RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP
10-K, 1998-03-31
STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>   1

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X]                ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                   SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT of 1934 
                   For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997
                                       OR
[ ]                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 0-13507

                             RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP.
             ------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

                  Ohio                                           34-1395608
- -------------------------------                             -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                              (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                             Identification No.)

   401 Clinton Street, Defiance, Ohio                               43512
- ----------------------------------------                         ----------
(Address of principal executive offices)                         (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:           (419) 783-8950
                                                           --------------------

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
   Common Shares, Without Par Value (2,069,909 outstanding at March 12, 1998)
   --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                (Title of Class)

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

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

Based upon the average bid and asked prices of the Common Shares of the
Registrant on March 12, 1998, the aggregate market value of the Common Shares of
the Registrant held by non-affiliates on that date was $68,027,642.

Documents Incorporated by Reference:

Portions of the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting
of Shareholders to be held on April 27, 1998 are incorporated by reference into
Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

                            Exhibit Index on Page 79
                              Page 1 of 115 Pages.
<PAGE>   2



                                     PART I
                                     ------

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

                                     General
                                     -------

         Rurban Financial Corp., an Ohio corporation (the "Corporation"), is a
bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and
is subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
(the "Federal Reserve Board"). The executive offices of the Corporation are
located at 401 Clinton Street, Defiance, Ohio 43512.

         Through its subsidiaries, The State Bank and Trust Company, Defiance,
Ohio ("State Bank"), The Peoples Banking Company, Findlay, Ohio ("Peoples
Bank"), The First National Bank of Ottawa ("First National Bank") and The
Citizens Savings Bank Company, Pemberville, Ohio ("Citizens Savings Bank"), the
Corporation is engaged in the business of commercial banking. The Corporation's
subsidiary, Rurbanc Data Services, Inc. ("RDSI"), is engaged in the related
business of providing data processing services, principally to banks. The
Corporation's subsidiary, Rurban Life Insurance Company ("Rurban Life"), is
engaged in the related business of accepting life and disability reinsurance
ceded in part by USLIFE Credit Life Insurance Company ("USLIFE") from the credit
life and disability insurance purchased by customers of the Corporation's
banking subsidiaries from USLIFE in connection with revolving credit loans
secured by mortgages and with certain installment loans made to such customers.

         State Bank has two wholly-owned subsidiaries: Reliance Financial
Services, N.A. ("RFS") and Rurban Mortgage Company ("RMC"). RFS is
nationally-chartered trust and financial services company . RMC is an Ohio
corporation with its main office located in Clearwater, Florida which engages in
the retail and wholesale mortgage industry.

                  General Description of Holding Company Group
                  --------------------------------------------

State Bank
- ----------

         State Bank is an Ohio state-chartered bank. State Bank presently
operates seven branch offices in Defiance County, Ohio (six in the city of
Defiance and one in Ney), one branch office in adjacent Paulding County, Ohio
and three branch offices in Fulton County, Ohio (one in each of Delta, Lyons and
Wauseon). At December 31, 1997, State Bank had 97.5 full-time equivalent
employees.

         State Bank offers a full range of commercial banking services,
including checking and NOW accounts; passbook savings and money market accounts;
automatic teller machines; commercial, consumer, agricultural and residential
mortgage loans (including "Home Value Equity" line of credit loans); personal
and corporate trust services; commercial leasing; bank credit card services;
safe deposit box rentals; and other personalized banking services. In addition,
State Bank serves as a correspondent (federal funds investing and check clearing
purposes) for three affiliated financial institutions in the region (Peoples
Bank, First National Bank and Citizens Savings Bank).



                                       2
<PAGE>   3



         RFS
         ---

         RFS is a nationally-chartered trust and financial services company and
a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Bank. RFS offers various trust and financial
services, including asset management services for individuals and corporate
employee benefit plans as well as brokerage services through a Robert Thomas
Securities office.

         RFS' offices are located in State Bank's main offices in Defiance,
Ohio. At December 31, 1997, RFS had 29 full-time equivalent employees.

         RMC
         ---

         RMC is an Ohio corporation with its main office located in Clearwater,
Florida. RMC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Bank. RMC engages in the
retail and wholesale mortgage business. The principal activities engaged in by
RMC are originating, underwriting and servicing first and second residential
mortgage loans and then selling such loans in the secondary market.

