings Bank, Alliance Bancorp of New England,  Ipswich
Savings Bank,  Hingham  Institute for Savings,  Laurel Capital Group Inc., First
Georgia  Holding  Inc.  and KSB Bancorp  Inc.  The  analysis  compared  publicly
available  financial  information for Wayne and each of the groups as of and for
each of the years ended  December 31, 1993  through  December 31, 1997 and as of
and for the twelve months ended March 31, 1998.

         Sandler O'Neill also used publicly  available  information to perform a
similar  comparison of selected  financial and market  trading  information  for
Valley and two different  groups of commercial  banks. The first group consisted
of Valley and the  following  12  publicly  traded  commercial  banks (the "Peer
Group"):  Mercantile Bankshares Corp., Keystone Financial Inc., Wilmington Trust
Corp.,  Riggs National Corp.,  Fulton  Financial  Corp.,  Commerce Bancorp Inc.,
Provident  Bankshares  Corp.,  U.S. Trust Corp.,  Susquehanna  Bancshares  Inc.,
FirstBank  Puerto Rico,  First  Commonwealth  Financial and HUBCO,  Inc. Sandler
O'Neill also compared Valley to a group of 16 publicly traded  commercial  banks
which had a return on average equity (based on last twelve months'  earnings) of
greater than 14.8% and a price to tangible  book value of greater than 300% (the
"Commercial  Highly Valued Group").  The Commercial Highly Valued Group included
Valley, Provident Financial Group Inc., Centura Banks Inc., CCB Financial Corp.,
Wilmington  Trust  Corp.,  City  National  Corp.,   Cullen/Frost  Bankers  Inc.,
FirstMerit Corp., Fulton Financial Corp.,  Community First Bankshares,  National
Commerce Bancorp, CNB Bancshares, Inc., Commerce Bancorp Inc., U.S. Trust Corp.,
Westamerica Bancorp,  FirstBank Puerto Rico and Hubco Inc. The analysis compared
publicly available financial information for Valley and each of the groups as of
and for each of the years ended December 31, 1993 through  December 31, 1997 and
as of and for the twelve months ended March 31, 1998.

         Analysis of Selected Merger  Transactions.  Sandler O'Neill reviewed 65
transactions  announced from May 25, 1997 through May 18, 1998 involving  public
savings institutions nationwide as acquired institutions with transaction values
greater  than  $15  million  ("Nationwide  Transactions")  and  13  transactions
announced  from May 25,  1997  through  May 18, 1998  involving  public  savings
institutions in the Mid-Atlantic region (New Jersey, New York,  Pennsylvania and
Connecticut) as acquired  institutions with transaction  values greater than $15
million ("Regional Transactions").  Sandler O'Neill reviewed the ratios of price
to last twelve  months'  earnings,  price to book value,  price to tangible book
value, price to deposits,  price to assets and deposit premium paid in each such
transaction and computed high, low, mean, and median ratios and premiums for the
respective  groups of  transactions.  These  multiples  were  applied to Wayne's
financial  information  as of and for the twelve  months  ended March 31,  1998.
Based upon the median  multiples for Nationwide  Transactions,  Sandler  O'Neill
derived an imputed range of values per share of the Wayne Common Stock of $20.58
to $35.23.  Based upon the median multiples for Regional  Transactions,  Sandler
O'Neill  derived an imputed  range of values per share of the Wayne Common Stock
of $21.14 to $35.32.

         No company involved in the transactions  included in the above analysis
is  identical  to Wayne and no  transaction  included  in the above  analysis is
identical  to  the  Merger.  Accordingly,  an  analysis  of the  results  of the
foregoing   analysis  is  not   mathematical;   rather,   it  involves   complex
considerations and judgments  concerning  differences in financial and operating
characteristics  of the companies and other factors that could affect the public
trading  value of Wayne and  Valley  and the  companies  to which they are being
compared.

         Discounted Dividend Stream and Terminal Value Analysis. Sandler O'Neill
also  performed  an analysis  which  estimated  the future  stream of  after-tax
dividend flows of Wayne through  December 31, 2002 under various  circumstances,
assuming Wayne  performed in accordance  with  information  regarding  potential
future earnings provided by its management and certain  variations  thereof.  To
approximate  the  terminal  value of the  Wayne  Common  Stock at the end of the
five-year  period,  Sandler O'Neill applied price to earnings  multiples ranging
from 16x to 34x and applied  multiples of tangible  book value ranging from 100%
to 280%. The dividend income streams and terminal values were then discounted to
present values using different discount rates (ranging from 9% to 14%) chosen to
reflect different  assumptions  regarding required rates of return of holders or
prospective  buyers of the Wayne  Common  Stock.  This  analysis,  assuming  the
budgeted  dividend payout ratio,  indicated an imputed range of values per share
of the Wayne Common Stock of between  $14.58 and $36.72 when  applying the price
to  earnings  multiples,  and an imputed  range of values per share of the Wayne
Common Stock of between  $13.16 and $42.89 when  applying  multiples of tangible
book value.  In connection with its analysis,  Sandler O'Neill used  sensitivity
analyses  to  illustrate  the  effects  changes  in the  underlying  assumptions
(including variations with respect to the levels of assets, net interest spread,
non-interest income,  non-interest expense and dividend payout ratio) would have
on the  resulting  present  value,  and  discussed  these changes with the Wayne
Board.  Sandler  O'Neill noted that the discounted  dividend stream and terminal
value analysis is a widely used valuation  methodology,  but the results of such
methodology  are highly  dependent  upon the numerous  assumptions  that must be
made, and the results thereof are not necessarily indicative of actual values or
actual future results.

         Pro Forma Merger Analysis.  Sandler O'Neill analyzed certain  potential
pro forma effects of the Merger on Valley, based upon an Exchange Ratio of 1.10,
Wayne's and Valley's current and projected income statements and balance sheets,
and assumptions regarding the economic environment, accounting and tax treatment
of the Merger,  charges associated with the Merger,  operating  efficiencies and
other  adjustments  discussed  with the senior  managements of Wayne and Valley.
This analysis  indicated that the Merger would be slightly accretive to Valley's
earnings per share  commencing with the first period  following  consummation of
the Merger and in all  subsequent  periods  analyzed,  and accretive to tangible
book value per share of Valley's Common Stock for all periods analyzed. From the
perspective of a shareholder of Wayne, as compared to the projected  stand-alone
performance  of Wayne,  the Merger  would be accretive to earnings per share for
all periods  analyzed  and  dilutive  to  tangible  book value per share for all
periods analyzed.  The actual results achieved by Valley may vary from projected
results and the variations may be material.

         Contribution   Analysis.   Sandler   O'Neill   reviewed   the  relative
contributions  to, among other  things,  total  assets,  total net loans,  total
deposits,  total  borrowings,  total  equity,  1997  net  income,  last  quarter
annualized ("LQA") net income and market  capitalization to be made by Wayne and
Valley to the combined  institution  based on data at and for the twelve  months
ended March 31, 1998. This analysis indicated that Wayne's implied  contribution
was 5.1% of total assets, 4.9% of total net loans, 4.4% of total deposits, 16.6%
of total borrowings,  6.7% of total equity, 2.3% of 1997 net income, 1.7% of LQA
net income and 3.7% of market  capitalization.  On a fully diluted basis,  based
upon an  Exchange  Ratio of 1.10,  holders of the Wayne  Common  Stock would own
approximately 4.4% of the outstanding shares of the combined institution.

         In connection with rendering its May 29, 1998 opinion,  Sandler O'Neill
reviewed,  among other things:  (i) the Merger  Agreement and exhibits  thereto;
(ii) the Stock Option  Agreement;  (iii) certain  publicly  available  financial
statements of Wayne and other historical financial information provided by Wayne
that it deemed relevant; (iv) certain publicly available financial statements of
Valley and other  historical  financial  information  provided by Valley that it
deemed relevant;  (v) certain financial analyses and forecasts of Wayne prepared
by and reviewed with  management of Wayne and the views of senior  management of
Wayne regarding Wayne's past and current business  operations,  results thereof,
financial  condition and future prospects;  (vi) certain financial  analyses and
forecasts of Valley  prepared by and reviewed with  management of Valley and the
views of  senior  management  of  Valley  regarding  Valley's  past and  current
business operations,  results thereof, financial condition and future prospects;
(vii)  the  pro  forma  impact  of the  Merger;  (viii)  the  publicly  reported
historical  price and trading  activity for Wayne's and Valley's  common  stock,
including a comparison  of certain  financial and stock market  information  for
Wayne and Valley with similar publicly  available  information for certain other
companies the securities of which are publicly traded;  (ix) the financial terms
of recent business  combinations  in the savings  institution  industry,  to the
extent publicly available;  (x) the current market environment generally and the
banking  environment in particular;  and (xi) such other information,  financial
studies, analyses and investigations and financial, economic and market criteria
as Sandler O'Neill considered relevant.

         In connection  with  rendering the Sandler  O'Neill  Fairness  Opinion,
Sandler O'Neill  confirmed the  appropriateness  of its reliance on the analyses
used to render the May 29,  1998  opinion  by  performing  procedures  to update
certain  of such  analyses  and by  reviewing  the  assumptions  upon which such
analyses were based and the factors considered in connection therewith.

         In  performing  its reviews and  analyses  and  preparing  its opinion,
Sandler O'Neill assumed and relied upon, without independent  verification,  the
accuracy and completeness of all the financial  information,  analyses and other
information that was publicly  available or otherwise  furnished to, reviewed by
or discussed with it, and Sandler O'Neill does not assume any  responsibility or
liability  therefor.  Sandler O'Neill did not make an independent  evaluation or
appraisal  of  the  specific  assets,  the  collateral  securing  assets  or the
liabilities  (contingent  or  otherwise)  of  Wayne  or  Valley  or any of their
respective  subsidiaries,  or the  collectibility of any such assets, nor was it
furnished with any such  evaluations or  appraisals.  Sandler  O'Neill is not an
expert in the  evaluation of  allowances  for loan losses and it has not made an
independent evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses of Wayne
or Valley,  nor has it reviewed any individual  credit files of Wayne or Valley.
With Wayne's consent,  Sandler O'Neill has assumed that the respective aggregate
allowances  for loan losses for both Wayne and Valley are adequate to cover such
losses and will be  adequate on a pro forma basis for the  combined  entity.  In
addition,  Sandler  O'Neill has not  conducted  any physical  inspection  of the
properties  or facilities  of Wayne or Valley.  With respect to the  information
regarding  potential  future  financial  performance  provided by each company's
management,  Sandler O'Neill assumed that they have been reasonably  prepared on
bases  reflecting  the best currently  available  estimates and judgments of the
respective  managements of the respective future financial performances of Wayne
and  Valley  and  that  such  performances  will be  achieved.  Sandler  O'Neill
expressed no opinion as to such financial  forecasts or the assumptions on which
they were based.

         Sandler O'Neill's  opinion was necessarily based upon market,  economic
and other  conditions as they existed on, and could be evaluated as of, the date
of such opinion. For purposes of rendering its opinion, Sandler O'Neill assumed,
in all respects material to its analysis,  that all of the  representations  and
warranties  contained the Merger  Agreement and all related  agreements are true
and  correct,  that  each  party  to such  agreements  will  perform  all of the
covenants  required to be performed by such party under such agreements and that
the conditions precedent in the Merger Agreement are not waived. Sandler O'Neill
also  assumed  that there has been no  material  change in  Wayne's or  Valley's
assets, financial condition, results of operations,  business or prospects since
the dates of the last  financial  statements  made  available to them,  that the
Merger will be accounted  for as a pooling of  interests,  that Wayne and Valley
will remain as going concerns for all periods  relevant to its analyses and that
the Merger will  qualify as a tax-free  reorganization  for  federal  income tax
purposes.

         Under the Sandler Agreement,  Wayne has agreed to pay Sandler O'Neill a
transaction fee in connection with the Merger, a substantial portion of which is
contingent upon the  consummation of the Merger.  Under the terms of the Sandler
Agreement, Wayne has agreed to pay Sandler O'Neill a transaction fee equal to 2%
of  the  aggregate  transaction  value  up to $5  million,  1.5%  of  additional
consideration  up to $15  million  and 1.0% of  aggregate  transaction  value in
excess  of $15  million,  of  which  approximately  25% has  been  paid  and the
remainder  is payable  upon closing of the  transaction.  Sandler  O'Neill is to
receive a fee of $50,000 for  rendering  its  fairness  opinion.  Wayne has also
agreed to reimburse  Sandler O'Neill for its reasonable  out-of-pocket  expenses
incurred in connection with its engagement and to indemnify  Sandler O'Neill and
its affiliates and their respective partners,  directors,  officers,  employees,
agents,  and  controlling  persons  against  certain  expenses and  liabilities,
including liabilities under securities laws.

         Sandler  O'Neill  has in the past  provided  other  investment  banking
services  to Wayne  and has  received  compensation  for such  services.  In the
ordinary  course of its business,  Sandler O'Neill may actively trade the equity
securities  of Wayne and  Valley  and their  respective  affiliates  for its own
account and for the accounts of its customers and, accordingly,  may at any time
hold a long or short position in such securities.

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 Wayne, who
may be deemed to be "affiliates"  of Wayne 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% stockholders may be
deemed 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 Wayne 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 Wayne 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,  such persons
have agreed not to transfer the shares during 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 Wayne have
been  published  or filed by Valley.  Also,  in  connection  with the pooling of
interests  rules,  such persons  have agreed not to transfer  their Wayne 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,  such persons 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 to Valley 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 Wayne.

Conditions to the Merger

         The  obligation  of each party to  consummate  the Merger is subject to
satisfaction  or waiver of certain  conditions,  including  (i)  approval of the
Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby by the requisite vote
of the  holders  of Wayne  Common  Stock;  (ii)  the  receipt  of all  consents,
approvals  and  authorizations  of all  necessary  federal and state  government
authorities  necessary for the  consummation  of the Merger (see "--  Regulatory
Approvals");  (iii) the effectiveness of the registration statement covering the
shares of Valley  Common  Stock to be  issued  to Wayne  stockholders;  (iv) the
absence of any litigation  that would restrain or prohibit the  consummation  of
the Merger;  (v) the receipt of a letter from Valley's  independent  accountants
that the Merger will  qualify to be treated by Valley as a pooling of  interests
for  accounting  purposes;  and (vi)  receipt  by the  parties  of an opinion of
Pitney,  Hardin,  Kipp & Szuch to the effect that the  exchange of Wayne  Common
Stock for Valley Common Stock is a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368 of the Code. See "-- Federal Income Tax Consequences".

         The obligation of Valley to consummate  the Merger is also  conditioned
on, among other things,  (i) the continued  accuracy in all material respects of
the  representations  and warranties of Wayne contained in the Merger Agreement;
and  (ii)  the  performance  by  Wayne,  in all  material  respects,  of all its
obligations under the Merger Agreement.

         The  obligation of Wayne to consummate  the Merger is also  conditioned
on, among other things,  (i) the continued  accuracy in all material respects of
the  representations and warranties of Valley contained in the Merger Agreement;
(ii) the performance by Valley, in all material respects, of all its obligations
under the Merger  Agreement;  (iii) the receipt by Wayne of the  opinion  letter
from   Sandler   O'Neill   which  is  included  as  Appendix  C  to  this  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus;  and (iv) the  appointment  of Harold P. Cook,  III to the
Boards of Directors of Valley and VNB.

Conduct of Business Pending the Merger

         The Merger  Agreement  requires  Wayne to conduct its business prior to
the Effective Time only in the ordinary  course of business and consistent  with
prudent banking  practices,  except as permitted  under the Merger  Agreement or
with the written consent of Valley. Under the Merger Agreement, Wayne has agreed
not to take  certain  actions  without  the prior  written  consent of Valley or
unless permitted by the Merger  Agreement,  including,  among other things,  the
following:  (a) change any  provision of its  Certificate  of  Incorporation  or
Charter, as the case may be, or Bylaws or any similar governing  documents;  (b)
change the number of shares of its authorized or issued capital stock other than
as disclosed to Valley or issue or grant any option,  warrant, call, commitment,
subscription,  right to purchase or agreement of any  character  relating to its
authorized or issued capital stock, or any securities convertible into shares of
such stock, or split,  combine or reclassify any shares of its 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,
except  that  Wayne may (and  intends  to)  declare,  set aside and pay  regular
quarterly cash dividends on Wayne Common Stock of $0.05 per share; (c) grant any
severance or termination  pay (other than pursuant to written  policies of Wayne
in effect on the date of the Merger  Agreement  and  disclosed to Valley) to, or
enter  into or  amend  any  employment  agreement  with,  any of its  directors,
officers or employees; (d) adopt any new employee benefit plan or arrangement of
any type, or award any increase in  compensation  or benefits to its  directors,
officers or employees;  (e) sell or dispose of any substantial  amount of assets
or  voluntarily  incur any  significant  liabilities  other than in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practices and policies or in response to
substantial   financial  demands  upon  its  business;   (f)  make  any  capital
expenditures  in excess of $100,000  other than capital  expenditures  which are
either  pursuant  to  binding  commitments  existing  on the date of the  Merger
Agreement  or  necessary  to  maintain   existing  assets  in  good  repair  and
expenditures  described  in business  plans or budgets  previously  furnished to
Valley;  (g) file  any  applications  or make  any  contracts  with  respect  to
branching  or site  location or  relocation;  (h) agree to acquire in any manner
whatsoever  (other than to realize  upon  collateral  for a defaulted  loan) any
business or entity (i) make any  material  change in its  accounting  methods or
practices,  other than changes  required in accordance  with generally  accepted
accounting  principles;  (j) take any action that would result in any of Wayne's
representations  or warranties in the Merger Agreement being untrue or incorrect
at the  Effective  Time in any material  respect;  or (k) agree to do any of the
foregoing.

         Under the Merger  Agreement,  Wayne  cannot,  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,  sale of  shares  of  capital  stock or sale of  substantial  assets  or
liabilities not in the ordinary course of business or similar  transactions  (an
"Acquisition  Transaction");  provided, that Wayne may enter into discussions or
negotiations  or provide  any  information  in  connection  with an  unsolicited
possible  Acquisition  Transaction  if the Board of  Directors  of Wayne,  after
consulting   with   counsel,   determines  in  the  exercise  of  its  fiduciary
responsibilities  that such  discussions or negotiations  should be commenced or
such information should be furnished.  Wayne has agreed to promptly  communicate
to Valley  the terms of any  proposal,  whether  written  or oral,  which it may
receive with respect to any such Acquisition  Transaction,  and the fact that it
is having  discussions or  negotiations  with a third party about an Acquisition
Transaction.

Customary Representations, Warranties and Covenants

         The Merger  Agreement  contains  customary mutual  representations  and
warranties, as well as covenants, relating to, among other things, (a) corporate
organization and similar corporate  matters;  (b) the capital structures of each
of Valley and Wayne; (c)  authorization,  execution,  delivery,  performance and
enforceability of the Merger Agreement and related matters;  (d) documents filed
by each of Valley  and  Wayne  with the SEC,  and the  accuracy  of  information
contained  therein;  (e) the accuracy of information  supplied by each of Valley
and  Wayne  in  connection  with  the  Registration  Statement  and  this  Proxy
Statement;  (f)  compliance  with  applicable  laws; (g) the absence of material
litigation; (h) filing of tax returns and payment of taxes; (i) matters relating
to certain material contracts; (j) director and officer contracts and retirement
and other employee plans and matters relating to the Employee  Retirement Income
Security  Act of 1974,  as amended;  (k)  insurance  matters;  (l) certain  bank
regulatory matters; (m) absence of certain material changes or events from March
31, 1998;  (n) the absence of actions that would  prevent there being a tax-free
reorganization  or the use of the "pooling of  interests"  method to account for
the Merger; (o) title to properties; (p) the adequacy of loan loss reserves; (q)
environmental  compliance;  (r) brokers' and finders' fees;  (s)  cooperation on
applications  and filings;  (t) the absence of an agreement with bank regulators
which restricts materially the conduct of Wayne's' or its subsidiaries'  Wayne's
business;  and (u) Valley's and Wayne's  preparations  to address the  software,
accounting  and record  keeping  issues raised in order for the data  processing
systems  used in their  respective  businesses  to be Year 2000  compliant on or
before the end of 1999.

Regulatory Approvals

         Consummation  of the Merger is subject,  among other  things,  to prior
receipt  of all  necessary  regulatory  approvals.  Consummation  of the  Merger
requires  approval  of the Merger by the OCC and the  approval  of the Merger or
waiver of the need for such  approval  by the FRB.  Approval by the OCC does not
constitute an endorsement of the Merger or a determination by any such regulator
that the terms of the Merger are fair to the stockholders of Wayne. Applications
for approval were filed on  ___________,  1998 with ________ and on ___________,
1998 with  ________.  While  Valley  and  Wayne  anticipate  receiving  all such
approvals,  there can be no  assurance  that they will be granted,  or that they
will be  granted  on a  timely  basis  or that  they  will  be  granted  without
conditions unacceptable to Valley or Wayne.

Management and Operations After the Merger

         At the Effective Time, as a result of the Merger,  Wayne will be merged
with and into Valley, with Valley as the surviving entity. Immediately following
the Merger, WSB will be merged with and into VNB in the Bank Merger, with VNB as
the surviving entity. VNB will continue to operate as a wholly-owned  subsidiary
of Valley.

         At the  Effective  Time,  Harold P. Cook,  III,  currently age __, will
become a director of both Valley and VNB.  Mr. Cook is Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive  Officer of Wayne and Chairman of the Board of WSB. Mr. Cook has
been a director of Wayne and WSB since 1996 and 1991, respectively. Mr. Cook has
been a  partner  with  the  law  firm  Cook &  DeLucia  since  1982  which  from
time-to-time  provides  legal  services to Wayne.  During fiscal year 1997,  Mr.
Cook's firm was paid $32,375 for services rendered to WSB and its customers.  At
the Record Date, Mr. Cook  beneficially  owned  [19,443]  shares of Wayne Common
Stock.


<PAGE>


Exchange of Certificates

         At the Effective Time,  holders of certificates  formerly  representing
shares of Wayne Common Stock will cease to have any rights as Wayne stockholders
and their certificates  automatically will represent the shares of Valley Common
Stock into which their shares of Wayne Common Stock will have been  converted by
the Merger.  As soon as practicable  after the Effective Time,  Valley will send
written  instructions and a letter of transmittal to each holder of Wayne Common
Stock, indicating the method for exchanging such holder's stock certificates for
the  certificates  representing  those shares of Valley  Common Stock into which
such holder's shares of Wayne Common Stock have been exchanged. Holders of Wayne
Common  Stock  should not send in their stock  certificates  until they  receive
instructions from Valley.

         Each  share of Valley  Common  Stock for which  shares of Wayne  Common
Stock are exchanged  will be deemed to have been issued at the  Effective  Time.
Accordingly,  holders of Wayne Common Stock 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 such Valley  Common  Stock as of dates on
or after the Effective Time.  However,  no dividend or other  distribution  will
actually  be paid with  respect to any shares of Valley  Common  Stock until the
certificate or certificates  formerly  representing shares of Wayne 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. See "-- Consideration".

         Holders of outstanding certificates for Wayne Common Stock, upon proper
surrender of such  certificates  to Valley,  will  receive,  promptly  after the
Effective Time, a certificate  representing  the full number of shares of Valley
Common Stock into which the shares of Wayne Common Stock previously  represented
by the surrendered  certificates have been converted. At the time of issuance of
the new stock certificate, each stockholder so entitled will receive a check for
the amount of the fractional  share  interest,  if any, to which the stockholder
may be entitled.

Amendments; Termination

         The Merger  Agreement  may be amended,  modified or  supplemented  with
respect  to any of its terms by the  mutual  consent  of Valley and Wayne at any
time  prior  to the  Effective  Time.  However,  after  approval  of the  Merger
Agreement by the  stockholders  of Wayne, no amendment can be made which reduces
or  changes  the  amount or form of the  consideration  to be  delivered  to the
stockholders of Wayne without the approval of such stockholders.

         The Merger  Agreement may be terminated by the mutual  consent of Wayne
and Valley.  The Merger  Agreement may also be terminated by Wayne or Valley if,
among other things,  (i) the Effective  Time has not occurred on or before March
31, 1999 (the "Cutoff Date") unless the failure of such occurrence is due to the
failure of the party seeking to terminate to perform or observe its covenants in
the Merger  Agreement;  (ii) a vote of the  stockholders of Wayne to approve the
Merger  Agreement  is taken and such  stockholders  fail to  approve  the Merger
Agreement at their meeting  unless the failure of such  occurrence is due to the
failure of the party seeking to terminate to perform or observe its covenants in
the Merger Agreement;  or (iii) any regulatory approvals necessary to consummate
the  transaction  have been denied or withdrawn at the request of the regulatory
agency or such approval is given with  conditions  which  materially  impair the
value of Wayne, taken as a whole, to Valley (but then only by Valley).

         Valley  may  terminate  the  Merger  Agreement  if (i) there has been a
material  adverse  change  in the  business,  operations,  assets  or  financial
condition of Wayne,  taken as a whole, from that disclosed by Wayne to Valley on
the date of the Merger  Agreement,  or (ii) the net operating  income  excluding
security  gains and losses  (after  tax but  excluding  expenses  related to the
Merger  Agreement) of Wayne for any full fiscal quarter after March 31, 1998, is
less than $375,000;  or (iii) there was a material breach in any representation,
warranty, covenant, agreement or obligation of Wayne under the Merger Agreement.
Valley may also  terminate  the Merger  Agreement if the  conditions to Valley's
obligations to close are not satisfied and are not capable of being satisfied by
the Cutoff Date after  giving Wayne a  reasonable  opportunity  to cure any such
condition.

         Wayne  may  terminate  the  Merger  Agreement  if (i)  there has been 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 the
Merger  Agreement;  (ii)  there was a  material  breach  in any  representation,
warranty,   covenant,  agreement  or  obligation  of  Valley  under  the  Merger
Agreement, or (iii) the Average Pre-Closing Price of Valley Common Stock is less
than $26.00. Wayne may also terminate the Merger Agreement if the conditions for
Wayne to close are not satisfied  and are not capable of being  satisfied by the
Cutoff  Date  after  giving  Valley a  reasonable  opportunity  to cure any such
condition.

         In the event of a  termination,  each party will  retain all rights and
remedies  it may  have at law or  equity  under  the  Merger  Agreement.  Upon a
termination of the Merger Agreement, the transactions  contemplated thereby will
be abandoned  without  further  action by any party and each party will bear its
own expenses.

Accounting Treatment of the Merger

         The Merger is expected to be accounted  for by Valley under the pooling
of  interests  method  of  accounting  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted
accounting   principles.   Valley's  obligation  to  consummate  the  Merger  is
conditioned  upon Valley's  receipt of assurances  from its  independent  public
accountants  that the  Merger  will be so  treated.  As  required  by  generally
accepted accounting principles, under pooling of interests accounting, as of the
Effective  Time the assets and  liabilities  of Wayne would be added to those of
Valley at their recorded book values and the  stockholders'  equity  accounts of
Valley and Wayne would be combined on Valley's  consolidated balance sheet. On a
pooling of interests  accounting basis, income and other financial statements of
Valley issued after  consummation of the Merger would be restated  retroactively
to  reflect  the  consolidated   combined  financial  position  and  results  of
operations  of Valley and Wayne as if the Merger  had taken  place  prior to the
periods  covered  by  such  financial   statements.   The  pro  forma  financial
information  contained  in this  Proxy  Statement  has been  prepared  using the
pooling of interests  accounting basis to account for the Merger. See "PRO FORMA
FINANCIAL INFORMATION".

Federal Income Tax Consequences

         The   following  is  a  discussion  of  certain   federal   income  tax
consequences  of the Merger but is not intended to be a complete  description of
such consequences.  The discussion is included for general information  purposes
only and may not apply to special  situations,  such as Wayne  stockholders,  if
any,  who  received  Valley  Common  Stock upon the  exercise of employee  stock
options of otherwise as compensation,  that hold Wayne Common Stock as part of a
"straddle"  or  "conversion  transaction",  or  that  are  insurance  companies,
securities  dealers,  financial  institutions or foreign  persons,  and does not
discuss any aspects of state,  local or foreign  taxation.  This  discussion  is
based  upon  laws,  regulations,  rulings  and  decisions  now in effect  and on
proposed  regulations,  all of  which  are  subject  to  change  (possibly  with
retroactive effect) by legislation,  administrative action or judicial decision.
No ruling has been or will be requested from the Internal Revenue Service on any
tax matter relating to the tax consequences of the Merger.

         As an  exhibit  to the  Registration  Statement  of  which  this  Proxy
Statement  is a part,  Pitney,  Hardin,  Kipp & Szuch,  counsel to Valley,  have
advised  Valley and Wayne in an opinion  dated the date of this Proxy  Statement
that:

         (i) No gain or loss will be recognized  for federal income tax purposes
by Wayne  stockholders upon the exchange in the Merger of shares of Wayne Common
Stock solely for Valley  Common Stock  (except with respect to cash  received in
lieu of a fractional share interest in Valley Common Stock).

         (ii) The basis of Valley  Common Stock  received in the Merger by Wayne
shareholders  (including  the basis of any  fractional  share interest in Valley
Common  Stock) will be the same as the basis of the shares of Wayne Common Stock
surrendered in exchange therefore.

         (iii) The holding period of Valley Common Stock  (including the holding
period of any fractional share interest in Valley Common Stock) will include the
holding  period  during which the shares of Wayne Common  Stock  surrendered  in
exchange therefore were held by the Wayne  stockholder,  provided such shares of
Wayne Common Stock were held as capital assets.

         (iv)  Cash  received  by a holder  of Wayne  Common  Stock in lieu of a
fractional  share interest in Valley Common Stock will be treated as received in
exchange for such fractional  share interest and,  provided the fractional share
would  have  constituted  a capital  asset in hands of such  holder,  the holder
should in  general  recognize  capital  gain or loss in an  amount  equal to the
difference  between the amount of cash  received and the portion of the adjusted
tax basis in Wayne Common Stock allocable to the fractional share interest.

         Consummation  of the Merger is  conditioned,  among  other  things,  on
receipt by each of Valley and Wayne of an  opinion  of  Pitney,  Hardin,  Kipp &
Szuch,  dated the Closing Date, to the effect that, as of such date, the (i) the
Merger  will be treated  for federal  income tax  purposes  as a  reorganization
qualifying  under the provisions of Section 368 of the Internal  Revenue Code of
1986, as amended;  (ii) no gain or loss will be  recognized  by Wayne;  (iii) no
gain or loss will be  recognized  by the holders of Wayne  Common Stock upon the
exchange of Wayne  Common  Stock solely for Valley  Common  Stock;  (iv) the tax
basis of any Valley  Common  Stock  received in exchange  for Wayne Common Stock
shall equal the basis of the recipient's  Wayne Common Stock  surrendered on the
exchange;  and (v) the holding  period for any Valley  Common Stock  received in
exchange  for Wayne  Common  Stock will  include the period  during  which Wayne
Common Stock surrendered on the exchange was held,  provided such stock was held
as a  capital  assets  on the date of the  exchange.  Unlike  a ruling  from the
Internal Revenue  Service,  an opinion of counsel is not binding on the Internal
Revenue Service, and there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service
will not take a  position  contrary  to one or more of the  positions  reflected
herein or that the  positions  herein will be upheld by the courts if challenged
by the Internal  Revenue  Service.  While Valley and Wayne have the  contractual
right to waive this  condition  to closing,  neither  will do so, and the Merger
will not take place if the opinion is not obtained.

         The opinions of Pitney,  Hardin,  Kipp & Szuch  summarized above are or
will be based, among other things, on representations  contained in certificates
of officers of Wayne and Valley.

         BECAUSE CERTAIN TAX  CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER MAY VARY DEPENDING UPON
THE  PARTICULAR  CIRCUMSTANCES  OF EACH HOLDER OF WAYNE COMMON STOCK,  AND OTHER
FACTORS,  EACH SUCH HOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT SUCH  HOLDER'S OWN TAX ADVISOR TO
DETERMINE  THE  PARTICULAR  TAX  CONSEQUENCES  TO  SUCH  HOLDER  OF  THE  MERGER
(INCLUDING  THE  APPLICATION  AND EFFECT OF STATE AND LOCAL INCOME AND OTHER TAX
LAWS).

         Consequences  of Receipt  of Cash in Lieu of  Fractional  Shares.  Cash
received by a Wayne stockholder in lieu of any fractional share interest will be
treated as having been received as a payment in  redemption  of such  fractional
share  interest as if a fractional  share of Valley Common Stock had been issued
in the Merger and then redeemed by Valley,  and,  provided the fractional  share
would have  constituted  a capital asset in the hands of such  shareholder,  the
shareholder  should in general recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal
to the  difference  between the amount of cash  received  and the portion of the
adjusted basis in Wayne Common Stock allocable to the fractional share interest.

         Basis of Valley Common Stock. The basis of Valley Common Stock received
by a Wayne  stockholder who receives solely Valley Common Stock will be the same
as the basis of such  stockholder's  Wayne Common Stock  surrendered in exchange
therefor.

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

No Dissenters' Rights

         Under the Delaware  General  Corporation  Law,  holders of Wayne Common
Stock do not have dissenters' rights of appraisal in connection with the Merger.


<PAGE>


                         PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

         Pro Forma Unaudited Combined Statements of Financial Condition
                               of Valley and Wayne

         The  following pro forma  unaudited  combined  condensed  balance sheet
combines the historical  consolidated  balance sheets of Valley and Wayne giving
effect to the Merger which will be accounted for as a pooling of  interests,  as
if the Merger had been  effective on March 31, 1998. The  information  set forth
below should be read in conjunction with the historical  consolidated  financial
statements  of Valley and  Wayne,  including  their  respective  notes  thereto,
certain of which are  included in or  incorporated  by  reference  in this Proxy
Statement  (see  Appendixes  D,  E  and  F  and  "INFORMATION   INCORPORATED  BY
REFERENCE"),  and in  conjunction  with the  condensed  consolidated  historical
financial information,  including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this
Proxy  Statement.  The pro  forma  financial  data  do not  give  effect  to any
anticipated cost savings or merger-related expenses and restructuring charges in
connection  with the Merger.  The pro forma  financial data are not  necessarily
indicative  of the actual  financial  position  that would have occurred had the
Merger been consummated on March 31, 1998 or that may be expected in the future.

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Pro Forma Combined Condensed Statements of Financial Condition
As of March 31, 1998
(Unaudited)
                                                                                                       Valley and
                                                                                        Pro Forma         Wayne
                                                        Valley            Wayne         Adjustment      Combined
                                                   -----------------  --------------- --------------- --------------
                                                                    (Dollar amounts in thousands)
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>             <C>        
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks                             $      144,433    $       5,409  $            -- $       149,842
Federal funds sold                                          64,000               --               --          64,000
Investment securities held to maturity                     154,531            2,318               --         156,849
Investment securities available for sale                   942,371           68,688               --       1,011,059
Trading account securities                                   1,420               --               --           1,420
Loans                                                    3,659,498          189,425               --       3,848,923
Allowance for possible loan losses                         (46,008)          (2,24)               --         (48,24)
Other assets                                               165,435            8,407               --         173,842
                                                    ==============   ==============   =============== ==============
     Total assets                                   $    5,085,680   $      272,007  $            -- $     5,357,687
                                                    ==============   ==============   =============== ==============

LIABILITIES
Deposits                                            $    4,391,473   $      203,532  $            -- $     4,595,005
Borrowings                                                 161,302           32,876               --         194,178
Other liabilities                                           50,908            1,067               --          51,975
                                                    --------------   --------------   --------------- --------------
     Total liabilities                                   4,603,683          237,475               --       4,841,158
                                                    --------------   --------------   --------------- --------------

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock                                                23,282               22            1,041          24,345
Surplus                                                    291,617           21,460           (1,041)        312,036
Retained earnings, net                                     170,541           19,920               --         190,461
Accumulated other comprehensive income                       4,594              328               --           4,922
Treasury stock                                              (8,037)          (4,43)               --         (12,47)
Unallocated common stock held by the ESOP                       --           (1,56)               --          (1,56)
Common stock held by the MRP                                    --           (1,20)               --          (1,20)
                                                    --------------   --------------   --------------- --------------
                                                           481,997           34,532               --         516,529
                                                    --------------   --------------   --------------- --------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity          $    5,085,680   $      272,007  $            -- $     5,357,687
                                                    ==============   ==============   =============== ==============

</TABLE>

The pro forma adjustment  represents the difference  between the stated value of
Valley and par value of Wayne Common Stock.


<PAGE>


                         PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

              Pro Forma Unaudited Combined Statements of Income of
                                Valley and Wayne

         The  following pro forma  unaudited  combined  condensed  statements of
income  combine the historical  consolidated  statements of income of Valley and
Wayne giving  effect to the Merger  which will be accounted  for as a pooling of
interests,  as if the Merger  had  occurred  on the first day of the  applicable
periods indicated herein,  and the pro forma adjustments  described in the notes
to the pro forma combined financial statements.  The information set forth below
should be read in  conjunction  with the condensed  consolidated  historical and
other pro forma financial information, including the notes thereto, incorporated
by  reference  or appearing  elsewhere  in this Proxy  Statement.  The pro forma
financial  data do not give effect to any  anticipated  cost savings or Merger -
related expenses and  restructuring  charges in connection with the Merger.  The
pro forma  financial  data are not  necessarily  indicative  of the results that
actually  would have  occurred  had the  Merger  been  consummated  on the dates
indicated or that may be expected in the future.

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Pro Forma Combined Condensed Statement of Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 1998
(Unaudited)
                                                                                                       Valley and
                                                                                        Pro Forma        Wayne
                                                           Valley          Wayne       Adjustment       Combined
                                                        -------------  -------------- --------------  -------------
                                                           (Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>          
Interest income                                         $    92,599    $      4,827   $         --    $    97,426
Interest expense                                             37,916           2,583             --         40,499
                                                        ------------   ------------   ------------    ------------
Net interest income                                          54,683           2,244             --         56,927
Provision for possible loan losses                            2,500              70             --          2,570
                                                        ------------   ------------   ------------    ------------
Net interest income after provision for
     possible loan losses                                    52,183           2,174             --         54,357
Non-interest income                                          10,225             175             --         10,400
Non-interest expense                                         29,519           1,699             --         31,218
                                                        ------------   ------------   ------------    ------------
Income before income taxes                                   32,889             650             --         33,539
Income taxes                                                  9,604             255             --          9,859
                                                        ============   ============   ============    ============
Net Income                                              $    23,285    $        395   $         --    $    23,680
                                                        ============   ============   ============    ============

Earnings per share (1):
     Basic                                              $      0.44    $       0.22   $    --         $      0.43
     Diluted                                                   0.44            0.22        --                0.43
                                                        ============   ============   ============    ============

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
     Basic                                                52,849,419      1,803,725             --      54,833,517
     Diluted                                              53,325,153      1,824,034             --      55,331,590
                                                        ============   ============    ============   ============

</TABLE>
- --------------------------------

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


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Pro Forma Combined Condensed Statement of Income
For the Year Ended December 31, 1997
(Unaudited)

                                                                                                           Valley and
                                                                                            Pro Forma         Wayne
                                                            Valley            Wayne        Adjustment       Combined
                                                         --------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
                                                              (Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                                     <C>              <C>             <C>            <C>           
Interest income                                         $     368,318    $    18,766     $         --   $    387,084
Interest expense                                              155,977          9,908               --        165,885
                                                        --------------   -------------   ------------   ---------------
Net interest income                                           212,341          8,858               --        221,199
Provision for possible loan losses                             12,250            400               --         12,650
                                                        --------------   -------------   ------------   ---------------
Net interest income after provision for
     possible loan losses                                     200,091          8,458               --        208,549
Non-interest income                                            42,315            697               --         43,012
Non-interest expense                                          123,228          5,990               --        129,218
                                                        --------------   -------------   ------------   ---------------
Income before income taxes                                    119,178          3,165               --        122,343
Income taxes                                                   34,186          1,211               --         35,397
                                                        ==============   =============   ============   ===============
Net Income                                              $      84,992    $     1,954     $         --   $     86,946
                                                        ==============   =============   ============   ===============

Earnings per share (1):
     Basic                                              $        1.61    $      1.04     $    --        $       1.58
     Diluted                                                     1.60           1.03          --                1.57

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
     Basic                                                 52,845,488     1,873,333                --     54,906,154
     Diluted                                               53,210,586     1,894,286                --     55,294,301
                                                        ==============   =============   ============   ===============

</TABLE>

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

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

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


Pro Forma Combined Condensed Statement of Income
For the Year Ended December 31, 1996
(Unaudited)

                                                                                                          Valley and
                                                                                          Pro Forma     Wayne Combined
                                                            Valley           Wayne        Adjustment
                                                        ---------------- --------------  -------------  ---------------
                                                             (Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                                     <C>              <C>            <C>            <C>        
Interest income                                         $   353,168      $    15,458    $         --   $    368,626
Interest expense                                            154,833            7,958              --        162,791
                                                        --------------   ------------   ------------   ---------------
Net interest income                                         198,335            7,500              --        205,835
Provision for possible loan losses                            3,356              200              --          3,556
                                                        --------------   ------------   ------------   ---------------
Net interest income after provision for
     possible loan losses                                   194,979            7,300              --        202,279
Non-interest income                                          29,651              585              --         30,236
Non-interest expense                                        117,716            6,816              --        124,532
                                                        --------------   ------------   ------------   ---------------
Income before income taxes                                  106,914            1,069              --        107,983
Income taxes                                                 36,076              403              --         36,479
                                                        ==============   ============   ============   ===============
Net income                                              $    70,838      $       666    $         --   $     71,504
                                                        ==============   ============   ============   ===============

Earnings per share (1) (2):
     Basic                                              $      1.33       $       --    $         --   $       1.33
     Diluted                                                   1.33               --              --           1.33

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
     Basic                                               53,074,424               --              --     53,074,424
     Diluted                                             53,459,884               --              --     53,459,884
                                                        ==============   ============   ============   ===============

</TABLE>

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

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

(2) Because the WSB Conversion  occurred on June 27, 1996,  Wayne's earnings per
    share and shares  outstanding  have been  excluded  from the Wayne,  and the
    Valley and Wayne  Combined,  presentation  of earnings  per share and shares
    outstanding.


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


Pro Forma Combined Condensed Statement of Income
For the Year Ended December 31, 1995
(Unaudited)

                                                                                                       Valley and
                                                                                        Pro Forma        Wayne
                                                           Valley          Wayne       Adjustment       Combined
                                                        -------------  -------------- --------------  -------------
                                                           (Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>         
Interest income                                         $   345,348    $     13,136   $         --     $  358,484
Interest expense                                            153,326           6,950             --        160,276
                                                        ------------   ------------   ------------    ------------
Net interest income                                         192,022           6,186             --        198,208
Provision for possible loan losses                            3,169             152             --          3,321
                                                        ------------   ------------   ------------    ------------
Net interest income after provision for
     possible loan losses                                   188,853           6,034             --        194,887
Non-interest income                                          24,446             275             --         24,721
Non-interest expense                                        104,723           4,951             --        109,674
                                                        ------------   ------------   ------------    ------------
Income before income taxes                                  108,576           1,358             --        109,934
Income taxes                                                 41,543             487             --         42,030
                                                        ============   ============   ============    ============
Net income                                              $    67,033    $        871   $         --     $   67,904
                                                        ============   ============   ============    ============

Earnings per share (1) (2):
     Basic                                              $      1.24    $         --   $         --    $      1.24
     Diluted                                                   1.24              --             --           1.24
                                                        ============   ============   ============    ============

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
     Basic                                               54,051,473              --             --      54,051,473
     Diluted                                             54,202,909              --             --      54,202,909
                                                        ============== ==============   =========== ==============

</TABLE>

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

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

(2) Because the WSB Conversion  occurred on June 27, 1996,  Wayne's earnings per
    share and shares  outstanding  have been  excluded  from the Wayne,  and the
    Valley and Wayne  Combined,  presentation  of earnings  per share and shares
    outstanding.


<PAGE>

                       DESCRIPTION OF VALLEY COMMON STOCK

         The authorized capital stock of Valley consists of 98,437,500 shares of
common stock, of which 52,763,972 shares were issued and outstanding as of March
31, 1998.

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 1998 without prior  approval of the OCC of up to $35.6 million plus
an  amount  equal to VNB's  net  profits  for 1998 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 WAYNE

         Valley is a business  corporation  incorporated in New Jersey under the
New  Jersey  Business  Corporation  Act (the  "NJBCA")  and Wayne is a  business
corporation  incorporated in Delaware under the Delaware General Corporation Law
(the  "DGCL").  The  rights of Wayne  stockholders  are  currently  governed  by
Delaware  corporate  law. At the Effective  Time,  each Wayne  stockholder  will
become a  stockholder  of Valley  and the rights of  stockholders  of Valley are
governed by New Jersey  corporate  law. The following is a comparison of certain
provisions  of New  Jersey  corporate  law and  Delaware  corporate  law and the
respective  certificates  of  incorporation  and  by-laws  of each of Wayne  and
Valley.  This  summary  does not purport to be complete  and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the DGCL and the NJBCA,  which statutes may change from
time to time, and the respective  certificates of  incorporation  and by-laws of
Valley and Wayne, 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.  Valley's  Certificate of Incorporation does not presently contain
provisions specifying a greater vote in certain  circumstances.  All shareholder
voting rights of Valley are vested in the holders of Valley Common Stock.

         The New Jersey Stockholders Protection Act (the "NJSPA") limits certain
transactions  involving an  "interested  shareholder"  and a "resident  domestic
corporation." An "interested  shareholder" is one that is directly or indirectly
a beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the outstanding  voting
stock of a resident domestic  corporation.  The NJSPA prohibits certain business
combinations   between  an  interested   shareholder  and  a  resident  domestic
corporation for a period of five years after the date the interested shareholder
acquired its stock, unless the business combination was approved by the resident
domestic corporation's board of directors prior to the interested  shareholder's
stock acquisition  date. After the five-year period expires,  the prohibition on
certain  business  combinations  continues unless the combination is approved by
the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the voting stock not beneficially owned by
the interested  shareholder,  the  combination is approved by the board prior to
the  interested  shareholder's  stock  acquisition  date or  certain  fair price
provisions are satisfied.

         Set forth below is a summary of  provisions in Wayne's  Certificate  of
Incorporation  and the DGCL that,  under certain  circumstances  require greater
than a majority of the votes eligible to be cast or limit certain voting rights.

         Stockholder  Vote  Required  to  Approve  Business   Combinations  with
Principal  Stockholders.  The Certificate of Incorporation requires the approval
of the holders of 80% of Wayne's  outstanding  shares of voting stock to approve
certain "Business  Combinations," as defined therein, and related  transactions.
Under the DGCL, absent this provision, Business Combinations, including mergers,
consolidations  and  sales  of all or  substantially  all  of  the  assets  of a
corporation must, subject to certain exceptions,  be approved by the vote of the
holders of only a majority of assets of the  outstanding  shares of Wayne Common
Stock  and  any  other  affected  class  of  stock.  Under  the  Certificate  of
Incorporation,  80% approval of  shareholders is required in connection with any
transaction  involving an Interested  Stockholder (as defined in the Certificate
of  Incorporation)  except (i) in cases where the proposed  transaction has been
approved in advance by a majority of those members of Wayne's Board of Directors
who are  unaffiliated  with the  Interested  Stockholder or (ii) if the proposed
transaction  meets  certain  conditions  set forth therein which are designed to
afford the shareholders a fair price in consideration  for their shares in which
case, if a  shareholder's  vote is required,  approval of only a majority of the
outstanding shares of voting stock would be sufficient.  This provision does not
apply to the Merger.