         RMC presently operates 2 offices (other than its main office) which are
located in Port Richey, Florida and Port Charlotte, Florida. At December 31,
1997, RMC had 41.5 full-time equivalent employees.

Peoples Bank
- ------------

         Peoples Bank is an Ohio state-chartered bank. The main office of
Peoples Bank is located in Findlay, Ohio. Peoples Bank provides checking and NOW
accounts; passbook savings and money market accounts; time certificates of
deposit; commercial and consumer loans and real estate mortgage loans; trust
services; and safe deposit box rental facilities. Peoples Bank operates two
full-service branches in Findlay and one in McComb, Ohio. At December 31, 1997,
Peoples Bank had 27 full-time equivalent employees.

First National Bank
- -------------------

         First National Bank is a national banking association. The executive
offices of First National Bank are located at 405 East Main Street, Ottawa,
Ohio. At its present location, First National Bank operates four drive-in teller
lanes and an automatic teller machine with a traditional banking lobby on the
first floor. First National Bank presently operates no branch offices. At
December 31, 1997, First National Bank had 16.5 full-time equivalent employees.

         First National Bank offers a full range of commercial banking services,
including checking and NOW accounts; passbook savings and money market accounts;
automatic teller machines; commercial, consumer, agricultural and residential
mortgage loans; personal and corporate trust services; commercial leasing; bank
credit card services; safe deposit box rentals; and other personalized banking
services.


                                       3
<PAGE>   4



Citizens Savings Bank
- ---------------------

         Citizens Savings Bank is an Ohio state-chartered bank. The main office
of Citizens Savings Bank is located in Pemberville, Ohio. Citizens Savings Bank
provides checking and NOW accounts; passbook savings and money market accounts;
time certificates of deposit; commercial, consumer, agricultural and residential
loans; personal and corporate trust services; commercial leasing; bank credit
card services; safe deposit box rentals; and other personalized banking
services. Citizens Savings Bank also operates a full-service branch in
Gibsonburg, Ohio. At December 31, 1997, Citizens Savings Bank had 29 full-time
equivalent employees.

RDSI
- ----

         Substantially all of RDSI's business is comprised of providing data
processing services to 37 financial institutions primarily in the northwest area
of Ohio (including State Bank, Peoples Bank, First National Bank and Citizens
Savings Bank), including information processing for financial institution
customer services, loan and deposit account information and data analysis. At
December 31, 1997, RDSI had 32 full-time equivalent employees.

Rurban Life
- -----------

         Rurban Life commenced its business of transacting insurance as an
Arizona life and disability reinsurer in January, 1988. Rurban Life may accept
life and disability reinsurance ceded to Rurban Life by an insurance company
authorized to write life and disability insurance, provided that the amount
accepted does not exceed certain limitations imposed under Arizona law. Rurban
Life is not currently authorized to write life and disability insurance on a
direct basis. Rurban Life accepts reinsurance ceded in part by USLIFE from the
credit life and disability insurance purchased by customers of State Bank,
Peoples Bank, First National Bank and Citizens Savings Bank from USLIFE in
connection with revolving credit loans secured by mortgages and with certain
installment loans made to such customers by State Bank, Peoples Bank, First
National Bank and Citizens Savings Bank. The operations of Rurban Life do not
materially impact the consolidated results of operations of the Corporation. As
of December 31, 1997, Rurban Life has not accepted any other reinsurance. Rurban
Life does not currently intend to accept any other reinsurance in the immediate
future. At December 31, 1997, Rurban Life had no employees.

                                   Competition
                                   -----------

         State Bank, Peoples Bank, First National Bank and Citizens Savings Bank
experience significant competition in attracting depositors and borrowers.
Competition in lending activities comes principally from other commercial banks
in the lending areas of State Bank, Peoples Bank, First National Bank and
Citizens Savings Bank, and, to a lesser extent, from savings associations,
insurance companies, governmental agencies, credit unions, securities brokerage
firms and pension funds. The primary factors in competing for loans are interest
rates charged and overall banking services.

         Competition for deposits comes from other commercial banks, savings
associations, money market funds and credit unions as well as from insurance
companies and securities brokerage firms. 



                                       4
<PAGE>   5



The primary factors in competing for deposits are interest rates paid on
deposits, account liquidity and convenience of office location.

         RDSI also operates in a highly competitive field. RDSI competes
primarily on the basis of the value and quality of its data processing services,
and service and convenience to its customers.