         Amendment of Certificate  of  Incorporation  and Bylaws.  Amendments to
Wayne's  Certificate of Incorporation must be approved by a majority vote of its
Board of  Directors  and also by a  majority  of the  outstanding  shares of its
voting stock; provided, however, that an affirmative vote of at least 80% of the
outstanding  voting stock entitled to vote (after giving effect to the provision
limiting voting rights) is required to amend or repeal certain provisions of the
Certificate of  Incorporation,  including the provision  limiting voting rights,
the provisions  relating to approval of certain Business  Combinations,  calling
special  meetings,  the number and  classification  of  directors,  director and
officer indemnification by Wayne and amendment of Wayne's Bylaws and Certificate
of Incorporation. Wayne's Bylaws may be amended by its Board of Directors, or by
a vote of 80% of the  total  votes  eligible  to be voted at a duly  constituted
meeting of shareholders.

         Limitation on Voting Rights.  The Certificate of Incorporation of Wayne
provides that in no event shall any record owner of any outstanding Wayne Common
Stock  which is  beneficially  owned,  directly or  indirectly,  by a person who
beneficially  owns in  excess  of 10% of the then  outstanding  shares  of Wayne
Common  Stock (the  "Limit") be entitled or  permitted to any vote in respect of
the  shares  held in excess of the Limit.  Beneficial  ownership  is  determined
pursuant to Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations promulgated pursuant
to the Exchange Act, and includes  shares  beneficially  owned by such person or
any of his affiliates (as defined in the Certificate of  Incorporation),  shares
which such person and his affiliates  have or share  investment or voting power,
but  shall  not  include  shares  beneficially  owned by the ESOP or  directors,
officers and employees of WSB or Wayne or shares that are subject to a revocable
proxy and that are not otherwise  beneficially  owned,  or deemed by Wayne to be
beneficially  owned,  by such  person and his  affiliates.  The  Certificate  of
Incorporation  of Wayne further  provides that this  provision  limiting  voting
rights may only be  amended  upon the vote of 80% of the  outstanding  shares of
voting stock (after giving effect o the limitation on voting rights).

         Regulatory Restrictions.  For three years following the WSB Conversion,
Office of Thrift  Supervision  ("OTS")  regulations  prohibit  any  person  from
acquiring  or  making  an offer to  acquire  more  than 10% of the  stock of any
converted  savings  institution,  except for: (i) offers that,  if  consummated,
would not result in the acquisition by such person during the preceding 12-month
period of more than 1% of such stock; (ii) offers for up to 25% in the aggregate
by the ESOP or other tax qualified  plans of WSB or Wayne; or (iii) offers which
are not  opposed by the Board of  Directors  of WSB and which  receive the prior
approval of the OTS. Such  prohibition is also  applicable to the acquisition of
the stock of Wayne.  Such  acquisition  may be  disapproved  by the OTS if it is
found, among other things, that the proposed acquisition (a) would frustrate the
purposes of the provisions of the regulations regarding  conversions;  (b) would
be manipulative or deceptive;  (c) would subvert the fairness of the conversion;
(d) would be likely to result in injury to the  savings  institution;  (e) would
not be consistent with economical  home financing;  (f) would otherwise  violate
law or regulation;  or (g) would not contribute to the prudent deployment of the
savings institution's  conversion proceeds. In the event any person, directly or
indirectly,  violates this regulation, the securities beneficially owned by such
person in excess of 10% shall  not be  counted  as shares  entitled  to vote and
shall not be voted by any person or counted as voting shares in connection  with
any matter  submitted to a vote of  shareholders.  The  definition of beneficial
ownership  for  this  regulation   extends  to  persons  holding   revocable  or
irrevocable proxies for Wayne Common Stock under circumstances that give rise to
a conclusive or rebuttable determination of control under the OTS regulations.

         WSB Charter. WSB's Charter contains a provision whereby the acquisition
of or offer to acquire  beneficial  ownership of more than 10% of the issued and
outstanding shares of any class of equity securities of WSB by any person (i.e.,
any individual,  corporation, group acting in concert, trust, partnership, joint
stock company or similar organization),  either directly or through an affiliate
thereof,  is  prohibited  for a  period  of five  years  following  the  date of
completion  of the WSB  Conversion.  Any  stock in  excess  of 10%  acquired  in
violation of the such provision  will not be counted as  outstanding  for voting
purposes.  This limitation shall not apply to any transaction in which WSB forms
a  holding  company  without  a change in the  respective  beneficial  ownership
interests  of its  shareholders  other  than  pursuant  to the  exercise  of any
dissenter or appraisal  rights.  Wayne,  as sole  shareholder of WSB, will amend
this  provision  at or prior to the  Effective  Time to allow  the  Merger to be
consummated.

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.  Valley's  Certificate  of  Incorporation  does not
presently provide for cumulative voting.

         Under the DGCL,  shareholders  of a  Delaware  corporation  do not have
cumulative  voting rights in the election of directors unless the certificate of
incorporation  so  provides.  Wayne's  Certificate  of  Incorporation  does  not
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.  The Certificate of Incorporation of
Valley does not provide for a classified  Board of  Directors.  Valley's  entire
Board of Directors is elected each year.

         The DGCL  permits a Delaware  corporation  to provide for a  classified
board in its  certificate of  incorporation  or bylaws.  Wayne's  Certificate of
Incorporation  provides  that the board is divided into three  classes,  each of
which  contains  approximately  one-third  of the whole number of members of the
board. Each class serves a staggered term, with  approximately  one-third of the
total number of directors being elected each year.

Shareholder Consent to Corporate Action

         Except as otherwise  provided by the certificate of incorporation  (and
Valley's  Certificate  of  Incorporation  does not provide  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.

         The Certificate of Incorporation of Wayne provides that action required
or  permitted to be taken by the  shareholders  of Wayne may be taken only at an
annual or special meeting and prohibits shareholder action by written consent in
lieu of a meeting.  Special meetings of shareholders of Wayne may be called only
by the Board of Directors of Wayne.

Dividends

         Unless there are other  restrictions  contained in its  certificate  of
incorporation  (and Valley's  Certificate  of  Incorporation  does not 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. For a description of the regulatory restrictions on dividend payments by
VNB, see "Description of Valley Capital Stock -- Dividend Rights."

         The DGCL generally  limits dividends by Wayne to an amount equal to the
excess of the net assets of Wayne (the amount by which total assets exceed total
liabilities) over its statutory  capital,  or if there is no such excess, to its
net profits for the current and/or  immediately  preceding fiscal year.  Because
Wayne does not conduct any material activities at the holding company level, its
ability to pay dividends depends on capital distributions from its subsidiaries.
For a discussion of the regulatory restrictions on dividend payments by WSB, see
"Regulation  and  Supervision  -  Federal  Savings   Institution   Regulation  -
Limitations  on Capital  Distributions"  in Wayne's Form 10-K for the Year Ended
December 31, 1997, attached as Appendix D hereto.

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.
Valley's  Certificate of Incorporation does not presently reserve such powers to
shareholders.

         Under the DGCL, the  shareholders  of a Delaware  corporation  have the
power to adopt, amend, or repeal the corporation's  by-laws,  unless such powers
also are reserved in the certificate of incorporation to the board of directors.
Wayne's Bylaws may be amended by its Board of Directors,  or by a vote of 80% of
the  total  votes  eligible  to  be  voted  at a  duly  constituted  meeting  of
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.  Valley's  Certificate  of  Incorporation  contains
provisions  which limit a director's  or officer's  liability to the full extent
permitted by New Jersey law.

         Under the DGCL, a Delaware  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 its shareholders, for monetary damage for breaches of their fiduciary duty of
care. A director cannot be relieved from liability or otherwise  indemnified (i)
for breach of the director's duty of loyalty,  (ii) for acts or omissions not in
good faith or  involving  intentional  misconduct  or knowing  violation of law,
(iii) for willful or negligent conduct in paying dividends or repurchasing stock
out of other than lawfully  available  funds, or (iv) for any  transaction  from
which the director derives an improper personal benefit.  Wayne's Certificate of
Incorporation   contains  provisions  which  limit  a  director's  or  officer's
liability to the full extent permitted by Delaware law.

                              STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

         Any proposal which a Wayne  stockholder  wishes to have included in the
proxy materials of Wayne if Wayne has a 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must
be presented to Wayne no later than October 23, 1998.

                                  OTHER MATTERS

         As of the date of this Proxy  Statement,  the Wayne Board of  Directors
knows of no other matters to be presented for action by the  stockholders at the
Meeting.  If any  other  matters  are  properly  presented,  however,  it is the
intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote in accordance  with
their best judgment on such matters.

                                  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  ____  shares of
Valley Common Stock as of ____________, 1998.

                                     EXPERTS

         The consolidated  financial  statement of Wayne as of December 31, 1997
and 1996 and for each of the years in the  three-year  period ended December 31,
1997 have been  included  herein and in the  Registration  Statement in reliance
upon  the  report  of  KPMG  Peat  Marwick  LLP,  independent  certified  public
accountants,  included herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.

         Representatives  of  KPMG  Peat  Marwick  LLP  will be  present  at the
Meeting. They will be given an opportunity to make a statement if they desire to
do  so  and  will  be  available  to  respond  to  appropriate   questions  from
shareholders present at the Meeting.

         The consolidated financial statements of Valley as of December 31, 1997
and 1996 and for each of the years in the  three-year  period ended December 31,
1997  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.



<PAGE>


                                                                      APPENDIX A


                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

                  THIS  AGREEMENT  AND PLAN OF MERGER,  dated as of May 29, 1998
("Agreement"),  is among Valley National Bancorp,  a New Jersey  corporation and
registered  bank holding  company  ("Valley"),  Valley National Bank, a national
banking association  ("VNB"),  Wayne Bancorp,  Inc., a Delaware  corporation and
registered  unitary savings and loan holding company ("Wayne") and Wayne Savings
Bank, F.S.B., a federally-chartered savings bank (the "Bank").

                                    RECITALS

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

                  As a  condition  precedent  to entering  into this  Agreement,
Valley has  required  that Wayne grant it an option to purchase  authorized  but
unissued  shares of Wayne common stock and, as a  consequence,  Valley and Wayne
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),  Wayne shall be merged
with and into Valley (the "Merger") in accordance  with the New Jersey  Business
Corporation Act ("NJBCA") and the Delaware General  Corporation Law ("DGCL") 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 Wayne and Valley and  thereafter  all the property,
rights,  powers and  franchises  of each of Wayne 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 Wayne  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  addition  provided  for in Section  5.15
hereof.

                  1.6  Closing  Date,  Closing  and  Effective  Time.  Unless  a
different  date,  time  and/or  place are agreed to by the parties  hereto,  the
closing of the Merger (the  "Closing")  shall take place at 10:00  a.m.,  at the
offices of Valley,  1445 Valley Road, Wayne, New Jersey, on a date (the "Closing
Date")  which  shall be 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 all 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).  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing,  the Closing  shall not occur prior to October 2, 1998 unless  Valley
consents in writing. The Merger shall become effective (and be consummated) upon
the effective time specified by Valley and Wayne in the  certificates  of merger
(the "Certificates of Merger"),  which shall be prepared by Valley,  shall be in
form and substance satisfactory to Valley and Wayne, and shall be filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey and with the Secretary of State of
the State of Delaware. The parties currently anticipate that the Certificates of
Merger shall specify as the effective  time the opening of business on the first
business day following  the Closing  Date. If no effective  time is specified in
the  Certificates  of  Merger,   the  Merger  shall  become  effective  (and  be
consummated) upon the later to be filed of the two Certificates of Merger.

                  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, the Home Owners' Loan
Act of 1933 ("HOLA") and/or the regulations of the office of Thrift  Supervision
("OTS"),  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, the officers and employees of VNB
and the officers and  employees of the Bank shall be the officers and  employees
of the Surviving Bank with such additions as the Board of Directors of VNB shall
determine, and the directors of VNB shall be the directors of the Surviving Bank
with one addition from the directors of Wayne 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 substantially  the
form of Exhibit A, annexed hereto, for delivery to the Office of the Comptroller
of the Currency ("OCC") and the OTS for approval of the Bank Merger.

                  1.8.  Liquidation Account. The liquidation account established
by the Bank  pursuant to the plan of conversion  adopted in connection  with its
conversion from mutual to stock form shall, to the extent required by applicable
law,  continue to be  maintained by VNB after the Bank Merger for the benefit of
those persons and entities who were savings  account  holders of the Bank on the
eligibility and  supplemental  eligibility  record dates for such conversion and
who continue from time to time to have rights therein.  If required by the rules
and regulations of the OTS, VNB shall amend its articles to specifically provide
for the continuation of the liquidation  account  previously  established by the
Bank.

                                   ARTICLE II
                  CONVERSION OF WAYNE COMMON STOCK AND OPTIONS

                  Each share of common stock,  $0.01 par value, of Wayne ("Wayne
Common Stock"),  issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time,
and each option to purchase shares of Wayne Common Stock validly issued pursuant
to the Wayne Bancorp,  Inc. 1996  Stock-Based  Incentive Plan (the "Wayne Option
Plan") and  outstanding  immediately  prior to the Effective Time (each a "Wayne
Option")  shall,  by virtue of the Merger and  without any action on the part of
the  holder  thereof,  be  converted  or  cancelled  at the  Effective  Time  in
accordance with this Article II.

                  2.1 Conversion of Wayne Common Stock;  Exchange Ratio; Cash in
Lieu of  Fractional  Shares.  Each  share  of  Wayne  Common  Stock  issued  and
outstanding  immediately  prior to the Effective  Time,  other than shares to be
cancelled  pursuant to Section 2.4 hereof,  shall be converted into the right to
receive 1.10 (the  "Exchange  Ratio") shares of Common Stock,  no par value,  of
Valley ("Valley  Common  Stock"),  subject to adjustment as set forth in Section
2.6 below.  No fractional  shares of Valley Common Stock will be issued,  and in
lieu thereof,  each holder of Wayne 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 Pre-Closing Price of Valley
Common  Stock.  "Average  Pre-Closing  Price of Valley  Common  Stock" means the
average of the Closing  Prices of Valley  Common Stock for the five  consecutive
full trading days in which such shares are quoted on the New York Stock Exchange
(the "NYSE") ending with (and including) the Determination Date. "Closing Price"
of Valley  Common  Stock  means the daily  closing  sales price of such stock as
reported on the NYSE (as reported in The Wall Street Journal or, if not reported
thereby, another authoritative source as chosen by Valley). "Determination Date"
means the date of the  correspondence  by which the OCC notifies Valley that the
OCC has granted its approval required for consummation of the Merger.

                  2.2.     Exchange of Shares.

                  (a) Wayne and Valley  hereby  appoint  Valley  National  Bank,
Trust  Department as the exchange agent (the  "Exchange  Agent") for purposes of
effecting  the  conversion of Wayne Common Stock and Wayne  Options.  As soon as
practicable  after the  Effective  Time,  the Exchange  Agent shall mail to each
holder of record (a "Record  Holder") of a Certificates or  Certificates  which,
immediately prior to the Effective Time represented  outstanding shares of Wayne
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   Certificates   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  Certificates  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  Certificates  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 stockholders 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 Wayne of the shares of Wayne 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  Certificates
surrendered in exchange therefor is registered,  it shall be a condition of such
payment that the  Certificates  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 Certificates
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 Wayne Option the Exchange
Agent shall,  after the Effective Time,  distribute to the Optionee an amendment
to the  option  grant  evidencing  the  conversion  of the grant to an option to
purchase Valley Common Stock in accordance with Section 2.7 hereof.

                  2.3. No Dissenters' Rights.  Consistent with the provisions of
the DGCL, no stockholder  of Wayne shall have  appraisal  rights with respect to
the Merger.

                  2.4.  Cancelled  Shares.  Each share of Wayne Common Stock (i)
which is held by Wayne 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.

                  2.6  Anti-Dilution  Adjustments.  The  Exchange  Ratio and the
Average Pre-Closing Price of Valley Common Stock 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.

                  2.7.  Wayne  Stock  Options.   At  the  Effective  Time,  each
outstanding Wayne Option granted to an eligible individual (an "Optionee") under
the Wayne Option Plan shall be converted into a option to purchase Valley Common
Stock (a "Stock  Option"),  wherein  (x) the right to  purchase  shares of Wayne
Common Stock  pursuant to the Wayne 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 Wayne  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 Wayne 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.  Shares  of Valley  Common  Stock
issuable  upon  exercise  of Stock  Options  shall be  covered  by an  effective
registration  statement  on Form  S-8,  and  Valley  shall  file a  registration
statement  on Form S-8  covering  such shares as soon as  practicable  after the
Effective Time.

                                   ARTICLE III
                     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF WAYNE

                  References  herein to "Wayne  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 Wayne to
Valley. Wayne hereby represents and warrants to Valley as follows:

                  3.1.     Corporate Organization.

                  (a) Wayne is a corporation  duly organized,  validly  existing
and in good  standing  under  the laws of the State of  Delaware.  Wayne 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 Wayne on a  consolidated  basis.  Wayne is  registered as a unitary
savings and loan holding company under HOLA.

                  (b) Each of the  Subsidiaries of Wayne are listed in the Wayne
Disclosure  Schedule.  The term  "Subsidiary",  when used in this Agreement with
respect  to  Wayne,   means  any   corporation,   joint  venture,   association,
partnership, trust or other entity in which Wayne has, directly or indirectly at
least a 50% interest or acts as a general  partner.  Each Subsidiary of Wayne is
duly  organized,  validly  existing and in good  standing  under the laws of its
state of  incorporation.  The Bank is a  federally-chartered  savings bank whose
deposits are insured by the Savings  Association  Insurance Fund ("SAIF") of the
Federal Deposit Insurance  Corporation  ("FDIC") to the fullest extent permitted
by law. Each Subsidiary of Wayne 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 Wayne and its  Subsidiaries  on a
consolidated  basis. The Wayne Disclosure  Schedule sets forth true and complete
copies of the Certificates of Incorporation or Charter,  as the case may be, and
Bylaws  of Wayne and each  Wayne  Subsidiary  as in  effect on the date  hereof.
Except as set  forth in the Wayne  Disclosure  Schedule,  Wayne  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 Wayne  consists of 8,000,000
shares of Wayne Common Stock and  2,000,000  shares of preferred  stock  ("Wayne
Preferred Stock").  As of the date hereof,  there were 2,013,124 shares of Wayne
Common Stock issued and  outstanding,  and 218,259 shares issued and held in the
treasury,  and no shares of Wayne  Preferred Stock  outstanding.  As of the date
hereof,  there were 281.310  shares of Wayne Common Stock issuable upon exercise
of outstanding  Wayne Options (the "Option  Shares")  granted to,  directors and
officers  of Wayne or the Bank  pursuant  to the Wayne  Option  Plan.  The Wayne
Disclosure  Schedule  sets  forth (i) all  options  which may be  exercised  for
issuance  of Wayne  Common  Stock and the terms  upon which the  options  may be
exercised,  and (ii) true and  complete  copies of each of the Wayne Option Plan
and a specimen of each form of agreement pursuant to which any outstanding stock
option was granted,  including a list of each  outstanding  stock option  issued
pursuant thereto.  All issued and outstanding  shares of Wayne Common Stock, and
all issued and  outstanding  shares of capital  stock of each Wayne  Subsidiary,
have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid, and nonassessable.
The authorized  capital stock of the Bank consists of 8,000,000 shares of common
stock, $1.00 par value and 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $1.00 par value.
All of the  outstanding  shares of capital  stock of each Wayne  Subsidiary  are
owned by  Wayne  and are free and  clear of any  liens,  encumbrances,  charges,
restrictions  or rights of third  parties.  Except for the Wayne Options and the
Valley Stock Option,  neither Wayne nor any Wayne  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 Wayne or any Wayne  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.  There  is  no
acceleration  of vesting of options or restricted  stock in connection  with the
Merger under the Wayne Bancorp Inc. 1996 Stock-Based Incentive Plan.

                  3.3.     Authority; No Violation.

                  (a)  Subject  to  the  approval  of  this  Agreement  and  the
transactions  contemplated  hereby by the  stockholders of Wayne, and subject to
the parties  obtaining all necessary  regulatory  approvals,  Wayne 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 Wayne 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 Wayne or the Bank are
necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has
been  duly and  validly  executed  and  delivered  by Wayne  and the  Bank,  and
constitutes  valid and binding  obligations  of Wayne and the Bank,  enforceable
against Wayne and the Bank in accordance with its terms.

                  (b) Neither the  execution  and delivery of this  Agreement by
Wayne  and  the  Bank,  nor  the  consummation  by  Wayne  and  the  Bank of the
transactions  contemplated  hereby  in  accordance  with the  terms  hereof,  or
compliance  by Wayne and the Bank with any of the  terms or  provisions  hereof,
will (i)  violate  any  provision  of  Wayne's  or the  Bank's  Certificates  of
Incorporation or Charter,  as the case may be, 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 Wayne or the Bank or any of their respective properties or assets,
or (iii) except as set forth in the Wayne 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 Wayne 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
Wayne 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 Wayne 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 OCC,  the OTS,  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,  the
Delaware  Secretary  of State,  and the  stockholders  of Wayne,  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 Wayne or the Bank in
connection  with (x) the  execution  and  delivery by Wayne and the Bank of this
Agreement  and (y) the  consummation  by Wayne 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 Wayne  Disclosure  Schedule  sets forth  copies of the
consolidated  statements of condition of Wayne as of December 31, 1995, 1996 and
1997, and the related  consolidated  statements of income,  stockholders' equity
and cash flows for the periods ended December 31 in each of the three years 1995
through 1997, in each case accompanied by the audit report of KPMG Peat Marwick,
LLP,  independent  public  accountants  with respect to Wayne, and the unaudited
consolidated  statements  of condition of Wayne as of March 31, 1998 and related
unaudited consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and
cash flows for the three  months  then ended as  reported  in Wayne's  Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC under the Securities and Exchange Act of
1934,  as  amended  (the  "1934  Act")   (collectively,   the  "Wayne  Financial
Statements").  The Wayne 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 Wayne 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 Wayne for the  respective  periods  set
forth therein.

                  (b) The books and records of Wayne 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  Wayne  Financial  Statements  (including  the  notes
thereto), as of March 31, 1998 neither Wayne 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 Wayne or
any of its  Subsidiaries.  Since March 31, 1998 and to the date hereof,  neither
Wayne 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;  Financial  Advisor.  Other than Sandler
O'Neill &  Partners,  L.P.  ("Sandler  O'Neill"),  neither  Wayne 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.  Copies of Wayne's  agreements  with Sandler O'Neill are set forth in
the Wayne  Disclosure  Schedule.  Sandler  O'Neill  has  delivered  to Wayne its
written opinion with respect to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of
the Exchange Ratio to the shareholders of Wayne in the Merger. 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 Wayne or any of its
Subsidiaries other than fees which will be payable by Wayne to Sandler O'Neill.

                  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  Wayne  and  its
Subsidiaries  on a consolidated  basis since March 31, 1998 and,  except for the
direct or  indirect  costs of the  Merger,  to  Wayne's  knowledge,  no facts or
conditions  exist which Wayne  believes  will cause or is likely to cause such a
material adverse change in the future.

                  (b)  Except  as set forth in the  Wayne  Disclosure  Schedule,
neither  Wayne nor any of its  Subsidiaries  has taken or  permitted  any of the
actions  set forth in Section  5.2 hereof  between  March 31,  1998 and the date
hereof and Wayne and the Wayne  Subsidiaries  have conducted their business only
in the ordinary course, consistent with past practice.

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

                  3.8.     Taxes and Tax Returns.

                  (a) To the knowledge of Wayne, Wayne and each Wayne 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).   Wayne  and  each  Wayne  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 Wayne or any Wayne  Subsidiary
through such date,  which reserves are, to the knowledge of Wayne,  adequate for
such purposes. Except as set forth in the Wayne Disclosure Schedule, the federal
income  tax  returns of Wayne 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 Wayne Disclosure  Schedule,  the applicable
state income tax returns of Wayne 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  Wayne,  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 Wayne or any of its  Subsidiaries,  nor has Wayne
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  Wayne  Disclosure  Schedule,
neither  Wayne 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 Wayne or any Wayne  Subsidiary  (nor does Wayne 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.

                  (a)  Except as  disclosed  in the Wayne  Disclosure  Schedule,
neither  Wayne  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
"Wayne Pension Plans"),  "employee welfare benefit plan",  within the meaning of
Section 3(1) of ERISA (the "Wayne  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
Wayne 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) Wayne  has  delivered  to  Valley in the Wayne  Disclosure
Schedule a complete and accurate copy of each of the  following  with respect to
each of the Wayne  Pension  Plans and Wayne 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 both vested and
non-vested  under each of the Wayne  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 Wayne  Pension  Plan's  actuary,  did not
exceed the then  current  value of the assets of such  plans  allocable  to such
accrued benefits.  To the best of Wayne's knowledge,  the actuarial  assumptions
then  utilized for such plans were  reasonable  and  appropriate  as of the last
valuation date and reflect then current market conditions.

                  (d) During the last six years,  the Pension  Benefit  Guaranty
Corporation (the "PBGC") has not asserted any claim for liability  against Wayne
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 Wayne Pension Plan
have been paid. All contributions required to be made to each Wayne 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  Wayne  and its
Subsidiaries  which have not been paid have been properly  recorded on the books
of Wayne and its Subsidiaries.

                  (f) Except as disclosed on the Wayne Disclosure Schedule, each
of the Wayne  Pension  Plans,  the Wayne  Welfare  Plans and each other plan and
arrangement  identified  on the Wayne  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, which takes into account the Tax Reform
Act of 1986  and  subsequent  legislation,  with  respect  to each of the  Wayne
Pension  Plans and Wayne 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 Wayne,  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 Wayne
Welfare Plans or Wayne Pension Plans.

                  (h) No Wayne 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 Wayne Pension Plans.

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

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

                  (k) No Wayne 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 Wayne Pension Plan.

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

                  (m) With  respect to each Wayne  Pension and Welfare Plan that
is funded  wholly or  partially  through an insurance  policy,  there will be no
liability of Wayne or any Wayne  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 Wayne Disclosure Schedule, the consummation of the transactions
contemplated  by this  Agreement  will not (i)  entitle  any  current  or former
employee  of  Wayne or any  Wayne  Subsidiary  to  severance  pay,  unemployment
compensation  or any similar  payment,  or (ii)  accelerate the time of payment,
accelerate the vesting,  or increase the amount, of any compensation or benefits
due to any current  employee or former  employee under any Wayne Pension Plan or
Wayne Welfare Plan.

                  3.10.    Reports.

                  (a) The Wayne  Disclosure  Schedule lists,  and as to item (i)
below Wayne has previously delivered or made available to Valley a complete copy
of, each (i) final  registration  statement,  prospectus,  annual,  quarterly or
special report and definitive  proxy  statement  filed by Wayne since January 1,
1995 pursuant to the  Securities  Act of 1933, as amended  ("1933 Act"),  or the
1934 Act and (ii) communication (other than general advertising materials, press
releases and dividend  checks)  mailed by Wayne to its  shareholders  as a class
since January 1, 1995.

                  (b) Since June 1, 1996,  (i) Wayne has filed all reports  that
it was  required to file with the SEC under the 1934 Act, and (ii) Wayne and the
Bank each has duly filed all material  forms,  reports and documents  which they
were  required to file with each agency  charged with  regulating  any aspect of
their business, in each case in form which was correct in all material respects,
and, subject to permission from such regulatory authorities, Wayne promptly will
deliver  or make  available  to  Valley  accurate  and  complete  copies of such
reports.  As of their  respective  dates,  each such form,  report,  or document
referred to in either of clauses (i) or (ii) above, and each final  registration
statement,  prospectus,  annual,  quarterly or special report,  definitive proxy
statement  or  communication  referred  to in either of  clauses  (i) or (ii) of
paragraph  (b) above,  complied in all  material  respects  with all  applicable
statutes,  rules and regulations  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
information contained in any such document as of a later date shall be deemed to
modify  information as of an earlier date. The Wayne  Disclosure  Schedule lists
the dates of all  examinations  of Wayne or the Bank conducted by either the OTS
or the FDIC  since  January  1,  1995 and the  dates  of any  responses  thereto
submitted by Wayne or the Bank.

                  3.11. Wayne and Bank Information.  The information relating to
Wayne 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 Wayne 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  Wayne,  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  Wayne  Disclosure
Schedule,  each  of  Wayne  and  the  Wayne  Subsidiaries  holds  all  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 Wayne or any of its Subsidiaries  (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
Wayne and its  Subsidiaries on a consolidated  basis) and Wayne 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 Wayne 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 Wayne Disclosure  Schedule to the knowledge of
the Bank,  no  person  or group has  adversely  commented  upon the  Bank's  CRA
performance.

<PAGE>

                  3.13.    Certain Contracts.

                  (a) Except as disclosed in the Wayne Disclosure Schedule under
this  Section or Section 3.5, (i) neither  Wayne nor any Wayne  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   and  (ii)  the   consummation  of  the
transactions  contemplated  by this Agreement will not (either alone or upon the
occurrence of any additional  acts or events) result in any payment  (whether of
severance pay or otherwise)  becoming due from Wayne or any Wayne  Subsidiary to
any officer,  employee,  director or consultant  thereof.  The Wayne  Disclosure
Schedule  sets forth true and correct  copies of all  employment  agreements  or
termination agreements with officers,  employees,  directors,  or consultants to
which Wayne or any Wayne Subsidiary is a party.

                  (b) Except as disclosed in the Wayne Disclosure Schedule,  (i)
as of the date of this  Agreement,  neither Wayne nor any Wayne  Subsidiary is a
party  to or bound  by any  commitment,  agreement  or  other  instrument  which
contemplates  the payment by Wayne or any Wayne  Subsidiary of amounts in excess
of $100,000, or which has a term extending beyond November 1, 1998 and cannot be
terminated  by  Wayne or its  subsidiary  without  consent  of the  other  party
thereto, (ii) no commitment, agreement or other instrument to which Wayne or any
Wayne  Subsidiary is a party or by which any of them is bound limits the freedom
of Wayne or any Wayne  Subsidiary to compete in any line of business or with any
person,  and (iii)  neither  Wayne nor any  Wayne  Subsidiary  is a party to any
collective bargaining agreement.

                  (c)  Except as  disclosed  in the Wayne  Disclosure  Schedule,
neither Wayne nor any Wayne Subsidiary nor, to the knowledge of Wayne, 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) Wayne 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 Wayne's consolidated balance
sheet as of March 31, 1998, 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  March  31,  1998),  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 Wayne 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.  Wayne 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  Wayne  Disclosure  Schedule  lists  all  policies  of
insurance covering business  operations and all insurable  properties and assets
of Wayne 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 Wayne 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  Wayne  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 set forth in the Wayne
Disclosure Schedule:

                  (a) Neither  Wayne nor any Wayne  Subsidiary  has received any
written notice, citation,  claim, assessment,  proposed assessment or demand for
abatement  alleging that Wayne or such Wayne Subsidiary (either directly or as a
trustee or  fiduciary,  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 cleanup of any
condition   resulting  from  the  violation  of  any  law,  ordinance  or  other
governmental  regulation regarding  environmental  matters,  which correction or
cleanup  would be  material to the  business,  operations,  assets or  financial
condition  of Wayne and the Wayne  Subsidiaries  taken as a whole.  Wayne has no
knowledge that any toxic or hazardous substances or materials have been emitted,
generated,  disposed of or stored on any real property  owned or leased by Wayne
or any Wayne Subsidiary,  as OREO or otherwise,  or owned or controlled by Wayne
or any Wayne Subsidiary as a trustee or fiduciary (collectively,  "Properties"),
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.

                  (b) Wayne has no knowledge that any of the Properties has been
operated in any manner in the three  years  prior to the date of this  Agreement
that violated any applicable federal, state or local law or regulation governing
or pertaining to toxic or hazardous  substances and materials,  the violation of
which would have a material adverse effect on the business,  operations,  assets
or financial condition of Wayne and the Wayne Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

                  (c)  To the  knowledge  of  Wayne,  there  are no  underground
storage tanks on, in or under any of the Properties  and no underground  storage
tanks have been closed or removed from any of the Properties  while the property
was owned, operated or controlled by Wayne or any Wayne Subsidiary.

                  3.17.  Reserves.  As of the date hereof,  the reserve for loan
and lease losses in the Wayne  Financial  Statements is 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 Excess Parachute Payments. Except as disclosed in the
Wayne Disclosure Schedule,  no officer,  director,  employee or agent (or former
officer,  director,  employee  or  agent) of Wayne or any  Wayne  Subsidiary  is
entitled now, or will or may be entitled to as a consequence of this  Agreement,
the Merger or the Bank  Merger,  to any payment or benefit  from Wayne,  a Wayne
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. Year 2000 Compliance.  Wayne and the Wayne  Subsidiaries
have taken all reasonable  steps  necessary to address the software,  accounting
and record keeping issues raised in order for the data  processing  systems used
in  the  business   conducted  by  Wayne  and  the  Wayne   Subsidiaries  to  be
substantially  Year 2000  compliant on or before the end of 1999 and,  except as
set forth in the Wayne  Disclosure  Schedule,  Wayne  does not expect the future
cost of  addressing  such  issues to be  material.  Neither  Wayne nor any Wayne
Subsidiary  has  received  a  rating  of less  than  satisfactory  from any bank
regulatory agency with respect to Year 2000 compliance.

                  3.20. Agreements with Bank Regulators.  Except as disclosed in
the Wayne Disclosure Schedule, neither Wayne nor any Wayne Subsidiary is a party
to any  agreement  or  memorandum  of  understanding  with,  or a  party  to any
commitment  letter,  board  resolution  submitted to a  regulatory  authority or
similar  undertaking  to, or is  subject to any order or  directive  by, or is a
recipient of any extraordinary  supervisory letter from, any court, governmental
authority or other regulatory or administrative  agency or commission,  domestic
or foreign ("Governmental Entity") which restricts materially the conduct of its
business,  or in any  manner  relates  to its  capital  adequacy,  its credit or
reserve policies or its management,  except for those the existence of which has
been  disclosed  in  writing  to  Valley  by  Wayne  prior  to the  date of this
Agreement,  nor has Wayne been  advised by any  Governmental  Entity  that it is
contemplating  issuing or requesting (or is considering the  appropriateness  of
issuing  or  requesting)  any  such  order,  decree,  agreement,  memorandum  of
understanding,  extraordinary  supervisory letter,  commitment letter or similar
submission,  except as disclosed in writing to Valley by Wayne prior to the date
of this Agreement. Neither Wayne nor any Wayne Subsidiary is required by Section
32 of the  Federal  Deposit  Insurance  Act to give  prior  notice  to a Federal
banking  agency  of the  proposed  addition  of an  individual  to its  board of
directors or the  employment  of an individual  as a senior  executive  officer,
except as  disclosed  in  writing  to Valley by Wayne  prior to the date of this
Agreement.

                  3.21.  Disclosure.  No representation or warranty contained in
Article III of this Agreement  contains any untrue  statement of a material fact
or omits to state a material fact  necessary to make the  statements  herein not
misleading.

                                   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 Wayne. Valley hereby represents and warrants to Wayne 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 Bank Holding  Company Act of 1956, as amended
("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 98,437,500  shares of Valley  Common Stock.  As of March 31,
1998, there were 52,763,972 shares of Valley Common Stock issued and outstanding
net of treasury stock, and 295,913 treasury shares. Since March 31, 1998, 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 March 31, 1998,
except for: (a) 1,188,547  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) 14,924  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  Article  II 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 OTS, the FRB, the New
Jersey  Secretary  of  State,  the  Delaware  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 Wayne  copies of the
consolidated  statements  of  financial  condition  of Valley as of December 31,
1995, 1996 and 1997, 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 1995 through  1997,  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 March 31, 1998 and the related unaudited consolidated statements of
income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the three months then
ended as reported in Valley's  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC
under the 1934 Act (collectively, the "Valley Financial Statements"). The Valley
Financial  Statements  (including  the  related  notes),  have been  prepared in
accordance  with GAAP  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 March 31, 1998 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 March 31,
1998,  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
March 31, 1998 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 Wayne 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. As of the date of this Agreement Valley
has,  and 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, 1995,  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, 1995,  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 Wayne, promptly will deliver
or make  available to Wayne  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, 1995.

                  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 March 31, 1998,  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 March 31, 1998),  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
Wayne 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. Year 2000 Compliance. Valley and the Valley Subsidiaries
have taken all reasonable  steps  necessary to address the software,  accounting
and record keeping issues raised in order for the data  processing  systems used
in  the  business  conducted  by  Valley  and  the  Valley  Subsidiaries  to  be
substantially  Year 2000  compliant on or before the end of 1999 and Valley does
not expect the future cost of  addressing  such issues to be  material.  Neither
Valley nor any Valley Subsidiary has received a rating of less than satisfactory
from any bank regulatory agency with respect to Year 2000 compliance.

                  4.20. Disclosures.  No representation or warranty contained in
Article IV of this Agreement contains any untrue statement of a material fact or
omits to state a  material  fact  necessary  to make the  statements  herein not
misleading.

                                    ARTICLE V

                            COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES

                  5.1. Conduct of the Business of Wayne.  During the period from
the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time,  Wayne 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. Wayne also shall use its best efforts
to (i)  preserve  its business  organization  and that of each Wayne  Subsidiary
intact,  (ii) keep available to itself the present services of its employees and
those  of  its  Subsidiaries,  provided  that  neither  Wayne  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) Wayne  agrees that from the date  hereof to the  Effective
Time, except as set forth in Section 5.2 of the Valley Disclosure Schedule or 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 Charter, as the case may be, or Bylaws or any similar governing documents;

                  (ii) except for the issuance of Wayne Common Stock pursuant to
the present terms of the  outstanding  Wayne Options and the Valley Stock Option
and as disclosed in the Wayne Disclosure  Schedule,  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 Wayne or
any Wayne 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;

                  (iii)  grant any  severance  or  termination  pay (other  than
pursuant to policies of Wayne in effect on the date hereof and  disclosed in the
Wayne  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;

                  (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  and
expenditures   necessary  to  maintain   existing  assets  in  good  repair  and
expenditures  described  in business  plans or budgets  previously  furnished to
Valley;

                  (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 GAAP;

                  (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 Wayne in  writing or as  permitted  or
required  by this  Agreement,  it  will  not,  nor  will  it  permit  any of its
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
or as a pooling of interests for accounting purposes;

                  (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.  So long as this  Agreement  remains in
effect,  Wayne 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 Wayne or the Bank
(an "Acquisition  Transaction").  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Wayne may enter
into  discussions or negotiations  or provide  information in connection with an
unsolicited possible Acquisition Transaction if the Board of Directors of Wayne,
after  consulting  with  counsel,  determines  in the exercise of its  fiduciary
responsibilities  that such  discussions or negotiations  should be commenced or
such information should be furnished. Wayne shall promptly communicate to Valley
the terms of any  proposal,  whether  written or oral,  which it may  receive in
respect  of any such  Acquisition  Transaction  and the fact  that it is  having
discussions or negotiations with a third party about an Acquisition Transaction.

                  5.4. Current  Information.  During the period from the date of
this  Agreement  to the  Effective  Time,  Wayne  will  cause one or more of its
designated  representatives  to confer on a monthly or more frequent  basis with
representatives  of Valley regarding Wayne's business,  operations,  properties,
assets and  financial  condition and matters  relating to the  completion of the
transactions  contemplated  herein.  Without limiting the foregoing,  Wayne 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 $100,000,  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, Wayne will deliver to Valley the Bank's call reports
filed with the OTS and FDIC and Wayne's  quarterly reports on Form 10-Q as filed
with the SEC under the 1934 Act,  and  Valley  will  deliver  to Wayne  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,
Wayne will deliver to Valley and Valley will  deliver to Wayne their  respective
audited  Annual  Reports,  in each case as filed on Form 10-K with the SEC under
the 1934 Act.

                  5.5.     Access to Properties and Records; Confidentiality.

                  (a)  Wayne  and  the  Bank   shall   permit   Valley  and  its
representatives,  and Valley and VNB shall permit Wayne 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 Wayne 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 Wayne  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.  Wayne  acknowledges  that Valley may be involved in discussions
concerning  other  potential  acquisitions  and Valley shall not be obligated to
disclose  such  information  to Wayne  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 Wayne  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  Wayne
stockholders  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 Wayne to the  Wayne  stockholders  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 Wayne if at any time prior to the Wayne  stockholder  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  Wayne with the  information  needed to correct  such  inaccuracy  or
omission.  Valley shall furnish Wayne 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
Wayne stockholders.

                  (c)  Wayne  shall   furnish   Valley  with  such   information
concerning  Wayne  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.  Wayne agrees  promptly to advise Valley if, at any time
prior to the Wayne  stockholder's  meeting referred to in Section 5.6(a) hereof,
information  provided  by  Wayne  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.  Wayne shall furnish
Valley with such supplemental  information as may be necessary in order to cause
the Proxy Statement/Prospectus,  insofar as it relates to Wayne and the Bank, to
comply with Section 5.6(a) after the mailing thereof to Wayne stockholders.

                  (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. Wayne shall
promptly furnish Valley with such information  regarding the Wayne  stockholders
as  Valley  requires  to  enable  it to  determine  what  filings  are  required
hereunder.  Wayne  authorizes  Valley to utilize in such filings the information
concerning  Wayne  and the Bank  provided  to  Valley  in  connection  with,  or
contained  in, the Proxy  Statement/Prospectus.  Valley shall furnish Wayne with
copies of all such filings and keep Wayne advised of the status thereof.  Valley
and Wayne shall as  promptly  as  practicable  file the  Registration  Statement
containing the Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  with the SEC, and each of Valley and
Wayne 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, the OTS,
the FDIC and the FRB. The parties shall each have the right to review in advance
(and shall do so promptly) 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.  The
parties  hereto shall use  reasonable  business  efforts to file for approval or
waiver by the appropriate  bank  regulatory  agencies within 60 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.

                  (h)  Wayne  acknowledges  that  Valley  is in or may be in the
process  of  acquiring  other  banks  and  financial  institutions  and  that in
connection with such acquisitions,  information concerning Wayne may be required
to be  included  in the  registration  statements,  if  any,  for  the  sale  of
securities  of Valley or in SEC reports in  connection  with such  acquisitions.
Wayne agrees to provide Valley with any information,  certificates, documents or
other materials  about Wayne as are reasonably  necessary to be included in such
other SEC reports or registration statements,  including registration statements
which may be filed by Valley prior to the  Effective  Time.  Wayne shall use its
reasonable  efforts to cause its attorneys and accountants to provide Valley and
any underwriters for Valley with any consents, comfort letters, opinion letters,
reports  or  information  which  are  necessary  to  complete  the  registration
statements and  applications for any such acquisition or issuance of securities.
Valley shall  reimburse  Wayne for  reasonable  expenses  thus incurred by Wayne
should this transaction be terminated for any reason. Valley shall not file with
the SEC any registration  statement or amendment  thereto or supplement  thereof
containing  information  regarding  Wayne unless  Wayne shall have  consented in
writing to such  filing,  which  consent  shall not be  unreasonably  delayed or
withheld.

                  (i) Between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time,
Wayne shall  cooperate with Valley to reasonably  conform  Wayne's  policies and
procedures regarding applicable regulatory matters, to those of Valley as Valley
may reasonably identify to Wayne from time to time.

                  5.7.  Approval of Stockholders.  Wayne will (a) take all steps
necessary  duly to call,  give  notice  of,  convene  and hold a meeting  of the
stockholders  of Wayne as soon as  reasonably  practicable  for the  purpose  of
securing the approval by such  stockholders of this Agreement,  (b) recommend to
the  stockholders  of Wayne 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,  Wayne will
use reasonable  efforts to cause each director of Wayne to 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.  Valley  will  take the  necessary  actions  to cure  appropriate  tainted
treasury  shares so that the  Merger  meets the  treasury  stock  condition  for
pooling-of-interests  accounting.  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 Wayne  determines  that a material  condition to its obligation to consummate
the  transactions  contemplated  hereby cannot be fulfilled on or prior to March
31, 1999 (the "Cutoff Date") 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,  Wayne and Valley  will
promptly  inform  the  other  of  any  facts  applicable  to  Wayne  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     Transaction Expenses of Wayne.

                  (a) For planning  purposes,  Wayne shall,  within 30 days from
the date hereof, provide Valley with its estimated budget of transaction-related
expenses  reasonably  anticipated to be payable by Wayne in connection with this
transaction based on facts and circumstances currently known, including the fees
and   expenses   of   counsel,   accountants,   investment   bankers  and  other
professionals.  Wayne shall promptly notify Valley if or when it determines that
it will expect to exceed its budget.  Wayne has  previously  disclosed to Valley
the method by which the fees of its investment bankers and counsel in connection
with this transaction are to be determined, and has disclosed to Valley the fees
of its counsel in connection with this transaction through a recent date.

                  (b)  Promptly,  but in any  event  within  30 days,  after the
execution  of this  Agreement,  Wayne shall ask all of its  attorneys  and other
professionals  to render current and correct  invoices for all unbilled time and
disbursements.  Wayne  shall  accrue  and/or pay all of such  amounts as soon as
possible.

                  (c) Wayne  shall  cause its  professionals  to render  monthly
invoices  within 30 days after the end of each month.  Wayne shall notify Valley
monthly of all  out-of-pocket  expenses  which Wayne has incurred in  connection
with this transaction.

                  (d) Valley, in reasonable  consultation with Wayne, 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 or about
October 30, 1998.

                  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 Wayne and the Bank indemnification  equivalent to that
provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or Charter, as the case may be, and
Bylaws of each of Wayne 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  Director.  As of the Effective Time,  Valley
shall cause its Board of Directors and the VNB Board of Directors to take action
to appoint  Harold P. Cook,  III to the Boards of  Directors  of Valley and VNB,
respectively, at the Effective Time.

                  5.16.    Employment Matters.

                  (a) Following  consummation  of the Merger,  Valley will honor
the existing  written  employment  and  severance  contracts  with  officers and
employees  of Wayne  and the Bank  that are  included  in the  Wayne  Disclosure
Schedule.

                  (b) Following the  consummation of the Merger and for one year
thereafter,  VNB  shall,  to the  extent  not  duplicative  of  other  severance
benefits,  honor the Bank's  severance policy as specified in Section 5.16(b) of
the Wayne  Disclosure  Schedule  to pay one week of  severance  for each year of
service  completed  while  employed  by Wayne  and/or  the Bank,  with a maximum
benefit of 12 weeks. Following the expiration of the foregoing severance policy,
any years of service  recognized  for purposes of this  Section  5.16(b) will be
taken into account under the terms of any applicable severance policy of VNB.