         Rurban Life operates in the highly competitive industry of credit life
and disability insurance. A large number of stock and mutual insurance companies
also operating in this industry have been in existence for longer periods of
time and have substantially greater financial resources than does Rurban Life.
The principal methods of competition in the credit life and disability insurance
industry are the availability of coverages, premium rates and quality of
service. The Corporation believes that Rurban Life has a competitive advantage
due to the fact that the business of Rurban Life is limited to the accepting of
life and disability reinsurance ceded in part by USLIFE from the credit life and
disability insurance purchased by loan customers of State Bank, Peoples Bank,
First National Bank and Citizens Savings Bank.

         RFS operates in the highly competitive trust services field and its
competition is primarily other Ohio bank trust departments.

         RMC operates in the highly competitive mortgage banking environment. In
Florida, RMC competes primarily with large national and regional mortgage
brokers who originate well over 50% of new loans. RMC also underwrites loans
originated by the Corporation's four affiliate banks and other community banks
in Ohio.

                           Supervision and Regulation
                           --------------------------

         The following is a summary of certain statutes and regulations
affecting the Corporation and its subsidiaries. The summary is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such statutes and regulations.

         The Corporation is a bank holding company under the Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended, which restricts the activities of the
Corporation and the acquisition by the Corporation of voting shares or assets of
any bank, savings association or other company. The Corporation is also subject
to the reporting requirements of, and examination and regulation by, the Federal
Reserve Board. Subsidiary banks of a bank holding company are subject to certain
restrictions imposed by the Federal Reserve Act on transactions with affiliates,
including any loans or extensions of credit to the bank holding company or any
of its subsidiaries, investments in the stock or other securities thereof and
the taking of such stock or securities as collateral for loans or extensions of
credit to any borrower; the issuance of guarantees, acceptances or letters of
credit on behalf of the bank holding company and its subsidiaries; purchases or
sales of securities or other assets; and the payment of money or furnishing of
services to the bank holding company and other subsidiaries. Bank holding
companies are prohibited from acquiring direct or indirect control of more than
5% of any class of voting stock or substantially all of the assets of any bank
holding company without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board. A bank
holding company and its subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in certain
tying arrangements in connection with extensions of credit and/or the provision
of other property or services to a customer by the bank holding company or its
subsidiaries.


                                       5
<PAGE>   6



         As a national bank, First National Bank is supervised and regulated by
the OCC. Reliance, as a nationally-chartered bank, is also regulated by the OCC.
As Ohio state-chartered banks, State Bank, Peoples Bank and Citizens Savings
Bank are supervised and regulated by the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions
and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"). The deposits of State
Bank, Peoples Bank, First National Bank and Citizens Savings Bank are insured by
the FDIC and those entities are subject to the applicable provisions of the
Federal Deposit Insurance Act. A subsidiary of a bank holding company can be
liable to reimburse the FDIC, if the FDIC incurs or anticipates a loss because
of a default of another FDIC-insured subsidiary of the bank holding company or
in connection with FDIC assistance provided to such subsidiary in danger of
default. In addition, the holding company of any insured financial institution
that submits a capital plan under the federal banking agencies' regulations on
prompt corrective action guarantees a portion of the institution's capital
shortfall, as discussed below.

         Various requirements and restrictions under the laws of the United
States and the State of Ohio affect the operations of State Bank, Peoples Bank,
First National Bank and Citizens Savings Bank including requirements to maintain
reserves against deposits, restrictions on the nature and amount of loans which
may be made and the interest that may be charged thereon, restrictions relating
to investments and other activities, limitations on credit exposure to
correspondent banks, limitations on activities based on capital and surplus,
limitations on payment of dividends, and limitations on branching. Pursuant to
recent federal legislation, First National Bank may branch across state lines,
if permitted by the law of the other state. In addition, effective June 1997,
such interstate branching by First National Bank will be authorized, unless the
law of the other state specifically prohibits the interstate branching authority
granted by federal law.