                  (c) Valley intends,  to the extent practical,  to continue the
employment  of all  officers  and  employees  of the  Bank,  at or near the same
location,  with the same or equivalent salary and benefits.  Valley intends,  to
the extent  practical,  to have all Wayne employees  participate in the benefits
and opportunities available to all Valley employees.

                  5.17. Pooling and Tax-Free Reorganization  Treatment.  Neither
Valley nor Wayne 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.  Wayne Option Plan.  From and after the Effective  Time,
each Wayne  Option which is  converted  to an option to purchase  Valley  Common
Stock under Section 2.1(b) 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 Wayne Options so converted.

                  5.19.    Affiliates.

                  (a)  Promptly,  but in any  event  within  30 days,  after the
execution and delivery of this Agreement,  (i) Wayne shall deliver to Valley (x)
a letter  identifying all persons who, to the knowledge of Wayne,  may be deemed
to be  affiliates  of Wayne  under Rule 145 of the 1933 Act,  including  without
limitation  all  directors  and  executive  officers  of Wayne  and (y) a letter
identifying  all persons  who, to the  knowledge  of Wayne,  may be deemed to be
affiliates of Wayne as that term  (affiliate) is used for purposes of qualifying
for pooling-of-interests accounting treatment; and (ii) Valley shall identify to
Wayne 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) Wayne  shall  cause each  director  of Wayne to, and Wayne
shall use its best  efforts  to cause each  executive  officer of Wayne and each
other person who may be deemed an  affiliate of Wayne (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 substantially in the form
of Exhibit  5.19.1  hereto 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.

                  5.20. Compliance with the Industrial Site Recovery Act. Wayne,
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 Wayne or any Wayne 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
Wayne  obtains  a  Remediation  Agreement,  Wayne  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.

                  5.21. Title Agency Subsidiary.  If requested by Valley, Wayne,
at  its  sole  cost  and  expense,   shall  immediately  begin  the  process  of
transferring  ownership of Wayne Title, Inc. (the "Title Subsidiary") from Wayne
to the Bank,  and  obtaining  all  regulatory  and other  approvals and consents
necessary or  desirable in order to permit the business of the Title  Subsidiary
to be operated without interruption or diminution resulting from such change.

                                   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 Wayne  Stockholders;  SEC  Registration.  This
Agreement and the transactions  contemplated  hereby shall have been approved by
the requisite vote of the  stockholders  of Wayne.  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 Wayne  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 Wayne 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 Wayne
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 Wayne shall have received an
opinion,  satisfactory  to Valley and Wayne,  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,  Wayne,  VNB or the Bank or to the stockholders of Wayne who exchange
their shares of Wayne 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 Wayne and Bank. The representations and warranties of Wayne 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.  Wayne 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 Wayne 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 Wayne  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 Wayne,  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.  Wayne 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.  Wayne 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 Wayne
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.

                  (g) Title Agency  Subsidiary.  Wayne shall have  completed the
process of  transferring  ownership  of the Title  Subsidiary  from Wayne to the
Bank, and shall have obtained all  regulatory  and other  approvals and consents
necessary or  desirable in order to permit the business of the Title  Subsidiary
to be operated without interruption or diminution resulting from such change.

                  6.3.  Conditions  to  the  Obligations  of  Wayne  Under  this
Agreement.  The  obligations  of Wayne  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. Wayne shall have received an
opinion  of  counsel  to  Valley,  dated  the date of the  Closing,  in form and
substance  reasonably  satisfactory to Wayne,  covering the matters set forth on
Schedule 6.3 hereto and any other matter reasonably requested by Wayne.

                  (c)  Fairness  Opinion.  Wayne shall have  received an opinion
from  Sandler  O'Neill as of the date of this  Agreement  and the date the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus  is mailed to  Wayne's  stockholders,  with  respect to the
fairness,  from a  financial  point  of  view,  of  the  Exchange  Ratio  to the
shareholders of Wayne in the Merger.

                  (d) Wayne  Director.  Each of Valley  and VNB shall have taken
all action necessary to appoint Harold P. Cook, III to its Board of Directors as
specified in Section 5.15.

                  (e) Certificates.  Valley shall have furnished Wayne 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  Wayne  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 Wayne:

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

                  (b) By  Valley or Wayne (i) if the  Effective  Time  shall not
have  occurred  on or  prior  to the  Cutoff  Date  or  (ii)  if a  vote  of the
stockholders  of Wayne  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 Wayne,  to be performed or observed by the directors of Wayne) at or
before the Effective Time.

                  (c) By Valley or Wayne 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 Wayne if any such
application is approved with  conditions  which  materially  impair the value of
Wayne 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
Wayne or the Bank, taken as a whole, from that disclosed by Wayne on the date of
this Agreement; or (ii) if the net operating income excluding security gains and
losses (after tax but excluding expenses related to this Agreement) of Wayne for
any full fiscal  quarter after March 31, 1998, is less than  $375,000;  or (iii)
there was a material breach in any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement
or obligation of Wayne hereunder.

                  (e) By Wayne,  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 Wayne if any  condition to Closing  specified
under Article VI hereof  applicable to such party cannot reasonably be met on or
before the Cutoff Date after giving the other party a reasonable  opportunity to
cure any such condition.

                  (g) By Wayne if the Average Pre-Closing Price of Valley Common
Stock is less than $26.00.

                  7.2.  Effect of  Termination.  In the event of the termination
and  abandonment of this Agreement by either Valley or Wayne 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  Wayne  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 stockholders of Wayne without the approval
of such stockholders.  This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument
in writing signed on behalf of Valley and Wayne.

                  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
                           1455 Valley Road
                           Wayne, New Jersey  07474-0558
                           Attn.:  Gerald H. Lipkin
                              Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
                           Telecopier No. (973) 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. (973) 966-1550

                  (b)      If to Wayne, to:

                           Wayne Bancorp, Inc.
                           1195 Hamburg Turnpike
                           Wayne, New Jersey  07474
                           Attn.:  Johanna O'Connell, President
                           Telecopier No. (973) 305-1293

                           Copy to:

                           Malizia, Spidi, Sloane & Fisch, P.C.
                           One Franklin Square
                           1301 K Street, N.W., Suite 700E
                           Washington, D.C.  20005
                           Attn.:  Richard Fisch, Esq.
                           Telecopier No. (202) 434-4661

                  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 5.15
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  Wayne'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  Wayne  and  thereafter  refer  to the best
knowledge   of  any   senior   officer   of  Wayne  or  any  Wayne   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 Wayne  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

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


ATTEST:                                           WAYNE BANCORP, INC.

THOMAS D. COLLINS                            HAROLD P. COOK, III
- -----------------------------            By:------------------------------------
Thomas D. Collins, Secretary                Harold P. Cook, III, Chairman and
                                                  Chief Executive Officer


ATTEST:                                           VALLEY NATIONAL BANK

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


ATTEST:                                           WAYNE SAVINGS BANK, F.S.B.

THOMAS D. COLLINS                             JOHANNA O'CONNELL
- -----------------------------            By:------------------------------------
Thomas D. Collins , Secretary                Johanna O'Connell, President
                                              and Chief Executive Officer


<PAGE>


                         CERTIFICATE OF THE DIRECTORS OF
                             WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND
                           WAYNE SAVINGS BANK, F.S.B.

                  Reference is made to the Agreement  and Plan of Merger,  dated
as of May 29, 1998 (the  "Agreement"),  among Valley  National  Bancorp,  Valley
National Bank,  Wayne Bancorp Inc., and Wayne Savings Bank,  F.S.B.  Capitalized
terms used herein have the meanings given to them in the Agreement.

                  Each of the following  persons,  being all of the directors of
Wayne and the Bank, express their intention,  subject to their fiduciary duties,
to vote or cause to be voted all shares of Wayne  Common Stock which are held by
such person, or over which such person exercises full voting control (other than
shares  with  respect  to which such  person  exercises  control in a  fiduciary
capacity, as to which no agreement is made hereby), in favor of the Merger.

HAROLD P. COOK, III
- ------------------------
HAROLD P. COOK, III

JOHANNA O'CONNELL
- ------------------------
JOHANNA O'CONNELL

WILLIAM J. LLOYD
- ------------------------
WILLIAM J. LLOYD

DAVID M. COLLINS
- ------------------------
DAVID M. COLLINS

THOMAS D. COLLINS
- ------------------------
THOMAS D. COLLINS

NICHOLAS S. GENTILE, JR. 
- ------------------------
NICHOLAS S. GENTILE, JR.

RONALD HIGGINS
- ------------------------
RONALD HIGGINS

RICHARD LEN
- ------------------------
RICHARD LEN

CHARLES LOTA
- ------------------------
CHARLES LOTA

DENNIS POLLACK
- ------------------------
DENNIS POLLACK


<PAGE>


                                    EXHIBIT A

                           AGREEMENT TO MERGE BETWEEN
                              VALLEY NATIONAL BANK
                                       AND
                           WAYNE SAVINGS BANK, F.S.B.
                   UNDER THE CHARTER OF VALLEY NATIONAL BANK,
                     UNDER THE TITLE OF VALLEY NATIONAL BANK


                  THIS AGREEMENT made between Valley National Bank  (hereinafter
referred to as "VNB"), a national banking  association  organized under the laws
of the United  States,  being located at 615 Main Avenue,  Passaic,  New Jersey,
with a capital  of  $____________  divided  into  ____________  shares of common
stock, each of $5.00 par value,  $____________ of surplus, and undivided profits
of  $____________,  as of  March  31,  1998,  and  Wayne  Savings  Bank,  F.S.B.
(hereinafter  referred  to  as  "Wayne"),  a  federally-chartered  savings  bank
organized  under the laws of the United  States,  being  located at 1195 Hamburg
Turnpike,  County of  Bergen,  in the  State of New  Jersey,  with a capital  of
$____________, divided into ________ shares of common stock, each of $______ par
value, surplus of $___________, and undivided profits of $_________, as of March
31,  1998,  each acting  pursuant  to a  resolution  of its board of  directors,
adopted by the vote of a majority of its  directors,  pursuant to the  authority
given by and in accordance  with the  provisions of the Act of November 7, 1918,
as amended (12 U.S.C. Section 215(a)), and the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933, as
amended, witnesseth as follows:

                  Section 1. Wayne shall be merged into VNB under the charter of
VNB.

                  Section 2. The name of the receiving association  (hereinafter
referred to as the "Association") shall be Valley National Bank.

                  Section 3. The business of the Association  shall be that of a
national  banking   Association.   This  business  shall  be  conducted  by  the
Association  at its main  office  which  shall be  located  at 615 Main  Avenue,
Passaic, New Jersey, and at its legally established branches.

                  Section  4. The  amount of  capital  stock of the  Association
shall be $______________, divided into ____________ shares of common stock, each
of $5.00 par  value,  and at the time the merger  shall  become  effective,  the
Association  shall  have a surplus  of  $____________,  and  undivided  profits,
including  capital  reserves,  which when  combined with the capital and surplus
will be equal to the combined capital  structures of the merging banks as stated
in the preamble of this  Agreement,  adjusted  however,  for normal earnings and
expenses between March 31, 1998, and the effective time of the merger.

                  Section 5. All assets of each of the  merging  banks,  as they
exist  at the  effective  time of the  merger,  shall  pass  to and  vest in the
Association  without any conveyance or other transfer.  The Association shall be
responsible for all of the liabilities of every kind and description,  including
liabilities arising from the operation of their respective trust departments, of
each of the merging banks existing as of the effective time of the merger. After
the  effective  time of the merger,  VNB will  continue  to  maintain  the Wayne
liquidation  account  established by Wayne upon its conversion to the stock form
of organization for the benefit of eligible account holders on the same basis as
immediately prior to the effective time of the merger,  and Wayne's  liquidation
account for the benefit of  eligible  account  holders  shall  automatically  be
deemed assumed by VNB, as of the effective time of the merger, on the same basis
as it existed immediately prior to the effective time of the merger.

                  Section 6.  Wayne  shall  contribute  to the  Association  its
capital  set forth in the  preamble,  adjusted,  however,  for normal  earnings,
expenses and  dividends  between March 31, 1998,  and the effective  time of the
merger.

                  VNB shall have on hand at the effective time of the merger its
capital as set forth in the preamble,  adjusted,  however,  for normal earnings,
expenses and  dividends  between  March 31, 1998 and the  effective  date of the
merger.

                  Section 7. The  stockholders  of VNB shall retain their rights
in  the  capital  stock  presently  outstanding,  which  shall  immediately  and
automatically  become  ____________  shares of common stock of the  Association,
each with $5.00 par value,  and the  stockholders  of Wayne in exchange  for the
excess acceptable  assets  contributed by their bank to the Association shall be
entitled to receive ___________ shares of common stock of the Association,  each
with $5.00 par value.

                  Section 8.  Neither  of the banks  shall  declare  nor pay any
dividend to its stockholders  between the date of this Agreement and the time at
which the merger shall become effective, nor dispose of any of its assets in any
other manner except in the ordinary  course of business  consistent with prudent
banking practice. Provided, however, that VNB shall be entitled to pay dividends
to its parent without restriction and Bank may pay dividends to Wayne consistent
with past practice,  so long as the payment of such dividends  shall thereby not
cause a breach of any representation,  covenant, agreement or condition to which
the Bank is subject under the Agreement and Plan of Merger,  dated as of May 29,
1998 among Valley  National  Bancorp,  Wayne  Bancorp  Inc.,  VNB and Wayne (the
"Merger Agreement").

                  Section 9. The  present  board of  directors  of VNB (with the
addition of Harold P. Cook,  III) shall serve as the board of  directors  of the
Association until the next annual meeting or until such time as their successors
have been elected and have qualified.

                  Section 10.  Effective as of the time this merger shall become
effective as specified in the merger  approval to be issued by the Office of the
Comptroller  of the Currency  (the "OCC"),  the articles of  association  of the
resulting  bank shall read in their  entirety as set forth in Schedule 1 annexed
hereto.

                  Section 11. This Agreement  shall be terminated  automatically
if the Merger Agreement is terminated as provided in the Merger Agreement.

                  Section 12. This Agreement  shall be ratified and confirmed by
the affirmative  vote of the stockholders of each of the merging banks owning at
least  two-thirds of its capital stock  outstanding,  at a meeting to be held on
the call of the  directors;  and the merger shall  become  effective at the time
specified in the merger approval to be issued by the OCC.

                  Section  13.  Each  of  the  representations,  warranties  and
covenants of the parties hereto shall  terminate as of the effective time of the
merger,  other than Section 5 hereof which shall survive the  effective  time of
the merger.

                  Section  14. This  Agreement  may be executed in any number of
counterparts,  and each counterpart shall constitute an original instrument, but
all  such  separate   counterparts  shall  constitute  only  one  and  the  same
instrument.

                  Section 15.  Except as governed by federal law, the  validity,
construction  and  enforceability  of this  Agreement  shall be  governed in all
respects by the laws of the State of New Jersey  without regard to its conflicts
of laws or rules.

                  WITNESS,  the  signatures  and seals of the merging banks this
_____ day of ____,  1998,  each set by its  president  or a vice  president  and
attested to by its cashier or  secretary,  pursuant to a resolution of its board
of directors, acting by a majority.



ATTEST:                                          VALLEY NATIONAL BANK



_______________________                By:------------------------------------
              , Cashier                    Gerald H. Lipkin, Chairman, President
                                                and Chief Executive Officer


ATTEST:                                        WAYNE SAVINGS BANK, F.S.B.


________________________               By:------------------------------------
             , Secretary                  Johanna O'Connell, President
                                            and Chief Executive Officer


<PAGE>

STATE OF NEW JERSEY)
                                :  ss.
COUNTY OF ___________)


                  On this _____ day of _____________,  1998, before me, a Notary
Public for this state and county,  personally came Gerald H. Lipkin, as Chairman
and Chief  Executive  Officer,  and  ___________  _________________________,  as
Cashier of VALLEY NATIONAL BANK, and each of his/her capacity  acknowledged this
instrument to the act and deed of the  association and the seal affixed to it to
be its seal.
                  WITNESS my official seal and signature this day and year.


                                               ----------------------------
(Seal of Notary)

STATE OF NEW JERSEY)
                                         :ss.
COUNTY OF ___________)



                  On this _____ day of ____________,  1998,  before me, a Notary
Public  for this  state  and  county,  personally  came  Johanna  O'Connell,  as
President     and     Chief     Executive      Officer,      and     ___________
_________________________,  as Secretary of WAYNE SAVINGS BANK, F.S.B., and each
of his/her  capacity  acknowledged  this  instrument  to the act and deed of the
association and the seal affixed to it to be its seal.

                  WITNESS my official seal and signature this day and year.


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

(Seal of Notary)


<PAGE>
                                                                      Schedule 1

                             ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
                                       OF
                              VALLEY NATIONAL BANK1

                                      NAME

                  FIRST. The title of the Association  shall be "Valley National
Bank".

                                   MAIN OFFICE

                  SECOND.  The main  office of the  Association  shall be in the
City of Passaic, County of Passaic, State of New Jersey. The general business of
the Association shall be conducted at its main office and its branches.

                                    DIRECTORS

                  THIRD.  The  Board  of  Directors  of this  Association  shall
consist  of not less  than five nor more than  twenty-five  directors  the exact
number to be fixed and determined  from time to time by resolution of a majority
of the full Board of  Directors  or by  resolution  of the  shareholders  at any
annual or  special  meeting  thereof.  Each  director  shall own  $1,000  equity
interest  in  this  Association  or  in  a  company  which  as  control  of  the
Association. The amount of the equity interest shall meet this requirement if it
conforms to the  requirements of 12 U.S.C.  72, as amended on March 31, 1980, or
as amended from time to time  thereafter.  Any vacancy in the Board of Directors
may be filled by action of the Board of Directors.

                         ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

                  FOURTH.  There shall be an annual meeting of the stockholders,
the purpose of which shall be the election of Directors and the  transaction  of
whatever other business may be brought before the meeting.  The meeting shall be
held at the main office of the Association or any other  convenient place as the
Board of Directors may designate, on the date of each year specified therefor in
the  By-laws,  but if no  election  is held on that  day,  it may be held on any
subsequent  day according to such lawful rules as may be prescribed by the Board
of Directors.

                  Nominations for election to the Board of Directors may be made
by the Board of  Directors or by any  stockholder  of any  outstanding  class of
capital  stock of the  Association  entitled to vote for election of  directors.
Nominations other than those made by or on behalf of the existing  management of
the  Association,  shall be made in writing and shall be  delivered or mailed to
the  President  of  the  Association  and to the  Comptroller  of the  Currency,
Washington,  D.C.,  not less  than 14 days nor  more  than 50 days  prior to any
meeting of stockholders called for the election of directors; provided, however,
that if less than 21 days' notice of the meeting is given to shareholders,  such
nominations shall be mailed or delivered to the President of the Association and
to the  Comptroller  of the Currency not later than the close of business on the
seventh day  following  the day on which the notice of meeting was mailed.  Such
notification shall contain the following  information to the extent known to the
notifying  shareholder:  (a) the name and address of each proposed nominee;  (b)
the  principal  occupation  of each  proposed  nominee;  (c) the total number of
shares of capital stock of the Association  that will be voted for each proposed
nominee;  (d) the name and residence address of the notifying  shareholder;  and
(e) the  number of  shares  of  capital  stock of the  Association  owned by the
notifying  shareholder.  Nominations  not  made in  accordance  herewith  may be
disregarded  by the Chairman of the  meeting,  in his  discretion,  and upon his
instructions  the vote  tellers  may  disregard  all  votes  cast for each  such
nominee.

                                     CAPITAL

                  FIFTH.  The  authorized   amount  of  capital  stock  of  this
Association  shall be 3,191,862  shares of common stock of the par value of five
dollars  ($5.00) each; but said capital stock may be increased or decreased from
time to time,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of the laws of the  United
States.

                  No holder of shares of the  capital  stock of any class of the
Association shall have any pre-emptive or preferential  right of subscription to
(i) any  shares  of any  class  of  stock  of the  Association,  whether  now or
hereafter authorized,  or (ii) to any obligations  convertible into stock of the
Association,  or (iii) to any  right of  subscription  to any of the  foregoing;
except any of the  foregoing  rights which the Board of  Directors,  in its sole
discretion  may from time to time  determine  and at such  price as the Board of
Directors may from time to time fix.

                  The  Association,  at any  time and  from  time to  time,  may
authorize and issue debt obligations,  whether or not subordinated,  without the
approval of the stockholders.

                                    OFFICERS

                  SIXTH. The Board of Directors shall appoint one of its members
President of this  Association,  who shall be Chairman of the Board,  unless the
Board appoints another director to be the Chairman. The Board of Directors shall
have the power to appoint one or more Vice Presidents;  and to appoint a Cashier
and such other  officers  and  employees  as may be  required  to  transact  the
business of this Association.

                  The Board of  Directors  shall  have the  power to define  the
duties of the officers and employees of the Association;  to fix the salaries to
be paid to them;  to dismiss  them;  to  require  bonds from them and to fix the
penalty thereof;  to regulate the manner in which any increase of the capital of
the Association shall be made; to manage and administer the business and affairs
of the Association;  to make all By-Laws that it may be lawful for them to make;
and  generally  to do and  perform  all acts that it may be legal for a Board of
Directors to do and perform.

                         CHANGE OF MAIN OFFICE; BRANCHES

                  SEVENTH.  The Board of Directors shall have the power, without
shareholder  approval,  to change the  location  of the main office to any other
authorized  branch  location  within the  limits of the City of  Passaic  and to
establish or change the  location of any branch or branches of the  Association.
Any  change in the  location  of the main  office to another  authorized  branch
location within the City of Passaic shall be effected upon written notice to the
Comptroller  of the  Currency.  Any change in the  location of the Main  Office,
except to an  authorized  branch  location  within  the City of  Passaic,  shall
require both the approval of the Comptroller of the Currency and the approval of
stockholders  owning  two-thirds  of the stock of the  Association  and any such
change  shall be to a place not more than 30 miles  from the city  limits of the
City of Passaic.

                                    EXISTENCE

                  EIGHTH.  The  corporate  existence of this  Association  shall
continue until terminated in accordance with the laws of the United States.

              SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS; NOTICE OF MEETINGS

                  NINTH. The Board of Directors of this Association,  or any one
or more shareholders owning, in the aggregate,  not less than ten percent of the
stock of this  Association,  may call a special  meeting of  shareholders at any
time.  Unless  otherwise  provided by the laws of the United States, a notice of
the time,  place,  and  purpose  of every  annual  and  special  meeting  of the
shareholders  shall be given by first-class  mail,  postage  prepaid,  mailed at
least ten days prior to the date of such meeting to each  shareholder  of record
at his address as shown upon the books of this Association.

                                 INDEMNIFICATION

                  TENTH. Any person, his heirs, executors or administrators, may
be  indemnified  or reimbursed by the  Association  for liability and reasonable
expenses,  including  amounts paid in settlement or in satisfaction of judgments
or as fines and/or  penalties,  actually incurred in connection with any action,
suit or proceeding,  civil or criminal, to which he or they shall be involved or
threatened to be involved,  as a party, or otherwise,  by reason of his being or
having been a director,  officer, or employee of the Association or of any firm,
corporation or organization  which he served in any such capacity at the request
of the Association. Provided, however, that no person shall be so indemnified or
reimbursed  in relation to any matter in such action,  suit or  proceeding as to
which he shall  finally be  adjudged  to have been guilty of or liable for gross
negligence, willful misconduct or criminal acts in the performance of his duties
to  the  Association;  and,  provided  further,  that  no  person  shall  be  so
indemnified  or  reimbursed  in relation to any matter in such action,  suit, or
proceeding  which has been made the subject of a  compromise  settlement  except
with: (i) the approval of a court of competent jurisdiction or; (ii) the holders
of record of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of the Association;  or
(iii) the Board of Directors acting by vote of directors not parties to the same
or substantially the same action,  suit, or proceeding,  constituting a majority
of the whole number of directors.  The  foregoing  right of  indemnification  or
reimbursement shall not be exclusive of other rights to which such persons,  his
heirs, executors or administrators, may be entitled as a matter of law.

                  The Association  may, upon the affirmative  vote of a majority
of its Board of Directors,  purchase  insurance for the purpose of  indemnifying
its   directors,   officers  and  other   employees  to  the  extent  that  such
indemnifications are allowed in the preceding paragraph. Such insurance may, but
need not, be for the benefit of all directors, officers or employees.

<PAGE>


                                   AMENDMENTS

                  ELEVENTH.  These Articles of Association may be amended at any
regular or special meeting of the  shareholders  by the affirmative  vote of the
holders of a majority of the stock of this  Association,  unless the vote of the
holders of a greater amount of stock is required by law, and in that case by the
vote of the holders of such greater amount.


<PAGE>

                                                                      APPENDIX B

                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT


                  THIS STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT  ("Agreement") dated May 29, 1998,
is by  and  between  Valley  National  Bancorp,  a New  Jersey  corporation  and
registered bank holding company ("Valley"),  and Wayne Bancorp,  Inc. a Delaware
corporation  ("Wayne") and registered  unitary  savings and loan holding company
for Wayne Savings Bank, F.S.B. (the "Bank").

                                   BACKGROUND

                  1. Valley,  Wayne,  the Bank and Valley National Bank ("Valley
Bank"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Valley, as of the date hereof, are prepared
to execute an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement")  pursuant to
which Valley will acquire  Wayne  through a merger of Wayne 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,  Wayne has agreed
to grant to Valley the Option.

                                    AGREEMENT

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

                  1. Grant of Option.  Wayne hereby  grants to Valley the option
to purchase up to 400,000 shares (the "Option  Shares") of Wayne's common stock,
$0.01 par value  ("Common  Stock") at an exercise price of $24.50 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  subject  to the terms  and  conditions  set forth
herein and the  termination  provisions  of Section 19 of this  Agreement.  This
Option may not be exercised if (i) Valley shall have  willfully  and  materially
breached a material covenant or agreement contained in the Merger Agreement such
that Wayne shall have the right  unilaterally to terminate the Merger  Agreement
pursuant to the terms  thereof,  (ii) prior to the  occurrence of any Triggering
Event, Wayne shall have given Valley written notice of such breach, specifically
referencing  this  Section 2, and (iii)  Valley shall not have cured such breach
prior to exercising the Option.

                          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
15% 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 15% of the  outstanding  Common  Stock shall not  constitute  a  Triggering
Event;

                                     b.  enters  into a letter  of  intent or an
agreement,  whether oral or written, with Wayne pursuant to which such person or
any affiliate of such person would (i) merge or  consolidate,  or enter into any
similar  transaction  with Wayne or the Bank,  (ii) acquire all or a significant
portion  of the assets or  liabilities  of Wayne or the Bank,  or (iii)  acquire
beneficial  ownership  of  securities  representing,  or the  right  to  acquire
beneficial ownership or to vote securities  representing 15% 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 Wayne or any other  business  combination
involving  Wayne or the 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,  15% 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 Wayne called to vote on the Merger and
Wayne 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,  Wayne (i)
willfully takes any action in any manner which would  materially  interfere with
its ability to consummate the Merger or (ii)  willfully  takes any action in any
manner (other than actions taken in the ordinary course of business) which would
materially reduce the value of the Merger to Valley .

                  The term  "Triggering  Event"  also  means  the  taking of any
direct or indirect action by Wayne or any of its directors,  executive officers,
investment  bankers or other persons with actual or apparent  authority to speak
for the Wayne  Board of  Directors,  inviting,  encouraging  or  soliciting  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 Wayne or the Bank,  or a sale of shares of Common Stock or stock of the Bank,
or any significant portion of the assets or liabilities of Wayne or the Bank.

                  The term  "significant  portion"  means  15% of the  assets or
liabilities of Wayne.

                  "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 Wayne 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 Wayne 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.

                  Wayne  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 Wayne  shall not be a condition  to the right of Valley
to  exercise  the  Option.  Wayne will not take any action  which would have the
effect of preventing  or disabling  Wayne 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 Wayne (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
business  days nor later than 20 business 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 Wayne of the  aggregate  price for the
Option Shares so purchased by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an
account  designated  by  Wayne,  (b)  Wayne  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 Wayne, 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 transfer of shares represented by this certificate
         is subject to certain  provisions of an agreement,  dated as of May 29,
         1998,  between  the  registered  holder  hereof and Wayne and to resale
         restrictions  arising under the Securities  Act of 1933, as amended.  A
         copy of such agreement is on file at the principal  office of Wayne and
         will be provided to the holder  hereof  without  charge upon receipt by
         Wayne of a written request therefore."

                  It is  understood  and agreed that:  (i) the  reference to the
resale  restrictions  of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act")
in the above  legend shall be removed by delivery of  substitute  certificate(s)
without  such  reference  if Valley  shall have  delivered  to Wayne a copy of a
letter  from  the  staff of the  SEC,  or an  opinion  of  counsel,  in form and
substance  reasonably  satisfactory  to Wayne, to the effect that such legend is
not required for purposes of the 1933 Act; (ii) the reference to the  provisions
of this Agreement in the above legend shall be removed by delivery of substitute
certificate(s)   without  such  reference  if  the  shares  have  been  sold  or
transferred  in  compliance  with the  provisions  of this  Agreement  and under
circumstances that do not require the retention of such reference in the opinion
of counsel to Wayne;  and (iii) the legend  shall be removed in its  entirety if
the  conditions in the  preceding  clauses (i) and (ii) are both  satisfied.  In
addition,  such  certificates  shall bear any other legend as may be required by
law.

                  4.  Registration  Rights.  Upon or after the  occurrence  of a
Triggering Event and upon receipt of a written request from Valley,  Wayne shall
prepare and file a  registration  statement  with the  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission and any state securities bureau,  covering the Option and such number
of Option Shares as Valley shall specify in its request, and Wayne 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 (it being  understood and agreed that Valley will use reasonable  efforts
to effect any such sale or other  disposition  on a widely  distributed  basis),
provided that Valley shall in no event have the right to have more than one such
registration  statement  become  effective and further provided that Wayne 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
Wayne.

                          In  connection  with such filing,  Wayne 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 Wayne 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  Wayne  and  blue sky fees  and  expenses  shall be paid by  Wayne.
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,  Wayne 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 Wayne or alleged untrue statement with
respect to Wayne of any  material  fact with  respect to Wayne  contained in any
preliminary  or final  registration  statement or any  amendment  or  supplement
thereto,  or arise out of a material  fact with respect to Wayne  required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein with respect to Wayne
not misleading;  and Wayne 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 Wayne
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 or 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 concerning Valley or its
plans or  intentions.  Valley will indemnify and hold harmless Wayne 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  concerning  Valley or its plans or intentions for use in the preparation
of such  preliminary  or  final  registration  statement  or such  amendment  or
supplement  thereto;  and  Valley  will  reimburse  Wayne for any legal or other
expense  reasonably  incurred  by  Wayne in  connection  with  investigating  or
defending any such loss,  claim,  damage,  liability or action.  Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary herein,  no indemnifying  party shall be liable for any
settlement effected without its prior written consent.

                  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 Wayne with  another  entity,  or in the event any sale of all or
substantially  all of the assets of Wayne  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 Wayne 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 Wayne 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 the Parties.

                  a. Wayne.  Wayne hereby  represents  and warrants to Valley as
follows:

                          i. Due  Authorization.  Wayne 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 Wayne.

                          ii. Authorized Shares. Wayne 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.

                          iii. 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  Wayne  or,  to its
knowledge, any agreement,  instrument,  judgment, decree, statute, rule or order
applicable to Wayne.

                  b. Valley.  Valley hereby  represents and warrants to Wayne as
follows:

                          i. Due Authorization.  Valley has full corporate power
and  authority  to  execute  and  deliver  this  Agreement  and,  subject to any
approvals  or  consents  referred  to herein,  to  consummate  the  transactions
contemplated hereby.

                          ii.  Requisite  Corporate  Action.  The  execution and
delivery of this  Agreement  have been  authorized  by all  requisite  corporate
action by Valley, and no other corporate proceedings are necessary therefor.

                          iii. Binding Obligation.  This Agreement has been duly
and validly  executed and delivered by Valley and represents a valid and legally
binding obligation of Valley,  enforceable against Valley in accordance with its
terms.

                          iv. No  Distribution.  Any Wayne Common Stock or other
securities acquired by Valley upon exercise of the Option will not be taken with
a view to the  public  distribution  thereof  and  will  not be  transferred  or
otherwise disposed of except in compliance with the 1933 Act.

                  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 Wayne 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
                           1455 Valley Road
                           Wayne, New Jersey  07474
                           Attn.:  Gerald H. Lipkin
                              Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
                           Telecopier No. (973) 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. (973) 966-1550


                           If to Wayne, to:

                           Wayne Bancorp, Inc.
                           1195 Hamburg Turnpike
                           Wayne, New Jersey
                           Attn.:  Johanna O'Connell, President
                           Telecopier No. (973) 305-1293


                           Copy to:

                           Malizia, Spidi, Sloane & Fisch, P.C.
                           One Franklin Square
                           1301 K Street, N.W., Suite 700E
                           Washington, D.C.  20005
                           Attn.: Richard Fisch, Esq.
                           Telecopier No. (202) 434-4661

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.

<PAGE>

                  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 15 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.

                                    WAYNE BANCORP, INC.

                                  HAROLD P. COOK, III
                              By: ___________________________________
                                  Harold P. Cook, III,  Chairman and
                                       Chief Executive Officer



                                    VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP


                                   GERALD H. LIPKIN
                              By: _____________________________________
                                  Gerald H. Lipkin, Chairman, President
                                       and Chief Executive Officer

<PAGE>

                                                                      APPENDIX C


                           FORM OF FAIRNESS OPINION OF
                        SANDLER O'NEILL & PARTNERS, L.P.


[date], 1998



______________, 1998



Board of Directors
Wayne Bancorp, Inc.
1195 Hamburg Turnpike
Wayne, NJ  07470


Ladies and Gentlemen:

         Wayne Bancorp,  Inc. ("Wayne") and its wholly-owned  subsidiary,  Wayne
Savings  Bank,   F.S.B.,   and  Valley  National  Bancorp   ("Valley")  and  its
wholly-owned  subsidiary,  Valley  National Bank, have entered into an Agreement
and Plan of Merger,  dated as of May 29,  1998 (the  "Agreement"),  pursuant  to
which  Wayne  will  be  merged  with  and  into  Valley  (the  "Merger").   Upon
consummation of the Merger, each share of Wayne common stock, par value $.01 per
share,  issued  and  outstanding  immediately  prior to the Merger  (the  "Wayne
Shares"),  other  than  certain  shares  specified  in the  Agreement,  will  be
converted into the right to receive 1.10 shares (the "Exchange Ratio") of Valley
common  stock,  no par value.  The terms and  conditions  of the Merger are more
fully set forth in the  Agreement.  You have  requested  our  opinion  as to the
fairness,  from a financial  point of view, of the Exchange Ratio to the holders
of Wayne Shares.

         Sandler  O'Neill & Partners,  L.P., as part of its  investment  banking
business,  is regularly  engaged in the valuation of financial  institutions and
their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions and other corporate
transactions.  In connection  with this opinion,  we have reviewed,  among other
things: (i) the Agreement and exhibits thereto; (ii) the Stock Option Agreement,
dated May 29, 1998,  by and between  Wayne and Valley;  (iii)  certain  publicly
available  financial   statements  of  Wayne  and  other  historical   financial
information  provided by Wayne that we deemed  relevant;  (iv) certain  publicly
available  financial   statements  of  Valley  and  other  historical  financial
information  provided by Valley that we deemed relevant;  (v) certain  financial
analyses and  forecasts of Wayne  prepared by and reviewed  with  management  of
Wayne and the views of senior  management  of Wayne  regarding  Wayne's past and
current business  operations,  results thereof,  financial  condition and future
prospects;  (vi) certain financial  analyses and forecasts of Valley prepared by
and reviewed  with  management  of Valley and the views of senior  management of
Valley regarding Valley's past and current business operations, results thereof,
financial  condition  and future  prospects;  (vii) the pro forma  impact of the
Merger;  (viii) the publicly reported  historical price and trading activity for
Wayne's and Valley's common stock,  including a comparison of certain  financial
and stock  market  information  for  Wayne  and  Valley  with  similar  publicly
available  information  for certain other  companies the securities of which are
publicly traded; (ix) the financial terms of recent business combinations in the
savings institution industry, to the extent publicly available;  (x) the current
market environment generally and the banking environment in particular; and (xi)
such other  information,  financial  studies,  analyses and  investigations  and
financial, economic and market criteria as we considered relevant.

         In  performing  our review,  we have assumed and relied  upon,  without
independent  verification,  the accuracy and  completeness  of all the financial
information,  analyses  and other  information  that was  publicly  available or
otherwise  furnished to,  reviewed by or discussed with us, and we do not assume
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness thereof. We did
not make an  independent  evaluation  or appraisal of the specific  assets,  the
collateral securing assets or the liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Wayne
or  Valley  or any of  their  subsidiaries,  or the  collectibility  of any such
assets, nor have we been furnished with any such evaluations or appraisals. With
respect to the financial  projections reviewed with management,  we have assumed
that they have been reasonably  prepared on bases  reflecting the best currently
available  estimates  and  judgments  of  the  respective   managements  of  the
respective  future  financial  performances  of Wayne and  Valley  and that such
performances  will be achieved,  and we express no opinion as to such  financial
projections  or the  assumptions  on which they are based.  We have also assumed
that there has been no material change in Wayne's or Valley's assets,  financial
condition,  results of operations,  business or prospects  since the date of the
most recent  financial  statements  made available to us. We have assumed in all
respects  material  to our  analysis  that Wayne and Valley will remain as going
concerns  for  all  periods   relevant  to  our   analyses,   that  all  of  the
representations  and  warranties  contained  in the  Agreement  and all  related
agreements are true and correct, that each party to such agreements will perform
all of  the  covenants  required  to be  performed  by  such  party  under  such
agreements,  that the  conditions  precedent in the Agreement are not waived and
that the Merger will be accounted for as a pooling of interests.

         Our opinion is  necessarily  based on financial,  economic,  market and
other  conditions as in effect on, and the  information  made available to us as
of, the date hereof.  Events  occurring  after the date hereof could  materially
affect this opinion.  We have not undertaken to update,  revise or reaffirm this
opinion or otherwise comment upon events occurring after the date hereof. We are
expressing no opinion herein as to what the value of Valley common stock will be
when issued to Wayne's  shareholders  pursuant to the Agreement or the prices at
which Wayne's or Valley's common stock will trade at any time.

         We have  acted as Wayne's  financial  advisor  in  connection  with the
Merger and will receive a fee for our services,  a significant  portion of which
is contingent upon  consummation of the Merger.  We have also received a fee for
rendering  this  opinion.  In the past,  we have  also  provided  certain  other
investment  banking  services for Wayne and have received  compensation for such
services.

         In the  ordinary  course of our  business,  we may  actively  trade the
equity  securities  of Wayne and Valley for our own account and for the accounts
of our customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position
in such securities.

         Our  opinion  is  directed  to the  Board  of  Directors  of  Wayne  in
connection  with its  consideration  of the  Merger  and does not  constitute  a
recommendation  to any  stockholder of Wayne as to how such  stockholder  should
vote at any meeting of stockholders called to consider and vote upon the Merger.
Our  opinion  is not to be quoted  or  referred  to,  in whole or in part,  in a
registration  statement,  prospectus,  proxy statement or in any other document,
nor shall this opinion be used for any other purposes, without Sandler O'Neill's
prior  written  consent;  provided,  however,  that  we  hereby  consent  to the
inclusion  of  this  opinon  as  an  appendix  to  Wayne's  and  Valley's  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus dated the date hereof and to the references to this opinion
therein.

         Based upon and subject to the foregoing,  it is our opinion,  as of the
date hereof, that the Exchange Ratio is fair, from a financial point of view, to
the holders of Wayne Shares.


                                                     Very truly yours,

<PAGE>


                                                                      APPENDIX D

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

                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                   ----------

                                    FORM 10-K

                      ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

                  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997

                          COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 20691

                               WAYNE BANCORP, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

               DELAWARE                                   22-3424621
   ---------------------------------             -------------------------------
   (State or other jurisdiction of               (I.R.S. Employer Identification
    incorporation or organization)                         Number)

1195 HAMBURG TURNPIKE, WAYNE, NEW JERSEY                   07474
(Address of principal executive offices)                 (Zip Code)

      Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (973) 305-5500

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

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

                    COMMON STOCK PAR VALUE $0.01 PER SHARE
                                (Title of class)

                                   ----------

         INDICATE  BY CHECK MARK  WHETHER THE  REGISTRANT  (1) HAS FILED ALL THE
REPORTS  REQUIRED TO BE FILED BY SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES  EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934 DURING THE PRECEDING 12 MONTHS (OR FOR SUCH SHORTER  PERIOD THAT THE
REGISTRANT WAS REQUIRED TO FILE SUCH REPORTS),  AND (2) HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO SUCH
FILING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PAST 90 DAYS. YES [X] NO [ ]

         INDICATE BY CHECK MARK IF DISCLOSURE OF DELINQUENT  FILERS  PURSUANT TO
ITEM 405 OF REGULATIONS S-K IS NOT CONTAINED HEREIN,  AND WILL NOT BE CONTAINED,
TO THE BEST OF THE  REGISTRANT'S  KNOWLEDGE,  IN DEFINITIVE PROXY OR INFORMATION
STATEMENTS  INCORPORATED  BY  REFERENCE  IN PART  III OF THIS  FORM  10-K OR ANY
AMENDMENT TO THIS FORM 10-K. [X]

         THE  REGISTRANT'S  VOTING  STOCK TRADES ON THE NASDAQ  NATIONAL  MARKET
UNDER THE SYMBOL "WYNE." THE AGGREGATE  MARKET VALUE OF THE VOTING STOCK HELD BY
NON-AFFILIATES OF THE REGISTRANT, WAS $47,731,817 AND IS BASED ON THE LAST SALES
PRICE AS LISTED ON THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET FOR MARCH 16, 1998 ($24.875 PER SHARE
BASED ON 1,918,867 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK.

      THE REGISTRANT HAD 2,013,124 SHARES OUTSTANDING AS OF MARCH 16, 1998.

                                   ----------

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

         Portions  of the  Annual  Report  to  Stockholders  for the year  ended
December 31, 1997 are incorporated by reference in Part II of this Form 10-K.

         Portions  of the  Proxy  Statement  for  the  1998  Annual  Meeting  of
Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

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


<PAGE>

                                    INDEX

 PART I                                                                     Page
 ------                                                                     ----

     Item  1.   Description of Business ...................................   1

     Additional Item: Executive Officers of the Registrant ................  18

     Item  2.   Properties ................................................  18

     Item  3.   Legal Proceedings .........................................  19

     Item  4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders .......  19

 PART II

     Item  5.   Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
                Stockholders' Matters .....................................  19

     Item  6.   Selected Financial Data ...................................  19

     Item  7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of 
                Financial Condition and Results of Operations .............  19

     Item  7a.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure Account
                Market Risk ...............................................  19

     Item  8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ...............  19

     Item  9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
                Accounting and Financial Disclosure .......................  19

 PART III

     Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant ........  19

     Item 11.   Executive Compensation ....................................  19

     Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
                and Management ............................................  19

     Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions .............  20

 PART IV

     Item 14.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports
               on Form 8-K ................................................  20

 SIGNATURES
<PAGE>
                             WAYNE BANCORP, INC.
                     ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE
                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997

                                   PART I

ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS.

GENERAL

         Wayne Bancorp, Inc. (also referred to as the "Company" or "Registrant")
was  incorporated  under Delaware law at the direction of the Board of Directors
of Wayne Savings Bank,  F.S.B.  (the "Bank") to acquire all of the capital stock
the Company issued in connection  with its  conversion  from the mutual to stock
form,  which was  consummated  on June 27,  1996.  The  Registrant  is a unitary
savings and loan holding  company and is subject to  regulation by the Office of
Thrift Supervision ("OTS"),  the Federal Deposit Insurance  Corporation ("FDIC")
and the Securities and Exchange  Commission  ("SEC").  At December 31, 1997, the
Registrant  does not transact any material  business other than through its sole
subsidiary, the Bank.

         The Bank was organized in 1921 as the Pequannock and Wayne Building and
Loan Association, a New Jersey mutual building and loan association, and was the
first financial  institution  located in the Township of Wayne,  New Jersey.  In
1946,  the Bank changed its name to Wayne  Savings and Loan  Association,  a New
Jersey  mutual  savings  and  loan  association  and  converted  to a  federally
chartered mutual savings bank under its current name in 1994. The Bank's primary
regulator  is the  OTS.  The  Bank's  deposits  are  insured  up to the  maximum
allowable amount by the Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") of the FDIC.

MARKET AREA AND COMPETITION

         The  Company   conducts  its  business  through  six  banking  offices,
including its  administrative  office,  all of which are located in northern New
Jersey.  The Company's  deposit base is drawn  principally  from Passaic County,
primarily   the  township  of  Wayne,   a  stable,   residential   community  of
approximately  50,000  persons  located  20  miles  west of New York  City.  The
Company's  primary  market  area is a highly  competitive  market for  financial
services and the Company faces intense  competition  both in making loans and in
attracting  deposits.  The Company faces direct  competition  from a significant
number of  financial  institutions  operating  in its market  area,  many with a
state-wide or regional presence and in some cases a national  presence.  Many of
these financial institutions are significantly larger and have greater financial
resources  than  the  Company.   The  Company's   competition  for  loans  comes
principally from savings  institutions,  mortgage banking companies,  commercial
banks,  credit unions and insurance  companies.  Its most direct competition for
deposits has historically come from savings and loan associations and commercial
banks. In addition,  the Company faces  increasing  competition for deposits and
other financial products from non-bank  institutions such as brokerage firms and
insurance companies in such areas as short-term money market funds, mutual funds
and  annuities.  Competition  may also  increase  as a result of the  lifting of
restrictions on the interstate operations of financial institutions.

                                       1
<PAGE>


LENDING ACTIVITIES

         Loan  Portfolio  Composition.   The  following  table  sets  forth  the
composition  of  the  Company's  loan  portfolio  in  dollar  amounts  and  as a
percentage of the portfolio at the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    AT DECEMBER 31,
                           ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                 1997                  1996                 1995                  1994                 1993
                           ----------------     ------------------    ----------------    ------------------    ------------------ 
                                     PERCENT               PERCENT              PERCENT               PERCENT              PERCENT
                                       OF                    OF                   OF                    OF                   OF
                           AMOUNT     TOTAL     AMOUNT      TOTAL     AMOUNT     TOTAL    AMOUNT       TOTAL    AMOUNT      TOTAL
                           -------   ------     -------     ------    -------   ------    -------     ------    -------     ------ 
                                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Real estate:

<S>                       <C>         <C>      <C>           <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>           <C>     <C>           <C>   
 One- to four-family .... $130,865    71.70%   $113,701      77.22%  $ 87,579    77.10%  $ 88,722      77.28%  $ 89,602      83.27%
 Home equity ............   27,889    15.28      24,394      16.57     20,964    18.46     21,165      18.44     13,326      12.39
 Multi-family ...........    2,072     1.14         185       0.13        195     0.17        541       0.47        495       0.46
 Commercial .............   14,042     7.69       7,069       4.80      3,636     3.20      3,076       2.68      2,831       2.63
 Construction ...........    3,929     2.15          --         --         --       --        170       0.15         --         --
 Commercial business ....    2,558     1.40         644       0.43         --       --         --         --         --         --
 Consumer ...............    1,156     0.64       1,257       0.85      1,216     1.07      1,130       0.98      1,346       1.25
                           -------   ------     -------     ------    -------   ------    -------     ------    -------     ------ 
  Total loans, gross ....  182,511   100.00%    147,250     100.00%   113,590   100.00%   114,804     100.00%   107,600     100.00%
                                     ======                 ======              ======                ======                ====== 
Less:
 Undisbursed loan funds .    1,353                   --                    --                 111                    --
 Deferred loan
  origination  fees .....       56                   36                    13                  59                    30
 Allowance for loan
  losses ................    2,170                1,789                 1,589               1,543                 1,237
                          --------             --------              --------            --------              --------
   Total loans, net ..... $178,932             $145,425              $111,988            $113,091              $106,333
                          ========             ========              ========            ========              ========
</TABLE>

         Loan Maturity.  The following table shows the  contractual  maturity of
the  Company's  gross loans at  December  31,  1997.  The table does not include
principal repayments or prepayments.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                         AT DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            ONE- TO                                   COMMERCIAL                          TOTAL
                                             FOUR-    HOME     MULTI-                    REAL     COMMERCIAL              LOANS
                                            FAMILY   EQUITY    FAMILY  CONSTRUCTION     ESTATE     BUSINESS   CONSUMER  RECEIVABLE
                                            ------   ------    ------  ------------   ----------  ----------  --------  ----------
                                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                       <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>          <C>           <C>        <C>      <C>     

Amounts due:
 One year or less ......................  $     80   $    64    $   --    $3,929       $    --       $1,609     $  671   $  6,359
                                          --------   -------    ------    ------       -------       ------     ------   --------
 After one year:
  More than one year to three years ....       594       477        --        --            --          131        132      1,325
  More than three years to five years ..     2,423     1,675        43        --           591          718         74      5,524
  More than five years to 10 years .....     7,926    11,272        --        --         4,007          100        187     23,492
  More than 10 years to 20 years .......    34,358    13,331       132        --         6,085           --        101     54,007
  More than 20 years ...................    85,478     1,070     1,897        --         3,359           --         --     91,804
                                          --------   -------    ------    ------       -------       ------     ------   --------
   Total due after December 31, 1998 ....  130,779    27,825     2,072        --        14,042          949        485    176,152
                                          --------   -------    ------    ------       -------       ------     ------   --------
     Total amount due ................... $130,865   $27,889    $2,072    $3,929       $14,042       $2,558     $1,156   $182,511
                                          ========   =======    ======    ======       =======       ======     ======   ========
Less:
 Undisbursed loan funds ................                                                                                    1,353
 Deferred loan origination fees ........                                                                                       56
 Allowance for loan losses .............                                                                                    2,170
                                                                                                                         --------
Total loans, net .......................                                                                                 $178,932
                                                                                                                         ========
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>


         The following  table sets forth at December 31, 1997, the dollar amount
of total gross loans receivable  contractually  due after December 31, 1998, and
whether such loans have fixed interest rates or adjustable  interest rates.  The
one- to  four-family  loans  reflected as having fixed rates include  fixed-rate
products and $19.7 million of balloon loans with contractual  maturities of 5 to
7 years and  amortization  schedules of up to 30 years.  All of those loans were
originated prior to 1992.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                      DUE AFTER DECEMBER 31, 1998
                                                               ------------------------------------------
                                                                FIXED         ADJUSTABLE          TOTAL
                                                               -------          -------          --------
                                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<S>                                                            <C>              <C>              <C>     
      Real estate loans:
       One-to four-family ..................................   $62,145          $68,634          $130,779
       Home equity .........................................    17,224           10,601            27,825
       Multi-family ........................................        --            2,072             2,072
       Commercial ..........................................     2,746           11,296            14,042
      Commercial business ..................................       132              817               949
      Consumer .............................................       485               --               485
                                                               -------          -------          --------
        Total ..............................................   $82,732          $93,420          $176,152
                                                               =======          =======          ========
</TABLE>

         Loan  Originations  and Purchases.  All loans originated by the Company
are  underwritten  by  the  Company  pursuant  to  the  Company's  policies  and
procedures.  The Company originates both adjustable-rate and fixed-rate mortgage
loans.  The Company's  ability to originate loans is dependent upon the relative
customer  demand for  fixed-rate or  adjustable-rate  mortgage  loans,  which is
affected by the current  and  expected  future  level of  interest  rates.  Loan
originations  have  increased from $57.7 million for the year ended December 31,
1996 to $59.2  million for the year ended  December  31,  1997,  reflecting  the
expansion  of the  Company's  lending  area for first  mortgages  as well as the
increase in loans originated  through a loan origination  program.  In addition,
the Company has increased  its marketing  efforts to increase the volume of home
equity loans.  Finally,  the Company continues to expand the commercial  lending
function. It is the general policy of the Company to retain all loans originated
in its portfolio.

         The  Company  has  sought  to  maintain  a more  stable  level  of loan
originations by its continuing  participation in a loan origination program. For
the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company  originated $18.4 million in loans
through this program.  All loans originated  through the use of this program are
one- to four-family  loans and are secured by properties  located in New Jersey.
Through this program, borrowers are given information from participating lenders
quoting their most favorable terms for each loan. The borrower  determines which
institution  provides the best loan for the borrower's  financing needs and upon
choosing  a  lender,  deals  directly  with  that  lender  throughout  the  loan
origination process. The Company pays a 37.5 basis point fee to the loan company
at the time of the loan  closing;  if a loan is  originated  by the Company to a
borrower  who used the loan  program to find the  Company.  This fee enables the
loan company to advertise continuously,  giving participating lenders consistent
market exposure.

                                       3

<PAGE>

         The  following  table  sets  forth  the  Company's  loan  originations,
purchases,  and  principal  repayments  for the  periods  indicated.  During the
periods indicated there were no loan sales.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                         -------------------------------------------
                                                           1997              1996             1995
                                                         --------         --------          --------
                                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<S>                                                      <C>              <C>               <C>     
  Net loans:
  Beginning balance .................................... $145,425         $111,988          $113,091
   Real estate:
    One-to four-family .................................   28,019           41,999            10,633
    Home equity ........................................   11,898           11,183             4,685
    Commercial real estate .............................    8,763            3,070                --
    Multi-family .......................................    1,899               --                --
    Construction and land ..............................    4,435               --               100
   Commercial business .................................    3,867              686                --
   Consumer ............................................      299              738               699
                                                         --------         --------          --------
     Total loans originated ............................   59,180           57,676            16,117
  Loans purchased (1) ..................................    3,247               60               140
                                                         --------         --------          --------
     Total .............................................  207,852          169,724           129,348
  Less:
   Principal repayments ................................  (27,086)         (23,956)          (16,483)
   Transfer to REO .....................................      (80)            (143)             (831)
   Undisbursed loan funds ..............................   (1,353)              --                --
   Net change in deferred fees .........................      (20)              --                --
   Net change in allowance for loan losses .............     (381)            (200)              (46)
                                                         --------         --------          --------
   Ending balance loans receivable, net ................ $178,932         $145,425          $111,988
                                                         ========         ========          ========
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) All loans purchased consisted of one- to four-family loans.

         One-  to  Four-Family   Lending.  The  Company  currently  offers  both
fixed-rate  and  adjustable-rate  mortgage  loans  primarily  secured by one- to
four-family  residences,  with  maturities up to 30 years,  including loans with
bi-weekly  payment options,  for retention in its portfolio.  All such loans are
secured by properties  located in the Company's primary market area, or in other
parts of New Jersey if originated  through the loan origination  program.  Loans
purchased  through  brokers are secured by  properties  located in other states;
during 1997, $3.2 million of such loans were purchased.  All one- to four-family
loans  are   underwritten  in  accordance  with   FHLMC/FNMA   standards.   Loan
originations  are obtained from the Company's  branch offices,  through the loan
origination program,  existing or past customers,  through advertising and, to a
lesser extent, from referrals from real estate brokers and attorneys.

         Of the one-to four- family  residential  mortgage loans  outstanding at
that date, 52.4% were  adjustable-rate  loans. The Company's one-to  four-family
adjustable-rate mortgage ("ARM") loans are primarily indexed to the U.S.Treasury
Bill rates. The Company  currently  offers one, three,  five, seven and ten-year
ARM loans,  with interest  rates based on a spread above the one,  three,  five,
seven and ten-year  U.S.  Treasury Bill rates,  respectively.  The Company's ARM
loans are subject to limitations of 2% per adjustment on interest rate increases
or decreases and life time caps of 5%.

         The Company originates one- to four-family residential loans in amounts
up to 90% of the appraised value of the property securing the loan, although the
Company  may  originate  loans in amounts up to 95% of the  appraised  value for
first-time  home buyers.  Private  mortgage  insurance is required for all loans
with a loan to value ratio over 80%. Residential mortgage loans in the Company's
portfolio generally include due on sale clauses,  which provide the Company with
the  contractual  right to demand the loan  immediately  due and  payable in the
event  that  the  borrower  transfers  ownership  of the  property  without  the
Company's  consent.  The  Company  generally  enforces  its rights  under  these
clauses.  In  recent  years,  the  Company  has  sought  to  originate  one-  to
four-family  mortgage loans with terms of 15 years or less, although the Company
does originate fixed rate loans with terms up to 30 years.

         Upon  receipt  of a  completed  loan  application  from  a  prospective
borrower for a loan secured by one- to four-family  residential  real estate,  a
credit report is ordered and income, financial and employment information is

                                       4
<PAGE>

requested and verified.  An appraisal of the real estate  intended to secure the
proposed loan is undertaken by an independent  appraiser  previously approved by
the  Company.  It is the  Company's  policy to require  title  insurance  on all
mortgage  loans.  Borrowers also must obtain hazard  insurance prior to closing.
Potential  borrowers  are  qualified  for  one-year ARM loans based on the fully
indexed rate.

         Home Equity Loans. The Company originates home equity loans,  generally
secured by one- to four-family,  owner-occupied  residential properties on which
the Company is the primary  lender.  The Company's  policy is to originate  home
equity loans in amounts up to 80% of the appraised  value of the property,  less
existing liens. Home equity loans are originated with fixed or adjustable rates.
Home equity loans  originated with fixed-rates are for terms of 20 years or less
and those originated with adjustable-rates may be made for terms up to 20 years.
Payments of principal and interest are due monthly.  The Company employs similar
underwriting  standards  in  making  home  equity  loans as those  utilized  for
residential   mortgage   loans,   except   that   borrowers   applying   for  an
adjustable-rate home equity loan are qualified at the initial interest rate plus
4% and there is a 15% interest rate cap for the life of the loan.

         Commercial Real Estate and Multi-Family  Loans. The Company's  policies
provide that it may originate  multi-family  mortgage loans and commercial  real
estate loans generally  secured by property  located in its primary market area.
The  Company  expects to  continue  to  increase  these  types of lending in the
future.  In reaching its decision on whether to make a commercial real estate or
multi-family loan, the Company considers a number of factors,  including: market
conditions,  the net  operating  income of the  mortgaged  premises  before debt
service and  depreciation;  the debt service  ratio (the ratio of net  operating
income to debt  service);  and the  ratio of loan  amount  to  appraised  value.
Commercial real estate loans and multi-family loans may be made up to 75% of the
appraised value of the property.  Properties securing a loan are appraised by an
independent  appraiser.  In most cases,  borrowers must personally guarantee the
loans.  The Company offers 5 or 7 year balloon loans with maximum terms of up to
25 years and three-year and five-year ARM loans that adjust every third or fifth
year to the three-year or five-year U.S.  Treasury Bill plus a rate up to 3.25%.
There are no  adjustment  caps.  The largest  loan in this  portfolio  is a $2.1
million loan secured by a commercial  office building in Wayne.  This loan was a
five-year  balloon  loan made in 1988  which  became  due in  December  1993 and
refinanced in 1994. The loan is currently a three-year  adjustable with a twenty
year amortization  period. This loan is currently  performing in accordance with
its terms.

         When  evaluating a  multi-family  or commercial  real estate loan,  the
Company also considers the financial resources and income level of the borrower,
the  borrower's  experience in owning or managing  similar  properties,  and the
Company's  lending  experience  with the borrower.  The  Company's  underwriting
policies  require that the  borrower be able to  demonstrate  strong  management
skills and the ability to maintain the property from current rental income.  The
borrower is required  to present  evidence of the ability to repay the  mortgage
and a history  of making  mortgage  payments  on a timely  basis.  In making its
assessment  of the  creditworthiness  of the  borrower,  the  Company  generally
reviews the financial statements, employment and credit history of the borrower,
as well as other related documentation.

         Commercial real estate and multi-family  loans are generally larger and
present a  greater  degree of risk than  loans  secured  by one- to  four-family
residences.  Because  payments on loans  secured by  commercial  real estate and
multi-family  properties  are often  dependent  on the  successful  operation or
management  of the  properties,  repayment  of such  loans may be  subject  to a
greater  extent  to  adverse  conditions  in the real  estate  market  or in the
economy.  The Company  seeks to minimize  these risks  through its  underwriting
standards,  which  require  the  loans  to be  qualified  on  the  basis  of the
property's  income and debt service ratio.  At December 31, 1997,  there were no
commercial loans or multi-family  loans delinquent 90 days or more. There can be
no assurance that delinquencies will not increase in the future, particularly in
light of the  Company's  decision to increase  its efforts to originate a higher
volume and greater variety of commercial real estate and multi-family loans.

         Construction  Lending.  The  Company  has,  on a case  by  case  basis,
originated  loans for the  development  of property to  existing  customers  and
prospects in its primary  market area. At December 31, 1997,  $3.9  million,  or
2.2% of total gross loans  receivable were  construction  loans. The undisbursed
portion of  construction  loans was $1.4 million as of December  31,  1997.  The
Company's   construction   loans   primarily  have  been  made  to  finance  the
construction of one- to four-family,  owner-occupied  residential  properties as
well as commercial offices and retail properties.  As part of its business plan,
the Company may increase the amount of its construction  lending.  The Company's
policies provide that construction loans may be made in amounts up to 75% of the
appraised  value of the  property  for  construction.  The  Company  requires an
independent  appraisal of the property.  The Company generally requires personal
guarantees and a permanent loan commitment if the Company will not be making the
permanent loan.

                                       5
<PAGE>

         Construction  financing  is  generally  considered  to involve a higher
degree of credit risk than long-term financing on improved,  owner-occupied real
estate.  Risk of loss on a  construction  loan is  dependent  largely  upon  the
accuracy  of the initial  estimate  of the  property's  value at  completion  of
construction or development  compared to the estimated cost (including interest)
of construction.  If the estimate of value proves to be inaccurate,  the Company
may be  confronted  with a  project,  when  completed,  having a value  which is
insufficient  to ensure full  repayment.  At December  31,  1997,  there were no
construction  loans  delinquent 90 days or more.  There can be no assurance that
delinquencies  will not  increase  in the future,  particularly  in light of the
Company's  decision to increase  its  efforts to  originate a higher  volume and
greater variety of construction loans.

         Joint  Venture.  On February 27, 1998,  the Company  announced  that it
entered into a joint venture  agreement with a local developer for  construction
and  marketing of 14 single family  residential  homes in the Township of Wayne,
New Jersey with an approximate selling price of $479,900 per home.

         Consumer  Loans.  The Company's  consumer  loans  generally  consist of
student education loans and loans secured by savings  accounts.  At December 31,
1997, the Company's  consumer loan  portfolio  consisted of $591,000 of passbook
loans,  $415,000 of student  education  loans,  $125,000 of automobile loans and
$25,000 of personal loans.  All of the student  education loans are underwritten
in accordance  with,  and are  guaranteed  by, the New Jersey  Higher  Education
Assistance  Authority.  The Company has recently  authorized the  origination of
automobile  loans up to  $25,000,  unsecured  personal  loans up to  $5,000  and
overdraft  lines of  credit up to  $2,500  and  intends  to  continue  to pursue
opportunities to expand these areas of lending.

         Consumer  loans may  entail  greater  credit  risk than do  residential
mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans that are unsecured or
are secured by rapidly depreciable  assets, such as automobiles.  In such cases,
any  repossessed  collateral  for a defaulted  consumer  loan may not provide an
adequate source of repayment of the outstanding  loan balance as a result of the
greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation.  In addition,  consumer loan
collections are dependent on the borrower's continuing financial stability,  and
therefore  are more  likely to be affected  by adverse  personal  circumstances.
Furthermore,  the  application  of various  federal  and state  laws,  including
bankruptcy and  insolvency  laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on
such loans.  At December 31, 1997,  there were no consumer  loans  delinquent 90
days or more. There can be no assurance that  delinquencies will not increase in
the future,  particularly  in light of the  Company's  decision to increase  its
efforts to originate a higher volume and greater variety of consumer loans.

         Commercial Business Loans. The Company intends to pursue  opportunities
to offer  commercial  business  loans,  primarily to  businesses  located in the
Company's primary market area. Federally chartered savings institutions, such as
the Company,  are  authorized to make secured or unsecured  loans and letters of
credit for  commercial,  corporate,  business and  agricultural  purposes and to
engage in commercial leasing activities, up to a maximum of 20% of total assets,
with  amounts  in  excess  of 10% of such  total  assets  may be only for  small
business loans, as defined by the OTS. The Company's commercial business lending
policy  includes  credit  file  documentation  and  analysis  of the  borrower's
character,  capacity to repay the loan, the adequacy of the  borrower's  capital
and collateral,  as well as an evaluation of conditions  affecting the borrower.
Analysis of the borrower's  past,  present and future cash flows will also be an
important aspect of the Company's current credit analysis.

         Unlike  residential  mortgage  loans,  which  generally are made on the
basis of the borrower's ability to make repayment from his or her employment and
other  income,  and which are secured by real  property  whose value tends to be
more  easily  ascertainable,  commercial  business  loans are of higher risk and
typically are made on the basis of the borrower's ability to make repayment from
the cash flow of the borrower's business. As a result, the availability of funds
for the repayment of commercial business loans may be substantially dependent on
the success of the business itself.  Further,  the collateral securing the loans
may  depreciate  over time,  may be difficult  to appraise and may  fluctuate in
value based on the success of the business.  At December 31, 1997, there were no
commercial  business loans delinquent 90 days or more. There can be no assurance
that delinquencies will not increase in the future, particularly in light of the
Company's  decision to increase  its  efforts to  originate a higher  volume and
greater variety of commercial business loans.

         Delinquencies  and  Classified  Assets.  Management  and the  Board  of
Directors perform a monthly review of all delinquent loans. The procedures taken
by the Company with respect to delinquencies vary depending on the nature of the
loan and period of delinquency.  The Company generally  requires that delinquent
mortgage loans be reviewed

                                       6
<PAGE>

and that a written  late  charge  notice be mailed no later than the 17th day of
delinquency.  The  Company's  policies  provide that  telephone  contact will be
attempted  to  ascertain  the  reasons  for  delinquency  and the  prospects  of
repayment.  When  contact  is made  with  the  borrower  at any  time  prior  to
foreclosure,  the  Company  will  attempt to obtain  full  payment or work out a
repayment schedule with the borrower to avoid  foreclosure.  It is the Company's
policy to place all  loans  that are  delinquent  by three or more  payments  on
nonaccrual status,  resulting in the Company no longer accruing interest on such
loans and  reversing  any  interest  previously  accrued  but not  collected.  A
non-accrual loan may be restored to accrual status when delinquent principal and
interest  payments are brought current and future monthly principal and interest
payments are  expected to be  collected.  Property  acquired by the Company as a
result of  foreclosure  on a mortgage  loan is classified as "real estate owned"
("REO")  and is recorded  at the lower of the unpaid  principal  balance or fair
value  less  costs  to sell at the  date of  acquisition  and  thereafter.  Upon
foreclosure,  the Company  generally  requires an appraisal of the property and,
thereafter,  appraisals  of  the  property  on  an  annual  basis  and  external
inspections on at least a quarterly basis.

         Federal  regulations and the Company's  Classification of Assets Policy
require that the Company  utilize an internal asset  classification  system as a
means of reporting problem and potential  problem assets.  The Company currently
classifies problem and potential problem assets as "Substandard,"  "Doubtful" or
"Loss." An asset is considered  Substandard if it is  inadequately  protected by
the  current net worth and paying  capacity of the obligor or of the  collateral
pledged, if any. Substandard assets include those characterized by the "distinct
possibility"  that the  insured  institution  will  sustain  "some  loss" if the
deficiencies  are not corrected.  Assets  classified as Doubtful have all of the
weaknesses   inherent   in  those   classified   Substandard   with  the   added
characteristic  that the weaknesses  present make  "collection or liquidation in
full," on the basis of currently existing facts,  conditions and values, "highly
questionable  and  improbable."  Assets  classified as Loss are those considered
"uncollectible"  and of such  little  value  that  their  continuance  as assets
without the establishment of a specific loss allowance is not warranted.  Assets
which do not currently  expose the insured  institution  to  sufficient  risk to
warrant  classification  in one  of the  aforementioned  categories  but  posses
weaknesses are required to be designated "Special Mention."

         A savings  institution's  determination as to the classification of its
assets and the amount of its  valuation  allowances  is subject to review by the
OTS, which can order the  establishment  of additional  general or specific loss
allowances.  The OTS, in conjunction  with the other federal  banking  agencies,
adopted an  interagency  policy  statement on the  allowance  for loan and lease
losses.  The policy statement  provides  guidance for financial  institutions on
both the  responsibilities of management for the assessment and establishment of
adequate  allowances  and  guidance  for  banking  agency  examiners  to  use in
determining the adequacy of general valuation guidelines.  Generally, the policy
statement  recommends that  institutions  have effective systems and controls to
identify,  monitor and address  asset  quality  problems;  that  management  has
analyzed all significant factors that affect the collectibility of the portfolio
in a reasonable manner; and that management has established acceptable allowance
evaluation processes that meet the objectives set forth in the policy statement.
While the Company  believes that it has  established  an adequate  allowance for
loan  losses,  there can be no  assurance  that  regulators,  in  reviewing  the
Company's loan  portfolio,  will not request the Company to materially  increase
its  allowance  for loan losses,  thereby  negatively  affecting  the  Company's
financial  condition and earnings.  Although  management believes that, based on
information  currently  available  to it at this time,  its  allowance  for loan
losses is adequate, actual losses are dependent upon future events and, as such,
further  additions  to the  level of  allowances  for  loan  losses  may  become
necessary.

         When an insured institution  classifies one or more assets, or portions
thereof,  as  Substandard  or  Doubtful,  it is required to  establish a general
valuation  allowance for loan losses in an amount deemed  prudent by management.
General  valuation  allowances,  which  is a  regulatory  term,  represent  loss
allowances which have been established to recognize the inherent risk associated
with lending activities,  but which, unlike specific  allowances,  have not been
allocated to particular problem assets. When an insured  institution  classifies
one or more  assets,  or portions  thereof,  as loss,  it is required  either to
establish  a specific  allowance  for losses  equal to 100% of the amount of the
asset soclassified or to charge off such amount.

         The Chief Lending Officer reviews and classifies the Company's loans on
a  quarterly  basis  and  reports  the  results  of the  review  to the Board of
Directors.  The  Company  classifies  loans in  accordance  with the  management
guidelines  described  above.  At December 31, 1997,  the Company had $80,000 of
REO. At December 31, 1997, the Company had $2.1 million of assets  classified as
Special  Mention,  $2.6 million of assets  classified  as  Substandard,  nothing
classified as Doubtful and nothing classified as Loss.

                                       7

         The following  table sets forth  delinquencies  in the  Company's  loan
portfolio  as of  the  dates  indicated.  There  were  no  delinquencies  in the
multi-family,  commercial  real  estate,  construction  or  commercial  business
portfolios at the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                              AT DECEMBER 31, 1997                        AT DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                    ----------------------------------------    -----------------------------------------
                                         60-89 DAYS       90 DAYS OR MORE(1)        60-89 DAYS        90 DAYS OR MORE(1)
                                    -------------------  -------------------    --------------------  -------------------
                                              PRINCIPAL            PRINCIPAL               PRINCIPAL            PRINCIPAL
                                     NUMBER    BALANCE    NUMBER    BALANCE      NUMBER     BALANCE    NUMBER    BALANCE
                                    OF LOANS  OF LOANS   OF LOANS  OF LOANS     OF LOANS   OF LOANS   OF LOANS  OF LOANS
                                    --------  ---------  --------  ---------    --------   ---------  --------  ---------
                                                               (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<S>                                    <C>      <C>         <C>     <C>            <C>       <C>         <C>     <C>   
  One- to four-family .............    1        $14         24      $2,146         3         $344        22      $1,872
  Home equity .....................   --         --          5         182        --           --         5         184
  Consumer ........................   --         --         --          --         1            7         4          20
                                      --        ---         --      ------        --         ----        --      ------
     Total ........................    1        $14         29      $2,328         4         $351        31      $2,076
                                      ==        ===         ==      ======        ==         ====        ==      ======
  Delinquent loans to total
   gross loans ....................             .01%                  1.30%                   .24%                 1.41%
                                                ===                   ====                    ===                  ==== 
</TABLE>


                                              AT DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                        60-89 DAYS          90 DAYS OR MORE(1)
                                   --------------------    --------------------
                                              PRINCIPAL               PRINCIPAL
                                    NUMBER     BALANCE      NUMBER     BALANCE
                                   OF LOANS   OF LOANS     OF LOANS   OF LOANS
                                   --------   ---------    --------   ---------
                                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

  One- to four-family ............     9        $361          26       $2,278
  Home equity ....................    --          --           4          162
  Consumer .......................    --          --           1           10
                                      --        ----          --       ------
     Total .......................     9        $361          31       $2,450
                                      ==        ====          ==       ======
  Delinquent loans to total
   gross loans ...................               .32%                    2.16%
                                                 ===                     ==== 

- ----------
(1)  Loans 90 days or more past due are included in non-accrual loans. See
     "Lending Activities--Non-Accrual Loans."

         Non-Accrual  Loans.  The table below sets forth  information  regarding
non-accrual  loans  (all loans 90 days or more  delinquent)  and REO held by the
Company  at  the  dates  indicated.  There  were  no  non-accrual  loans  in the
multi-family,  commercial  real estate,  construction,  or  commercial  business
portfolios at the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 1997           1996           1995          1994           1993
                                                ------         ------         ------        ------         ------
                                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<S>                                             <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>   
  Non-accrual loans:
   One- to four-family .......................  $2,146         $1,872         $2,278        $3,395         $3,269
   Home equity ...............................     182            184            162           223            234
   Consumer ..................................      --             20             10            27              7
                                                ------         ------         ------        ------         ------
   Total .....................................   2,328          2,076          2,450         3,645          3,510
  REO, net(1)(2) .............................      80            116            597           970          1,338
                                                ------         ------         ------        ------         ------
    Total non-performing assets ..............  $2,408         $2,192         $3,047        $4,615         $4,848
                                                ======         ======         ======        ======         ======
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1)  REO balances are shown net of related loss allowances.

(2)  REO, net at December 31, 1994 and 1993 included $0 and $264,000,
     respectively, of in-substance foreclosed loans. Under Statement of
     Financial Accounting Standards No. 114 "Accounting by Creditors for
     Impairment of a Loan", adopted January 1, 1995 by the Company, loans that
     previously would have been classified as in-substance foreclosures would be
     classified as impaired loans. There were no loans considered to be impaired
     as of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.

                                       8
<PAGE>

         Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is established
through a provision  for loan losses  based on  management's  evaluation  of the
risks inherent in its loan portfolio and changes in the nature and volume of its
loan activity.  Such  evaluation,  which includes a review of all loans of which
full  collectibility  may  not be  reasonably  assured,  considers  among  other
matters,  the  estimated  market value of the  underlying  collateral,  economic
conditions,  historical  loan loss  experience  and other  factors  that warrant
recognition  in  providing  for an adequate  loan loss  allowance.  In addition,
various regulatory  agencies,  as an integral part of their examination process,
periodically  review the Company's  allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may
require the Company to make additional provisions for losses on loans based upon
information available at the time of the review.

         The following table sets forth activity in the Company's  allowance for
loan losses for the periods set forth in the table.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                     AT DECEMBER 31,
                                            ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                               1997         1996        1995          1994          1993
                                            ---------     ---------   ---------     ---------     ---------
                                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<S>                                           <C>            <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>      
Real estate loans:
 Balance at beginning of year ............    $1,789         $1,589     $1,543        $1,237        $  974
 Provision for loan losses ...............       400            200        152           316           286
Charge-offs:                                                                                       
 One- to four-family .....................        --             --       (106)          (10)          (23)
Consumer .................................       (19)            --         --            --            --
                                              ------         ------     ------        ------        ------
Balance at end of year ...................    $2,170         $1,789     $1,589        $1,543        $1,237
                                              ======         ======     ======        ======        ======
Net charge-offs to average gross                                                                   
 loans receivable ........................      0.01%            --       0.09%         0.01%         0.02%
Allowance for loan losses as a percent                                                             
 of gross loans receivable ...............      1.19           1.21       1.40          1.34          1.15
Allowance for loan losses as a percent                                                             
 of total non-performing loans ...........     93.21          86.18      64.86         42.33         35.24
Non-performing loans as a percent                                                                  
 of gross loans receivable ...............      1.29           1.41       2.16          3.17          3.26
Non-performing assets as a percent                                                                 
 of total assets .........................      0.89           0.90       1.46          2.61          2.65
</TABLE>                                                            

                                       9

<PAGE>

         The following  tables set forth the amount of the  Company's  allowance
for loan losses, the percent of allowance for loan losses to total allowance and
the percent of gross loans to total gross loans in each of the categories listed
at the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                     AT DECEMBER 31,
                            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          1997                              1996                              1995
                            ---------------------------------   --------------------------------   ---------------------------------
                                                   PERCENT OF                         PERCENT OF                          PERCENT OF
                                                  GROSS LOANS                        GROSS LOANS                         GROSS LOANS
                                       PERCENT OF   IN EACH              PERCENT OF    IN EACH              PERCENT OF     IN EACH
                                       ALLOWANCE   CATEGORY               ALLOWANCE   CATEGORY               ALLOWANCE    CATEGORY
                                        TO TOTAL    TO TOTAL               TO TOTAL    TO TOTAL               TO TOTAL     TO TOTAL
                            AMOUNT     ALLOWANCE  GROSS LOANS   AMOUNT    ALLOWANCE  GROSS LOANS   AMOUNT    ALLOWANCE   GROSS LOANS
                            ------     ---------  -----------   ------   ----------  -----------   ------   -----------  -----------
                                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<S>                         <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>   
One- to four-family ....... $1,626       74.95%      71.71%     $1,181      66.01%      77.22%     $1,030      64.82%       77.10%
Home equity ...............    106        4.89       15.28         242      13.53       16.57         210      13.22        18.46
Commercial Real Estate ....    379       17.45        7.69         355      19.84        4.80         342      21.52         3.20
Multi-family ..............     34        1.56        1.14          --         --         .13          --         --          .17
Construction ..............     11        0.53        2.15          --         --          --          --         --           --
Commercial business .......     13        0.59        1.40           3        .17         .43          --         --           --
Consumer ..................      1        0.03        0.63           8        .45         .85           7        .44         1.07
                            ------      ------      ------      ------     ------      ------      ------     ------       ------ 
  Total allowance for
   loan losses ............ $2,170      100.00%     100.00%     $1,789     100.00%     100.00%     $1,589     100.00%      100.00%
                            ======      ======      ======      ======     ======      ======      ======     ======       ====== 
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 AT DECEMBER 31,
                                   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 1994                                     1993
                                   ----------------------------------         ------------------------------------
                                                              PERCENT OF                                PERCENT OF
                                                             GROSS LOANS                               GROSS LOANS
                                              PERCENT OF       IN EACH                  PERCENT OF       IN EACH
                                               ALLOWANCE       CATEGORY                  ALLOWANCE       CATEGORY
                                               TO TOTAL        TO TOTAL                  TO TOTAL        TO TOTAL
                                    AMOUNT     ALLOWANCE      GROSS LOANS     AMOUNT     ALLOWANCE      GROSS LOANS
                                   -------   -----------     ------------     ------     ---------      -----------
                                                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<S>                                <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>              <C>   
One- to four-family                $  979        63.46%         77.28%        $1,084       87.63%           83.28%
Home equity                           209        13.54          18.44            131       10.59           12.38
Commercial Real Estate                347        22.49           2.68             14        1.13            2.63
Multi-family                            1          .06            .47              1         .08             .46
Construction                           --           --            .15             --          --              --
Consumer                                7          .45            .98              7         .57            1.25
                                   ------       ------         ------         ------      ------           ------ 
  Total allowance for
   loan losses                     $1,543       100.00%        100.00%        $1,237      100.00%          100.00%
                                   ======       ======         ======         ======      ======           ====== 

</TABLE>

                                       10

<PAGE>

SECURITIES PORTFOLIO

         Federally  chartered savings  institutions have the authority to invest
in various types of liquid assets, including United States Treasury obligations,
securities  of various  federal  agencies,  certain  certificates  of deposit of
insured banks and savings institutions, certain bankers' acceptances, repurchase
agreements  and  federal  funds.  Subject  to  various  restrictions,  federally
chartered savings  institutions may also invest in commercial  paper,  corporate
debt securities and mutual funds whose assets conform to the investments  that a
federally  chartered  savings  institution  is  otherwise   authorized  to  make
directly.  Additionally, the Company must maintain minimum levels of investments
that qualify as liquid  assets under OTS  regulations.  As a member of the FHLB,
the Bank also is required  to maintain  liquid  assets at minimum  levels  which
change from time to time. The Company's  liquid  investments  primarily  include
federal agency securities and federal funds.

         Management of the Company,  with the Board of Directors'  ratification,
sets the investment policy of the Company. This policy dictates that investments
will be made based on the safety of the principal, the liquidity requirements of
the  Company and the return on the  investment  and  capital  appreciation.  All
investment decisions are made by the Investment Committee,  comprised of members
of  Management,  and such  investment  decisions  are  ratified  by the Board of
Directors of the Company.

         The  Company's  investments  include  FHLB-NY  stock,   mortgage-backed
securities insured or guaranteed by FHLMC,  FNMA, GNMA, equity  securities,  and
U.S. government agency securities.

         The  following  table  sets forth  certain  information  regarding  the
amortized cost and estimated market values of the Company's  mortgage-backed and
investment securities at the dates indicated.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        AT DECEMBER 31,
                                              -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      1997                   1996                  1995
                                              ---------------------   --------------------   --------------------
                                                          ESTIMATED              ESTIMATED              ESTIMATED
                                              AMORTIZED    MARKET     AMORTIZED   MARKET     AMORTIZED    MARKET
                                                COST        VALUE       COST       VALUE       COST       VALUE
                                              ---------   ---------   ---------  ---------   ---------   --------
                                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 <S>                                           <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
 Mortgage-backed and investment
  securities held to maturity:
    FHLMC ................................     $ 1,532     $ 1,502     $ 1,608    $ 1,572     $ 1,956     $ 1,879
    FNMA .................................       1,381       1,380       1,621      1,625       1,885       1,890
                                               -------     -------     -------    -------     -------     -------
      Total mortgage-backed and
       investment securities
       held to maturity ..................     $ 2,913     $ 2,882     $ 3,229    $ 3,197     $ 3,841     $ 3,769
                                               =======     =======     =======    =======     =======     =======

  Mortgage-backed and investment
   securities available for sale:
    Collateralized mortgage
     obligations .........................     $ 3,311     $ 3,209     $ 3,334    $ 3,204     $ 3,334     $ 3,156
    U.S. government and federal
     agency obligations ..................      37,324      37,890      38,318     38,222      12,501      12,553
    Equity securities ....................         753         812          --         --          --          --
    FHLMC ................................       7,165       7,191      12,288     12,282      13,873      13,828
    FNMA .................................      12,752      12,679      13,147     13,054      13,335      13,374
    GNMA .................................      11,607      11,632      14,391     14,105      15,261      15,244
                                               -------     -------     -------    -------     -------     -------
      Total mortgage-backed and
       investment securities
       available for sale ................     $72,912     $73,413     $81,478    $80,867     $58,304     $58,155
                                               =======     =======     =======    =======     =======     =======

</TABLE>

                                       11
<PAGE>

SOURCES OF FUNDS

 General

         Deposits  are the  primary  source  of the  Company's  funds for use in
lending and for other general business  purposes.  In addition to deposits,  the
Company obtains funds from advances from the FHLB-NY and other borrowings.

 Deposits

         The Company offers a variety of deposit accounts having a wide range of
interest rates and terms.  The Company's  deposits  consist of regular  savings,
checking,  and money market and certificate accounts. The Company's deposits are
obtained primarily from its market area and it does not currently use brokers to
obtain deposits. The Company relies primarily on aggressive marketing campaigns,
customer service and long-standing  relationships  with customers to attract and
retain these deposits.  The Company pays competitive interest rates on deposits,
but generally does not pay the highest  interest rate among  institutions in its
area.

         The variety of deposit  accounts  offered by the Company has allowed it
to be  competitive  in its  market  area in  obtaining  funds and  respond  with
flexibility to changes in customer demand. As certain customers have become more
interest rate conscious,  the Company has become more  susceptible to short-term
fluctuations  in deposit flows.  The Company has sought to offer various deposit
and checking  options offering  favorable  features not offered by the Company's
competitors and has marketed those products aggressively. Although the Company's
efforts to maintain and  increase its volume of deposits  enabled it to increase
deposits in fiscal  1997,  the  ability of the  Company to attract and  maintain
those accounts will continue to be affected by market conditions.

     The following table presents the deposit activity of the Company for the
periods indicated:

                                                FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                -------------------------------
                                                 1997        1996         1995
                                                -------    -------       ------
                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Net deposits (withdrawals) ................    $12,407     $(1,649)     $ 8,002
Interest credited on deposit accounts .....      7,125       6,774        6,807
                                               -------     -------      -------
Total increase in deposit accounts ........    $19,532     $ 5,125      $14,809
                                               =======     =======      =======

     At December 31, 1997, the Company had $11.7 million in certificate accounts
in amounts of $100,000 or more maturing as follows: 

                                                                   WEIGHTED
      MATURITY PERIOD                               AMOUNT        AVERAGE RATE
     ----------------                              -------       -------------
                                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Three months or less ...........................   $ 5,378          5.39%
Over three through six months ..................     2,673          5.54
Over six through 12 months .....................     2,620          5.55
Over 12 months .................................     1,051          5.67
                                                   -------
Total ..........................................   $11,722
                                                   =======

                                       12

<PAGE>

         The following table presents, by various rate categories, the amount of
certificate  accounts  outstanding  at the dates  indicated  and the  periods to
maturity of the certificate accounts outstanding at December 31, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                        PERIOD TO MATURITY FROM DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                       ---------------------------------------------
                                                                               
                                                  MORE       MORE      MORE     MORE  
                                        LESS      THAN       THAN      THAN     THAN  
                                        THAN     ONE TO     TWO TO   THREE TO  FOUR TO         AT DECEMBER 31,
                                         ONE      TWO        THREE     FOUR     FIVE     ----------------------------
                                        YEAR     YEARS       YEARS     YEARS    YEARS     1997       1996        1995
                                      --------   ------     ------   --------  ------    ------     ------      ------
  Certificate accounts:
<S>                                   <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>      <C>     <C>         <C>        <C>
0 to 4.00% .......................    $     1   $    --     $   --     $ --     $ --    $      1    $   331    $ 1,474
4.01 to 5.00% ....................      2,581       163         --       --       --       2,744     14,310     18,028
5.01 to 6.00% ....................     90,204    11,907      2,673      615      292     105,691     80,829     44,122
6.01 to 7.00% ....................         22       783      1,049       --       --       1,854      4,053     31,525
7.01 to 8.00% ....................         --        --         --       --       --          --         --          8
                                      -------   -------     ------     ----     ----    --------    -------    -------
 Total ...........................    $92,808   $12,853     $3,722     $615     $292    $110,290    $99,523    $95,157
                                      =======   =======     ======     ====     ====    ========    =======    =======
                                                                                
</TABLE>

BORROWINGS

         Although  deposits  are the  Company's  primary  source of  funds,  the
Company's  policy has been to  utilize  borrowings  when they are a less  costly
source of funds.  In  addition,  the Company  may borrow to maintain  regulatory
liquidity.

         The Company  obtains  advances  from the FHLB-NY on the security of its
capital   stock  of  the  FHLB-NY  and  certain  of  its   mortgage   loans  and
mortgage-backed securities. Such advances are made pursuant to several different
credit  programs,  each  of  which  has its  own  interest  rate  and  range  of
maturities.  Regulations  limit the amount of FHLB-NY  advances  to 30% of total
assets without  obtaining  specific  approval from the Board of Directors of the
FHLB-NY. As of December 31, 1997, outstanding advances from the FHLB-NY amounted
to $32.0 million.

         The  following  table  sets forth  certain  information  regarding  the
Company's  borrowed funds at or for the years ended December 31, 1997,  1996 and
1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               AT OR FOR THE YEAR
                                                                               ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                          -------------------------------
                                                                           1997        1996        1995
                                                                         -------      ------     --------
                                                                               (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                     <C>          <C>         <C>
FHLB advances:
 Average balance outstanding ....................................       $34,776      $12,417     $ 2,646
 Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end
  during the period .............................................        41,725       27,000       6,000
 Balance outstanding at end of period ...........................        32,000       27,000       2,000
 Weighted average interest rate during the period ...............          6.56%        6.52%       6.53%

</TABLE>

<PAGE>
SUBSIDIARIES

         The Bank has two  wholly-owned  subsidiaries,  Wayne Savings  Financial
Services Group, Inc. and Wayne Savings Asset Management  Corporation.  Financial
Services began  operation in November 1989 and markets,  as a broker,  financial
products to the  customers of the Company and the general  public.  The products
offered include  annuities,  life insurance,  disability  insurance,  group life
insurance,  stocks, bonds and mutual funds, financial planning, estate planning,
asset management and allocation services. Asset Management has not conducted any
activities to date.

PERSONNEL

         As of December 31, 1997, the Company, including Financial Services, had
55 full-time and 8 part-time  employees.  The employees are not represented by a
collective  bargaining unit, and the Company considers its relationship with its
employees to be good.
                                       13
<PAGE>
                           REGULATION AND SUPERVISION

GENERAL

         The activities of savings institutions,  such as the Bank, are governed
by the Home  Owners'  Loan Act,  as amended  ("HOLA")  and the  Federal  Deposit
Insurance  Act  ("FDI  Act").  The  Bank is  subject  to  extensive  regulation,
examination and supervision by the OTS, as its primary  federal  regulator,  and
the FDIC, as the deposit insurer.  The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan
Bank  ("FHLB")  System and its deposit  accounts  are  insured up to  applicable
limits by the SAIF managed by the FDIC.  The Bank must file reports with the OTS
concerning  its  activities  and  financial  condition  in addition to obtaining
regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions such as mergers
with, or acquisitions  of, other savings  institutions.  The OTS and/or the FDIC
conduct  periodic  examinations  to test the  Bank's  safety and  soundness  and
compliance with various regulatory requirements. This regulation and supervision
establishes a comprehensive  framework of activities in which an institution can
engage and is intended  primarily for the  protection of the insurance  fund and
depositors.  The  regulatory  structure  also gives the  regulatory  authorities
extensive  discretion  in  connection  with their  supervisory  and  enforcement
activities  and  examination  policies,  including  policies with respect to the
classification  of assets and the  establishment  of adequate loan loss reserves
for  regulatory  purposes.  Any  change  in  such  regulatory  requirements  and
policies,  whether by the OTS, the FDIC or the  Congress,  could have a material
adverse  impact on the Company  and its  operations.  Certain of the  regulatory
requirements  applicable  to the  Company  are  referred  to below or  elsewhere
herein.  The description of statutory  provisions and regulations  applicable to
savings  institutions  set  forth in this Form  10-K  does not  purport  to be a
complete  description of such statutes and  regulations and their effects on the
Company.

FEDERAL SAVINGS INSTITUTION REGULATION

         Capital  Requirements.  The OTS  capital  regulations  require  savings
institutions to meet three minimum capital  standards:  a 1.5% tangible  capital
ratio, a 3% leverage (core) capital ratio and an 8% risk-based capital ratio. In
addition, the prompt corrective action standards discussed below also establish,
in effect, a minimum 2% tangible capital standard,  a 4% leverage (core) capital
ratio (3% for  institutions  receiving the highest rating on the CAMEL financial
institution  rating system),  and, together with the risk-based capital standard
itself,  a 4% Tier I  risk-based  capital  standard.  Core capital is defined as
common stockholders' equity (including retained earnings), certain noncumulative
perpetual preferred stock and related surplus,  and minority interests in equity
accounts  of  consolidated  subsidiaries  less  intangibles  other than  certain
purchased  mortgage  servicing  rights and credit  card  relationships.  The OTS
regulations  also require  that, in meeting the  tangible,  leverage  (core) and
risk-based capital standards,  institutions must generally deduct investments in
and loans to  subsidiaries  engaged in activities not permissible for a national
bank.

         The risk-based capital standard for savings  institutions  requires the
maintenance of Tier I (core) and total capital (which is defined as core capital
and supplementary  capital) to risk-weighted  assets of 4% and 8%, respectively.
In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets, all assets, including certain
off-balance sheet assets,  are multiplied by a risk-weight factor of 0% to 100%,
as assigned by the OTS capital  regulation  based on the risks OTS  believes are
inherent  in the type of asset.  The  components  of Tier I (core)  capital  are
equivalent to those discussed earlier.  The components of supplementary  capital
currently include  cumulative  preferred stock,  long-term  perpetual  preferred
stock,  mandatory  convertible  securities,  subordinated  debt and intermediate
preferred stock and the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum
of 1.25% of risk-weighted  assets.  Overall, the amount of supplementary capital
included as part of total capital cannot exceed 100% of core capital.

         The OTS regulatory  capital  requirements  also incorporate an interest
rate risk component. Savings institutions with "above normal" interest rate risk
exposure  are  subject  to a  deduction  from  total  capital  for  purposes  of
calculating  their  risk-based  capital  requirements.  A savings  institution's
interest rate risk is measured by the decline in the net portfolio  value of its
assets (i.e., the difference between incoming and outgoing discounted cash flows
from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts) that would result from
a  hypothetical  200 basis point  increase or decrease in market  interest rates
divided  by the  estimated  economic  value  of  the  institution's  assets.  In
calculating  its total  capital  under the  risk-based  capital  rule, a savings
institution whose measured interest rate risk exposure exceeds 2% must deduct an
amount equal to one-half of the difference  between the  institution's  measured
interest rate risk and 2%,  multiplied by the  estimated  economic  value of the
institution's  assets.  The  Director  of the OTS may  waive or defer a  savings
institution's  interest rate risk component on a  case-by-case  basis. A savings
institution with assets of

                                       14
<PAGE>
less than $300  million and  risk-based  capital  ratios in excess of 12% is not
subject  to  the  interest  rate  risk  component,  unless  the  OTS  determines
otherwise.  For the present  time,  the OTS has deferred  implementation  of the
interest  rate risk  component.  At December 31, 1997,  the Bank met each of its
capital  requirements,  in  each  case  on a  fully  phased-in  basis  and it is
anticipated  that the  Bank  will  not be  subject  to the  interest  rate  risk
component.