         The Federal Reserve Board has adopted risk-based capital guidelines for
bank holding companies and for state member banks, such as State Bank and
Citizens Savings Bank. The risk-based capital guidelines include both a
definition of capital and a framework for calculating risk weighted assets by
assigning assets and off-balance-sheet items to broad risk categories. The
minimum ratio of total capital to risk weighted assets (including certain
off-balance-sheet items, such as standby letters of credit) is 8%. At least 4.0
percentage points is to be comprised of common stockholders' equity (including
retained earnings but excluding treasury stock), noncumulative perpetual
preferred stock, a limited amount of cumulative perpetual preferred stock, and
minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less
goodwill and certain other intangible assets ("Tier 1 capital"). The remainder
("Tier 2 capital") may consist, among other things, of mandatory convertible
debt securities, a limited amount of subordinated debt, other preferred stock
and a limited amount of allowance for loan and lease losses. The Federal Reserve
Board also imposes a minimum leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital to total assets) of
3% for bank holding companies and state member banks that meet certain specified
conditions, including no operational, financial or supervisory deficiencies, and
including having the highest regulatory rating. The minimum leverage ratio is
100-200 basis points higher for other bank holding companies and state member
banks based on their particular circumstances and risk profiles and those
experiencing or anticipating significant growth. National bank subsidiaries,
such as First National Bank, are subject to similar capital requirements adopted
by the Comptroller of the Currency, and state non-member bank subsidiaries, such
as Peoples Bank, are subject to similar capital requirements adopted by the
FDIC.


                                       6
<PAGE>   7



         The Corporation and its subsidiaries currently satisfy all capital
requirements. Failure to meet applicable capital guidelines could subject a
banking institution to a variety of enforcement remedies available to federal
and state regulatory authorities, including the termination of deposit insurance
by the FDIC.

         The federal banking regulators have established regulations governing
prompt corrective action to resolve capital deficient banks. Under these
regulations, institutions which become undercapitalized become subject to
mandatory regulatory scrutiny and limitations, which increase as capital
continues to decrease. Such institutions are also required to file capital plans
with their primary federal regulator, and their holding companies must guarantee
the capital shortfall up to 5% of the assets of the capital deficient
institution at the time it becomes undercapitalized.

         The ability of a bank holding company to obtain funds for the payment
of dividends and for other cash requirements is largely dependent on the amount
of dividends which may be declared by its subsidiary banks and other
subsidiaries. However, the Federal Reserve Board expects the Corporation to
serve as a source of strength to its subsidiary banks, which may require it to
retain capital for further investment in the subsidiaries, rather than for
dividends for shareholders of the Corporation. State Bank, Peoples Bank, First
National Bank and Citizens Savings Bank may not pay dividends to the Corporation
if, after paying such dividends, they would fail to meet the required minimum
levels under the risk-based capital guidelines and the minimum leverage ratio
requirements. State Bank, Peoples Bank, First National Bank and Citizens Savings
Bank must have the approval of their respective regulatory authorities if a
dividend in any year would cause the total dividends for that year to exceed the
sum of the current year's net profits and the retained net profits for the
preceding two years, less required transfers to surplus. Payment of dividends by
the bank subsidiaries may be restricted at any time at the discretion of the
regulatory authorities, if they deem such dividends to constitute an unsafe
and/or unsound banking practice. These provisions could have the effect of
limiting the Corporation's ability to pay dividends on its outstanding common
shares.

         Rurban Life is chartered by the State of Arizona and is subject to
regulation, supervision, and examination by the Arizona Department of Insurance.
The powers of regulation and supervision of the Arizona Department of Insurance
relate generally to such matters as minimum capitalization, the grant and
revocation of certificates of authority to transact business, the nature of and
limitations on investments, the maintenance of reserves, the form and content of
required financial statements, reporting requirements and other matters
pertaining to life and disability insurance companies.

              Deposit Insurance Assessments and Recent Legislation
              ----------------------------------------------------

         The FDIC is authorized to establish separate annual assessment rates
for deposit insurance for members of the Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF") and the
Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF"). State Bank, Peoples Bank, First
National Bank and Citizens Savings Bank are members of BIF. The FDIC may
increase assessment rates for either fund if necessary to restore the fund's
ratio of reserves to insured deposits to its target level within a reasonable
time and may decrease such rates if such target level has been met. The FDIC has
established a risk-based assessment system for both BIF and SAIF members. Under
this system, assessments vary based on the risk the institution poses to its
deposit insurance fund. The risk level is determined based on the institution's
capital level and the FDIC's level of supervisory concern about the institution.