         Prompt Corrective  Regulatory  Action.  Under the OTS prompt corrective
action  regulations,  the OTS is required to take  certain  supervisory  actions
against  undercapitalized  institutions,  the severity of which depends upon the
institution's degree of undercapitalization. Generally, a savings institution is
considered  "well  capitalized"  if its ratio of total capital to  risk-weighted
assets is at least  10%,  its ratio of Tier I (core)  capital  to  risk-weighted
assets is at least 6%, its ratio of core capital to total assets is at least 5%,
and it is not  subject to any order or  directive  by the OTS to meet a specific
capital  level.  A  savings  institution  generally  is  considered  "adequately
capitalized" if its ratio of total capital to  risk-weighted  assets is at least
8%, its ratio of Tier I (core) capital to  risk-weighted  assets is at least 4%,
and its  ratio  of core  capital  to  total  assets  is at  least  4% (3% if the
institution receives the highest CAMEL rating). A savings institution that has a
ratio of total capital to risk weighted  assets of less than 8%, a ratio of Tier
I (core)  capital  to  risk-weighted  assets  of less than 4% or a ratio of core
capital to total  assets of less than 4% (3% or less for  institutions  with the
highest  examination rating) is considered to be  "undercapitalized."  A savings
institution  that has a total  risk-based  capital  ratio less than 6%, a Tier 1
capital  ratio  of less  than 3% or a  leverage  ratio  that is less  than 3% is
considered to be "significantly undercapitalized" and a savings institution that
has a tangible  capital to assets ratio equal to or less than 2% is deemed to be
"critically  undercapitalized."  Subject  to a  narrow  exception,  the  banking
regulator is required to appoint a receiver or  conservator  for an  institution
that is  "critically  undercapitalized."  The  regulation  also  provides that a
capital restoration plan must be filed with the OTS within 45 days of the date a
savings   institution   receives   notice   that   it   is   "undercapitalized,"
"significantly  undercapitalized" or "critically  undercapitalized."  Compliance
with the plan must be guaranteed  by any parent  holding  company.  In addition,
numerous  mandatory  supervisory  actions  become  immediately  applicable to an
undercapitalized   institution,   including,   but  not  limited  to,  increased
monitoring by regulators and restrictions on growth,  capital  distributions and
expansion.  The OTS  could  also  take  any  one of a  number  of  discretionary
supervisory  actions,  including  the  issuance of a capital  directive  and the
replacement of senior executive officers and directors.

         Insurance of Deposit Accounts.  The Bank's deposit accounts are insured
by the SAIF to a maximum of $100,000 for each insured  member (as defined by law
and regulation).  The FDIC has the authority,  should it initiate  proceeding to
terminate an institution's  deposit  insurance,  to suspend the insurance of any
such institution without tangible capital. However, if a savings institution has
positive capital when it includes qualifying  intangible assets, the FDIC cannot
suspend deposit  insurance unless capital declines  materially,  the institution
fails to enter into and remain in  compliance  with an approved  capital plan or
the institution is operating in an unsafe manner.

         Regardless of an institution's capital level, insurance of deposits may
be  terminated  by the FDIC upon  finding  that the  institution  has engaged in
unsafe or unsound  practices,  is in an unsafe or unsound  condition to continue
operations  or has violated  any  applicable  law,  regulation,  rule,  order or
condition imposed by the FDIC or the institution's primary regulator.

         The FDIC  charges an annual  assessment  for the  insurance of deposits
based on the risk a particular  institution poses to its deposit insurance fund.
Under this system, SAIF insured  institutions pay within a range of six cents to
31 cents per $100 of domestic  deposits,  depending upon the institution's  risk
classification. This amount includes an annual assessment of six basis points to
be paid to the Financing Corp. (FICO Bonds).  This risk  classification is based
on an  institution's  capital  group and  supervisory  subgroup  assignment.  In
addition,  the FDIC is authorized to increase such deposit insurance rates, on a
semi-annual  basis,  if it determines that such action is necessary by the FDIC.
The Bank's federal deposit insurance premium expense for the year ended December
31, 1997, amounted to approximately $92,000.

         Thrift  Rechartering  Legislation.  Various  proposals to eliminate the
federal thrift  charter,  create a uniform  financial  institutions  charter and
abolish  the OTS have been  introduced  in  Congress.  The bills  would  require
federal savings institutions to convert to a national bank or some type of state
charter by a specified date or they would  automatically  become national banks.
Converted   federal  thrifts  would  generally  be  required  to  conform  their
activities  to those  permitted  for the charter  selected  and  divestiture  of
nonconforming  assets would be required  over a two year period,  subject to two
possible one year  extensions.  State chartered  thrifts would become subject to
the same  federal  regulation  as applies  to state  commercial  banks.  Holding
companies for savings  institutions  would become subject to the same regulation
as holding companies that control commercial banks, with a limited grandfather
                                       15
<PAGE>
provision for unitary savings and loan holding company  activities.  The Company
is unable to predict whether such  legislation  would be enacted,  the extent to
which the  legislation  would  restrict or disrupt its operations or whether the
BIF and SAIF funds will eventually merge.

         Loans  to One  Borrower.  Under  the  HOLA,  savings  institutions  are
generally subject to the limits on loans to one borrower  applicable to national
banks. Generally, savings institutions may not make a loan or extend credit to a
single or related group of borrowers in excess of 15% of its unimpaired  capital
and  surplus.  An  additional  amount  may be lent,  equal to 10% of  unimpaired
capital and surplus, if such loan is secured by  readily-marketable  collateral,
which is  defined to include  certain  financial  instruments  and  bullion.  At
December  31,  1997,  the  Company's  limit on loans  to one  borrower  was $4.5
million.  At December 31, 1997,  the  Company's  largest  aggregate  outstanding
balance of loans to one borrower was $2.1 million.

         Qualified  Thrift Lender Test ("QTL Test").  The HOLA requires  savings
institutions  to meet a QTL  test.  Under  the QTL  test,  a  savings  and  loan
association  is  required to  maintain  at least 65% of its  "portfolio  assets"
(total assets less: (i) specified liquid assets up to 20% of total assets;  (ii)
intangibles, including goodwill; and (iii) the value of property used to conduct
business)  in certain  "qualified  thrift  investments"  (primarily  residential
mortgages and related investments, including certain mortgage-backed securities)
in at least 9 months out of each 12 month period.

         A savings  institution  that  fails the QTL test is  subject to certain
operating  restrictions and may be required to convert to a bank charter.  As of
December  31,  1997,  the Bank  maintained  77.2%  of its  portfolio  assets  in
qualified thrift investments and, therefore, met the QTL test.

         Limitation on Capital Distributions. OTS regulations impose limitations
upon all capital distributions by savings institutions,  such as cash dividends,
payments to repurchase or otherwise acquire its shares, payments to shareholders
of another  institution  in a cash-out  merger and other  distributions  charged
against  capital.  The rule establishes  three tiers of institutions,  which are
based primarily on an  institution's  capital level. An institution that exceeds
all fully phased-in  capital  requirements  before and after a proposed  capital
distribution  ("Tier 1 Bank") and has not been  advised by the OTS that it is in
need of more than normal  supervision,  could,  after  prior  notice but without
obtaining approval of the OTS, make capital distributions during a calendar year
equal to the greater of (i) 100% of its net earnings to date during the calendar
year plus the amount that would reduce by one-half its "surplus  capital  ratio"
(the  excess  capital  over its fully  phased-in  capital  requirements)  at the
beginning  of the  calendar  year or (ii) 75% of its net income for the previous
four  quarters.   Any  additional  capital  distributions  would  require  prior
regulatory  approval.  In the event the Bank's capital fell below its regulatory
requirements  or the OTS  notified  it that it was in need of more  than  normal
supervision,   the  Bank's  ability  to  make  capital  distributions  could  be
restricted.  In addition, the OTS could prohibit a proposed capital distribution
by any institution, which would otherwise be permitted by the regulation, if the
OTS  determines  that such  distribution  would  constitute an unsafe or unsound
practice.  In  December  1994,  the  OTS  proposed  amendments  to  its  capital
distribution  regulation that would  generally  authorize the payment of capital
distributions  without OTS approval provided that the payment does not cause the
institution to be  undercapitalized  within the meaning of the prompt corrective
action  regulation.  However,  institutions in a holding company structure would
still have a prior notice requirement. At December 31, 1997, the Bank was a Tier
1 Bank.

         Liquidity. The Bank is required to maintain an average daily balance of
specified  liquid  assets  equal  to a  quarterly  average  of not  less  than a
specified  percentage of its net  withdrawable  deposit accounts plus short-term
borrowings.  This liquidity  requirement is currently 4% but may be changed from
time to time by the OTS to any amount  within  the range of 4% to 10%  depending
upon  economic  conditions  and the savings  flows of member  institutions.  OTS
regulations also require each member savings  institution to maintain an average
daily balance of short-term liquid assets at a specified percentage of the total
of its net withdrawable  deposit accounts and borrowings  payable in one year or
less.  Monetary  penalties  may be imposed for  failure to meet these  liquidity
requirements.  The Bank's liquidity ratio for December 31, 1997 was 40.2%, which
exceeded the applicable requirements.

         Assessments.  Savings  institutions  are required to pay assessments to
the OTS to fund the  agency's  operations.  The general  assessments,  paid on a
semi-annual  basis,  are computed upon the savings  institution's  total assets,
including consolidated subsidiaries,  as reported in the Bank's latest quarterly
thrift  financial  report.  The assessments paid by the Company for the calendar
year ended December 31, 1997 totalled $68,000.

         Branching.  OTS regulations  permit  nationwide  branching by federally
chartered  savings  institutions to the extent allowed by federal statute.  This
permits federal savings institutions to establish interstate networks and to
                                       16
<PAGE>

geographically  diversify their loan  portfolios and lines of business.  The OTS
authority  preempts any state law  purporting  to regulate  branching by federal
savings institutions.

         Transactions with Related Parties. The Company's authority to engage in
transactions  with  related  parties or  "affiliates"  (e.g.,  any company  that
controls or is under common control with an  institution) is limited by Sections
23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act ("FRA"). Section 23A limits the aggregate
amount of  covered  transactions  with any  individual  affiliate  to 10% of the
capital and surplus of the savings institution.  The aggregate amount of covered
transactions with all affiliates is limited to 20% of the savings  institution's
capital and surplus.  Certain  transactions  with  affiliates are required to be
secured by  collateral  in an amount and of a type  described in Section 23A and
the purchase of low quality  assets from  affiliates  is  generally  prohibited.
Section 23B  generally  provides  that  certain  transactions  with  affiliates,
including loans and asset purchases,  must be on terms and under  circumstances,
including  credit  standards,  that  are  substantially  the same or at least as
favorable to the  institution  as those  prevailing  at the time for  comparable
transactions with non-affiliated  companies.  In addition,  savings institutions
are prohibited  from lending to any affiliate that is engaged in activities that
are not  permissible for bank holding  companies and no savings  institution may
purchase the securities of any affiliate other than a subsidiary.

         The Bank's authority to extend credit to executive officers,  directors
and 10% shareholders ("insiders"),  as well as entities such persons control, is
governed by Sections  22(g) and 22(h) of the FRA and  Regulation  O  thereunder.
Among other  things,  such loans are required to be made on terms  substantially
the same as those offered to  unaffiliated  individuals  and to not involve more
than the normal risk of repayment.  Recent legislation  created an exception for
loans  made  pursuant  to a  benefit  or  compensation  program  that is  widely
available to all employees of the  institution  and does not give  preference to
insiders over other employees. Regulation O also places individual and aggregate
limits on the amount of loans the Company may make to insiders  based,  in part,
on the Company's capital position and requires certain board approval procedures
to be followed.

         Enforcement.  Under  the  FDI  Act,  the OTS  has  primary  enforcement
responsibility over savings  institutions and has the authority to bring actions
against  the  institution  and  all  institution-affiliated  parties,  including
stockholders,  and any attorneys,  appraisers and  accountants  who knowingly or
recklessly participate in wrongful action likely to have an adverse effect on an
insured institution.  Formal enforcement action may range from the issuance of a
capital  directive  or cease and  desist  order to removal  of  officers  and/or
directors to  institution  of  receivership,  conservatorship  or termination of
deposit  insurance.  Civil  penalties  cover a wide range of violations  and can
amount to $25,000 per day, or even $1 million  per day in  especially  egregious
cases.  Under  the FDI Act,  the  FDIC has the  authority  to  recommend  to the
Director of the OTS enforcement  action to be taken with respect to a particular
savings  institution.  If  action  is not  taken by the  Director,  the FDIC has
authority  to take such action  under  certain  circumstances.  Federal law also
establishes criminal penalties for certain violations.

         Standards for Safety and Soundness.  The federal banking  agencies have
adopted Interagency  Guidelines  Prescribing  Standards for Safety and Soundness
("Guidelines")  and a final rule to  implement  safety and  soundness  standards
required  under the FDI Act. The  Guidelines  set forth the safety and soundness
standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems
at  insured  depository   institutions  before  capital  becomes  impaired.  The
standards set forth in the Guidelines  address internal controls and information
systems;  internal  audit  system;  credit  underwriting;   loan  documentation;
interest rate risk exposure; asset growth; and compensation,  fees and benefits.
If the appropriate  federal banking agency  determines that an institution fails
to meet any standard  prescribed by the  Guidelines,  the agency may require the
institution  to submit to the agency an  acceptable  plan to achieve  compliance
with the  standard,  as  required  by the FDI Act.  The final  rule  establishes
deadlines for the submission and review of such safety and soundness  compliance
plans when such plans are required.

         Federal  Reserve  System.   The  Federal  Reserve  Board  requires  all
depository  institutions to maintain  non-interest bearing reserves at specified
levels against their transaction accounts (primarily checking, NOW and Super NOW
checking  accounts) and non-personal time deposits.  The balances  maintained to
meet the reserve  requirements  imposed by the Federal Reserve Board may be used
to satisfy the liquidity  requirements  that are imposed by the OTS. At December
31, 1997,  the Bank's total  transaction  accounts were in  compliance  with the
Federal Reserve Board requirements.

         Savings  associations have authority to borrow from the Federal Reserve
Bank "discount  window," but Federal Reserve policy  generally  requires savings
associations  to exhaust  all OTS  sources  before  borrowing  from the  Federal
Reserve System. The Bank had no such borrowings as of December 31, 1997.

                                       17

<PAGE>

ADDITIONAL ITEM: EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

         The  following  table  sets forth  certain  information  regarding  the
executive officers of the Company and Bank who are not directors.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

         NAME                  AGE(1)            POSITION(S) HELD WITH THE BANK
        ------                --------           -------------------------------
<S>                             <C>       <C>
Michael G. DeBenedette          47        Executive  Vice  President,  Chief  Operating  Officer and  Corporate
                                            Secretary since March 1988.

Robert L. Frega                 43        Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer since February 1998 and
                                            Senior Commercial Loan Officer since March 1997. Prior to that he was 
                                            Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer with Fleet Bank, NA.

Timothy P. Tierney              55        Vice  President and Chief  Financial  Officer since  September  1994.
                                            Prior  to  that he was  Vice  President  and  Controller  of  Crestmont
                                            Federal Savings and Loan Association.

                                            Position(s) Held With Wayne Savings Financial Services Group, Inc.
                                            ------------------------------------------------------------------
Gary Len                        37        President,  Chief  Operating  Officer since  October  1996.  Prior to
                                            that he was Vice President since November 1989.

</TABLE>

- ------------------
(1) As of December 31, 1997.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

         The Company  conducts its business  through five branch offices and one
administrative  office,  four of which are located in Passaic County, New Jersey
and one in Essex County,  New Jersey. The following table sets forth information
relating to each of the  Company's  offices and other  properties as of December
31, 1997.  The total net book value of the  Company's  premises and equipment at
December 31, 1997 was $3.3 million.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    ORIGINAL                      NET BOOK VALUE
                                                                      YEAR                        OF PROPERTY OR
                                                      LEASED         LEASED        DATE OF           LEASEHOLD
                                                        OR             OR           LEASE          IMPROVEMENTS
        LOCATION                                       OWNED        ACQUIRED     EXPIRATION      DECEMBER 31, 1997
        --------                                      -------       --------     ----------      -----------------
<S>                                                    <C>             <C>             <C>          <C>
  ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE:
  1195 Hamburg Turnpike
  Wayne, New Jersey ............................      Owned            1988             --          $2,716,598

  BRANCH OFFICES:
  1501 Hamburg Turnpike
  Wayne, New Jersey ............................      Leased           1992           2001              60,585

  1504 Route 23
  (Packanack Shopping Center)
  Wayne, New Jersey ............................      Leased           1959           2002             101,044

  Valley Ridge Shopping Center
  Valley Road at Preakness Avenue
  Wayne, New Jersey ............................      Leased           1971           2000              98,389

  5 Sicomac Avenue
  North Haledon, New Jersey ....................      Leased           1992           2024              32,512

  363 Route 46
  Fairfield, New Jersey ........................      Leased           1997           2001             137,927

  OTHER PROPERTIES:

  1255 Hamburg Turnpike
  Wayne, New Jersey ............................      Owned            1962(1)          --             159,692
</TABLE>
- ------------------
(1)   This property was acquired by the Bank to serve as the Bank's main office.
      The Bank began building on the property in 1962 and used that facility
      until 1992. The property is currently being leased to third parties.

                                       18
<PAGE>

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

         Neither  the  Company nor its  Subsidiary  are  involved in any pending
legal  proceedings,  other  than  routine  legal  proceedings  occurring  in the
ordinary course of business,  which involve amounts which, in the aggregate, are
believed by Management to be immaterial to the financial condition or results of
operations of the Company.

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

     None
                                     PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDERS' MATTERS.

         Information  relating to the market for Registrant's  common equity and
related  stockholder  matters  appear  under  "Stockholder  Information"  in the
Registrant's  1997 Annual Report to  Stockholders on page 40 and is incorporated
herein by  reference.  On February  11,  1998,  the  Company had 492  registered
stockholders.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

         The above captioned information appears under "Selected Financial Data"
in  the  Registrant's  1997  Annual  Report  to  Stockholders  on  page 3 and is
incorporated herein by reference.

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

         The above captioned information appears under "Management's  Discussion
and  Analysis  of  Financial   Condition  and  Results  of  Operations"  in  the
Registrant's  1997  Annual  Report to  Stockholders  on pages 4 through 8 and is
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK.

         The above captioned information appears under "Management's  Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of  Operations--Market  Risk" in
the Registrant's  1997 Annual Report to Stockholders and is incorporated  herein
by reference.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

         The  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  of Wayne  Bancorp,  Inc.  and
Subsidiary, together with the report thereon by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP appears in
the  Registrant's  1997 Annual Report to Stockholders on pages 13 through 39 and
are incorporated herein by reference

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

         None.

                                    PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

         The  information  relating to Directors and  Executive  Officers of the
Registrant  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference  to the  Registrant's  Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 24, 1998 at
pages  4  through  6.  Information  concerning  Executive  Officers  who are not
directors  is contained  in Part I of this report  pursuant to paragraph  (b) of
Item 401 of Regulation S-K in reliance on Instruction G.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

         The  information  relating to Director and  Executive  Compensation  is
incorporated  herein by reference to the  Registrant's  Proxy  Statement for the
Annual Meeting of  Stockholders  to be held on March 24, 1998 at pages 9 through
16,  (excluding  the  Compensation  Committee  Report and the Stock  Performance
Graph).

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

         The information  relating to Security  Ownership of Certain  Beneficial
Owners and Management of the Registrant is  incorporated  herein by reference to
the  Registrant's  Proxy  Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be
held on March 24, 1998 at page 3.

                                       19

<PAGE>

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

         The  information   relating  to  Certain   Relationships   and  Related
Transactions  of the  Registrant  is  incorporated  herein by  reference  to the
Registrant's  Proxy  Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held
on March 24, 1998 at page 16.

                                     PART IV

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

(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report:

    (1) Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are incorporated by
    reference to the following indicated pages of the 1997 Annual Report to
    Stockholders:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                           Page
                                                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                                                       <C>
Independent Auditors' Report ..........................................................................      39
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 .......................      13
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 ................      14
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1997,
 1996 and 1995 ........................................................................................      15
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 ............   16-17
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ............................................................   18-38

</TABLE>

         The   remaining   information   appearing  in  the  Annual   Report  to
Stockholders  is not  deemed  to be  filed  as part of this  report,  except  as
expressly provided herein.

     (2) All schedules are omitted because they are not required or applicable,
     or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial
     statements or the notes thereto.

     (3) Exhibits

           (a) The following exhibits are filed as part of this report.

3.1   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Wayne Bancorp, Inc.*
3.2   Bylaws of Wayne Bancorp, Inc.* 
4.0   Stock Certificate of Wayne Bancorp, Inc. *
10.1  Employment Agreement between Wayne Bancorp, Inc. and Johanna
        O'Connell ***
10.2  Employment Agreement between Wayne Savings Bank,
       F.S.B. and Johanna O'Connell *** 
10.3  Form of Change in Control Agreement
       between Wayne Bancorp, Inc. and Certain Executive Officers
10.4  Employment Agreement between Wayne Savings Financial Services Group, Inc.
       and Gary Len *** 
10.5  Employee Severance Compensation Plan * 
10.6  Employee Stock Ownership Plan * 
10.7  Incentive Stock Plan** 
11.0  Earnings  Per Share Computation
13.0  1997 Annual Report
21.0  Subsidiaries-See "Part I--Subsidiaries," which information is incorporated
       by reference
27.0  Financial Data Schedule

     (b) Reports on From 8-K
          None

- ---------------
*   Incorporated herein by reference to the Exhibits to Form S-1 Registration
    Statement, as amended, filed on March 18, 1996 Registration Number
    333-2488 and declared effective May 13, 1996.

**  Incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement for the Special
    Meeting of Stockholders filed on December 9, 1996.

*** Incorporated  herein by reference to the Exhibits to the Registrant's 
    Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 20691) filed on March 11, 1997.

                                       20

<PAGE>

         Pursuant to the  requirements of Section 13 of the Securities  Exchange
Act of 1934,  the  Registrant  has duly  caused  this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                                WAYNE BANCORP, INC.


                                              By  /s/ HAROLD P. COOK, III
                                                 ----------------------------
                                                     Harold P. Cook, III
                                                Chairman of the Board And CEO

     Dated: March 24, 1998

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

           SIGNATURE                             TITLE                                  DATE
           ---------                             -----                                  -----
<S>                                       <C>                                       <C>            
   /s/    HAROLD P. COOK, III             Chairman of the Board, CEO                March 24, 1998
- --------------------------------           and Director
         (Harold P. Cook, III)             (Principal Executive Officer)
                                           
   /s/     JOHANNA O'CONNELL              President and Director                    March 24, 1998
- --------------------------------
          (Johanna O'Connell)

   /s/     WILLIAM J. LLOYD               Director                                  March 24, 1998
- --------------------------------
          (William J. Lloyd)

   /s/     DAVID M. COLLINS               Director                                  March 24, 1998
- --------------------------------
          (David M. Collins)

   /s/     THOMAS D. COLLINS              Director                                  March 24, 1998
- --------------------------------
          (Thomas D. Collins)

   /s/ NICHOLAS S. GENTILE, JR.           Director                                  March 24, 1998
- --------------------------------
      (Nicholas S. Gentile, JR.)

   /s/      RONALD HIGGINS                Director                                  March 24, 1998
- --------------------------------
           (Ronald Higgins)

   /s/        RICHARD LEN                 Director                                  March 24, 1998
- --------------------------------
             (Richard Len)

   /s/       CHARLES LOTA                 Director                                  March 24, 1998
- --------------------------------
            (Charles Lota)

   /s/      DENNIS POLLACK                Director                                  March 24, 1998
- --------------------------------
           (Dennis Pollack)

   /s/    TIMOTHY P. TIERNEY              V. P. and Comptroller                     March 24, 1998
- --------------------------------           (Principal Financial Officer)
         (Timothy P. Tierney) 

</TABLE>

                                       21

<PAGE>
                                                                      APPENDIX E

WAYNE BANCORP, INC.

                                     [LOGO]


                                 ANNUAL REPORT

                                      1997





                              Table of Contents

                                                                         Page
                                                                         -----
 Letter to Stockholders .............................................       1
 Selected Financial Data ............................................       3
 Management's Discussion and Analysis ...............................       4
 Consolidated Financial Statements ..................................      13
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements .........................      18
 Independent Auditors' Report .......................................      39
 Stockholder Information ............................................      40
 Directors and Officers .............................................      41
 Banking Locations ..................................................      41

<PAGE>

Dear Fellow Shareholders:

         Nineteen  Hundred and Ninety Seven marked  Wayne  Bancorp's  first full
year as a public Company. It was an exciting, challenging and successful year. I
am pleased to report that your Company achieved and, in many cases, exceeded the
goals of its business plan.

         For the period  ended  December  31, 1997,  the  Company's  gross loans
increased $35.3 million to $182.5 million. In addition, deposits increased $19.5
million to $198.5  million.  Of particular  significance is the increase of $3.9
million, to $10.4 million, in noninterest bearing deposits.

         Of  all  of  your  Company's  accomplishments  during  1997,  the  most
significant and visible has been the increase in the value of your investment in
Wayne Bancorp. For the year, the price of Wayne Bancorp's common stock increased
from  $15.25  to  $26.75,  a 43%  gain,  not  including  dividends  paid  to our
shareholders.

         We remain confident that our ongoing efforts to implement our strategic
business  plan will continue your  Company's  transformation  into a profitable,
multifaceted  community bank, serving and prospering in our unique local market.
And, we remain  committed to  enhancing  the value of your  investment  in Wayne
Bancorp.  We have  successfully  closed over $17.4 million in commercial,  multi
family,  commercial real estate and construction loans. And, through our ongoing
team efforts the Bank  reported a 60% increase in  noninterest  bearing  deposit
accounts.

         An important part of Wayne Bancorp's  strategic  business plan includes
the expansion of our commercial  lending  activities.  At the close of the first
quarter,  we took a big step in expanding  Wayne  Bancorp's  commercial  lending
operations by  successfully  recruiting  Robert L. Frega to join our  management
team as Senior Vice President responsible for Commercial Lending.  Formerly with
Fleet Bank, Bob brings to us over twenty years of commercial  lending  expertise
and his  efforts are already  apparent,  by  leveraging  his  existing  business
relationships and building on referrals from our board of directors and existing
management team. This operation will further enhance our ability to increase our
cross  selling  efforts and products per customer  while  attracting  lower cost
demand deposits, once the exclusive domain of commercial banks.

         Another  significant  part of our  business  strategy  involved  branch
office  expansion to extend your Bank's market area. In July, we opened a retail
branch on Route 46, in Fairfield.  The branch is unique in that it was a turnkey
leasehold  that was  acquired at a very  attractive  rental which is expected to
assist  the  branch  in  its  profitability  expectations.   Significantly,  the
Fairfield area also provides a multitude of opportunities to grow our commercial
customer base and cross-sell various products and services.

         In August, we successfully  obtained municipal and regulatory approvals
to open a branch on Franklin  Avenue in Wyckoff,  New  Jersey,  a Bergen  County
municipality   with  a  strong  local   business   community.   Wyckoff   offers
opportunities for above average deposit growth in addition to providing a source
of financial service  opportunities.  We anticipate opening our temporary branch
in February with the permanent branch opening in the third quarter of 1998. Both
Fairfield  and  Wyckoff  are  natural  extensions  of our market area and should
enhance our franchise value.

         We have  successfully  developed and continue to market our Home Equity
variable  rate  program.  With these  loans  being tied to our "prime  rate" our
interest rate risk is significantly reduced. Additionally, our Home Equity fixed
rate first lien  program  affords us an average loan to value ratio of less than
30%.

         As an added service to our  stockholders  the Company has  instituted a
dividend reinvestment plan. Information pertaining to the plan was mailed to all
stockholders  of record as of January 15, 1998  including an  explanation of the
plan and an enrollment card. The dividend reinvestment plan allows participating
stockholders to reinvest dividends and voluntary  contributions for the purchase
of additional shares of the Company's common stock without brokerage commissions
or service charges.

         Your  management team continues to expand our product line and services
to better serve our customers  and  communities.  Some of our expanded  products
include  medical  savings  accounts,   overdraft  checking,  merchant  accounts,
telephonic   banking  and  our  premier  direct  mail  money  market   accounts.
Additionally, we are very supportive of local charitable and civic organizations
that serve our communities. It's simply a matter of good business.

<PAGE>

         During 1997,  we  successfully  implemented  and completed two separate
five percent stock  repurchases as part of our overall  strategic plan to manage
capital and most significantly,  maximize shareholder value. We intend to pursue
necessary  regulatory  approvals during the current year so that we can continue
to utilize open market stock repurchases to enhance shareholder value.

         Our first year as a public Company can be characterized as a successful
year  of  achievement.  We are  proud  to  have  met  or  surpassed  our  goals,
particularly  when  compared to the  performance  of our peers,  other  recently
converted  thrifts.  Our board of  directors  and  management  look  forward  to
continuing to improve  performance by constantly  modifying and  fine-tuning our
strategic  plan to adapt to changes in the economy  and our market  place and to
take advantage of long and short term business opportunities that arise. As with
any  investment,  these benefits are not necessarily  immediate,  but often take
time.

         We begin 1998 with great anticipation and excitement. Our plans include
executing and implementing certain business opportunities on the holding Company
level which will compliment our  traditional  community  banking  activities and
have a synergistic effect on the Company's  performance.  As indicated above, we
are  committed  to managing  our capital on all levels with a view to  enhancing
shareholder  value.  We  believe  that our  Company  is  poised to  develop  its
franchise  and to benefit  from a vibrant  local  economy,  a strong real estate
market and business  opportunities brought about by the dedication and hard work
of our officers, directors and staff.

         We remain committed to maximizing the value of your investment in Wayne
Bancorp and benefiting the  communities we serve.  Thank you for your confidence
and continued support.

 Sincerely,



    Harold P. Cook, III
   Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer

                                       2

<PAGE>

                             SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                    -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      1997         1996           1995           1994          1993
                                                    --------      -------        --------       ------       --------
                                                                             IN THOUSANDS
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets ..................................    $270,043      $244,081       $207,997       $176,664      $183,228
Securities available for sale .................      73,413        80,867         58,155          3,360        11,715
Securities held to maturity ...................       2,913         3,229          3,841         50,304        33,774
Loans receivable, net .........................     178,932       145,425        111,988        113,091       106,333
Deposits ......................................     198,479       178,947        173,822        159,013       166,821
Total stockholders' equity ....................      33,944        36,911         17,299         16,259        15,005

                                                                                         FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                          ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           1997         1996        1995        1994         1993
                                                                          ------       ------      ------      ------       -------
                                                                               IN THOUSANDS
<S>                                                                      <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
SELECTED OPERATING DATA:
Interest income .....................................................    $ 18,766     $ 15,458    $ 13,136     $ 11,833    $ 12,633
Interest expense ....................................................       9,908        7,958       6,950        5,172       5,753
                                                                         --------     --------    --------     --------    --------
Net interest income before provision for loan losses ................       8,858        7,500       6,186        6,661       6,880
Provision for loan losses ...........................................         400          200         152          316         286
                                                                         --------     --------    --------     --------    --------
Net interest income after provision for loan losses .................       8,458        7,300       6,034        6,345       6,594
Other Income:
 Net gain (loss) from sale of securities available for sale .........          (2)        --          (363)         270          (3)
 Other ..............................................................         699          585         638          450         499
                                                                         --------     --------    --------     --------    --------
 Total other income .................................................         697          585         275          720         496
Other expenses ......................................................       5,990        6,816       4,951        4,432       4,155
                                                                         --------     --------    --------     --------    --------
Income before income tax expense ....................................       3,165        1,069       1,358        2,633       2,935
Income tax expense ..................................................       1,211          403         487          944         745
                                                                         --------     --------    --------     --------    --------
Net income ..........................................................    $  1,954     $    666    $    871     $  1,689    $  2,190
                                                                         ========     ========    ========     ========    ========

                                                                                   AT OR FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                       -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                        1997    1996          1995        1994         1993
                                                                       -----   ------        ------      ------       ------        
<S>                                                                   <C>       <C>           <C>        <C>          <C>   
SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS AND OTHER DATA:
PERFORMANCE RATIOS:
 Return on average assets ....................................         0.76%     0.31%        0.46%       0.93%        1.21%
 Return on average equity ....................................         5.63      2.33         5.12       10.79        15.76
 Average equity to average assets ............................        13.45     13.21         9.03        8.63         7.68
 Equity to total assets at end of period .....................        12.57     15.12         8.32        9.20         8.10
 Average interest rate spread ................................         2.93      3.01         3.13        3.63         3.83
 Net interest margin .........................................         3.50      3.54         3.42        3.82         3.99
Average interest-earning assets to average
 interest-bearing liabilities ................................       114.64    113.99       107.63      106.36       104.59
Efficiency Ratio (1) .........................................        62.69     61.86        72.07       62.33        56.31
General and administrative expense to average assets .........         2.32      3.07         2.45        2.44         2.30
Non-performing loans as a percent of gross loans .............         1.29      1.41         2.16        3.17         3.26
Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets ...........         0.89      0.90         1.46        2.61         2.65
Allowance for loan losses as a percent
 of gross loans receivable ...................................         1.19      1.21         1.40        1.34         1.15
Allowance for loan losses as a percent
 of non-performing loans .....................................        93.21     86.18        64.86       42.33        35.24
Dividends declared per common share ..........................       $ 0.20    $  --        $  --       $  --        $  --
Number of full-service customer facilities ...................            5         4            4           4            4
</TABLE>
- --------------

(1)  Total noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income before
     provision for loan losses and noninterest income which excludes the effect
     in 1996 of a one time FDIC special SAIF assessment and a non-recurring
     charge for benefits paid to the Company's former President and CEO.

                                       3
<PAGE>

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

GENERAL

         The  Company's  results of operations  are  primarily  dependent on net
interest  income  which is the  difference  between  interest  income  on loans,
investments and other  interest-earning  assets and interest expense on deposits
and borrowings. Interest income on loans, investments and other interest-earning
assets is a function of the average balances  outstanding  during the period and
the average rates earned.  Interest  expense is a function of the average amount
of deposits and borrowings  outstanding during the period and average rates paid
on such deposits and borrowings. The Company's net income is further affected by
the  level of its  other  expenses,  such as  salaries  and  employee  benefits,
occupancy and equipment  costs,  federal deposit  insurance  premiums and income
taxes.

         This Annual Report  includes  statements  that may  constitute  forward
looking  statements,   usually  containing  the  words  "believe,"   "estimate",
"project", "expect," "intend," or similar expressions. These statements are made
pursuant to the safe harbor  provisions  of the  Private  Securities  Litigation
Reform Act of 1995.  Forward  looking  statements  inherently  involve risks and
uncertainties  that could cause actual results to differ  materially  from those
reflected  in the forward  looking  statements.  Factors that could cause future
results to vary from current  expectations  include, but are not limited to, the
following:  changes in economic  conditions (both generally and more specific in
the markets in which the Company operates);  changes in interest rates,  deposit
flows,  loan demand,  real estate values and competition;  changes in accounting
principles,  policies or guidelines and in government legislation and regulation
(which  change  from time to time and over which the  Company  has no  control),
technological  changes,  changes in consumer  spending  and saving  habits,  and
success of the Company at managing the risk involved in the foregoing; and other
risks detailed in this Annual Report and in the Company's  other  Securities and
Exchange  Commission  ("SEC") filings.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue
reliance  on  these  forward  looking  statements,  which  reflect  management's
analysis  only as of the date hereof.  The Company  undertakes  no obligation to
publicly  revise  these  forward   looking   statements  to  reflect  events  or
circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

OPERATING STRATEGY

         Management's  strategy  has been to  operate  as a  community  oriented
financial  institution  by offering a variety of financial  services to meet the
needs of the  communities  it  serves  while  maintaining  capital  in excess of
regulatory  requirements  and monitoring the sensitivity of the Company's assets
and liabilities to interest rate fluctuations. The Board of Directors has sought
to accomplish  these goals by: (i) attracting and maintaining  low-cost  savings
and transaction  accounts,  as well as money market  accounts,  which management
believes  provide the Company with a stable  source of funds;  (ii) focusing its
lending on the  origination of one- to four-family,  owner occupied  residential
mortgage loans,  including home equity loans;  (iii)  supplementing  its one- to
four-family   residential   lending  activities  with  commercial  real  estate,
commercial business, multi-family, construction and consumer loans originated in
the Company's primary market area in accordance with the Company's  underwriting
guidelines;   (iv)  purchasing   short  to  intermediate   term  investment  and
mortgage-backed  securities to complement the Company's  lending  activities;(v)
emphasizing  shorter-term  loans and investments and adjustable rate assets when
market conditions permit; and (vi) controlling growth.

COMPARISON OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AT DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND DECEMBER 31, 1996

         Total  assets  increased  $25.9  million or 10.6% to $270.0  million at
December 31, 1997 from $244.1 million at December 31, 1996. Securities available
for sale  decreased  $7.5 million or 9.2% to $73.4  million at December 31, 1997
from $80.9  million  at  December  31,  1996.  Cash  flows  from the  securities
available  for sale and held to maturity as well as  increases  in deposits  and
borrowings were used to fund loan growth. Loans receivable,  net increased $33.5
million or 23.0% to $178.9  million at December 31, 1997 from $145.4  million at
December 31, 1996. The increase in loans receivable, net is primarily the result
of an increase in  conventional  one-to-four  family  loans of $17.2  million or
15.1%,  an increase in commercial real estate loans of $7.0 million or 98.6%, an
increase in commercial  business loans of $1.9 million or 297.2% and an increase
in home  equity  loans of $3.5  million  or 14.3%.  Also  included  in the loans
receivable,  net increase were increases of $1.9 million in multi-family  loans,
an increase of $1.1 million in residential  construction lending and an increase
of $1.5 million in commercial  construction lending. Loan originations increased
from  $57.7  million  for 1996 to  $60.6  million  (including  $6.6  million  of
residential one-to-four family purchased

                                       4

<PAGE>

loans) for 1997,  reflecting  the  expansion of the  Company's  lending area for
first mortgages as well as the Company's loan origination  efforts. In addition,
the Company has  increased  its  marketing of home equity  loans.  Finally,  the
Company is continuing to expand its commercial lending.  The major components of
the originations for 1997 were $24.6 million of residential loans, $12.0 million
of home equity loans, $8.9 million of commercial real estate loans, $2.6 million
of construction  loans, $2.0 million of multi-family  loans, and $3.9 million of
commercial  business loans.  Deposits increased $19.6 million or 10.9% to $198.5
million at December  31, 1997 from $178.9  million at  December  31,  1996.  The
increase  in  deposits  for the year  1997 is in part  the  result  of  interest
credited to deposit accounts of $6.1 million. Demand deposits increased to $10.5
million at December  31, 1997 from $6.9  million at December  31, 1996 or 52.2%.
Federal  Home Loan Bank  advances  increased  $5.0  million to $32.0  million at
December 31, 1997 from $27.0 million at December 31, 1996. This increase was due
to the  additional  funding to support  the  origination  and  purchase of loans
during the year.  Other  liabilities  increased  $4.3 million to $4.7 million at
December 31, 1997 from  $357,000 at December 31, 1996.  The increase  represents
the  liability  recorded to reflect the purchase of a $4.0 million  Federal Farm
Credit Banks Note at 6.1%, that will be paid for in January 1998.  Stockholders'
equity  decreased  $3.0 million to $33.9 million at December 31, 1997 from $36.9
million at December 31, 1996.  The decrease was primarily due to the purchase of
217,560  shares of the Company's  common stock  related to the  Company's  stock
repurchase programs previously  announced,  and the purchase of 89,254 shares of
common stock for the Company's Stock-Based Incentive Plan.

   COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND
        DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND
                               DECEMBER 31, 1995

GENERAL

         Net income for 1997 was $2.0  million,  an increase of $1.3  million or
193.4% from $666,000 for 1996.  Net income  decreased  $205,000 or 23.5% in 1996
from  $871,000 for 1995.  The  increase of $1.3  million for 1997 was  primarily
attributable  to a $1.2 million  increase in net interest income after provision
for loan losses,  together  with a decrease in total other  expenses of $826,000
due to several non-recurring charges in 1996. In 1996, there was a $660,000, net
of tax, Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") recapitalization assessment.
In  addition,  there was a $503,000,  net of tax,  non-recurring  charge for the
benefits paid to the  Company's  former  President and CEO upon his  resignation
from the Company.  These were also the major items  contributing to the decrease
in net income from 1995 to 1996.

INTEREST INCOME

         Interest income for 1997 increased $3.3 million to $18.8 million,  from
$15.5 million for 1996. The increase in interest income reflected an increase in
average  interest  earning assets of $41.0 million from $211.9 million for 1996,
to $252.9  million for 1997,  coupled  with a increase  in the average  yield on
interest earning assets to 7.42% in 1997 from 7.29% in 1996.  Interest income on
loans increased by $2.8 million to $12.9 million for 1997 from $10.1 million for
1996,  primarily due to a $39.6 million increase in the average balance of loans
receivable  from $129.2  million for 1996 to $168.8 million for 1997 offset by a
12 basis point  decrease  in the average  yield to 7.66% for 1997 from 7.78% for
1996.  Interest  income on securities  available for sale increased  $955,000 to
$5.5  million  in 1997 from $4.5  million  in 1996,  reflecting  a $9.6  million
increase  in the average  balance of  securities  available  for sale from $67.6
million for 1996 to $77.2 million for 1997 and a 42 basis point  increase in the
average  yield to  7.07%.  Interest  income on  interest  earning  deposits  and
short-term  investments  decreased $503,000 to $199,000 in 1997 from $702,000 in
1996,  reflecting  a $7.6  million  decrease in the average  balance of interest
earning deposits and short-term  investments from $11.5 million for 1996 to $3.9
million for 1997 and a 104 basis point decrease in the average yield to 5.05% as
short term rates dropped.

         Interest income for 1996 increased $2.3 million to $15.1 million during
1995, from $13.1 million during 1995. The increase in interest income  reflected
an increase in average  interest  earning  assets of $30.8  million  from $181.1
million for 1995,  to $211.9  million for 1996,  coupled with an increase in the
average  yield on interest  earning  assets to 7.29% in 1996 from 7.26% in 1995.
Interest  income on loans  increased by $850,000 to $10.1  million for 1996 from
$9.2 million for 1995,  primarily due to a $14.8 million increase in the average
balance of loans  receivable  from $114.4 million for 1995 to $129.2 million for
1996 offset  somewhat by a 27 basis point decrease in the average yield to 7.78%
for the year ended December 31, 1996.  Interest income on investments  increased
$1.5  million to $5.4  million in 1996 from $3.9  million in 1995,  reflecting a
$16.1 million  increase in the average balance of investments from $66.6 million
for 1995 to $82.7 million for 1996 and a 65 basis point  increase in the average
yield to 6.53%.

                                       5

<PAGE>

INTEREST EXPENSE

         Interest expense on deposits increased $479,000 or 7.0% to $7.6 million
for 1997 from $7.1 million for 1996.  This increase  reflects an increase in the
average  balance of interest  bearing  deposits of $9.2 million in 1997 compared
with 1996,  and a decrease of 1 basis point in the average  rate paid on deposit
liabilities  during the same period to 4.11% for 1997.  The increase in deposits
was primarily  attributable to the Company's certificate  accounts,  the average
balance of which  increased  by $7.8  million to $103.6  million in 1997 from an
average  balance of $95.8 million in 1996 on which the average  yield  increased
three basis points from 5.50% in 1996 to 5.53% in 1997.  The increase in deposit
balances was also the result of increases in average non-interest bearing demand
deposits of $3.1 million to $7.9 million and an increase in average NOW accounts
of $2.6  million to $21.0  million  for 1997  offset by small  decreases  in the
average balance of money market and savings  accounts.  Interest expense on FHLB
advances  increased $1.5 million in 1997 compared with 1996 due to  management's
decision to use FHLB advances to fund a portion of the  Company's  asset growth.
The  increase  in  interest  expense  on  advances  is also the result of higher
average  outstanding  balances  of $34.8  million for 1997  compared  with $12.4
million for 1996.  The rate paid on the  advances  increased  4 basis  points to
6.56% for 1997.

         Interest expense on deposits increased $368,000 or 5.4% to $7.1 million
for 1996 from $6.8 million for 1995. This increase  reflects both an increase in
the  average  balance  of  interest  bearing  deposits  of $7.9  million in 1996
compared  to 1995,  and a 3 basis point  increase  in the  average  rate paid on
deposit  liabilities over the same period. The increase in deposits and the rate
paid thereon was primarily  attributable to the Company's  certificate accounts,
the average  balance of which increased by $7.7 million to $95.8 million in 1996
from an average balance of $88.1 million in 1995 and the average yield increased
7 basis  points  from 5.43% in 1995 to 5.50% in 1996.  The  increase in the rate
paid on  certificate  accounts  was in  response  to market  conditions  and was
intended to maintain  existing  accounts  rather than attracting new accounts to
the Company.  Interest expense on borrowings increased $640,000 in 1996 compared
with 1995 due to  management's  decision to use  borrowings to fund a portion of
the Company'sasset growth.

NET INTEREST INCOME

         Net interest  income before  provision for loan losses  increased  $1.4
million  or 18.7% to $8.9  million  for 1997 from  $7.5  million  for 1996.  The
increase is the result of higher  outstanding  average  interest  earning assets
offset somewhat by higher  outstanding  average  interest  bearing  liabilities.
Average  interest  earning assets  increased $41.0 million to $252.9 million for
the year 1997 from $211.9 million for the year 1996.  Average  interest  bearing
liabilities  increased  $34.7  million to $220.6  million for the year 1997 from
$185.9 million for the year 1996. The yield earned on average  interest  earning
assets  increased  by 13 basis  points to 7.42%  while the rate paid on interest
bearing liabilities increased 21 basis points to 4.49% due to increased emphasis
on higher  costing  certificates  of  deposits  and  borrowings.  The  Company's
interest rate spread  decreased  eight basis points to 2.93% for 1997 from 3.01%
for 1996.  The net interest  margin  decreased  from 3.54% for 1996 to 3.50% for
1997. The  percentage of average  interest  earning  assets to average  interest
bearing  liabilities  for 1997 was 114.64%  compared  with  113.99% for the same
period in 1996.

         Net interest  income before  provision for loan losses  increased  $1.3
million  or 21.2% to $7.5  million  for 1996 from  $6.2  million  for 1995.  The
increase is the result of higher  outstanding  average  interest  earning assets
offset by higher  outstanding  average  interest  bearing  liabilities.  Average
interest  earning assets  increased $30.9 million to $211.9 million for the year
1996 from $181.1 million for the year 1995. Average interest bearing liabilities
increased  $17.7 million to $185.9 million for the year 1996 from $168.2 million
for the year 1995. The yield earned on average interest earning assets increased
slightly by three basis points to 7.29% while the rate paid on interest  bearing
liabilities increased 15 basis points to 4.28%.

         The Company's  interest rate spread  decreased 12 basis points to 3.01%
for 1996 from 3.13% for the year ended 1995. The net interest  margin  increased
from  3.42% for 1995 to 3.54% for  1996.  The  percentage  of  average  interest
earning  assets to average  interest  bearing  liabilities  for 1996 was 113.99%
compared with 107.63% for the same period in 1995.

         In August  1996 the  Company  entered  into an  arbitrage  transaction,
whereby  the  Company  purchased  a $25.0  million  Federal  Home Loan  Mortgage
Corporation ("FHLMC"), fixed rate note and simultaneously borrowed $25.0 million
from the FHLB. The FHLMC note's term is for a period of ten years,  at a rate of
7.783%, and is callable after

                                       6

<PAGE>

three years, and continuously  thereafter.  The FHLB advance is for a three year
period,  at a fixed rate of 6.86%,  which represents a pretax spread of 92 basis
points or the  difference  between  the rate  earned  of 7.783%  and the cost of
6.86%. This transaction generates pretax income of $230,750, and on an after tax
basis,  using an effective tax rate of 36%, results in an increase in net income
of $147,689 per year. Had the effects of this transaction been excluded from the
calculation  of interest rate spread and margin the spread would have been 3.19%
or an increase of 26 basis points (3.19% versus 2.93%) and the margin would have
been 3.79% or an increase of 29 basis points (3.79% versus 3.50%).  In addition,
the ratio of interest bearing assets to interest bearing  liabilities would have
increased by 188 basis points to 116.25% from 114.64%.

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

         The  provision  for loan  losses is a result of  management's  periodic
analysis of the adequacy of the  allowance  for loan losses.  The  provision for
loan losses  increased  $200,000  or 100.0% for 1997,  compared  with 1996.  The
Company's  provision  for loan  losses  was  $400,000  for 1997,  compared  with
$200,000 for 1996. The provision for loan losses increased  $48,000 or 31.6% for
1996,  compared with 1995. The Company's  provision for loan losses was $200,000
for 1996,  compared  with  $152,000 for 1995.  The increase in the allowance for
loan losses in 1997 is due to  management's  continuing  reassessment  of losses
inherent  in the loan  portfolio,  primarily  in  response  to loan  growth.  At
December 31, 1997 and 1996,  the Company's  allowance  for loan losses  totalled
$2.2  million and $1.8  million or 1.2% and 1.2% of gross loans  receivable  and
93.2% and 86.2% of total non-performing loans, respectively. Management believes
that the  current  allowance  for loan  losses is  adequate to address the risks
inherent in the Company's loan portfolio.

         The  Company  establishes  an  allowance  for loan  losses  based on an
analysis  of  risk  factors  in  the  loan  portfolio.  This  analysis  includes
evaluation of concentrations of credit,  past loss experience,  current economic
conditions,  amount and composition of the loan portfolio (including loans being
specifically  monitored  by  management),  estimated  fair  value of  underlying
collateral,  loan  commitments  outstanding,  delinquencies  and other  factors,
including  the loss  experience  of similar  portfolios  in  comparable  lending
markets.

         The Company will  continue to monitor its allowance for loan losses and
make future additions to the allowance  through the provision for loan losses as
economic  conditions  dictate.  Although the Company maintains its allowance for
loan losses at a level which it  considers to be adequate to provide for losses,
there can be no assurance that future losses will not exceed  estimated  amounts
or that  additional  provisions  for loan  losses will not be required in future
periods.  In  addition,  the  Company's  determination  as to the  amount of its
allowance  for loan  losses  is  subject  to  review  by the  Office  of  Thrift
Supervision ("OTS") and the Federal Deposit Insurance  Corporation  ("FDIC"), as
part of their examination  process,  which may result in the establishment of an
additional  allowance based upon their judgment of the information  available to
them at the time of their examination.

OTHER INCOME

         Other  income  increased  $112,000 or 19.1% to  $697,000  for 1997 from
$585,000 for 1996. This increase was primarily  attributable to the gain on sale
of Real Estate Owned of $100,000.  Other income increased  $310,000 or 112.7% to
$585,000  for  1996  from  $275,000  for  1995.   This  increase  was  primarily
attributable  to a  $363,000  loss  on the  sale of  mortgage-backed  securities
incurred in December 1995 in connection with the Company's  restructuring of the
mortgage-backed securities portfolio. Offsetting this loss was a gain on sale of
real estate owned of $118,000 for 1995.

OTHER EXPENSE

         Other  expense  decreased  $826,000  or 11.8% to $6.0  million for 1997
compared  with $6.8 million for 1996.  Other expense  increased  $1.9 million or
37.7% for 1996  compared with $5.0 million for 1995.  Compensation  and employee
benefits  decreased  $212,000 or 7.4% to $2.7 million for 1997 from $2.9 million
for 1996,  due primarily to the  non-recurring  charge paid in 1996 for benefits
paid to the Company's  former  President and CEO.  Excluding this  non-recurring
charge,  compensation and employee benefits expense actually  increased $573,000
or 27.4% to $2.7 million.  This increase in compensation  and employee  benefits
expense is due to the Company hiring a commercial loan officer and the personnel
costs  associated  with the new branch  office  that opened in July 1997 and the
cost of stock  benefit  plans  adopted in  connection  with the bank's mutual to
stock conversion. Compensation and employee benefits increased $619,000 or 27.4%
to $2.9 million for 1996 from $2.3 million in 1995. The increase in

                                       7

<PAGE>
compensation and employee benefits expense reflects the non-recurring charge for
benefits paid to the Company's  former  President and CEO upon his  resignation.
The decrease in Federal insurance  premiums of $301,000 to $92,000 for 1997 from
$393,000  for 1996 is due to the  decline in  insurance  premiums  (required  by
legislation)  from 23 basis  points to 6.4 basis  points (per $100 of  deposits)
effective January 1, 1997. The decrease in SAIF assessment expense is the result
of the one time assessment of $1.0 million which represented the Company's share
of the special  assessment  required by legislation signed into law on September
30, 1996,  requiring all SAIF insured institutions to make a one time payment to
recapitalize  the SAIF.  The increase in the other category of $624,000 or 45.8%
to $2.0 million for the year ended  December 31, 1997 from $1.4 million for 1996
is the  result of  expenses  incurred  for the proxy  contest  in early 1997 and
legal,  professional  and  printing  expenses  associated  with  being a  public
company.  The  Company  expects  similar  costs in the first  quarter of 1998 in
connection  with the  anticipated  proxy contest.  In 1996, data processing fees
increased  $40,000  or 19.8%  due to the  increase  in  volume  of  transactions
processed,  primarily  as a result  of the  increase  in the  number of loan and
deposit accounts as well as the  introduction of banking by telephone.  In 1996,
advertising  expenses  decreased  $91,000 due to the postponement of advertising
expenditures  for  deposits,  pending the  acquisition  or  expansion  of branch
facilities.  The  increase in SAIF  recapitalization  assessment  expense is the
result of the one time assessment of $1.0 million  described above. The increase
in the  other  category  of  $387,000  or 39.6%  for 1996 to $1.4  million  from
$977,000 for 1995 was due to increased accounting,  legal and other professional
fees  incurred  as a result of the  Company  being a public  company  during the
second half of 1996.

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

         Income tax expense  increased  $808,000  to $1.2  million for 1997 from
$403,000 for 1996  primarily due to a $2.1 million  increase in pre-tax  income.
Income tax expense  decreased by $84,000 to $403,000 for 1996 from  $487,000 for
1995 due to a $289,000  decline in pre-tax  income.  The  effective tax rate for
1997 was 38.3% compared with 37.7% for 1996 and 36.0% for 1995.

YEAR 2000

         A great  deal of  information  has been  disseminated  about the global
computer year 2000. Many computer  programs that can only  distinguish the final
two digits of the year entered (a common programming  practice in earlier years)
are  expected  to read  entries  for the year 2000 as the year 1900 and  compute
payment,  interest  or  delinquency.  Rapid  and  accurate  data  processing  is
essential to the operation of the Company.  Data processing is also essential to
most  other  financial  institutions  and  many  other  companies.  The  Company
contracts with a service  bureau to provide the majority of its data  processing
and is dependent upon purchased  application software. In house applications are
limited to  word-processing  and  spreadsheet  functions.  The Company is in the
process of ensuring  that  external  vendors  and the  servicer  are  adequately
addressing the system and software  issues related to the year 2000 by obtaining
written system  certifications that the systems are fully year 2000 compliant or
that the service  bureau has a plan to become  fully  compliant in the very near
future.  Beginning in the fourth  quarter of 1998,  the Company will  coordinate
with the primary  servicer  end-to-end tests which allow the Company to simulate
daily processing on sensitive century dates. In the evaluation, the Company will
ensure that  critical  operations  will  continue if the servicer or vendors are
unable to achieve the year 2000 requirements.  Upon the completion of the system
inventory  and  vendor   verification,   the  Company  will  identify   critical
applications and develop detailed plans for hardware/system  upgrades and system
replacements  where  necessary.  Any delays,  mistakes or failures  could have a
significant  adverse impact on the financial  condition and results of operation
of the Company.

                                       8
<PAGE>

<TABLE>

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET

     The following table sets forth certain information relating to the Company for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995. The yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively,
for the periods shown. Average balances are derived from average month-end balances. Management does not believe that the use of
average monthly balances instead of average daily balances has caused any material differences in the information presented. The
yields and costs include fees which are considered adjustments to yields.

<CAPTION>
                                                                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      1997                          1996                            1995
                                          ----------------------------   -----------------------------  ----------------------------
                                                              AVERAGE                          AVERAGE                      AVERAGE
                                          AVERAGE              YIELD/     AVERAGE               YIELD/   AVERAGE             YIELD/
                                          BALANCE   INTEREST    COST      BALANCE  INTEREST     COST     BALANCE   INTEREST   COST
                                          --------  --------  --------   --------  --------   --------  --------   -------- --------
                                                                                 IN THOUSANDS

<S>                                       <C>       <C>         <C>      <C>       <C>          <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>  
ASSETS:
Interest earning assets:
 Interest earning deposits and
  short-term investments ..............   $  3,944  $   199     5.05%    $ 11,536  $   702      6.09%    $ 10,020  $   539    5.38%
 Loans receivable, net ................    168,786   12,936     7.66      129,233   10,059      7.78      114,403    9,209    8.05
 Securities held to maturity ..........      2,971      179     6.02        3,523      200      5.68       53,033    3,172    5.98
 Securities available for sale (1) ....     77,152    5,452     7.07       67,636    4,497      6.65        3,593      216    6.01
                                          --------  -------     ----     --------  -------      ----     --------  -------    ----
   Total interest earning assets ......    252,853   18,766     7.42      211,928   15,458      7.29      181,049   13,136    7.26
                                                    -------     ----               -------      ----     --------  -------    ----
 Noninterest earning assets ...........      4,990                          4,763                           7,325
                                          --------                       --------                        --------
   Total assets .......................   $257,843                       $216,691                        $188,374
                                          ========                       ========                        ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:                                                                    
Interest bearing liabilities:                                                                            
 Money market deposit accounts ........   $ 21,164      636     3.01     $ 21,829      647      2.96      $20,615      710    3.44
 Savings accounts .....................     32,118      788     2.45       32,695      811      2.48       35,738      887    2.48
 NOW accounts .........................     20,977      480     2.29       18,382      424      2.31       16,963      401    2.25
 Non-interest bearing checking                                                                           
  accounts ............................      7,941       --       --        4,837       --        --        4,157       --      --
 Certificate accounts .................    103,580    5,723     5.53       95,755    5,266      5.50       88,096    4,782    5.43
                                          --------    -----     ----     --------  -------      ----     --------    -----    ----
   Total ..............................    185,780    7,627     4.11      173,498    7,148      4.12      165,569    6,780    4.09
FHLB advances .........................     34,776    2,281     6.56       12,417      810      6.52        2,646      170    6.42
                                          --------    -----     ----     --------  -------      ----     --------    -----    ----
   Total interest bearing liabilities .    220,556    9,908     4.49      185,915    7,958      4.28      168,215    6,950    4.13
                                                      -----     ----               -------      ----                 -----    ----
Noninterest bearing liabilities .......      2,598                          2,159                           3,152
Stockholders' equity ..................     34,689                         28,617                          17,007
                                          --------                       --------                        --------
   Total liabilities and 
    stockholders' equity ..............   $257,843                       $216,691                        $188,374
                                          ========                       ========                        ========
Net interest income before                                                                               
 provision for loan losses ............             $ 8,858                        $ 7,500                         $ 6,186
                                                    =======                        =======                         =======
Net interest rate spread(2) ...........                         2.93%                           3.01%                         3.13%
Net interest margin(3) ................                         3.50%                           3.54%                         3.42%
Ratio of interest earning assets to                                                                      
 interest bearing liabilities .........     114.64%                        113.99%                         107.63%
                                           =======                        =======                         =======
                                                                                                         
- ----------

(1)  Average balances are based on amortized or historical cost.

(2)  Interest rate spread is the difference between the average yield on interest earning assets and the average rate paid
     on interest bearing liabilities.

(3)  Net interest margin is equal to net interest income before provision for loan losses divided by total interest
     earning assets.

</TABLE>
                                                                 9
<PAGE>

RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS

         The  following  table  presents the extent to which changes in interest
rates and changes in the volume of interest  earning assets and interest bearing
liabilities  have affected the Company's  interest  income and interest  expense
during the periods  indicated.  Information  is provided in each  category  with
respect to: (i)  changes  attributable  to changes in volume  (changes in volume
multiplied by prior rate); (ii) changes attributable to changes in rate (changes
in rate  multiplied  by prior  volume);  and (iii) the net  change.  The changes
attributable  to the  combined  impact  of volume  and rate have been  allocated
proportionately to the changes due to volume and the changes due to rate.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                         COMPARED WITH                     COMPARED WITH
                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                 ----------------------------       ----------------------------
                                                     INCREASE                           INCREASE
                                                    (DECREASE)                         (DECREASE)
                                                      DUE TO                             DUE TO
                                                 ----------------                   ----------------
                                                 VOLUME     RATE        NET         VOLUME     RATE       NET
                                                 ------     -----      ------       ------     -----     ------
                                                                           IN THOUSANDS
<S>                                              <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>       <C>   
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS:
 Interest earning deposits and short-term
  investments ................................   $ (420)    $ (83)     $ (503)      $   87     $  76     $  163
 Loans receivable, net .......................    3,015      (138)      2,877        1,141      (291)       850
 Securities held to maturity .................      (33)       12         (21)      (2,821)     (151)    (2,972)
 Securities available for sale ...............      672       283         955        4,240        41      4,281
                                                 ------     -----      ------       ------     -----     ------
   Total interest earning assets .............    3,234        74       3,308        2,647      (325)     2,322
                                                 ------     -----      ------       ------     -----     ------
INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES:                                                                          
 Money market deposit accounts ...............      (20)        9         (11)          46      (109)       (63)
 Savings accounts ............................      (14)       (9)        (23)         (75)       (1)       (76)
 NOW accounts ................................       59        (3)         56           32        (9)        23
 Certificate accounts ........................      432        25         457          420        64        484
                                                 ------     -----      ------       ------     -----     ------
   Total .....................................      457        22         479          423       (55)       368
 FHLB advances ...............................    1,467         4       1,471          637         3        640
                                                 ------     -----      ------       ------     -----     ------
   Total interest bearing liabilities ........    1,924        26       1,950        1,060       (52)     1,008
                                                 ------     -----      ------       ------     -----     ------
Net change in net interest income ............   $1,310     $  48      $1,358       $1,587     $(273)    $1,314
                                                 ======     =====      ======       ======     =====     ======
</TABLE>

MARKET RISK

         Market risk is the potential loss from adverse changes in market prices
and rates.  The Company's  market risk arises  primarily from interest rate risk
inherent in its lending and deposit taking activities.  To that end,  management
actively monitors and manages its inherent interest rate risk exposure.

         The Company's  profitability  is affected by  fluctuations  in interest
rates. A sudden and substantial  increase in interest rates may adversely impact
the Company's earnings to the extent that the interest rates borne by assets and
liabilities  do not change at the same speed,  the same  extent,  or on the same
basis.  The Company  monitors the impact of changes in interest rates on its net
interest income using several tools. OTS regulated  institutions are required to
measure  their  exposure to changes in interest  rates.  These tests measure the
impact on net interest income and on net portfolio value ("NPV") of an immediate
change in interest rates in 100 basis point  increments.  Net portfolio value is
defined as the net present value of assets,  liabilities,  and off-balance sheet
contracts.  Following are the estimated impacts of immediate changes in interest
rates at the  specified  levels at December 31, 1997,  calculated  in compliance
with OTS requirements:

                                       10

<PAGE>

   CHANGE IN              NET PORTFOLIO VALUE
 INTEREST RATES    --------------------------------
IN BASIS POINTS                CHANGE(1)     CHANGE
 (RATE SHOCK)       AMOUNT         $            %      NPV RATIO(2)   CHANGES(3)
- ---------------    -------     ---------     ------    ------------   ----------
                                  IN THOUSANDS

      300          $29,286     $(11,481)     (28.16)%      11.60%      (340)bp
      200           33,276       (7,491)     (18.38)       12.84       (216)
      100           37,103       (3,664)      (8.99)       13.97       (103)
      --            40,766          --       --            15.00        --
     (100)          44,267        3,501        8.59        15.93         93
     (200)          47,605        6,839       16.78        16.78        178
     (300)          50,780       10,014       24.56        17.55        256

- ----------

(1)  Represents the increase (decrease) of the estimated NPV at the indicated
     change in interest rates compared to the NPV assuming no change in interest
     rates.

(2)  Calculated as the estimated NPV divided by the portfolio value of total
     assets ("PV"). The Company's PV is the estimated present value of total
     assets. The PV of the Company as of December 31, 1997, assuming no changes
     in interest rates, was $271.8 million.

(3)  Calculated as the increase (decrease) of the NPV ratio assuming the
     indicated change in interest rates over the estimated NPV ratio assuming no
     change in interest rates.

         Under OTS regulations, an institution's "normal" level of interest rate
risk (in the event of an assumed change in interest  rates) is a decrease in the
institution's  NPV in an amount not  exceeding  2% of the  present  value of its
assets.  Thrift  institutions  with greater that "normal" interest rate exposure
must make a deduction for total  capital  available to meet  risk-based  capital
requirements. The amount of that deduction is one-half of the difference between
(i) the institution's  actual calculated  exposure to a 200 basis point interest
rate increase or decrease  (whichever  results in the greater pro forma decrease
in NPV) and (ii) its "normal" level of exposure which is 2% of the present value
of its assets.  The rule will not become  effective  until the OTS evaluates the
process by which  savings  associations  may appeal an interest  rate  reduction
determination.  It is uncertain  as to when this  evaluation  may be  completed.
Savings  institutions,  however, with less that $300 million in assets and total
risk based capital  ratio in excess if 12%,  such as the Company,  are generally
not  subject  to this  requirement.  If the  Company  had been  subject  to this
requirement  as  December  31,  1997,  its  interest  rate risk  would have been
considered  "normal" and no adjustment to its risk-based capital would have been
required.

         Certain assumptions  utilized by the OTS in assessing the interest rate
of thrift  institutions  were employed in preparing the preceding  table.  These
assumptions  relate to interest  rates,  loan  prepayment  rates,  deposit decay
rates,  and the market values of certain assets under the various  interest rate
scenarios.  It was also  assumed  that  delinquency  rates  will not change as a
result of changes in interest  rates although there can be no assurance that the
Company's assets and liabilities  would perform as set forth above. In addition,
a change in U.S.  Treasury  rates in the  designated  amounts  accompanied  by a
change  in the shape of the  Treasury  yield  curve  would  cause  significantly
different changes to the NPV than indicated above.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         The  Company's  primary  sources of funds are  deposits,  principal and
interest  payments  and  prepayments  on loans and  securities  and, to a lesser
extent,  borrowings and proceeds from the sale of securities.  While  maturities
and scheduled  amortization of loans and securities provide an indication of the
timing of the receipt of funds,  other sources of funds such as loan prepayments
and  deposit  inflows  are less  predictable  due to the  effects  of changes in
interest rates, economic conditions and competition.

         The primary investing  activities of the Company are the origination of
real  estate  and other  loans and the  purchase  of  mortgage-backed  and other
securities  which are  included in  securities  held to  maturity or  securities
available for sale. During the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the
Company's  disbursements  for loan  originations  and purchases  totalled  $60.6
million, $57.7 million, and $16.1 million, respectively. For the years ended

                                       11

<PAGE>

December  31,  1997,  1996 and 1995,  purchases  of  mortgage-backed  securities
totalled $4.0  million,  $36.4 million and $46.6  million,  respectively.  These
activities  were  funded  primarily  by  net  deposit  inflows,  borrowings  and
principal repayments and prepayments on loans and securities.

         For the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company experienced
net increases in deposits  (including the effect of interest  credited) of $19.5
million and $5.1 million  respectively.  Proceeds  from FHLB  advances were $5.0
million in 1997 and $25.0 million in 1996.

         The Bank may borrow funds from the FHLB subject to certain limitations.
Based on the level of  qualifying  collateral  available  to secure  advances at
December 31, 1997, the Bank's  borrowing  limit from the FHLB was  approximately
$81.0  million,  with unused  borrowing  capacity of $49.0 million at that date.
Other sources of liquidity  include  borrowings under repurchase  agreements and
proceeds from sales of securities available for sale.

         The Bank is required by Section 6 of the Home Owner's Loan Act ("HOLA")
to hold a prescribed amount of statutorily  defined liquid assets.  The Director
of the OTS may, by regulation, vary the amount of the liquidity requirement, but
only within  pre-established  statutory limits.  The requirement must be no less
that four percent and no greater than ten percent of the Bank's net withdrawable
accounts and borrowings  payable on demand or with  unexpired  maturities of one
year or less.  On and effective  November 24, 1997,  the OTS issued a final rule
that  updated,   simplified,   and  streamlined   its  liquidity   requirements.
Specifically,  the  OTS  reduced  the  liquidity  requirement  from  5%  of  net
withdrawable  accounts  and short  term  borrowings  to 4%.  The final rule also
removed the one percent short-term liquidity requirement,  set forth an explicit
requirement  that  thrifts  maintain  a  safe  and  sound  level  of  liquidity,
streamlined  the  calculations  used to measure  compliance  with the  liquidity
requirement,  expanded  the  categories  of liquid  assets that may count toward
satisfying  the  liquidity  requirement,  and  reduced  the  liquidity  base  by
excluding  withdrawable  accounts  payable  in  more  than  one  year  from  the
definition  of the term "net  withdrawable  accounts."  The OTS also removed its
maturity  requirement for obligations of the United States and certain  agencies
of the  United  States.  In order  to  qualify  under  prior  regulations,  such
obligations  had to be  maturing  in 5  years  or  less.  The  removal  of  this
requirement  had the greatest  impact on the Bank's  liquid  assets.  The Bank's
average  liquidity  ratio  was  40.2% and 7.4% at  December  31,  1997 and 1996,
respectively.  The drastic change between these ratios  represents the effect of
the final liquidity rule.

         The Company's most liquid assets are cash and cash  equivalents,  which
include interest-bearing deposits and short-term highly liquid investments (such
as federal  funds) with  original  maturities of less than three months that are
readily  convertible  to known  amounts  of cash.  The level of these  assets is
dependent on the Company's operating,  financing and investing activities during
any given  period.  At  December  31, 1997 and 1996,  cash and cash  equivalents
totalled $6.8 million and $6.9 million, respectively.

         At December  31, 1997,  the Company had  outstanding  loan  origination
commitments of $11.1 million,  $1.4 million  undisbursed  construction  loans in
process,  unfunded  commercial  business  lines of $2.0 million,  and unadvanced
lines of credit of $16.2  million.  The  Company  anticipates  that it will have
sufficient  funds  available  to meet its  current  loan  origination  and other
commitments.  Certificates  of deposit  scheduled  to mature in one year or less
from  December 31, 1997 totalled  $92.8  million.  Based on the  Company's  most
recent experience and pricing strategy,  management  believes that a significant
portion of such deposits will remain with the Company.

                                       12
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
                                  WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                            CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                                      DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996


                                                ASSETS
<CAPTION>
                                                                                1997           1996
                                                                              --------       --------
                                                                                   IN THOUSANDS
                                                                                (EXCEPT SHARES AND
                                                                                 PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                                           <C>            <C>     
Cash and due from banks ..................................................    $  1,577       $  1,170
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks .................................       1,868            523
Federal funds sold .......................................................       3,400          5,250
                                                                              --------       --------
   Total cash and cash equivalents .......................................       6,845          6,943
Securities held to maturity, estimated market value of $2,882 in 1997
 and $3,197 in 1996 (note 3) .............................................       2,913          3,229
Securities available for sale (note 4) ...................................      73,413         80,867
Loans receivable, net (note 5) ...........................................     178,932        145,425
Premises and equipment, net (note 7) .....................................       3,318          3,196
Real estate owned, net (note 8) ..........................................          80            116
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock, at cost ........................       2,150          1,568
Interest and dividends receivable (note 6) ...............................       1,897          1,901
Other assets (note 11) ...................................................         495            836
                                                                              --------       --------
   Total assets ..........................................................    $270,043       $244,081
                                                                              ========       ========

                                 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Deposits (note 9) ........................................................    $198,479       $178,947
Federal Home Loan Bank advances (note 10) ................................      32,000         27,000
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance ....................         914            866
Other liabilities (note 11) ..............................................       4,706            357
                                                                              --------       --------
   Total liabilities .....................................................     236,099        207,170

Stockholders' Equity:
 Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 2,000,000 shares
   authorized, none issued ................................................        --             --
 Common stock, $0.01 par value, 8,000,000 shares authorized,
   2,231,383 shares issued and 2,013,823 shares outstanding at 
   December 31, 1997 and 2,231,383 shares issued and outstanding
   at December 31, 1996 ..................................................          22             22
 Paid-in capital .........................................................      21,264         21,004
 Retained earnings, substantially restricted (notes 11 and 13) ...........      19,623         18,060
 Treasury stock at cost, 217,560 shares at December 31, 1997
   and none at December 31, 1996 .........................................      (4,417)          --
 Unallocated common stock held by the ESOP (note 12) .....................      (1,604)        (1,785)
 Common stock held by MRP (note 12) ......................................      (1,262)          --
 Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale (note 4) ....         318           (390)
                                                                              --------       --------
   Total stockholders' equity ............................................      33,944         36,911
                                                                              --------       --------
Commitments and contingencies (note 14)
   Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ............................    $270,043       $244,081
                                                                              ========       ========
</TABLE>

                    See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                                  13
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
                                  WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                             YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995

<CAPTION>
                                                                     1997         1996         1995
                                                                    -------      -------      -------
                                                                                IN THOUSANDS
                                                                       (EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

<S>                                                                 <C>          <C>          <C>    
Interest income:
 Loans .........................................................    $12,936      $10,059      $ 9,209
 Securities held to maturity ...................................        179          200        3,172
 Securities available for sale .................................      5,452        4,497          216
 Short-term and other investments ..............................        199          702          539
                                                                    -------      -------      -------
   Total interest income .......................................     18,766       15,458       13,136
                                                                    -------      -------      -------
Interest expense:                                                                           
 Deposits (note 9) .............................................      7,627        7,148        6,780
 Federal Home Loan Bank advances ...............................      2,281          810          170
                                                                    -------      -------      -------
   Total interest expense ......................................      9,908        7,958        6,950
                                                                    -------      -------      -------
Net interest income before provision for loan losses ...........      8,858        7,500        6,186
Provision for loan losses (note 5) .............................        400          200          152
                                                                    -------      -------      -------
Net interest income after provision for loan losses ............      8,458        7,300        6,034
                                                                    -------      -------      -------
Other income (expense):                                                                     
 Loan fees and service charges .................................        277          227          183
 Net loss on sale of securities available for sale .............         (2)          --         (363)
 Gain on sale of real estate owned .............................        100           --          118
 Other .........................................................        322          358          337
                                                                    -------      -------      -------
   Total other income ..........................................        697          585          275
                                                                    -------      -------      -------
Other expenses:                                                                             
 Compensation and employee benefits (note 12) ..................      2,667        2,879        2,260
 Occupancy (note 14) ...........................................        433          376          370
 Equipment .....................................................        198          182          187
 Data processing services ......................................        279          242          202
 Advertising ...................................................        327          192          283
 Federal insurance premiums (note 17) ..........................         92          393          368
 SAIF recapitalization assessment (note 17) ....................         --        1,031           --
 Real estate owned operations (note 8) .........................          6          157          304
 Other .........................................................      1,988        1,364          977
                                                                    -------      -------      -------
   Total other expenses ........................................      5,990        6,816        4,951
                                                                    -------      -------      -------
Income before income tax expense ...............................      3,165        1,069        1,358
Income tax expense (note 11) ...................................      1,211          403          487
                                                                    -------      -------      -------
   Net income ..................................................    $ 1,954      $   666      $   871
                                                                    =======      =======      =======
Basic earnings per share .......................................    $  1.04           --           --
Basic weighted average shares ..................................      1,873           --           --
Diluted earnings per share .....................................    $  1.03           --           --
Diluted weighted average shares ................................      1,895           --           --

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

                                                 14

<PAGE>
                           WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995

                                             In Thousands
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              Net
                                                                                                           Unrealized
                                                                                     Unallocated              Gain
                                                                                       Common     Common    (Loss) on      
                                                                                       Stock      Stock     Securities    Total
                                     Preferred   Common  Paid-in  Retained  Treasury   Held by    Held by   Available  Stockholders'
                                       Stock     Stock   Capital  Earnings   Stock      ESOP        MRP      for Sale      Equity
                                     ---------   ------  -------  --------  --------  ---------   -------   ---------- -------------

<S>                                  <C>         <C>     <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>           <C>
Balance at December 31, 1994......   $      --   $   --  $    --  $16,523   $    --    $    --    $   --    $ (264)       $16,259  
Net income........................          --       --       --      871        --         --        --         --           871
Unrealized gain on securities
  transferred from held to
  maturity to available for sale,
  net of taxes...................           --       --       --       --        --         --        --        13             13
Change in net unrealized gain
  (loss) on securities available
  for sale, net of taxes........            --       --       --       --        --         --        --       156            156
                                     ---------   -------  -------  -------   -------   --------   ------    ------        -------
Balance at December 31, 1995....            --       --       --   17,394        --         --        --       (95)        17,299
Net proceeds from stock offering,
  net of expenses of $1,272.....            --       22    21,004      --        --         --        --        --         21,026
Unallocated common stock
  acquired by ESOP..............            --       --       --       --        --     (1,785)       --        --         (1,785)
Net income......................            --       --       --      666        --         --        --        --            666
Change in net unrealized gain
  (loss) on securities available
  for sale, net of taxes........            --       --       --       --        --         --        --      (295)          (295)
                                     ---------   -------  -------  -------   -------   --------   ------    -------       -------
Balance at December 31, 1996....            --       22    21,004   18,060       --      (1,785)      --      (390)        36,911
Allocation of ESOP stock........            --       --       177      --        --         181       --        --            358
Net income......................            --       --       --     1,954       --         --        --        --          1,954
Dividends declared ($0.20 per share)        --       --       --      (391)      --         --        --        --           (391)
Purchase of treasury stock......            --       --       --       --     (4,417)       --        --        --         (4,417)
Unallocated common stock
  acquired by MRP...............            --       --       --       --        --         --     (1,450)      --         (1,450)
Amortization of MRP shares......            --       --       --       --        --         --        188       --            188
Deferred taxes - MRP............            --       --       83       --        --         --        --        --             83
Change in net unrealized gain
  (loss) on securities available
  for sale, net of taxes........            --       --       --       --        --         --        --       708            708
                                     ---------   -------  -------  --------  -------   --------   -------   ------        -------
Balance at December 31, 1997....     $      --   $   22   $21,264  $19,623   $(4,417)  $(1,604)   $(1,262)  $  318        $33,944
                                     =========   =======  =======  ========  =======   ========   =======   ======        ========

</TABLE>

          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                            15

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                                  WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995

<CAPTION>
                                                                     1997         1996         1995
                                                                   --------     --------     --------
                                                                              IN THOUSANDS
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>          <C>     
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income ....................................................    $  1,954     $    666     $    871
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
  by operating activities:
       Provision for losses on loans and real estate owned ....         400          300          300
       Depreciation ...........................................         208          167          167
       Net accretion of discounts and amortization
        of premiums ...........................................          55          125           29
       Allocation of ESOP shares ..............................         181         --           --
       Amortization of MRP ....................................         188         --           --
       (Increase) decrease in deferred loan fees ..............         (14)          22           46
       Decrease (increase) in interest and dividends
        receivable ............................................           4         (914)        (160)
       Increase (decrease) in other assets ....................          23          658         (572)
       Increase (decrease) in other liabilities ...............       4,349      (13,750)      13,606
       Net (gain) loss on sale of real estate owned ...........        (100)        --            118
       Net loss on sale of securities available for sale ......           2         --            363
                                                                   --------     --------     --------
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities ...........       7,250      (12,726)      14,768
                                                                   --------     --------     --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
 Purchase of securities held to maturity ......................        --           --        (16,273)
 Maturity of securities held to maturity ......................        --           --          6,000
 Purchase of securities available for sale ....................      (4,753)     (36,438)     (30,288)
 Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale .........       4,153         --         25,100
 Proceeds from calls of securities available for sale .........       5,000        5,500         --
 Principal repayments on securities held to maturity ..........         312          599        6,908
 Principal repayments on securities available for sale ........       4,044        7,630           82
 Net (increase) in loans receivable ...........................     (27,360)     (33,719)        --
 Purchase of loans ............................................      (6,571)         (60)        (140)
 Purchase of premises and equipment ...........................        (330)         (92)         (30)
 Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock .....................        (582)        --           (201)
 Proceeds from sale of real estate owned ......................         236          524        1,151
                                                                   --------     --------     --------
Net cash used in investing activities .........................     (25,851)     (56,056)      (7,691)
                                                                   --------     --------     --------
</TABLE>

                    See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                                 16

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
                                  WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS, CONTINUED
                             YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995

<CAPTION>
                                                                     1997         1996         1995
                                                                   --------     --------     --------
                                                                              IN THOUSANDS
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>          <C>     
Cash flows from financing activities:
 Net increase in deposits .....................................    $ 19,532     $  5,125     $ 14,809
 Federal Home Loan Bank advances acquired .....................       5,000       25,000        2,000
 Increase (decrease) in advance payments by
  borrowers for taxes and insurance ...........................          48           97         (122)
 Net proceeds from issuance of common stock ...................        --         21,026         --
 Purchase of shares by ESOP ...................................        --         (1,785)        --
 Dividends paid ...............................................        (391)        --           --
 Payment of ESOP loan .........................................         181         --           --
 Purchase of treasury stock ...................................      (4,417)        --           --
 Purchase of MRP shares .......................................      (1,450)        --           --
                                                                   --------     --------     --------
Net cash provided by financing activities .....................      18,503       49,463       16,687
                                                                   --------     --------     --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ..........         (98)     (19,319)      23,764
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ................       6,943       26,262        2,498
                                                                   --------     --------     --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year ......................    $  6,845     $  6,943     $ 26,262
                                                                   ========     ========     ========
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow
 information-cash paid during the year for:
  Federal and state income taxes ..............................    $  1,097     $    616     $    345
                                                                   ========     ========     ========
  Interest ....................................................    $  9,873     $  7,813     $  6,956
                                                                   ========     ========     ========
Supplemental information of noncash investing
 activities -- Transfer of loans receivable to
 real estate owned ............................................    $     80     $    143     $    831
                                                                   ========     ========     ========
Transfer of securities held to maturity to
 securities available for sale ................................    $   --       $   --       $ 51,380
                                                                   ========     ========     ========
</TABLE>

                    See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                                 17
<PAGE>

                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

   Principles of Consolidation

         The  consolidated  financial  statements  include the accounts of Wayne
Bancorp, Inc. (the Company) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Wayne Savings Bank,
F.S.B.  (the  Bank)  and  the  Bank's  wholly-owned  subsidiary,  Wayne  Savings
Financial  Services Group, Inc. (the Subsidiary).  All significant  intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

   Business

         The Company conducts  business  primarily  through the Bank, which is a
federally chartered savings bank, that 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; it
is also subject to the regulations of certain regulatory  agencies and undergoes
periodic examinations by those regulatory  authorities.  The Subsidiary provides
financial  and  investment  planning  services and market  securities,  life and
health insurance products.

   Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

         As more fully  described in Note 2, the Bank converted from a mutual to
stock form of  ownership  on June 27,  1996 and 100% of its  outstanding  common
stock was acquired by the Company. As a stock institution and as a result of the
public offering of the stock of the holding company upon completion of its stock
offering,  the holding  company is subject to the reporting  requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

         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
consolidated  statements  of  financial  condition  for the periods  then ended.
Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates and assumptions.

         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  settlement  of  loans.  In  connection  with  the  determination  of  the
allowances  for loan losses and real estate  owned (REO),  management  generally
obtains independent appraisals for significant properties.

   Cash and Cash Equivalents

         Cash and cash equivalents,  for purposes of the consolidated statements
of cash flows, consist of cash and due from banks,  interest-bearing deposits in
other banks and Federal funds sold.

   Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Stock

     The Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLB), is
required to hold shares of capital stock of the FHLB based on a specified
formula.

   Securities Held to Maturity

         Securities  held to maturity are carried at the  outstanding  principal
balance,  adjusted  for  amortization  of premiums and  accretion of  discounts.
Premiums  and  discounts  are  recognized  using the level yield method over the
estimated  lives of the  securities.  Securities held to maturity are carried at
outstanding  principal  balance  because it is management's  intention,  and the
Company has the ability, to hold them to maturity.

   Securities Available for Sale

         Securities  that  are  held  for  indefinite  periods  of time  but not
intended to be held to maturity are classified as available for sale. Securities
held for indefinite  periods of time include  securities that management intends
to use as

                                       18

<PAGE>

                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

part of its asset/liability management strategy,  including liquidity management
strategy,  and may be sold in response to changes in interest  rates,  liquidity
needs,  and other  factors.  Securities  available  for sale are carried at fair
value and  unrealized  gains and  losses,  net of related  tax  effect,  on such
securities  are  excluded  from  earnings,  but are  included  in  equity.  Upon
realization,  such gains or losses are  included in earnings  using the specific
identification method.

         In November  1995,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board issued
"Special  Report-A--Guide  to  Implementation of Statement 115 on Accounting for
Certain  Investments  in Debt and  Equity  Securities"  within  which  there was
offered   transition   guidance   permitting   an  enterprise  to  reassess  the
appropriateness  of all of its securities  before December 31, 1995. The Company
reassessed  its   classifications  and  in  December  of  1995,  it  transferred
securities previously classified as held to maturity,  with an amortized cost of
$51.4 million to the available for sale  classification.  The related unrealized
gain on the securities transferred,  net of related tax effect was approximately
$19,000  which has been  recognized  and  reported  as a separate  component  of
equity.

   Loans Receivable

         Loans   receivable  are  stated  at  unpaid   principal   balance  less
undisbursed  loan funds,  net deferred loan  origination and commitment fees and
the allowance for loan losses.

         The accrual of interest  income on loans is  discontinued  when certain
factors indicate reasonable doubt as to the timely collectibility of such income
(generally when loans are greater than ninety days delinquent).  Interest income
previously  accrued on these  loans,  but not yet  received,  is reversed in the
current period. Any interest subsequently collected is credited to income in the
period of recovery.  Loans are returned to accrual status when collectibility is
no longer considered doubtful.

   Loan Origination and Commitment Fees and Related Costs

         Loan fees and certain  direct loan  origination  costs are deferred and
the net fee or cost is  recognized  in  interest  income  using the level  yield
method over the contractual lives of the specifically  identified loans adjusted
for prepayments.

   Allowance for Loan Losses

         The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based on the Company's
past loan loss  experience,  known and inherent risks in the portfolio,  adverse
situations that may affect the borrower's  ability to repay,  estimated value of
any underlying  collateral  and current  economic  conditions.  Additions to the
allowance arise from charges to operations through the provision for loan losses
or from the recovery of amounts previously charged off. The allowance is reduced
by loan  charge-offs.  Loans are charged off when management  believes there has
been permanent impairment of their carrying values.

         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  in the  Company's  market  area.  In  addition,  various  regulatory
agencies, as an integral part of their routine examination process, periodically
review the Company's  allowance  for loan losses.  Such agencies may require the
Company to recognize  additions to the allowance  based on their judgments about
information available to them at the time of their examination.

         The  Company has defined  the  population  of impaired  loans to be all
nonaccrual  commercial real estate and  multi-family  loans.  Impaired loans are
individually  assessed to  determine  that the loan's  carrying  value is not in
excess of the fair value of the  collateral  or the present  value of the loan's
expected  future  cash  flows.   Smaller  balance  homogeneous  loans  that  are
collectively  evaluated for impairment,  such as residential  mortgage loans and
consumer  loans,  are  specifically  excluded from the impaired loan  portfolio.
There were no loans  classified  as impaired by the Company at December 31, 1997
and 1996.

   Real Estate Owned

         Real estate owned (REO) acquired  through  foreclosure on loans secured
by real estate is reported at the lower of cost or fair value, as established by
a current appraisal, less estimated cost to sell. An allowance for REO has been

                                       19

<PAGE>

                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

established to record  subsequent  declines in estimated net  realizable  value.
Carrying  costs are generally  expensed as incurred.  Additions to the allowance
for REO losses, and carrying costs are included in real estate owned operations,
net in the consolidated statements of income.

   Premises and Equipment

         Premises and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are stated at
cost  less   accumulated   depreciation  and   amortization.   Depreciation  and
amortization  are computed  using the  straight-line  method over the  estimated
useful lives of the assets or leases.  Repair and maintenance items are expensed
and improvements are capitalized.

   Income Taxes
 
         The Company  files a  consolidated  Federal  income tax  return.  State
income tax returns are filed on a separate basis. Income taxes are accounted for
under the asset and liability  method.  Deferred tax assets and  liabilities are
recognized for the future tax consequences  attributable to differences  between
the financial  statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and
their  respective  tax bases and  operating  loss and tax credit  carryforwards.
Deferred  tax  assets and  liabilities  are  measured  using  enacted  tax rates
expected  to apply to  taxable  income  in the  years in which  those  temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect of deferred tax
assets and  liabilities  of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the
period that includes the enactment date.

   Earnings Per Share

         Statement of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No. 128  "Earnings  Per
Share"  ("SFAS 128") issued in 1996,  establishes  standards  for  computing and
presenting  earnings per share (EPS) and applies to entities  with publicly held
common stock or potential  common stock.  SFAS 128 replaces the  presentation of
primary EPS with a presentation  of basic EPS and requires dual  presentation of
basic EPS and diluted EPS on the face of the income  statement  for all entities
with complex capital structures.  For purposes of calculating basic earnings per
share, the weighted average number of common shares, for the year ended December
31, 1997, was 1,873,333. For purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share,
the weighted  average number of common  shares,  for the year ended December 31,
1997, was 1,894,826.  The Company  adopted SFAS 128 as of December 31, 1997. The
Company completed its initial public offering on June 27, 1996, and accordingly,
per share data is not presented for any periods prior to the year ended December
31, 1996.

   Stock-Based Compensation

         In  October  1996,  the  FASB  issued  Statement  123  "Accounting  for
Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123"). SFAS 123 encourages recording in current
period  earnings  compensation  expense  related  to the fair  value of  certain
stock-based  compensation.  Companies  may  choose to follow  the  provision  of
Accounting  Principles  Board  Opinion No. 25,  "Accounting  for Stock Issued to
Employees"  ("APB 25"), where  compensation  expense is not recorded for certain
stock-based compensation plans. However,  companies are required to disclose pro
forma net income and  earnings per share as if they adopted the fair value based
method of  accounting.  The  Company  has  elected to  continue  to account  for
stock-based  compensation under APB 25 and the pro forma disclosures required by
SFAS 123 have been included in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

   Reclassifications

         Certain amounts  relating to the 1996 and 1995  consolidated  financial
statements have been reclassified to conform to the 1997 presentation.

(2) STOCK CONVERSION

         On June 27, 1996 the Company completed an initial public offering.  The
offering  resulted in the sale of 2,231,383 shares of common stock including the
sale of 178,511 shares to the Company's tax qualified Employee

                                       20

<PAGE>

                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

Stock  Benefit Plan and Trust (the  "ESOP").  Proceeds of the  offering,  net of
expenses,  were approximately  $21.0 million of which $1.8 million was loaned to
the ESOP by the Company to fund the purchase of the shares.

         At the time of the  offering  the Company was  required to  establish a
liquidation account in an amount equal to its total equity as of the date of the
latest statement of financial  condition  appearing in the final prospectus used
in connection with the conversion. The liquidation account is maintained for the
benefit of eligible account holders or supplemental eligible account holders who
continue to maintain  their  accounts at the Company after the  conversion.  The
liquidation  account is reduced  annually  to the extent that  eligible  account
holders or supplemental  eligible  account holders have reduced their qualifying
deposits as of each anniversary date.  Subsequent  increases will not restore an
eligible account holder's or supplemental  eligible account holder's interest in
the liquidation  account.  In the unlikely event of a liquidation of the Company
(a circumstance not envisioned or expected by management), each eligible account
holder or  supplemental  eligible  account holder would be entitled to receive a
distribution  from the  liquidation  account in an amount  proportionate  to the
current adjusted qualifying balances of accounts of all eligible account holders
or supplemental eligible account holders then holding qualifying deposits in the
Company.  The  balance of the  liquidation  account  at  December  31,  1997 was
approximately $12.2 million.

(3) SECURITIES HELD TO MATURITY

         A summary of securities  held to maturity at December 31, 1997 and 1996
is as follows: 1997

                                                      1997
                                 -----------------------------------------------
                                                GROSS        GROSS     ESTIMATED
                                 AMORTIZED   UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED    MARKET
                                   COST         GAINS       LOSSES       VALUE
                                 ---------   ----------   ----------   ---------
                                                  IN THOUSANDS

Mortgage-backed securities:
  FHLMC ......................    $1,532         $--          $30        $1,502
  FNMA .......................     1,381           4            5         1,380
                                  ------         ---          ---        ------
                                  $2,913         $ 4          $35        $2,882
                                  ======         ===          ===        ======

                                                      1996
                                 -----------------------------------------------
                                                GROSS        GROSS     ESTIMATED
                                 AMORTIZED   UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED    MARKET
                                   COST         GAINS       LOSSES       VALUE
                                 ---------   ----------   ----------   ---------
                                                  IN THOUSANDS

Mortgage-backed securities:
  FHLMC ......................    $1,608         $--          $36        $1,572
  FNMA .......................     1,621           4           --         1,625
                                  ------         ---          ---        ------
                                  $3,229         $ 4          $36        $3,197
                                  ======         ===          ===        ======

         The  contractual  maturities of  mortgage-backed  securities  generally
exceed ten years; however, the effective lives are expected to be shorter due to
anticipated prepayments.