                                       7
<PAGE>   8



                     Monetary Policy and Economic Conditions
                     ---------------------------------------

         The commercial banking business is affected not only by general
economic conditions, but also by the policies of various governmental regulatory
authorities, including the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board
regulates money and credit conditions and interest rates in order to influence
general economic conditions primarily through open market operations in U.S.
Government securities, changes in the discount rate on bank borrowings and
changes in reserve requirements against bank deposits. These policies and
regulations significantly affect the overall growth and distribution of bank
loans, investments and deposits, and the interest rates charged on loans as well
as the interest rates paid on deposits and accounts.

         The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve Board have had a
significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and
are expected to continue to have significant effects in the future. In view of
the changing conditions in the economy and the money market and the activities
of monetary and fiscal authorities, no definitive predictions can be made as to
future changes in interest rates, credit availability or deposit levels.


           Statistical Financial Information Regarding the Corporation
           -----------------------------------------------------------

         The following schedules and tables analyze certain elements of the
consolidated balance sheets and statements of income of the Corporation and its
subsidiaries, as required under Exchange Act Industry Guide 3 promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, and should be read in conjunction with the
narrative analysis presented in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operation and the Consolidated Financial
Statements of the Corporation and its subsidiaries included at pages 48 through
78 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.



                                       8
<PAGE>   9



I. DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY;
   INTEREST RATES AND INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL

A. The following are the average balance sheets for the years ending 
   December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                             1997                 1996                 1995
ASSETS                                                       ----                 ----                 ----
<S>                                                     <C>                  <C>                  <C>              
Interest-earning assets
     Securities available for sale (1)
         Taxable                                        $ 63,329,510          $ 65,724,102         $ 64,643,230
         Non-taxable                                       5,827,365             8,931,157               25,869
     Securities held to maturity
         Taxable                                                   -                     -            1,485,961
         Non-taxable                                               -                     -            9,416,228
     Federal funds sold                                   13,009,024             6,950,036           10,145,738
     Loans, net of unearned income
       and deferred loan fees (2)                        342,480,740           305,611,881          282,864,867
                                                        ------------          ------------         ------------
         Total interest-earning assets                   424,646,639           387,217,176          368,581,893
     Allowance for loan losses                            (5,245,851)           (4,593,293)          (4,606,629)
                                                        ------------          ------------         ------------
                                                         419,400,788           382,623,883          363,975,264
Noninterest-earning assets
     Cash and due from banks                              14,980,442            17,435,810           17,670,513
     Premises and equipment, net                           8,732,846             8,540,524            8,857,350
     Accrued interest receivable and
       other assets                                        8,897,276             8,142,608            8,056,940
                                                        ------------          ------------         ------------

                                                        $452,011,352          $416,742,825         $398,560,067
                                                        ============          ============         ============

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Interest-bearing liabilities
     Deposits
         Savings and interest-bearing
           demand deposits                              $ 90,874,940          $ 83,395,385         $ 83,243,571
         Time deposits                                   265,046,479           243,798,539          231,640,466
     Federal funds purchased and
       securities sold under agreements 
       to repurchase                                       2,294,882             2,559,025              684,484
     Advances from Federal Home
       Loan Bank (FHLB)                                    3,907,485                     -                    -
                                                        ------------          ------------         ------------
         Total interest-bearing liabilities              362,123,786           329,752,949          315,568,521

Noninterest-bearing liabilities
     Demand deposits                                      44,405,121            42,733,313           41,427,007
     Accrued interest payable and
       other liabilities                                   3,331,816             3,507,865            3,687,999
                                                        ------------          ------------         ------------
                                                         409,860,723           375,994,127          360,683,527

Net ESOP obligation                                        8,178,356             8,615,308            8,083,792

Shareholders' equity (3)                                  33,972,273            32,133,390           29,792,748
                                                        ------------          ------------         ------------

                                                        $452,011,352          $416,742,825         $398,560,067
                                                        ============          ============         ============

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

(1)   Securities available for sale are carried at fair value. The average
      balance includes quarterly average balances of the market value
      adjustments and daily average balances for the amortized cost of
      securities.
(2)   Loan balances include principal balances of nonaccrual loans and loans
      held for sale.
(3)   Shown net of average net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on 
      securities  available for sale, net of tax.