                                       21

<PAGE>

                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(4) SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

         A summary of  securities  available  for sale at December  31, 1997 and
1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1997
                                           -------------------------------------------------
                                           ESTIMATED     GROSS         GROSS
                                             MARKET    UNREALIZED    UNREALIZED    AMORTIZED
                                             VALUE       GAINS         LOSSES        COST
                                           ---------   ----------    ----------    ---------
                                                             IN THOUSANDS

<S>                                         <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>    
Mortgage-backed securities:
  FHLMC ...............................     $ 7,191       $ 64         $ 38        $ 7,165
  FNMA ................................      12,679         21           94         12,752
  GNMA ................................      11,632         25           --         11,607
Collateralized mortgage obligations ...       3,209         --          102          3,311
U.S. Government agencies ..............      37,890        566           --         37,324
Equity Securities .....................         812         59           --            753
                                            -------       ----         ----        -------
                                            $73,413       $735         $234        $72,912
                                            =======       ====         ====        =======

<CAPTION>
                                                                 1996
                                           -------------------------------------------------
                                           ESTIMATED     GROSS         GROSS
                                            MARKET     UNREALIZED    UNREALIZED    AMORTIZED
                                             VALUE       GAINS         LOSSES        COST
                                           ---------   ----------    ----------    ---------
                                                             IN THOUSANDS
<S>                                         <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>    
Mortgage-backed securities:
Mortgage-backed securities:
  FHLMC ...............................     $12,282       $ 53         $ 59        $12,288
  FNMA ................................      13,054         40          133         13,147
  GNMA ................................      14,105          8          294         14,391
Collateralized mortgage obligations ...       3,204         --          130          3,334
U.S. Government agencies ..............      38,222         66          162         38,318
                                            -------       ----         ----        -------
                                            $80,867       $167         $778        $81,478
                                            =======       ====         ====        =======
</TABLE>

         Proceeds from sales of securities  available for sale were $4.2 million
in 1997 with gross gains of $14,000 and gross  losses of $16,000.  There were no
sales of  securities  available  for  sale  for  1996.  Proceeds  from  sales of
securities  available for sale were $25.1  million for 1995 with gross  realized
gains of $90,000 and gross realized losses of $453,000.

         The  amortized  cost  and  estimated  fair  value  of  debt  securities
available  for sale at December  31,  1997 by  contractual  maturity,  are shown
below:

                                                    AMORTIZED    ESTIMATED FAIR
                                                      COST           VALUE
                                                    ---------    --------------
                                                         IN THOUSANDS

Due in one year through five years .............     $12,324        $12,328
Due in five through ten years ..................      28,311         28,772
                                                     -------        -------
                                                     $40,635        $41,100
                                                     =======        =======

         Mortgage-backed securities totalled $31.5 million at December 31, 1997.
The contractual  maturities of mortgage-backed  securities  generally exceed ten
years;  however,  the  effective  lives  are  expected  to  be  shorter  due  to
anticipated prepayments.

                                       22

<PAGE>

                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(5) LOANS RECEIVABLE, NET

         A summary  of loans  receivable  at  December  31,  1997 and 1996 is as
follows:

                                                           1997          1996
                                                         --------      --------
                                                              IN THOUSANDS
Real estate mortgage:
  Conventional one-to-four family ..................     $130,865      $113,701
  Multi-family .....................................        2,072           185
  Commercial .......................................       14,042         7,069
Construction .......................................        3,929            --
Home equity loans ..................................       27,889        24,394
Commercial business loans ..........................        2,558           644
Student loans ......................................          415           460
Passbook loans .....................................          591           616
Auto loans .........................................          125           158
Personal loans .....................................           25            23
                                                         --------      --------
    Total loans ....................................      182,511       147,250
                                                         ========      ========
Less:
  Undisbursed loan funds ...........................        1,353            --
  Deferred loan fees ...............................           56            36
  Allowance for loan losses ........................        2,170         1,789
                                                         --------      --------
                                                         $178,932      $145,425
                                                         ========      ========

         At December 31, 1997 and 1996,  loans in the amount of $2.3 million and
$2.1 million, respectively, were on a nonaccrual status. If nonaccrual loans had
continued  to realize  interest  in  accordance  with their  contractual  terms,
approximately $243,000, $184,000 and $253,000 of interest income would have been
realized for the years ended  December 31,  1997,  1996 and 1995,  respectively.
Interest income realized on nonaccrual loans was $84,000,  $61,000 and $160,000,
respectively for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.

         A summary  of loans to  directors  and  officers  for the  years  ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 is as follows:

                                                        1997      1996      1995
                                                        ----      ----      ----
                                                              IN THOUSANDS

Balance at beginning of year ......................     $820      $910      $901
Additions .........................................       85       130       105
Payments ..........................................      165       220        96
                                                        ----      ----      ----
Balance at end of year ............................     $740      $820      $910
                                                        ====      ====      ====

         The terms and conditions of loans to directors and officers are no less
favorable to the Company than they would have been for similar transactions with
other borrowers.

         An  analysis  of the  allowance  for loan  losses  for the years  ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 is as follows:

                                                  1997        1996        1995
                                                 ------      ------      ------
                                                          IN THOUSANDS

Balance at beginning of year ................    $1,789      $1,589      $1,543
Provision charged to operations .............       400         200         152
Loans charged off ...........................      (19)          --        (106)
                                                 ------      ------      ------
Balance at end of year ......................    $2,170      $1,789      $1,589
                                                 ======      ======      ======

                                       23

<PAGE>

                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)


(6) INTEREST AND DIVIDENDS RECEIVABLE

         A summary of interest and dividends receivable at December 31, 1997 and
1996 is as follows:

                                                               1997        1996
                                                              ------      ------
                                                                 IN THOUSANDS

Loans, net of reserve for uncollected interest 
  of $595 in 1997 and $456 in 1996 .......................    $  800      $  704
Securities held to maturity and securities 
  available for sale .....................................     1,097       1,197
                                                              ------      ------
                                                              $1,897      $1,901
                                                              ======      ======

(7) PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET

         Premises  and  equipment,  net  at  December  31,  1997  and  1996  are
summarized as follows:

                                                               1997        1996
                                                              ------      ------
                                                                 IN THOUSANDS

Land .....................................................    $  497      $  497
Buildings and improvements ...............................     2,620       2,796
Leasehold improvements ...................................       582         325
Furnishings and equipment ................................       937         962
    Total ................................................     4,636       4,580
Accumulated depreciation and amortization ................     1,318       1,384
                                                              ------      ------
                                                              $3,318      $3,196
                                                              ======      ======

         Depreciation of premises and equipment charged to occupancy expense for
the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 amounted to $208,000,  $167,000
and $167,000, respectively.

(8) REAL ESTATE OWNED, NET

         A summary of REO net, at December 31, 1997 and 1996 is as follows:

                                                              1997         1996
                                                              ----         ----
                                                                IN THOUSANDS

Total real estate owned ..................................     $80        $ 290
Allowance for losses .....................................      --         (174)
                                                               ---        -----
                                                               $80        $ 116
                                                               ===        =====

                                       24

<PAGE>

                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)


         An  analysis  of the  allowance  for REO  losses  for the  years  ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 is as follows:

                                                  1997        1996        1995
                                                  -----       -----       -----
                                                          IN THOUSANDS

Balance, beginning of year ...................    $ 174       $ 169       $ 240
Provision charged to income ..................       --         100         148
Charge-offs ..................................     (174)       (121)       (229)
Recoveries ...................................       --          26          10
                                                  -----       -----       -----
Balance, end of period .......................    $  --       $ 174       $ 169
                                                  =====       =====       =====

(9) DEPOSITS

         Deposit  account  balances at December 31, 1997 and 1996 are summarized
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   CURRENT STATED                CURRENT STATED
                                                        RATE                          RATE 
                                                         AT                            AT
                                                    DECEMBER 31,                  DECEMBER 31,
                                                        1997           1997           1996            1996
                                                   --------------    --------    ---------------    --------
                                                                   IN THOUSANDS
<S>                                                  <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>     
Noninterest bearing demand accounts ...........        --            $ 10,438              --       $  6,549
NOW accounts ..................................      2.25%             22,729            2.25%        20,063
Money market deposit accounts .................      2.50              22,830       2.50-3.05         20,633
Savings accounts ..............................      2.50              31,963            2.50         31,955
Club accounts .................................      2.50                 203            2.50            205
                                                                     --------                       --------
                                                                       88,163                         79,405
                                                                     --------                       --------
Certificates of deposit .......................      3.01-4.00              1       3.01-4.00            331
                                                     4.01-5.00          2,744       4.01-5.00         14,310
                                                     5.01-6.00        105,691       5.01-6.00         80,829
                                                     6.01-7.00          1,854       6.01-7.00          4,053
                                                                     --------                       --------
Total certificates of deposit .................                       110,290                         99,523
Accrued interest payable ......................                            26                             19
                                                                     --------                       --------
                                                                     $198,479                       $178,947
                                                                     ========                       ========
</TABLE>

         The overall  weighted average interest rate on deposits at December 31,
1997 and 1996 was 4.02% and 4.12%, respectively.

         The aggregate  amount of  certificates of deposit in  denominations  of
$100,000 or more  totalled  $11.7  million and $7.8 million at December 31, 1997
and 1996,  respectively.  Deposits  over $100,000 are not insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation.

         At December 31, 1997 certificates of deposit have scheduled  maturities
as follows:

                                                                   IN THOUSANDS
                                                                   ------------

One year or less .............................................       $ 92,808
One year to three years ......................................         16,575
Three years or more ..........................................            907
                                                                     --------
                                                                     $110,290
                                                                     ========

                                       25

<PAGE>
                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)


         Interest  expense on deposits  for the years ended  December  31, 1997,
1996 and 1995 is summarized as follows:

                                                       1997      1996      1995
                                                      ------    ------    ------
                                                             IN THOUSANDS
NOW and money market deposit accounts .............   $1,114    $1,071    $1,111
Savings accounts and certificates of deposit ......    6,513     6,077     5,669
                                                      ------    ------    ------
                                                      $7,627    $7,148    $6,780
                                                      ======    ======    ======

         At December 31, 1997,  the Bank had pledged  approximately  $585,000 of
mortgage-backed securities as collateral for municipal deposits.

(10) FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES

         Federal  Home Loan Bank  advances  at  December  31,  1997 and 1996 are
summarized as follows:

                                                             1997         1996
                                                            -------      -------
                                                                IN THOUSANDS
Maturity:
  Due in one year or less .............................     $ 2,000      $ 1,000
  Due in one year through five years ..................      30,000        2,000
                                                            -------      -------
                                                            $32,000      $27,000
                                                            =======      =======

         The  interest  rates on the above  borrowings  are fixed and range from
6.33% to 6.86%.  The Bank may  borrow  funds  from the FHLB  subject  to certain
limitations.  Based on the level of  qualifying  collateral  available to secure
advances at December  31,  1997,  the Bank's  borrowing  limit from the FHLB was
approximately $81.0 million,  with unused borrowing capacity of $49.0 million at
that date.

         The Bank,  under an agreement with the FHLB,  may receive  advances for
various  terms at  prevailing  interest  rates at the time of the advance.  Such
advances are  collateralized by FHLB stock and securities held in safekeeping at
the FHLB.

(11) INCOME TAXES

         Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
consists of the following:

                                                        1997      1996      1995
                                                       ------     -----     ----
                                                              IN THOUSANDS
Current:
  Federal ........................................     $1,275     $ 421     $422
  State ..........................................        113        38       36
                                                       ------     -----     ----
                                                        1,388       459      458
Deferred .........................................       (177)      (56)      29
                                                       ------     -----     ----
                                                       $1,211     $ 403     $487
                                                       ======     =====     ====

         Total income tax expense for the years ended  December  31, 1997,  1996
and 1995 was allocated as follows:

                                                        1997      1996      1995
                                                       ------     -----     ----
                                                              IN THOUSANDS
Income from operations ...........................     $1,211     $ 403     $487
Stockholders' equity:
  Net unrealized (depreciation) 
    appreciation on securities available 
    for sale, net of taxes .......................        401      (166)      90
                                                       ------     -----     ----
                                                       $1,612     $ 237     $577
                                                       ======     =====     ====
                                       26
<PAGE>

                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)


         The following  table  presents a  reconciliation  between the effective
income tax expense and the computed  "expected" Federal income tax expense which
is  computed  by applying  the normal  Federal  income tax rate of 34% to income
before income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1997,  1996 and 1995,
respectively.

                                                         1997     1996     1995
                                                        ------    ----     ----
                                                              IN THOUSANDS

Computed  "expected"  Federal income tax expense ....   $1,076    $363     $462
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
New Jersey savings institution tax, net of 
  Federal income tax effect .........................       67      30       24
Other items, net ....................................       68      10        1
                                                        ------    ----     ----
Income tax expense ..................................   $1,211    $403     $487
                                                        ======    ====     ====
Effective tax rate ..................................     38.3%   37.7%    36.0%

         Retained   earnings  at  December  31,  1997   includes   approximately
$4,517,000 of income that has not been subject to tax because of deductions  for
bad debts allowed for income tax purposes.  Deferred  income taxes have not been
provided on such bad debt  deductions  since the Company  does not intend to use
the  accumulated  bad debt  deductions  for  purposes  other than to absorb loan
losses.  If this portion of retained earnings is used for any purpose other than
to absorb bad debt losses, taxes would be imposed on such amounts. If triggered,
the  tax  liability  related  to  the  appropriated  earnings  would  have  been
$1,626,000 at December 31, 1997.

         Legislation was enacted in 1996, which repealed,  for tax purposes, the
percentage of taxable income bad debt reserve method. The Company is required to
recapture the post 1987 build up to its tax bad debt reserves. This deferred tax
liability has been accrued for under SFAS 109.

         The tax effects of temporary  differences that give rise to significant
portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31,
1997 and 1996 are as follows:

                                                                  1997      1996
                                                                  ----      ----
                                                                   IN THOUSANDS

Deferred tax assets:
  Allowance for loan losses--book .............................   $728      $620
  Nonaccrual loan interest ....................................     27        78
  Accrued expenses ............................................     31        --
  Unrealized loss on securities available for sale ............     --       219
  Restricted stock ............................................     67        --
  Other .......................................................     34         3
                                                                  ----      ----
    Total gross deferred tax assets ...........................    887       920
                                                                  ----      ----
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Allowance for loan losses--tax ..............................    300       317
  Bank premises, furniture and equipment, principally 
    due to differences in depreciation ........................    116       123
  ESOP ........................................................     64        --
  Other .......................................................     --        31
  Unrealized gains on securities available for sale ...........    182        --
                                                                  ----      ----
    Total gross deferred tax liabilities ......................    662       471
                                                                  ----      ----
    Net deferred tax asset ....................................   $225      $449
                                                                  ====      ====

         Management  believes it is more  likely than not that the Company  will
realize the benefit of net deductible  temporary  differences  and that such net
deductible  temporary  differences  will  reverse  during  periods  in which the
Company generates net taxable income.  Management has projected that the Company
will generate  sufficient  taxable  income to utilize the net deferred tax asset
and no valuation allowance is considered necessary.

                                       27

<PAGE>

                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)


(12) BENEFIT PLANS

   Defined Benefit Pension Plan

         Prior to  December  1997,  the  Company  maintained  a defined  benefit
pension plan, which covered  substantially  all employees of the Company who met
certain  age and length of service  requirements.  The  Company  terminated  the
defined  benefit plan as of December  1997.  Settlement of the Plan  liabilities
occurred in December 1997.

         The  following  table sets forth the Plan's  funded  status and amounts
recognized in the Company's  consolidated  financial  statements at December 31,
1997 and 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   1997      1996
                                                                                   ----      -----
                                                                                     IN THOUSANDS
<S>                                                                                <C>       <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations at December 31:
  Accumulated benefit obligation including vested benefits of
    $398 at December 31 ......................................................     $ --      $ 417
                                                                                   ====      =====
  Projected benefit obligation for service rendered to date ..................       --       (611)
  Plan assets at fair value, primarily certificates of deposit held at
    other banks at December 31 ...............................................       --        595
                                                                                   ----      -----
Plan assets less than projected benefit obligation ...........................       --        (16)
Unrecognized net obligation ..................................................       --         17
Unrecognized net loss subsequent to transition ...............................       --          7
                                                                                   ----      -----
  Prepaid asset (included in other assets) ...................................     $ --      $   8
                                                                                   ====      =====
</TABLE>

         Net periodic  pension cost  includes the following  components  for the
years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively:

                                                       1997      1996      1995
                                                       ----      ----      ----
                                                             IN THOUSANDS

Service cost .....................................     $ 13      $ 78      $ 82
Interest cost ....................................       46        49        59
Return on plan assets ............................      (23)      (31)      (56)
Amortization of net obligation ...................        3         3         4
Deferred asset loss ..............................      (19)      (23)       --
Settlement charge ................................        5        12        --
                                                       ----      ----      ----
  Net periodic pension cost ......................     $ 25      $ 88      $ 89
                                                       ====      ====      ====

         The discount  rate and rate of increase in future  compensation  levels
used  in  computing  the  actuarial  present  value  of  the  projected  benefit
obligation  were 7.5% and 5.5% in 1996 and 7.0% and 5.0% in 1995,  respectively.
The expected long-term rate of return on assets was 7% in both 1996 and 1995.

   Employee Savings Plan

         The Company has an employee  savings plan (the Savings Plan),  pursuant
to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, for all eligible employees.  The
Company  matches  50%  of  employee  contributions  up  to  the  first  6% of an
employee's  salary. The Company's  contribution  during the years ended December
31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 amounted to $34,000, $32,000 and $33,000, respectively.

   Consultation and Retirement Plan for Non-Employee Directors

         Effective  June 27, 1996,  Wayne Savings Bank adopted the Wayne Savings
Bank, F.S.B.  Consultation and Retirement Plan for Non-Employee  Directors ("the
Plan").  The Plan is  intended to promote the  interest of Wayne  Savings  Bank,
F.S.B.,  and its affiliates by providing for the  continuing  advice of retiring
eligible members of its Board

                                       28

<PAGE>

                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)


of  Directors  and the Board of Directors of Wayne  Bancorp,  Inc.,  the holding
company of Wayne Savings Bank, F.S.B., and to provide such eligible members with
retirement income.

         The  following  table sets forth the Plan's  funded  status and amounts
recognized in the  Company's  consolidated  financial  statement at December 31,
1997 and 1996:

                                                      DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,
                                                          1997          1996
                                                      ------------  ------------
                                                            IN THOUSANDS

Vested benefit obligations ..........................     $(126)        $ (89)
Accumulated benefit obligations .....................      (140)         (106)
Projected benefit obligations .......................     $(140)        $(106)
Fair value of plan assets ...........................        --            --
                                                          -----         ----- 
Funded status .......................................      (140)         (106)
Unrecognized prior service costs ....................        80            86
Unrecognized net (gain) loss ........................        11            (2)
                                                          -----         ----- 
(Accrued) prepaid pension cost ......................     $ (49)        $ (22)
                                                          =====         =====

         Net periodic pension cost, utilizing a 7.25% discount rate for 1997 and
1996, includes the following components for 1997 and 1996:

                                                      DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,
                                                          1997          1996
                                                      ------------  ------------
                                                            IN THOUSANDS

Service cost ........................................      $13           $16
Interest cost .......................................       10             3
Amortization of unrecognized prior service costs ....        6             3
                                                           ---           ---
Net periodic pension costs ..........................      $29           $22
                                                           ===           ===

EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN ("ESOP")

         The Company used a portion of the net  proceeds for a loan  directly to
the Company  for the ESOP to enable the ESOP to purchase 8% of the common  stock
in the conversion.  Based upon the issuance of 2,231,383  shares,  the amount of
the loan to the ESOP was $1.8  million to be repaid over a ten year period at an
interest rate of 8.25%. In 1997, 18,057 shares were allocated. Contributions for
1997 were $357,000.

MANAGEMENT RECOGNITION PROGRAM ("MRP")

         The Company  established the Company Management  Recognition Program on
February 25, 1997 as a method of providing officers and directors of the Company
with a proprietary interest in the Company. The MRP is designed to encourage the
participants  to remain  with the  Company.  The MRP  purchased a total of 4% or
89,254  common shares of the Company in the open market at cost of $1.5 million.
Awards to plan  participants  vest at a rate of 20% per year commencing one year
from the date of the award.  As awards vest, the Company  recognizes an employee
benefit  expense in an amount equal to the cost basis of the stock.  The expense
recognized for vested benefits amounted to $188,000 for the period from March 1,
1997 to December 31, 1997.

STOCK OPTION PLAN

         The Company's  Incentive  Stock Option Plan was adopted on February 25,
1997 and provides  for the granting of options to directors  and officers of the
Company.  Under the terms of the plan,  options  may be granted at not less than
fair market value on the date of the grant.

         The Plan  authorizes the grant of stock options with respect to 223,138
shares  of common  stock of the  Company,  equal to 10% of the  shares of common
stock issued in the  Conversion.  Options granted under the Plan are exercisable
on a cumulative basis in equal installments at a rate of 20% per year commencing
one  year  from  date of  grant,  except  that in the  event of  termination  of
employment other than as result of death, disability, retirement or a change in

                                       29

<PAGE>
                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

control of the Company or the Bank,  options  not  previously  exercisable  will
automatically expire. Changes in the number of shares outstanding under the Plan
and the  weighted  average  exercise  price of those  shares  for the year ended
December 31, 1997 are as follows:

                                                                 1997
                                                      --------------------------
                                                                     WEIGHTED
                                                       NUMBER        AVERAGE
                                                      OF SHARES   EXERCISE PRICE
                                                      ---------   --------------
Outstanding at beginning of period ................       --            --
Granted ...........................................    191,892        $17.26
Exercised .........................................       --            --
                                                       -------        ------
Outstanding at end of period ......................    191,892        $17.26
                                                       =======        ======

         For options  granted in 1997, the exercise price of the options equaled
the market value of the stock at grant date.

         The  following  table  summarizes  information  about the stock options
outstanding at December 31, 1997:

                                OPTIONS OUTSTANDING AND EXERCISABLE
                                         WEIGHTED AVERAGE
                       --------------------------------------------------------
                        NUMBER OF            REMAINING              WEIGHTED
                         SHARES             CONTRACTUAL              AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICE         OUTSTANDING         LIFE IN YEARS         EXERCISE PRICE
- --------------         -----------         -------------         --------------
    $17.00              174,041                10                    $17.00
     19.75               17,851                10                     19.75
                        -------                --                    ------
                        191,892                10                    $17.26
                        =======                ==                    ======

         The Company applies APB 25 in accounting for the Plan.  Consistent with
SFAS  123,  if  compensation  cost  for the Plan was  included  as  compensation
expense,  the  Company's  net income and earnings per share,  for the year ended
December 31, 1997,  would have been reduced to the pro forma  amounts  indicated
below:
                                                                           1997
                                                                          ------
Net income
  As reported .......................................................     $1,954
  Pro forma .........................................................      1,806

Basic earnings per share
  As reported .......................................................     $ 1.04
  Pro forma .........................................................       0.96

Diluted earnings per share
  As reported .......................................................     $ 1.03
  Pro forma .........................................................       0.95

         The fair value of stock  options  granted by the Company was  estimated
through  the use of the  Black-Scholes  option-pricing  model  that  takes  into
account the following  factors as of the grant date:  the exercise price and the
expected  life of the option,  the market price of the  underlying  stock at the
grant date and its expected volatility,  and the risk-free interest rate for the
expected  term of the option.  In deriving the fair value of the stock  options,
the stock price at the grant date is reduced by the value of the dividends to be
paid  during the life of the option.  The  following  assumptions  were used for
grants in 1997:  dividend  yield of 3.0%,  expected  volatility of 20.0% and the
risk free  interest  rate of 5.84%.  The effects of applying SFAS 123 on the pro
forma net income may not be representative of the effect on pro forma net income
for future years or any other period.

(13) REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

         OTS regulations require savings institutions to maintain minimum levels
of regulatory capital. Under the regulations in effect at December 31, 1997, the
Bank was  required  to  maintain a minimum  ratio of  tangible  capital to total
adjusted  assets of 1.5%;  a  minimum  ratio of Tier 1 (core)  capital  to total
adjusted  assets of 3.0%; and a minimum ratio of total (core and  supplementary)
capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0%.
                                       30
<PAGE>

                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)


         Under its prompt corrective action regulations,  the OTS is required to
take certain supervisory actions (and may take additional discretionary actions)
with  respect to an  undercapitalized  institution.  Such  actions  could have a
direct  material  effect on the Bank's  financial  statements.  The  regulations
establish a framework for the  classification of savings  institutions into five
categories:   well  capitalized,   adequately   capitalized,   undercapitalized,
significantly  undercapitalized,  and critically undercapitalized.  Generally, a
bank is considered well capitalized if it has a Tier 1 (core) capital ratio of a
least 5.0%;  a Tier 1  risk-based  capital  ratio of a least  6.0%;  and a total
risk-based capital ratio of at least 10.0%.

         The foregoing capital ratios are based in part on specific quantitative
measures  of  assets,   liabilities  and  certain  off-balance  sheet  items  as
calculated  under   regulatory   accounting   practices.   Capital  amounts  and
classifications  are also  subject  to  qualitative  judgments  by the OTS about
capital components, risk weightings and other factors.

         Management  believes  that, as of December 31, 1997, the Bank meets all
capital adequacy  requirements to which it is subject.  Further, the most recent
OTS notification  categorized the Bank as a well capitalized  institution  under
the prompt  corrective  action  regulations.  There have been no  conditions  or
events since that notification that management  believes have changed the Bank's
capital classification.

         OTS regulations impose limitations on all capital  distributions,  such
as cash dividends,  payments to repurchase or otherwise acquire shares, payments
to  stockholders  of  another   institution  in  a  cash-out  merger  and  other
distributions charged against capital.

         The  following is a summary of the Bank's  actual  capital  amounts and
ratios as of December 31, 1997 and 1996,  compared with the OTS minimum  capital
adequacy  requirements  and the OTS requirements  for  classification  as a well
capitalized institution.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               OTS REQUIREMENTS
                                                                ------------------------------------------
                                                                 MINIMUM CAPITAL       FOR CLASSIFICATION
                                           BANK ACTUAL              ADEQUACY           AS WELL CAPITALIZED
                                       ------------------       -----------------      -------------------
                                       AMOUNT       RATIO       AMOUNT      RATIO      AMOUNT       RATIO
                                       -------      -----       ------      -----      -------      ------
                                                                   IN THOUSANDS

<S>                                    <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>           <C>  
December 31, 1997
  Tangible capital ................    $27,807      10.33%      $4,038      1.50%      $ 8,076       3.00%
  Tier 1 (core) capital ...........     27,807      10.33        8,076      3.00        13,461       5.00
  Risk-based:   
    Tier 1 ........................     27,807      22.65        4,911      4.00         7,367       6.00
    Total .........................     29,242      23.82        9,823      8.00        12,278      10.00
                                                                                     
December 31, 1996                                                                    
  Tangible capital ................    $26,647      10.89%      $3,671      1.50%      $ 7,342       3.00%
  Tier 1 (core) capital ...........     26,647      10.89        7,342      3.00        12,236       5.00
  Risk-based:                                                                        
    Tier 1 ........................     26,647      26.75        3,985      4.00         5,977       6.00
    Total .........................     26,951      27.05        7,970      8.00         9,962      10.00

</TABLE>

(14) COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

   Commitments

         The Company is party to  financial  instruments  and  commitments  with
off-balance-sheet  credit risk in the normal course of business. These financial
instruments  and  commitments  include  unused  home  equity  lines  of  credit,
commitments to extend credit,  and  commitments  to purchase  securities.  These
commitments and instruments  involve,  to varying  degrees,  elements of risk in
excess of the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

         The  Company's  maximum  exposure  to  credit  losses  in the  event of
nonperformance by the other party to these financial instruments and commitments
is represented by the contractual amount. The Company uses the same credit

                                       31

<PAGE>

                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)


policies in granting  commitments  and  conditional  obligations  as it does for
financial  instruments  recorded in the  consolidated  statements  of  financial
condition.

         At December 31, 1997 and 1996  financial  instruments  and  commitments
whose  contractual  amounts  represent  off-balance-sheet  credit  risk  are  as
follows:

                                                              1997         1996
                                                             -------      ------
                                                                IN THOUSANDS

Unused home equity lines of credit
  (primarily floating rate) ............................     $16,208      $9,541
Commitments to extend credit:
  To originate mortgage loans
    Fixed rate .........................................         448       2,629
    Variable rate ......................................      10,687       6,333
  To purchase mortgage loans:
    Variable rate ......................................         706          --


         Interest rates on  commitments  to originate  fixed rate mortgage loans
ranged  from 7.25% to 7.75% and 6.75% to 8.50% at  December  31,  1997 and 1996,
respectively. Such commitments are generally for a sixty day term.

         The Company leases certain branch offices under  operating  leases.  At
December 31, 1997, the minimum rental commitments for noncancellable leases with
initial or remaining  terms of more than one year and expiring  through 2024 are
as follows:

                                                                    IN THOUSANDS
                                                                    ------------
Year ended December 31,
  1998 .........................................................       $  239
  1999 .........................................................          268
  2000 .........................................................          274
  2001 .........................................................          208
  2002 .........................................................          101
  Thereafter ...................................................        1,124
                                                                       ------
                                                                       $2,214
                                                                       ======

         Rental expense under operating leases, included in occupancy expense in
the  consolidated  statements of income was $290,000,  $253,000 and $249,000 for
the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

   Contingencies

         In the normal course of business,  there are various  outstanding legal
proceedings,  claims, commitments and contingent liabilities such as commitments
to  extend  credit  which  are not  included  in the  accompanying  consolidated
financial  statements.  In the opinion of management,  the financial  condition,
results of operations and liquidity of the Company and its  subsidiary  will not
be materially affected by the outcome of such legal proceedings and claims or by
such commitments and contingent liabilities.

   Concentrations of Credit Risk

         A substantial  portion of the Company's  loans are one- to  four-family
residential first mortgage loans secured by real estate located primarily in New
Jersey.  Accordingly,  the  collectibility  of  a  substantial  portion  of  the
Company's  loan  portfolio  and the  recovery  of a  substantial  portion of the
carrying  amount  of REO  are  susceptible  to  changes  in real  estate  market
conditions.

(15) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

         Fair value  estimates,  methods and assumptions are set forth below for
the Company's financial  instruments for which it is practical to estimate those
values.

                                       32

<PAGE>

                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)


   Cash and Cash Equivalents

         For cash and due from banks,  interest-bearing  deposits in other banks
and Federal funds sold, the carrying amount approximates fair value.

   Securities Held to Maturity and Securities Available for Sale

         The fair value of securities held to maturity and securities  available
for sale was based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes, if available.  If a
quoted market price or dealer quote was not available,  fair value was estimated
using quoted market prices of similar securities.

   Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Stock

         The fair value for FHLB stock is its carrying value,  since this is the
amount for which it could be redeemed.  There is no active market for this stock
and the Bank is  required  to  maintain  a minimum  balance  based on the unpaid
principal of home mortgage loans.

   Loans

         Fair  values  are  estimated  for  portfolios  of  loans  with  similar
financial characteristics. Loans were segregated by type. Each loan category was
further  segmented into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms.  Fair value of
adjustable  rate mortgage  loans was  determined to  approximate  their carrying
value.

         The fair value of fixed rate loans was  determined by  discounting  the
scheduled cash flows through the  contractual  maturity,  adjusted for estimated
prepayments,  using  estimated  market  discount  rates  that  reflect  the risk
inherent in the loan type, taking into account the credit grade and maturity.

         The fair value of nonperforming loans was determined by discounting the
estimated  future cash flows after  adjusting for  collection  costs and risk of
nonpayment.

   Deposit Liabilities

         The fair value of deposits  with no stated  maturity,  such as savings,
noninterest  bearing demand, NOW and money market deposit accounts,  is equal to
the amount payable on demand. 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.

   Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

         The fair  value of Federal  Home Loan Bank  advances  approximates  the
carrying value.

         The estimated fair values of the Company's financial  instruments as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996 are presented in the following table.  Since the fair
value of off-balance-sheet  commitments are not material,  these disclosures are
not included.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1997                            1996
                                                     ----------------------------    ---------------------------- 
                                                     CARRYING VALUE    FAIR VALUE    CARRYING VALUE    FAIR VALUE
                                                     --------------    ----------    --------------    ----------
                                                                             IN THOUSANDS
<S>                                                     <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>     
Financial assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents .......................     $  6,845        $  6,845        $  6,943        $  6,943
  Securities held to maturity .....................        2,913           2,882           3,229           3,197
  Securities available for sale ...................       73,413          73,413          80,867          80,867
  Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock ........        2,150           2,150           1,568           1,568
  Loans receivable ................................      178,932         181,627         145,425         148,240
Financial liabilities :
  Deposits ........................................      198,479         198,292         178,947         179,695
  Federal Home Loan Bank advances .................       32,000          32,376          27,000          27,332

</TABLE>

                                       33

<PAGE>

                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)


   Limitations

         Fair value  estimates  are made at a specific  point in time,  based on
relevant  market  information and  information  about the financial  instrument.
These  estimates  do not reflect any premium or discount  that could result from
offering  for sale at one time the  Company's  entire  holdings of a  particular
financial instrument.  Because no market exists for a significant portion of the
Company's  financial  instruments,  fair value  estimates are based on judgments
regarding future expected loss experience,  current  economic  conditions,  risk
characteristics of various financial instruments, and 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.

         Fair value estimates are based on existing  on-balance-sheet  financial
instruments  without  attempting  to estimate  the value of  anticipated  future
business  and the  value of  assets  and  liabilities  that  are not  considered
financial  instruments.  The tax ramifications related to the realization of the
unrealized  gains  and  losses  can  have a  significant  effect  on fair  value
estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.

(16) PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

         Wayne  Bancorp,  Inc.  (the parent  company) was  incorporated  for the
purpose of acquiring the Bank in connection  with the Bank's  conversion  from a
mutual form of ownership to a stock form of ownership. The following information
on the parent only financial statements as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for
the year ended  December  31,  1997 and for the period June 27, 1996 to December
31,  1996,  should be read in  conjunction  with the  notes to the  consolidated
financial statements.

                                       34
<PAGE>

                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)


        CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)

                           DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996


                                     ASSETS
                                                             1997       1996
                                                           -------    -------
                                                              IN THOUSANDS

Cash and due from banks ................................   $   321    $   265
Investment in Wayne Savings Bank, F.S.B ................    28,090     26,257
Securities available for sale ..........................       812         --
Advance to subsidiary ..................................     3,409      8,615
Loan to subsidiary bank ESOP ...........................     1,428      1,606
Other assets ...........................................        56        264
                                                           -------    -------
Total Assets ...........................................   $34,116    $37,007
                                                           =======    =======


                      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Dividends payable ......................................   $   101    $    --
Other liabilities ......................................        72         96
                                                           -------    -------
Total Liabilities ......................................       173         96
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock ...........................................        22         22
Paid-in capital ........................................    21,264     21,004
Retained Earnings--substantially restricted ............    19,906     17,670
Treasury shares (at cost) ..............................    (4,417)        --
Unallocated MRP shares .................................    (1,262)        --
Unallocated ESOP shares ................................    (1,604)    (1,785)
Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale ...        34         --
                                                           -------    -------
Total stockholders' equity .............................    33,943     36,911
                                                           -------    -------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity .............   $34,116    $37,007
                                                           =======    =======


              CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)

                                                                  FOR THE PERIOD
                                                        FOR YEAR      JUNE 27, 
                                                          ENDED       1996 TO
                                                      DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,
                                                          1997          1996
                                                      ------------  ------------
                                                             IN THOUSANDS

 Income:
   Interest ..........................................   $  476        $ 337
                                                         ------        -----
     Total income ....................................      476          337
                                                         ------        -----
 Expenses:
   Legal and professional fees .......................      231           84
   Other expenses ....................................      290           19
                                                         ------        -----
     Total expenses ..................................      521          103
                                                         ------        -----
   Income (loss) before income taxes and equity
     in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiary ..      (45)         234
   Income tax expense (benefit) ......................      (17)          94
                                                         ------        -----
   Income before equity in undistributed earnings
     (loss) of subsidiary ............................      (28)         140
   Undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiary .......    1,982         (119)
                                                         ------        -----
   Net Income ........................................   $1,954        $  21
                                                         ======        =====

                                       35

<PAGE>
                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)


                 STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)

                                                                  FOR THE PERIOD
                                                        FOR YEAR      JUNE 27, 
                                                          ENDED       1996 TO
                                                      DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,
                                                          1997          1996
                                                      ------------  ------------
                                                             IN THOUSANDS
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income .........................................   $ 1,954      $     21
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
 provided by operating activities:
  Equity in earnings of subsidiary ...................    (1,982)          119
  Decrease (increase) in other assets ................       208       (10,485)
  (Decrease) increase in other liabilities ...........       (48)           96
  Increase in dividends payable ......................       101            --
                                                         -------       -------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities ..       233       (10,249)
                                                         -------       -------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Increase in investment in subsidiary ...............      (393)       (8,727)
Decrease in advance to subsidiary ....................     5,597            --
  Payment of ESOP loan ...............................       181            --
  ESOP loan to subsidiary ............................         --        (1,785)
  Purchase of securities available for sale ..........      (754)           --
                                                         -------       -------
  Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities.     4,631       (10,512)
                                                         -------       -------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock .............        --        21,026
Dividends Paid .......................................      (391)           --
Purchase of treasury stock ...........................    (4,417)           --
                                                         -------       -------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities ..    (4,808)       21,026
                                                         -------       -------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents ..............        56           265
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year .......       265            --
                                                         -------       -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year .............   $   321       $   265
                                                         =======       =======

(17) SAVINGS ASSOCIATION INSURANCE FUND (SAIF) RECAPITALIZATION ASSESSMENT

         On  September  30,  1996,  the  President  signed  into law the Deposit
Insurance Funds Act of 1996 (the "Funds Act") which, among other things, imposes
a  special  one-time  assessment  on SAIF  member  institutions,  including  the
Company,  to  recapitalize  the SAIF.  As  required  by the Funds Act,  the FDIC
imposed a special  assessment of 65.7 basis points on SAIF  assessable  deposits
held as of March 31, 1995, payable November 27, 1996. The special assessment was
recognized  as an expense in the third  quarter of 1996 and was tax  deductible.
The  Company  incurred a pre tax charge of $1.0  million as a result of the FDIC
special assessment.

         The Funds Act also spreads the obligations for payment of the Financing
Corporation ("FICO") bonds across all SAIF and BIF members. Beginning January 1,
1997,  BIF deposits  will be assessed for FICO  payments at a rate of 20% of the
rate  assessed on SAIF  deposits.  BIF  deposits are  currently  assessed a FICO
payment of 1.3 basis  points,  while SAIF  deposits pay an  estimated  6.5 basis
points on the FICO bonds. Full pro rata sharing of the FICO payments between BIF
and SAIF  members  will occur on the  earlier of January 1, 2000 or the date the
BIF and SAIF are merged.  The Funds Act specifies  that the BIF and SAIF will be
merged on January 1, 1999  provided  no savings  associations  remain as of that
time.

         As a result of the Funds Act, and  recently  passed  legislation,  SAIF
assessments  were lowered to 0 to 27 basis points  effective  January 1, 1997, a
range comparable to that of BIF members.  However, SAIF members will continue to
make the higher FICO payments  described  above.  Management  cannot predict the
level of FDIC insurance  assessments on an on-going  basis,  whether the savings
association  charter  will be  eliminated,  or  whether  the BIF and  SAIF  will
eventually be merged. The Company paid $92,000, $393,000 and $368,000 in Federal
deposit insurance premiums for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.

                                       36

<PAGE>

                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)


(18) SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

         The results of  operations  on a quarterly  basis are  presented in the
following tables:

                                                          1997
                                          -------------------------------------
                                          FOURTH     THIRD    SECOND     FIRST
                                          QUARTER   QUARTER   QUARTER   QUARTER
                                          -------   -------   -------   -------
                                                      IN THOUSANDS, 
                                                EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS

Interest income .......................   $4,864    $4,850    $4,619    $4,433
Interest expense ......................    2,646     2,606     2,402     2,254
                                          ------    ------    ------    ------
Net interest income ...................    2,218     2,244     2,217     2,179
Provision for loan losses .............       75       125        75       125
Noninterest income ....................      174       195       145       183
Noninterest expense ...................    1,587     1,543     1,469     1,391
Income tax expense ....................      288       288       293       342
                                          ------    ------    ------    ------
Net income ............................   $  442    $  483    $  525    $  504
                                          ======    ======    ======    ======
Basic earnings per share ..............   $ 0.25    $ 0.26    $ 0.28    $ 0.25
                                          ======    ======    ======    ======
Basic weighted average shares .........    1,778     1,840     1,884     1,995
                                          ======    ======    ======    ======
Diluted earnings per share ............   $ 0.23    $ 0.25    $ 0.28    $ 0.27
                                          ======    ======    ======    ======
Diluted weighted average shares .......    1,899     1,899     1,899     1,882
                                          ======    ======    ======    ======


                                                          1996
                                          -------------------------------------
                                          FOURTH     THIRD    SECOND     FIRST
                                          QUARTER   QUARTER   QUARTER   QUARTER
                                          -------   -------   -------   -------
                                                      IN THOUSANDS, 
                                                EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS

Interest income .......................   $4,513    $4,079    $3,457    $3,409
Interest expense ......................    2,269     2,057     1,800     1,832
                                          ------    ------    ------    ------
Net interest income ...................    2,244     2,022     1,657     1,577
Provision for loan losses .............       65        50        50        35
Noninterest income ....................      144       171       140       130
Noninterest expense ...................    1,303     3,093     1,259     1,161
Income tax expense (benefit) ..........      385      (336)      168       186
                                          ------    ------    ------    ------
Net income (loss) .....................   $  635    $ (614)   $  320    $  325
                                          ======    ======    ======    ======
Basic earnings (loss) per share .......   $ 0.31    $(0.30)   $   --    $   --
                                          ======    ======    ======    ======
Basic weighted average shares .........    2,053     2,053        --        --
                                          ======    ======    ======    ======
Diluted earnings (loss) per share .....   $ 0.31    $(0.30)   $   --    $   --
                                          ======    ======    ======    ======
Diluted weighted average shares .......    2,053     2,053        --        --
                                          ======    ======    ======    ======
                                                                         
(19) RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

         In June,  1996 the FASB issued SFAS No. 125,  "Accounting for Transfers
and Servicing of Financial Assets and  Extinguishments of Liabilities" (SFAS No.
125).  SFAS 125 amends portions of SFAS 115, amends and extends to all servicing
assets and liabilities the accounting  standards for mortgage  servicing  rights
now in SFAS 65, and  supersedes  SFAS 122.  The  statement  provides  consistent
standards for distinguishing transfers of financial assets which are sales

                                       37

<PAGE>

                       WAYNE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)


from  transfers  that are secured  borrowings.  Those  standards  are based upon
consistent  application  of a  financial  components  approach  that  focuses on
control.  The statement also defines  accounting  treatment for servicing assets
and other retained interest in the assets that are transferred.  As issued, SFAS
125  is  effective  for   transfers  and  servicing  of  financial   assets  and
extinguishments  of liabilities  occurring  after December 31, 1996 and is to be
applied prospectively. In December 1996, the FASB issued SFAS No. 127, "Deferral
of the  Effective  Date of Certain  Provision  of FASB  Statement  No.  125;  an
amendment of FASB  Statement  No. 125" which  defers for one year the  effective
date (a) of  paragraph  15 of SFAS  No.  125 and (b) for  repurchase  agreement,
dollar-roll, securities lending and similar transactions, of paragraphs 9-12 and
237(b) of SFAS No. 125. The adoption of SFAS 125 did not have a material  effect
on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

         Statement  of  Financial   Accounting  Standards  No.  130,  "Reporting
Comprehensive  Income"  ("SFAS  130"),  establishes  standards for reporting and
display of comprehensive income and its components  (revenues,  expenses,  gains
and  losses) in a full set of  general-purpose  financial  statements.  SFAS 130
requires  that all items that are  required to be  recognized  under  accounting
standards  as  components  of  comprehensive  income be  reported in a financial
statement  that is  displayed  with  the  same  prominence  as  other  financial
statements.  SFAS 130 does not  require a  specific  format  for that  financial
statement but requires that an enterprise  display an amount  representing total
comprehensive  income  for the  period  in that  financial  statement.  SFAS 130
requires that an enterprise (a) classify items of other comprehensive  income by
their nature in a financial statement and (b) display the accumulated balance of
other  comprehensive  income  separately  from retained  earnings and additional
paid-in capital in the equity section of a statement of financial position. SFAS
130 is effective for years beginning after December 15, 1997 and is not expected
to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

                                       38
<PAGE>

[LOGO KPMG Peat Marwick LLP]


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

The Board of Directors
Wayne Bancorp, Inc.:

         We have audited the accompanying  consolidated  statements of financial
condition  of Wayne  Bancorp,  Inc. and  Subsidiary  as of December 31, 1997 and
1996,   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, 1997. These consolidated  financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our 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 Wayne
Bancorp,  Inc. and  Subsidiary as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results
of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted  accounting
principles.


                                                     KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Short Hills, New Jersey
January 21, 1998

                                       39

<PAGE>

                             STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION

STOCK PRICE INFORMATION

         Shares of the common  stock of Wayne  Bancorp,  Inc.  have been  traded
under the symbol WYNE on the NASDAQ  National Market System since June 27, 1996.
The  following  table sets forth the range of high and low  closings  sale price
quotations per share for Wayne Bancorp, Inc. common stock as depicted by NASDAQ.
The market  price  information  does not include  retail  markups,  markdowns or
commissions, but is based on actual transactions.

     1997                                                   HIGH         LOW
     ----                                                 -------      -------
First quarter .......................................     $18          $14-7/8
Second quarter ......................................      20-1/4       16
Third quarter .......................................      24-7/8       19
Fourth quarter ......................................      27-1/2       21

     1996
     ----
Third quarter .......................................      13-7/8       10-3/4
Fourth quarter ......................................      15-1/4       13-11/16


         As of February 11, 1998,  there were  2,013,823  shares of common stock
outstanding and 492 stockholders of record,  not including the number of persons
or  entities  whose stock is held in nominee or "street"  name  through  various
brokerage firms or banks.

         The  Company's  ability to pay dividends to  stockholders  is dependent
upon the earnings  from  investments  and  dividends it receives  from the Bank.
Accordingly,  restrictions on the Bank's ability to pay cash dividends  directly
affect the payment of cash dividends by the Company. The Bank may not declare or
pay a dividend  if the effect  would cause the Bank's  regulatory  capital to be
reduced below the amount  required for the  liquidation  account  established in
connection  with  the  Bank's  conversion  from  mutual  to  stock  form  or the
regulatory capital  requirements  imposed by the OTS. The Company paid quarterly
dividends of $0.05 per share for the last three quarters of 1997.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K AND INVESTOR INFORMATION

         A copy of Wayne  Bancorp,  Inc.'s annual report on Form 10-K,  for year
ended December 31, 1997 (excluding exhibits) to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, is available without charge by writing:

              Timothy P. Tierney
              Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
              Wayne Bancorp, Inc.
              1195 Hamburg Turnpike
              Wayne, N. J. 07470

         Exhibits can be obtained at cost by writing to the Company at the above
address.

STOCK TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

         Inquiries regarding stock transfer,  registration, lost certificates or
changes  in name and  address  should  be  directed  to the stock  transfer  and
registrar by writing:

              Registrar and Transfer Company
              Attn: Investor Relations
              10 Commerce Drive
              Cranford, N. J. 07016

                                       40
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
                                    WAYNE BANCORP, INC.
<CAPTION>

<S>                                          <C>
WAYNE BANCORP, INC.                          WAYNE SAVINGS BANK, F.S.B.                     
  BOARD OF DIRECTORS                           OFFICERS                                      
                                                                                            
Harold P. Cook, III                          Johanna O'Connell, President and               
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer         Chief Executive Officer                      
Johanna O'Connell                            Michael DeBenedette, Executive Vice President  
  President                                    and Chief Operating Officer                  
William J. Lloyd                             Robert L. Frega, Senior Vice President         
David M. Collins                             Timothy P. Tierney, Vice President             
Thomas D. Collins                              and Chief Financial Officer                  
Nicholas S. Gentile, Jr.                     Donna Finck, Vice President                    
Ronald Higgins                               Thomas A. Maselli, Vice President              
Richard Len                                  Carolyn May, Vice President                    
Charles Lota                                 Hazel D. Myers, Vice President                 
Dennis Pollack                               William Poole, Vice President                  
Joseph J. DeLuccia, Director Emeritus        David K. Ver Hage, Assistant Vice President    
                                             Cathy Infantino, Assistant Secretary Treasurer 
                                             
BANKING OFFICES                              
                                             ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE                   
1501 Hamburg Turnpike                                                                
Wayne, N. J. 07470                           1195 Hamburg Turnpike                   
973-694-2300                                 Wayne, N. J. 07470                      
                                             973-305-5500                            
1504 Route 23                                                                        
Wayne, N. J. 07470                                                                   
973-694-0029                                 WEB SITE                                
                                                                                     
Valley Road at Preakness Avenue              http://members.aol.com/waynesav/wsb.html
Wayne, N. J. 07470                           
973-696-6500

5 Sicomac Road
North Haledon, N. J. 07508
973-427-9888

363 Route 46 West
Fairfield, N. J. 07004
973-276-0252

</TABLE>

                                       41
<PAGE>

                                                                      APPENDIX F

                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    Form 10-Q
(Mark One)

[x]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
     ACT OF 1934.

     For the quarterly period ended          March 31, 1998
                                             --------------

[ ]  TRANSITION  REPORT  PURSUANT  TO SECTION  13 OR 15(d) OF THE  SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

     For the transition period from                 to                 
                                    ---------------    -----------------

     Commission file number    20691
                               -----

                               WAYNE BANCORP, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                Delaware                             22-3424621
                --------                             ----------
      (State or other jurisdiction of    (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
      incorporation or organization)

                 1195 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, New Jersey 07474
                 ----------------------------------------------
               (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

                                 (973) 305-5500
              ---------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

                             Not  Applicable  
              ----------------------------------------------------
              (Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
                         if changed since last report)

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

                      APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS

Indicate the number of shares  outstanding  of each of the  issuer's  classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

There were 2,013,124 shares of the Registrant's  common stock  outstanding as of
May 12, 1998.

<PAGE>

                                    FORM 10-Q
                                      Index

                         PART 1 -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1.  Financial Statements.                                           Page(s)

         Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of
         March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997........................          3

         Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months
         ended March 31, 1998 and 1997...............................          4

         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three
         Months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997........................          5

         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................          6


Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition     
         and Results of Operations...................................       7-12


         PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings...........................................         13

Item 2.  Changes in Securities.......................................         13

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities.............................         13

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.........         13

Item 5.  Other Information...........................................         13

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K............................         14

         Signature Page..............................................         15

                                       2
<PAGE>
Item 1. Financial Statements.

                               WAYNE BANCORP, INC.
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                             (Dollars in thousands)
                                  (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 March 31,  December 31,
                                                                                   1998         1997
                                                                                ----------  ------------
<S>                                                                             <C>          <C>      
Assets:

Cash and due from banks                                                         $   1,466    $   1,577
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks                                            3,943        1,868
Federal funds sold                                                                   --          3,400
                                                                                ----------   ---------  
Total cash and cash equivalents                                                     5,409        6,845

Securities available for sale                                                      68,688       73,413
Securities held to maturity, (estimated market value $2,302
and $2,882 in 1998 and 1997, respectively)                                          2,318        2,913
Loans receivable, net                                                             187,185      178,932
Premises and equipment, net                                                         3,331        3,318
Real estate owned, net                                                                223           80
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock, at cost                                   2,150        2,150
Interest and dividends receivable                                                   1,659        1,897
Other assets                                                                        1,044          495
                                                                                ----------   ---------  
Total assets                                                                    $ 272,007    $ 270,043 
                                                                                =========    ========= 

Liabilities and Stockholders'Equity:

Deposits                                                                        $ 203,532     $198,479
Federal Home Loan Bank advances                                                    32,000       32,000
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance                                 876          914
Other liabilities                                                                   1,067        4,706
                                                                                ----------   ---------  
Total liabilities                                                                 237,475      236,099
                                                                                ----------   ---------  

Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, none issued           --            --
Conunon stock, $0.01 par value, 8,000,000 shares authorized, 2,231,383 shares
issued and 2,013,124 shares outstanding at March 31, 1998 and 2,231,383
issued and 2,013,823 outstanding at December 31, 1997                                  22           22
Paid-in capital                                                                    21,460       21,264
Retained earnings, substantially restricted                                        19,920       19,623
Treasury stock at cost, 218,259 shares at March 31, 1998 and 217,560
shares at December 31 , 1997                                                       (4,433)      (4,417)
Unallocated common stock held by the ESOP                                          (1,560)      (1,604)
Common stock held by the MRP                                                       (1,205)      (1,262)
Accumulated other comprehensive income-
Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale                                  328          318
                                                                                ----------   ---------  
Total stockholders' equity                                                         34,532       33,944
                                                                                ----------   ---------  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                                      $ 272,007    $ 270,043
                                                                                =========    =========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       3

<PAGE>

                               WAYNE BANCORP, INC.
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                   (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Three Months
                                                                 Ended
                                                                March 31,
                                                          ----------------------
                                                            1998        1997
                                                          --------   ---------
<S>                                                        <C>         <C>   
Interest income:
Loans                                                      $3,516      $2,894
Securities available for sale                               1,223       1,426
Securities held to maturity                                    27          44
Short tenti and other investments                              61          69
                                                           ------      ------
Total interest income                                       4,827       4,433
                                                           ------      ------

Interest expense:
Deposits                                                    2,043       1,799
Federal Home Loan Bank advances                               540         455
                                                           ------      ------
Total interest expense                                      2,583       2,254
                                                           ------      ------

Net interest income before provision for loan losses        2,244       2,179
Provision for loan losses                                      70         125
                                                           ------      ------
Net interest income after provision for loan losses         2,174       2,054
                                                           ------      ------

Other income:
Loan fees and service charges                                  77          60
Gain on sale of real estate owned                               -          50
Other                                                          98          73
                                                           ------      ------
Total other income                                            175         183

Other expenses:
Compensation and employee benefits                            848         614
Occupancy                                                     113          96
Equipment                                                      55          40
Data processing services                                       80          70
Advertising                                                    26          37
Federal insurance premiums                                     30           6
Real estate owned operations                                   15           3
Other                                                         532         525
                                                           ------      ------
Total other expenses                                        1,699       1,391
                                                           ------      ------

Income before income tax expense                              650         846
Income tax expense                                            255         342
                                                           ------      ------
Net income                                                 $  395      $  504
                                                           ======      ======

Basic earnings per share                                   $  .22      $ 0.25
                                                           ======      ======
Basic weighted average shares                               1,804       1,995
                                                           ======      ======
Diluted earnings per share                                 $ 0.22      $  0.27
                                                           ======      =======
Diluted weighted average shares                             1,824        1,882
                                                           ======      =======

</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       4
<PAGE>

                               WAYNE BANCORP, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       Three Months Ended
                                                                                            March 31,
                                                                                    -------------------------
                                                                                        1998       1997
                                                                                    ----------- -------------

                                                                                      (Dollars in thousands)

<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>    
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                                                          $     395    $   504
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
    Provision for loan losses and real estate owned                                          75        125
    Depreciation and amortization                                                            58         45
    Net (accretion) of discounts and amortization of premiums                                30         26
    Decrease (increase) in deferred loan fees                                                 9        (84)
    Decrease in interest and dividends receivable                                           238        300
    (Increase) in other assets                                                             (430)       (50)
    (Decrease) increase in other liabilities                                             (3,636)       506
    Gain on sale of real estate owned                                                         -         50
                                                                                      ---------    -------
        Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities                              (3,261)     1,422
                                                                                      ---------    -------

Cash flows from investing activities:
    Calls of securities available for sale                                                2,500          -
    Purchases of securities available for sale                                             (300)       (27)
    Principal repayments on securities held to maturity                                     584        243
    Principal repayments on securities available for sale                                 2,509      1,629
    Net increase in loans receivable                                                     (7,974)    (7,476)
    Purchase of loans                                                                      (488)         -
    Additions to premises and equipment                                                     (71)      (101)
    Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock                                                  -       (235)
                                                                                      ---------    -------
        Net cash used in investing activities                                            (3,240)    (5,967)  
                                                                                      ---------    -------
Cash flows from financing activities:
    Net increase in deposits                                                              5,053      1,955
    (Decrease) increase in advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance            (38)        72
    Dividends paid                                                                         (101)      (107)
    ESOP shares allocated                                                                   110         76
    Amortization of MRP                                                                      57          -
    Purchase of treasury stock                                                              (16)    (1,248)  
                                                                                      ---------    -------
        Net cash provided by financing activities                                         5,065        748
                                                                                      ---------    -------

        Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                                        (1,436)    (3,797)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                                          6,845      6,943
                                                                                      ---------    -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                                            $   5,409    $ 3,146
                                                                                      =========    =======

Supplemental information:
    Cash paid during the period for:
    Interest                                                                          $  2,043    $  2,255
                                                                                      =========    =======
    Taxes                                                                             $    261    $      -
                                                                                      =========    =======
    Transfer of loans receivable to real estate owned                                 $    147    $      -
                                                                                      =========    =======

</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       5

<PAGE>

                               Wayne Bancorp, Inc.
                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                                 March 31, 1998
                                   (Unaudited)

Note 1 -  Basis of presentation
          ---------------------

The  accompanying   unaudited  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the
accounts of Wayne Bancorp,  Inc. ("Company") and its wholly-owned  subsidiaries,
Wayne Savings Bank,  F.S.B.  ("Bank") and its  subsidiaries as of March 31, 1998
and December 31, 1997 and for the three month  periods  ended March 31, 1998 and
1997, respectively,  and the Company's newly formed subsidiary,  Wayne Ventures,
Inc. as of March 31, 1998 and for the three month  period  ended March 31, 1998.
Material   intercompany  accounts  and  transactions  have  been  eliminated  in
consolidation. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have
been prepared in accordance with generally  accepted  accounting  principles for
interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article
10 of Regulation  S-X.  Accordingly,  they do not include all of the information
and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting  principles for complete
financial  statements.  In the opinion of management all necessary  adjustments,
consisting only of normal recurring  accruals  necessary for a fair presentation
have been included.  The results of operations for the three-month  period ended
March  31,  1998  are not  necessarily  indicative  of the  results  that may be
expected for the entire  calendar year or any other period.  These  consolidated
financial  statements  should  be  read in  conjunction  with  the  consolidated
financial  statements  for the year  ended  December  31,  1997,  and the  notes
thereto.

Note 2 -  Organization  of the Holding  Company and  conversion to stock form of
          ownership
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------

Wayne  Bancorp,  Inc.  was  organized  for the purpose of  acquiring  all of the
capital  stock of the Bank that was issued in the  conversion  from a  federally
chartered  mutual  savings bank to a stock  savings  bank  pursuant to a Plan of
Conversion  (Conversion) via the issuance of common stock. On June 27, 1996, the
Company completed an initial public offering.  The offering resulted in the sale
of  2,231,383  shares of common stock  which,  after  giving  effect to offering
expenses of $1.3 million and 178,511  shares  issued to the Bank's tax qualified
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), resulted in net proceeds of $21.0 million.
Pursuant to the Conversion,  the Bank transferred all of its outstanding  shares
to the Company. The Bank may not declare or pay cash dividends or repurchase any
of its shares of common  stock if the effect of these would  cause  equity to be
reduced below applicable regulatory capital maintenance  requirements or if such
declaration and payment would otherwise violate regulatory requirements.

Note 3 - Earnings per share
         ------------------

For  purposes of  calculating  basic  earnings per share,  the weighted  average
number of common  shares,  for the  quarter  ended  March 31,  1998 and 1997 was
1,803,725 and 1,994,865,  respectively. Diluted weighted average shares included
common  stock  equivalents  of 20,309 and  112,710  at March 31,  1998 and 1997,
respectively.  The diluted  weighted  average number of common  shares,  for the
quarter ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 was 1,824,034 and 1,882,164, respectively.

                                       6
<PAGE>

Note 4 - Comprehensive income
         --------------------

During  the first  quarter  of 1998,  the  Company  adopted  the  provisions  of
Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards No. 130, "Reporting  Comprehensive
Income" ("SFAS 130").  SFAS 130 establishes  standards for reporting and display
of  comprehensive  income  and its  components  (revenues,  expenses,  gains and
losses) in a full set of general-purpose  financial  statements.  This Statement
requires  that all items that are  required to be  recognized  under  accounting
standards  as  components  of  comprehensive  income be  reported in a financial
statement  that is  displayed  with  the  same  prominence  as  other  financial
statements.  This  Statement  requires that an enterprise  (a) classify items of
other  comprehensive  income by their  nature in a financial  statement  and (b)
display the accumulated  balance of other  comprehensive  income separately from
retained  earnings and  additional  paid-in  capital in the equity  section of a
statement of financial  position.  In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 130
for interim period reporting,  the Company's total comprehensive  income for the
three  months  ended  March 31, 1998 and 1997 was  $405,000  and  $101,000.  The
difference between the Company's net income and total  comprehensive  income for
these periods  relates to the change in the net  unrealized  gains on securities
available for sale during the applicable period of time.

Item 2. Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations

Financial condition
- -------------------

General
- -------

Wayne  Bancorp,  Inc. is the holding  company for Wayne Savings Bank,  F.S.B.  a
federally  chartered  stock savings bank.  The Bank converted from a mutual to a
stock  savings  bank on June 27, 1996 in  conjunction  with the  issuance of the
Bank's  capital  stock to the Company.  The Company also owns all of the capital
stock of Wayne Ventures, Inc.

Assets
- ------

Total assets  increased $2.0 million or 0.7% to $272.0 million at March 31, 1998
from  $270.0  million at  December  31, 1997 due  primarily  to an $8.3  million
increase in loans  receivable,  net from $178.9  million at December 31, 1997 to
$187.2  million at March 31,  1998.  Such  increase  was  partially  offset by a
decrease in cash and cash  equivalents  of $1.4 million or 21.0% to $5.4 million
at March 31,  1998 from $6.8  million at December  31,  1997.  The Company  also
experienced  a decrease  of $5.3  million in  securities  held to  maturity  and
securities  available for sale, which was the result of principal repayments and
prepayments.  Also  contributing to this decrease was the call of a $2.5 million
available for sale security in the quarter ended March 31, 1998.

Loan originations during the quarter ended March 31, 1998 totalled $22.7 million
(comprised of $6.0 million of residential  one-to  four-family  mortgage  loans,
$5.6 million of home equity loans, $5.9 million of commercial real estate loans,
$1.1  million of  multi-family  loans,  $1.5  million of  investment  in a joint
venture,  $935,000 of construction  loans,  $1.6 million of commercial  business

                                       7
<PAGE>

loans and $73,000 of consumer  loans.) The  Company's  newly formed  subsidiary,
Wayne  Ventures,  Inc.,  entered into a joint venture to construct and market 14
single  family  homes in the  Township of Wayne,  New  Jersey.  During the first
quarter of 1998,  principal  repayments and  prepayments on loans totalled $14.9
million.  During the same  quarter of 1997,  loan  originations  totalled  $12.4
million and principal repayments and prepayments totalled $4.7 million.

Liabilities
- -----------

Deposits  increased by $5.1 million between December 31, 1997 and March 31, 1998
due to  interest  credited  of $2.1  million,  and an  excess of  deposits  over
withdrawals of $3.0 million.

Other  liabilities  decreased  $3.6 million and is  primarily  the result of the
payment, in January 1998, for the purchase of a $4.0 million Federal Farm Credit
Banks note, at a rate of 6.1%, that was recorded in December 1997.


Non performing loans and allowance for loan losses
- --------------------------------------------------

Non performing loans at March 31, 1998 and March 31, 1997 were as follows:

                                                       1998          1997
                                                       ------------------
                                                     (Dollars in thousands)

Loans delinquent 90 days or more and other non-
performing loans                                       $2,213       $2,084
Loans delinquent 90 days or more and other non-
performing loans as a percentage of total loans
outstanding                                              1.17%        1.34%
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of
nonperforming loans                                    101.22%       91.84%


The following  table sets forth the changes in the allowance for loan losses for
the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997:

                                                       1998          1997
                                                       ------------------
                                                     (Dollars in thousands)

Balance at beginning of period                         $2,170       $1,789

                                       8
<PAGE>
Provision for losses                                       70          125
                                                       ------       ------
Balance at end of period                               $2,240       $1,914
                                                       ======       ======


Asset/liability management
- --------------------------

Management's  strategy  has been to operate as a  community  oriented  financial
institution by offering a variety of financial services to meet the needs of the
communities  it  serves  while  maintaining  capital  in  excess  of  regulatory
requirements  and  monitoring  the  sensitivity  of  the  Company's  assets  and
liabilities to interest rate fluctuations.  The Board of Directors has sought to
accomplish  these goals by: (i) attracting and maintaining  low-cost savings and
transaction  accounts,  as well  as  money  market  accounts,  which  management
believes  provide the Company with a stable  source of funds;  (ii) focusing its
lending on the  origination of one- to four-family,  owner-occupied  residential
mortgage loans,  including home equity loans;  (iii)  supplementing  its one- to
four-family residential lending activities with commercial business,  commercial
real estate,  multi-family,  construction  and consumer  loans and most recently
entering  into  a  single  joint  venture,  in  accordance  with  the  Company's
underwriting guidelines;  (iv) purchasing  short-to-intermediate term investment
and  mortgage-backed  securities to complement the Company's lending activities;
(v)  emphasizing  shorter-term  loans and investments and adjustable rate assets
when market conditions permit; and (vi) controlling growth.

As part of  management's  review of its  assets  and  liabilities,  the  Company
considers the interest  sensitivity  of its assets and  liabilities  and targets
what it  believes  to be an  acceptable  level of risk  based  on the  Company's
business focus, operating environment,  capital and liquidity requirements,  and
performance  objectives.  Management  seeks to reduce the  vulnerability  of the
Company's operating results to changes in interest rates and to manage the ratio
of interest rate sensitive assets to interest rate sensitive  liabilities within
specified maturities or repricing periods. The Company does not currently engage
in trading activities or use off-balance sheet derivative instruments to control
interest rate risk. Even though trading  activities or use of off-balance  sheet
derivative  instruments  may be  permitted  with the  approval  of the  Board of
Directors,  management  does not  intend  to engage  in such  activities  in the
immediate future.

In managing the Company's assets and liabilities,  the Company has taken certain
actions  to  decrease  the   sensitivity  of  its  assets  and   liabilities  to
fluctuations  in  interest  rates.  A  significant  component  of the  Company's
operating  strategy has been to maintain its interest rate spread by maintaining
a core deposit base. The Company has sought to maintain and attract new deposits
by pricing  its  deposits  competitively,  but  generally  not among the highest
interest rates in its market area, and relying on personalized  customer service
and advertising.  The Company maintains a core deposit base while employing this
strategy.

At March 31, 1998,  total interest-  bearing  liabilities  maturing or repricing
within one year exceeded total  interest-  earning assets  maturing or repricing
within  the same  period by $30.6  million,  representing  a  one-year  negative
cumulative gap of 10.3%.

Liquidity and capital
- ---------------------

                                       9
<PAGE>

The Bank is required to maintain  minimum  levels of liquid assets as defined by
the Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS")  regulations.  This requirement,  which
may be varied by the OTS depending on economic  conditions and deposit flows, is
based on a percentage of withdrawable  deposits and short-term  borrowings.  The
minimum  required  liquidity ratio is currently 4.0%. The Bank's liquidity ratio
was 37.9% at March 31, 1998 compared with 40.2% at December 31, 1997.

The  Company's  primary  sources of funds are  deposits,  principal and interest
payments  on loans  and  securities  and,  to a lesser  extent,  borrowings  and
proceeds from the sale of securities  available for sale.  While  maturities and
scheduled  amortization  of loans and  securities  provide an  indication of the
timing of the receipt of funds,  other sources of funds such as loan prepayments
and deposit inflows are less predictable  because they are greatly influenced by
general interest rates, economic conditions, competition and regulatory changes.

The Company's  most liquid assets are cash and cash  equivalents,  which include
interest-bearing  deposits and  short-term  highly liquid  investments  (such as
federal  funds)  with  original  maturities  of less than three  months that are
readily  convertible  to known  amounts  of cash.  The level of these  assets is
dependent on the Company's operating,  financing and investing activities during
any given  period.  At March  31,  1998 and  December  31,  1997,  cash and cash
equivalents totaled $5.4 million and $6.8 million, respectively.

The Company and the Bank have other sources of liquidity that include investment
securities  maturing within one year, and securities  available for sale.  Other
sources  of  funds  include  Federal  Home  Loan  Bank of New  York  ("FHLB-NY")
advances,  which at March 31, 1998,  totalled $32.0 million. If needed, the Bank
may borrow an additional $49.6 million from the FHLB-NY.

At March  31,  1998,  the  Company  had  outstanding  commitments  to fund  loan
originations of $8.5 million.  There were no commitments to purchase  securities
or mortgage-backed securities at March 31, 1998.


As of March 31, 1998, the Bank exceeded all regulatory  capital  requirements as
detailed in the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Tangible Capital        Core Capital     Risk-Based Capital    
                                   ----------------    -------------------  ------------------
                                    Amount  Percent     Amount  Percent(1)    Amount  Percent
                                    ------  -------     ------  -------       ------  -------
                                                                            
<S>                                <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>          <C>       <C>  
Capital for regulatory purposes    $28,550   10.6%     $28,550   10.6%        $30,128   22.4%
Minimum regulatory requirement       4,040    1.5%       8,080    3.0%         10,748    8.0%
                                    ------   ----       ------   ----          ------   ---- 
                                                                            
Excess                             $24,510    9.1%     $20,470    7.6%%       $19,380   14.4%
                                   =======    ===      =======    ===         =======   ==== 
</TABLE>                                                                    
                                                                         
(1)  Tangible   and core  capital  is shown as a  percentage  of total  adjusted
     assets.   Risk-based   capital   levels  are  shown  as  a  percentage   of
     risk-weighted assets.

                                       10
<PAGE>

Comparison  of  Operating  Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 and
1997

General The Company  reported  net income of $395,000 for the three months ended
March 31, 1998  compared  with net income of $504,000 for the three months ended
March 31, 1997.  The decrease in net income was  primarily  attributable  to the
increase in compensation and employee  benefits of $234,000 offset by a $112,000
increase in net interest income after provision for loan losses.

Interest income Interest income increased $394,000,  or 8.9% to $4.8 million for
the three  months  ended March 31, 1998 from $4.4  million for the three  months
ended  March  31,  1997.  The  increase  was  primarily  the  result  of  higher
outstanding average balances on interest earning assets.

Interest income on loans receivable,  net increased  $622,000,  or 21.5% to $3.5
million for the three  months  ended March 31,  1998,  from $2.9 million for the
comparable  three month  period in 1997  primarily as a result of an increase in
average balance of loans of $33.7 million, partially offset by a slight decrease
in the  average  yield to 7.59% for the three  months  ended March 31, 1998 from
7.61% for the comparable three month period in 1997. The increase in the average
balance  of  loans  between  the  periods  was  due  to  the  increase  in  loan
originations of $22.7 million for the first quarter of 1998 versus $12.4 million
for the comparable 1997 quarter.

Interest income on securities  available for sale decreased  $203,000 during the
first quarter of 1998 as a result of a decrease in average  outstanding  balance
of $9.2 million in the available for sale portfolio.  The average balance of the
available for sale portfolio for the three months ended March 31, 1998 was $71.6
million  compared  with $80.8  million for the  comparable  period in 1997.  The
decline  in the  available  for sale  portfolio  is the  result of  management's
decision to use cash flows from the investment portfolio to fund loan growth. In
addition,  the yield on the  available  for sale  portfolio  decreased  23 basis
points to 6.83% for the  quarter  ended  March 31,  1998 from 7.06% in the prior
period.

Interest expense Interest expense increased  $329,000,  or 14.6% to $2.6 million
for the three months ended March 31, 1998 from $2.3 million for the three months
ended March 31, 1997.

Interest on deposits  increased  $244,000,  to $2.0 million for the three months
ended March 31, 1998 from $1.8  million for the  comparable  three  months ended
March 31,  1997.  The  increase  in interest  expense on deposits  was due to an
increase  in the average  balance of $21.2  million as well as an increase of 11
basis  points in the cost of deposits to 4.13% for the three  months ended March
31, 1998 from 4.02% for the three months ended March 31, 1997.

Net  interest  income Net  interest  income  before  provision  for loan  losses
increased $65,000 to $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 1998. The
increase reflects an increase in the average balances of loans  receivable,  net
of $33.7  million for the three months ended March 31, 1998 over the  comparable
prior year period,  offset by a $9.2 million decrease in the average balances of
securities available for sale for the three months ended March 31, 1998 over the
comparable  period  in 1997.  Offsetting  this net  increase  in  assets  was an
increase in the average  balance of deposits of

                                       11
<PAGE>

$21.2 million and an increase in the average balance of advances of $5.4 million
for the three months ended March 31, 1998 compared with the same period in 1997.

Provision for loan losses The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based
on the  Company's  past loan loss  experience,  known and inherent  risks in the
portfolio,  adverse  situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay,
estimated value of any underlying  collateral and current  economic  conditions.
The Company  provided  $70,000 for loan losses for the three  months ended March
31, 1998 compared with $125,000 for the  comparable  three month period in 1997,
which was due to management's  continuing reassessment of losses inherent in the
loan  portfolio.  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  in  the  Company's  market  area.  In  addition,   various
regulatory  agencies,  as an integral part of their routine examination process,
periodically  review the Company's  allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may
require the  Company to  recognize  additions  to the  allowance  based on their
judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

Other  income  Total other  income for the three months ended March 31, 1998 was
$175,000  compared with $183,000 for the comparable  three month period in 1997.
The decrease is due to the $50,000 gain on sales of real estate owned recognized
during the quarter  ended March 31,  1997 offset by  increases  in loan fees and
service charges and in other income for the three months ended March 31, 1998.

Other expenses Other expenses  increased  $308,000 or 22.1% for the three months
ended  March 31,  1998 to $1.7  million  from $1.4  million  for the  comparable
three-month  period in 1997. The increase is primarily the result an increase of
$234,000 in  compensation  and  employee  benefits  expense,  and an increase in
Federal insurance premiums of $24,000.

The  increase in  compensation  and employee  benefits  expense is the result of
opening a branch  office in  Fairfield,  N. J., in the  second  quarter of 1997,
normal  annual  merit  increases  and costs  related  to loan  production.  Also
contributing  to the  increase was the final  payment of $67,000  related to the
onetime  non-recurring cost to purchase the rights under a contract entered into
in 1989 which  established  Wayne Savings  Financial  Services  Group,  Inc. The
increase in Federal  insurance  premiums is the result of the credit received in
the first quarter of 1997 that represents the overpayment, recorded in the third
quarter of 1996, to  recapitalize  the Savings  Association  Insurance Fund. The
high level of other  expenses  in both  quarters  is the result of the legal and
professional  fees  incurred  in the proxy  fight with a  dissident  stockholder
group.

Income tax expense Income tax expense was $255,000 which represents an effective
tax rate of 39.2% for the three months ended March 31, 1998 compared with income
tax expense of $342,000 which  represents an effective tax rate of 40.4% for the
three months ended March 31, 1997.

                                       12
<PAGE>

Part II - Other Information

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings
          -----------------

From time to time,  the Company is a party to routine legal  proceedings  in the
ordinary  course of  business,  such as claims to  enforce  liens,  condemnation
proceedings on properties in which the Company holds security interests,  claims
involving  the making of real  property  loans and other issues  incident to the
business  of the  Company.There  were  no  law  suits  pending  or  known  to be
contemplated  against  the  Company at March 31, 1998 that would have a material
effect on the operations of income of the Company or the Bank, taken as a whole.

Item 2.  Changes in Securities
         ---------------------

         None

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities
         -------------------------------

         Not applicable

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

         On March 31, 1998 stockholders approved the election of three directors
for terms of three years each or until their  successors are elected.  Following
is the result of the voting:

                                       For                   Withheld

         Thomas D. Collins            835,487                 32,254
         Johanna O'Connell          1,607,570                 31,654
         Nicholas S. Gentile, Jr.   1,604,470                 34,754

         On  March  24,  1998  stockholders  approved  the  ratification  of the
appointment  of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as  independent  auditors for the calendar
year ending December 31, 1998. Following is the result of the voting:

                           For                             1,607,027
                           Against                            11,000
                           Abstained                          21,197

Item 5.  Other Information
         -----------------

         Not applicable

                                       13
<PAGE>

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
         --------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      <S>       <C>
      A. Exhibits
         3.1    Certificate of  incorporation  of Wayne Bancorp,  Inc.* 
         3.2    Bylaws of Wayne Bancorp, Inc.* 
         4.0    Stock Certificate of Wayne Bancorp, Inc.*
        10.1    Employment Agreement between Wayne Bancorp, Inc. and Johanna 
                  O'Connell**
        10.2    Employment Agreement between Wayne Savings Bank, F.S.B. and 
                  Johanna O'Connell**
        10.3    Form of Change in Control Agreement between Wayne Bancorp, Inc. 
                  and Certain Executive Officers**
        10.4    Employment Agreement between Wayne Savings Financial Services 
                  Group, Inc. and Gary Len**
        10.5    Employee Severance Compensation Plan
        10.6    Employee Stock Ownership Plan
        10.7    Incentive Stock Plan
        27.0    Financial Data Schedule (in electronic filing only)
      B. Reports on Form 8-K
          On March 23, 1998,  the  Registrant  filed a Current Report on Fomr8-K
          regarding a press release dated March 20, 1998 in which the Registrant
          announced that the Board of Directors has determined that it is in the
          best  interest  of its  stockholders  to seek a sale or  merger of the
          Company and that it engaged Sandler O'Neil & Partners,  L.P. to assist
          the Registrant in seeking a partner (Items 5, 7).
</TABLE>

- --------------------
*    Incorporated   herein  by   reference   from  the   Exhibits  to  Form  S-1
     Registrations  Statement and all amendments thereto,  filed March 18, 1996,
     Registration Number 333-2488 and declared effective May 13, 1996.
**   Incorporated herein by reference to the Exhibits to the Registrant's Annual
     Report on Form 10-K, (File No. 20691) filed on March 11, 1997.
***  Incorporated  herein by  reference to the Proxy  Statement  for the Special
     Meeting of Stockholders filed on December 9, 1996.

                                       14

<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant  to the  requirements  of The  Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934,  the
registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                                        WAYNE BANCORP, INC.
                                 -----------------------------------------------
                                          Registrant


Date:  May 12, 1998              By:  /s/ Johanna O'Connell
                                      ---------------------
                                      Johanna O'Connell,
                                      President



Date:  May 12, 1998              By:  /s/ Timothy P. Tierney
                                      ----------------------
                                      Timothy P. Tierney,
                                      Vice President & Controller

                                       15
<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.


<PAGE>


Item 21.

A.  Exhibits

Exhibit No.        Description

2(a)*             Agreement  and Plan of Merger dated as of May 29, 1998,  among
                  Valley  National  Bancorp  ("Valley"),  Valley  National Bank,
                  Wayne Bancorp,  Inc. ("Wayne") and Wayne Savings Bank, F.S.B.,
                  included as Appendix A to the Proxy Statement-Prospectus.

2(b)*             Stock  Option  Agreement,  dated  as of May 29,  1998,  by and
                  between Valley and Wayne,  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  the  tax
                  consequences of the Merger.

23(a)             Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP with respect to Valley.

23(b)             Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP with respect to Wayne.

23(c)*            Consent of Pitney,  Hardin, Kipp & Szuch (included in Exhibits
                  5 and 8 hereto).

23(d)**           Consent of Sandler O'Neill & Partners, L.P.

24                Power of Attorney of Directors and Officers of Valley.

99                Form of Proxy Card to be utilized by the Board of Directors of
                  Wayne.

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

* Included elsewhere in this registration statement. 

** To be filed by amendment.

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

         Form of  Fairness  Opinion  of  Sandler  O'Neill &  Partners,  L.P.  is
included as Appendix C to the Proxy Statement-Prospectus.


<PAGE>


Item 22.  Undertakings

1. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

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

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

                  (ii) To reflect in the  prospectus any facts or events arising
after the  effective  date of the  registration  statement  (or the most  recent
post-effective  amendment  thereof)  which,  individually  or in the  aggregate,
represent a fundamental  change in the information set forth in the registration
statement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of
securities  offered (if the total dollar value of  securities  offered would not
exceed that which was  registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of
the estimated  maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus
filed with the  Commission  pursuant  to Rule 424(b) if, in the  aggregate,  the
changes in volume  and price  represent  no more than 20  percent  change in the
maximum  aggregate  offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration
Fee" table in the effective registration statement

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

         (b) That for 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.

         (c) To remove from registration by means of a post effective  amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of
the offering.

2.  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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 14th day of July, 1998.


                             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.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

    Signature                                Title                                Date

<S>                         <C>                                                <C>
GERALD H. LIPKIN              Chairman, President and Chief Executive          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------  Officer and Director
Gerald H. Lipkin

PETER SOUTHWAY                Vice Chairman (Principal Financial               July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------  Officer) and Director
Peter Southway

ALAN D. ESKOW                 Corporate Secretary and Senior Vice              July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------  President (Principal Accounting Officer)
Alan D. Eskow

- ----------------------------                 Director                          July 14, 1998
Andrew B. Abramson

PAMELA BRONANDER                             Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Pamela Bronander

JOSEPH COCCIA, JR.                           Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Joseph Coccia, Jr.

AUSTIN C. DRUKKER                            Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Austin C. Drukker

WILLARD L. HEDDEN                            Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Willard L. Hedden

- -----------------------------                Director                          July 14, 1998
Graham O. Jones

WALTER H. JONES, III                         Director                          July 14, 1998
- -----------------------------
Walter H. Jones, III

GERALD KORDE                                 Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Gerald Korde

JOLEEN J. MARTIN                             Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Joleen J. Martin

ROBERT E. McENTEE                            Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Robert E. McEntee

WILLIAM H. McNEAR                            Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
William H. McNear

SAM P. PINYUH                                Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Sam P. Pinyuh

ROBERT RACHESKY                              Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Robert Rachesky

BARNETT RUKIN                                Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Barnett Rukin

- -----------------------------                Director                          July 14, 1998
Richard F. Tice

LEONARD J. VORCHEIMER                        Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Leonard J. Vorcheimer

JOSEPH L. VOZZA                              Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Joseph L. Vozza

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS
A.  Exhibits

Exhibit No.                Description

2(a)*             Agreement  and Plan of Merger dated as of May 29, 1998,  among
                  Valley  National  Bancorp  ("Valley"),  Valley  National Bank,
                  Wayne Bancorp,  Inc. ("Wayne") and Wayne Savings Bank, F.S.B.,
                  included as Appendix A to the Proxy Statement-Prospectus.

2(b)*             Stock  Option  Agreement,  dated  as of May 29,  1998,  by and
                  between Valley and Wayne,  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  the  tax
                  consequences of the Merger.

23(a)             Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP with respect to Valley.

23(b)             Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP with respect to Wayne.

23(c)*            Consent of Pitney,  Hardin, Kipp & Szuch (included in Exhibits
                  5 and 8 hereto).

23(d)**           Consent of Sandler O'Neill & Partners, L.P.

24                Power of Attorney of Directors and Officers of Valley.

99                Form of Proxy Card to be utilized by the Board of Directors of
                  Wayne.

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

*    Included elsewhere in this registration statement.
**   To be filed by amendment.





                                                                       Exhibit 5

                     OPINION OF PITNEY, HARDIN, KIPP & SZUCH
              AS TO THE LEGALITY OF THE SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED


                                                                   July 15, 1998
Valley National Bancorp
1455 Valley Road
Wayne, New Jersey 07474
Attn.:   Gerald H. Lipkin, Chairman, President
        and Chief Executive Officer

        Re:       Merger of Valley National Bancorp and Wayne Bancorp, Inc.

                  We have acted as counsel to Valley National Bancorp ("Valley")
in  connection  with its proposed  issuance of common  stock,  no par value (the
"Common  Stock"),  pursuant to the  Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May
29, 1998, among Valley,  Valley National Bank, Wayne Bancorp, Inc. ("Wayne") and
Wayne Savings Bank,  F.S.B. The Common Stock is being  registered  pursuant to a
Registration  Statement on Form S-4 (the  "Registration  Statement") being filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof.

                  We have examined  originals,  or copies certified or otherwise
identified to our satisfaction,  of the Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws
of Valley as currently in effect, relevant resolutions of the Board of Directors
of Valley,  and such other documents as we have deemed  necessary or appropriate
in order to express the opinion set forth in this letter.

                  Based on the  foregoing  and  assuming  that the  Registration
Statement  has been  declared  effective  under the  Securities  Act of 1933, as
amended, we are of the opinion that when issued as described in the Registration
Statement,   including  the  Prospectus   relating  to  the  Common  Stock  (the
"Prospectus"),  the  Common  Stock  will  be  legally  issued,  fully  paid  and
non-assessable.

                  We hereby  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 Prospectus.


                                                  Very truly yours,



                                                  PITNEY, HARDIN, KIPP & SZUCH




                                                                       Exhibit 8

                     OPINION OF PITNEY, HARDIN, KIPP & SZUCH
                      AS TO FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES


                                                                  July 15, 1998


Valley National Bancorp
1455 Valley Road
Wayne, NJ  07474-0558

Wayne Bancorp, Inc.
1195 Hamburg Turnpike
Wayne, NJ  07474

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

                  We  have  acted  as  counsel  for  Valley   National   Bancorp
("Valley"),  a New Jersey  corporation and registered bank holding  company,  in
connection  with the  planned  merger  (the  "Merger")  of Wayne  Bancorp,  Inc.
("Wayne"),  a Delaware  corporation  and  registered  unitary  savings  and loan
holding company,  with and into Valley,  pursuant to that certain  Agreement and
Plan of Merger (the "Agreement"), dated as of May 29, 1998, by and among Valley,
Valley National Bank, a national banking association  ("VNB"),  Wayne, and Wayne
Savings  Bank,  F.S.B.,  a  federally-chartered  savings  bank and  wholly-owned
subsidiary of Wayne (the "Bank").

                  Capitalized  terms used but not defined  herein shall have the
meanings specified in the Proxy Statement-Prospectus pertaining to the Merger.

                  We have assumed with your consent that:

                  (a) the  Merger  will  be  effected  in  accordance  with  the
Agreement, and

                  (b)  the   representations   contained   in  the   letters  of
representation  from  Valley and Wayne to us dated July 14, 1998 will be true at
the Effective Time.

                  On the basis of the foregoing,  and our  consideration of such
other matters of fact and law as we have deemed necessary or appropriate,  it is
our opinion,  under presently applicable federal income tax law, that the Merger
will constitute a reorganization  under Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and that:

                  (i) no gain or loss will be recognized  for federal income tax
purposes by Valley or Wayne in connection with the Merger;

                  (ii) no gain or loss will be recognized for federal income tax
purposes  by Wayne  stockholders  upon the  exchange  in the Merger of shares of
Wayne Common Stock solely for Valley  Common Stock  (except with respect to cash
received in lieu of a fractional share interest in Valley Common Stock);

                  (iii) the basis of Valley Common Stock  received in the Merger
by Wayne  stockholders  (including the basis of any fractional share interest in
stock)  will be the  same as the  basis of the  shares  of  Wayne  Common  Stock
surrendered in exchange therefor;

                  (iv) the holding period of Valley Common Stock received in the
Merger by Wayne  stockholders  (including  the holding  period of any fractional
share interest in stock) will include the holding period during which the shares
of Wayne Common Stock  surrendered  in exchange  therefor were held by the Wayne
stockholder,  provided  such shares of Wayne  Common  Stock were held as capital
assets; and

                  (v) cash received by a holder of Wayne Common Stock in lieu of
a fractional  share  interest in Valley Common Stock will be treated as received
in exchange for such  fractional  share  interest and,  provided the  fractional
share would have  constituted a capital  asset in the hands of such holder,  the
holder  should in general  recognize  capital gain or loss in an amount equal to
the  difference  between  the  amount of cash  received  and the  portion of the
adjusted tax basis in the Wayne Common Stock  allocable to the fractional  share
interest.

         The tax  consequences  described  above may not be  applicable to Wayne
stockholders  that  acquired  the stock of Wayne  pursuant to the exercise of an
employee  stock option or right or otherwise  as  compensation,  that hold Wayne
Common Stock as part of a "straddle" or  "conversion  transaction,"  or that are
insurance  companies,  securities  dealers,  financial  institutions  or foreign
persons.

                  We hereby  consent to the  reference  to us under the  heading
"THE  PROPOSED  MERGER  --  Federal  Income  Tax   Consequences"  in  the  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus  pertaining to the Merger and to the filing of this opinion
as an exhibit to the related  Registration  Statement on Form S-4 filed with the
Securities  and Exchange  Commission.  In giving this consent,  we do not hereby
admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under
Section  7 of  the  Securities  Act of  1933,  as  amended,  or  the  rules  and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.


                                                    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  dated  January  21,  1998  relating  to the
consolidated  statements of financial  condition of Valley National  Bancorp and
subsidiaries  as of  December  31,  1997 and 1996 and the  related  consolidated
statements of income,  changes in shareholders'  equity, and cash flows for each
of the years in the  three-year  period ended  December  31, 1997,  which report
appears in the December 31, 1997 Annual  Report on Form 10-K of Valley  National
Bancorp,  incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of
Valley National Bancorp.  We also consent to the reference to our Firm under the
caption "Experts."


                                                       KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP

Short Hills, New Jersey
July 13, 1998



                                                                   Exhibit 23(b)

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


The Board of Directors
Wayne Bancorp, Inc.:


We consent to the use of our report  dated  January  21,  1998  relating  to the
consolidated  statements  of  financial  condition  of Wayne  Bancorp,  Inc. and
subsidiary  as of  December  31,  1997  and 1996  and the  related  consolidated
statements of income,  changes in shareholders'  equity, and cash flows for each
of the years in the  three-year  period ended  December  31, 1997,  which report
appears in the  December 31, 1997 Annual  Report on Form 10-K of Wayne  Bancorp,
Inc. included as an exhibit to the Registration  Statement on Form S-4 of Valley
National Bancorp. We also consent to the reference to our Firm under the caption
"Experts."


                                                  KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP

Short Hills, New Jersey
July 13, 1998



                                                                      Exhibit 24

                             VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                    FORM S-4

         KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  each  person  whose  signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Gerald H. Lipkin,  his  attorney-in-fact,
with power of substitution,  for him in any and all capacities,  to sign any and
all amendments (whether pre- or post-effective),  to this Registration Statement
on Form S-4 of Valley National Bancorp (SEC File No.  333-_____) and to file the
same with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities  and Exchange  Commission,  hereby  ratifying and confirming all that
said attorney-in-fact,  or his substitute or substitutes,  may do or cause to be
done by virtue thereof.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

    Signature                                Title                                Date

<S>                         <C>                                                <C>
GERALD H. LIPKIN              Chairman, President and Chief Executive          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------  Officer and Director
Gerald H. Lipkin

PETER SOUTHWAY                Vice Chairman (Principal Financial               July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------  Officer) and Director
Peter Southway

ALAN D. ESKOW                 Corporate Secretary and Senior Vice                July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------  President (Principal Accounting Officer)
Alan D. Eskow

- ----------------------------                 Director                          July 14, 1998
Andrew B. Abramson

PAMELA BRONANDER                             Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Pamela Bronander

JOSEPH COCCIA, JR.                           Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Joseph Coccia, Jr.

AUSTIN C. DRUKKER                            Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Austin C. Drukker

WILLARD L. HEDDEN                            Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Willard L. Hedden

- -----------------------------                Director                          July 14, 1998
Graham O. Jones

WALTER H. JONES, III                         Director                          July 14, 1998
- -----------------------------
Walter H. Jones, III

GERALD KORDE                                 Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Gerald Korde

JOLEEN J. MARTIN                             Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Joleen J. Martin

ROBERT E. McENTEE                            Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Robert E. McEntee

WILLIAM H. McNEAR                            Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
William H. McNear

SAM P. PINYUH                                Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Sam P. Pinyuh

ROBERT RACHESKY                              Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Robert Rachesky

BARNETT RUKIN                                Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Barnett Rukin

- -----------------------------                Director                          July 14, 1998
Richard F. Tice

LEONARD J. VORCHEIMER                        Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Leonard J. Vorcheimer

JOSEPH L. VOZZA                              Director                          July 14, 1998
- ----------------------------
Joseph L. Vozza

</TABLE>




                                                                      Exhibit 99

                               WAYNE BANCORP, INC.
                                Wayne, New Jersey

         THIS PROXY IS  SOLICITED  BY AND ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
WAYNE BANCORP, 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 Wayne  Bancorp,  Inc., a
Delaware  corporation  (the  "Company"),  acknowledges  receipt of the Notice of
Special Meeting of Shareholders and the accompanying Proxy  Statement-Prospectus
dated  ____________,  1998, and,  revoking any proxy  heretofore  given,  hereby
appoints  the board of directors  of the  Company,  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 _______________,  1998, at
the   Special   Meeting  of   Shareholders   of  the   Company  to  be  held  at
______________________________________,  on  ______________,  1998, at ____ p.m.
and at any adjournments or postponements  thereof, upon the matters set forth on
the reverse side.

         (1)      To  approve  the  Agreement  and Plan of Merger  (the  "Merger
                  Agreement")  between Valley National Bancorp,  Valley National
                  Bank, the Company and Wayne Savings Bank, F.S.B.,  dated as of
                  May 29, 1998, 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 Merger
Agreement and recommends  that the Company's  shareholders  vote in favor of the
Merger  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 MERGER
AGREEMENT.  AT THE  PRESENT  TIME,  THE  BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS  KNOWS OF NO OTHER
BUSINESS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE MEETING.

         (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 sign in
partnership name by authorized person.)

                                      Dated: ------------------------, 1998

                                      ------------------------------------------
                                      Signature

                                      ------------------------------------------
                                      Signature (if held jointly)


PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY BY USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.



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