                                       9
<PAGE>   10



I. DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY;
   INTEREST RATES AND INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL (CONTINUED)

B. The following tables set forth, for the years indicated, the condensed
   average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing
   liabilities, the interest earned or paid on such amounts, and the
   average interest rates earned or paid thereon.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     ------------------------------1997----------------------
                                                          Average                                     Average
                                                          Balance                Interest              Rate
                                                          -------                --------              ----
<S>                                                <C>                     <C>                       <C>  
INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS
     Securities(1)
         Taxable                                        $ 63,329,510           $ 3,900,143             6.16%
         Non-taxable                                       5,827,365               473,148(2)          8.12 (2)
     Federal funds sold                                   13,009,024               753,081             5.79
     Loans, net of unearned income and
       deferred loan fees                                342,480,740(3)         32,155,039(4)          9.39
                                                        ------------           -----------

         Total interest-earning assets                  $424,646,639            37,281,411(2)          8.78%(2)
                                                        ============


INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES
     Deposits
         Savings and interest-bearing
           demand deposits                              $ 90,874,940             1,971,334             2.17%
         Time deposits                                   265,046,479            14,334,398             5.41
     Federal funds purchased and
       securities sold under agree-
       ments to repurchase                                 2,294,882               161,505             7.04
     Advances from FHLB                                    3,907,485               221,918             5.68
                                                        ------------           -----------

         Total interest-bearing liabilities             $362,123,786            16,689,155             4.61
                                                        ============           -----------


Net interest income                                                            $20,592,256(2)
                                                                               ===========

Net interest income as a percent
  of average interest-earning assets                                                                   4.85%(2)
                                                                                                       ====
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1)     Securities balances represent daily average balances for the amortized
        cost of securities. The average rate is calculated based on the
        amortized cost of securities.
(2)     Computed on tax equivalent basis for non-taxable securities (34% 
        statutory tax rate in 1997). 
(3)     Loan balances include principal balances of nonaccrual
        loans and loans held for sale.
(4)     Includes fees on loans of $1,430,211 in 1997.



                                       10
<PAGE>   11



I. DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY;
   INTEREST RATES AND INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL (Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               ---------------------------1996------------------
                                                    Average                               Average
                                                    Balance             Interest           Rate
                                                    -------            --------            ----
<S>                                            <C>                  <C>                 <C>  
INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS
     Securities(1)
         Taxable                                $ 65,675,003         $ 4,066,184           6.19%
         Non-taxable                               8,771,930             619,411(2)        7.06 (2)
     Federal funds sold                            6,950,036             355,950           5.12
     Loans, net of unearned income and
       deferred loan fees                        305,611,881(3)       28,680,021(4)        9.38
                                                ------------         -----------

         Total interest-earning assets          $387,008,850          33,721,566(2)        8.71%(2)
                                                ============


INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES
     Deposits
         Savings and interest-bearing
           demand deposits                      $ 83,395,385           2,109,831           2.53%
         Time deposits                           243,798,539          12,401,905           5.09
     Federal funds purchased and
       securities sold under agreements 
       to repurchase                               2,559,025             144,773           5.66
                                                ------------         -----------

         Total interest-bearing liabilities     $329,752,949          14,656,509           4.44%
                                                ============         -----------


Net interest income                                                 $ 19,065,057(2)
                                                                    ============

Net interest income as a percent
  of average interest-earning assets                                                       4.93%(2)
                                                                                           ====


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

(1)     Securities balances represent daily average balances for the amortized
        cost of securities. The average rate is calculated based on the
        amortized cost of securities.
(2)     Computed on tax equivalent basis for non-taxable securities (34% 
        statutory tax rate in 1996). 
(3)     Loan balances include principal balances of nonaccrual loans and loans 
        held for sale.
(4)     Includes fees on loans of $1,237,771 in 1996.



                                       11
<PAGE>   12



I. DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY;
   INTEREST RATES AND INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     ------------------------1995-------------------
                                                        Average                              Average
                                                        Balance            Interest           Rate
                                                        -------            --------           ----
<S>                                                  <C>                <C>                 <C>
INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS
     Securities(1)
         Taxable                                     $ 66,675,224        $ 3,756,764          5.63%
         Non-taxable                                    9,442,097            645,724(2)       6.84 (2)
     Federal funds sold                                10,145,738            707,596          6.97
     Loans, net of unearned income and
       deferred loan fees                             282,864,867  (3)    26,539,689(4)       9.38
                                                     ------------        -----------

         Total interest-earning assets               $369,127,926         31,649,773(2)       8.57%(2)
                                                     ============


INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES
     Deposits
         Savings and interest-bearing
           demand deposits                           $ 83,243,571          2,088,899          2.51%
         Time deposits                                231,640,466         12,109,099          5.23
     Federal funds purchased and
       securities sold under agree-
       ments to repurchase                                684,484             40,050          5.85
                                                     ------------        -----------

         Total interest-bearing liabilities          $315,568,521         14,238,048          4.51%
                                                     ============        -----------


Net interest income                                                      $17,411,725(2)
                                                                         ===========

Net interest income as a percent
  of average interest-earning assets                                                          4.72%(2)
                                                                                              ====


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

(1)     Securities balances represent daily average balances for the amortized
        cost of securities. The average rate is calculated based on the
        amortized cost of securities.
(2)     Computed on tax equivalent basis for non-taxable securities (34% 
        statutory tax rate in 1995). 
(3)     Loan balances include principal balances of nonaccrual loans and loans 
        held for sale.
(4)     Includes fees on loans of $967,504 in 1995.



                                       12
<PAGE>   13



I. DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY;
   INTEREST RATES AND INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL (Continued)

C. The following tables set forth the effect of volume and rate changes on
   interest income and expense for the periods indicated. For purposes of
   these tables, changes in interest due to volume and rate were determined as
   follows:

   Volume Variance - change in volume multiplied by the previous year's rate. 
   Rate Variance - change in rate multiplied by the previous year's volume.
   Rate/Volume Variance - change in volume multiplied by the change in
   rate. This variance was allocated to volume variance and rate variance
   in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amount of the
   change in each. 
   Interest on non-taxable securities has been adjusted to a fully tax
   equivalent basis using a statutory tax rate of 34% in 1997, 1996 and 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               Total         Variance Attributable To
                                                              Variance       ------------------------
                                                              1997/1996        Volume         Rate
                                                              ---------        ------         ----
<S>                                                         <C>                <C>         <C>
INTEREST INCOME
     Securities
         Taxable                                              $ (166,041)    $ (144,547)   $ (21,494)
         Non-taxable                                            (146,263)      (229,465)      83,202
     Federal funds sold                                          397,131        345,492       51,639
     Loans, net of unearned income
       and deferred loan fees                                  3,475,018      3,440,015       35,003
                                                              ----------     ----------    ---------
                                                               3,559,845      3,411,495      148,350

INTEREST EXPENSE
     Deposits
         Savings and interest-bearing
           demand deposits                                      (138,497)       178,809     (317,306)
         Time deposits                                         1,932,493      1,120,456      812,037
     Federal funds purchased and
       securities sold under agreements
       to repurchase                                              16,732        (16,027)      32,759
     Advances from FHLB                                          221,918        221,918            -
                                                              ----------     ----------    ---------
                                                               2,032,646      1,505,156      527,490
                                                              ----------     ----------    ---------

NET INTEREST INCOME                                           $1,527,199     $1,906,339    $(379,140)
                                                              ==========     ==========    =========

</TABLE>


                                       13
<PAGE>   14
'


I. DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY;
   INTEREST RATES AND INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL (Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 Total       Variance Attributable To
                                                                Variance     ------------------------
                                                               1996/1995        Volume        Rate
                                                               ---------        ------        ----
<S>                                                         <C>             <C>           <C>
INTEREST INCOME
     Securities
         Taxable                                              $  309,420     $  (57,091)   $ 366,511
         Non-taxable                                             (26,313)       (46,854)      20,541
     Federal funds sold                                         (351,646)      (190,759)    (160,887)
     Loans, net of unearned income
       and deferred loan fees                                  2,140,332      2,154,575      (14,243)
                                                              ----------     ----------    ---------
                                                               2,071,793      1,859,871      211,922


INTEREST EXPENSE
     Deposits
         Savings and interest-bearing
           demand deposits                                        20,932          3,815       17,117
         Time deposits                                           292,806        624,266     (331,460)
     Federal funds purchased and
       securities sold under agreements
       to repurchase                                             104,723        106,093       (1,370)
                                                              ----------     ----------    ---------
                                                                 418,461        734,174     (315,713)
                                                              ----------     ----------    ---------

NET INTEREST INCOME                                           $1,653,332     $1,125,697    $ 527,635
                                                              ==========     ==========    =========

</TABLE>

                                       14
<PAGE>   15



II.    INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

       A. The book value of securities available for sale as of December 31
are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                1997           1996            1995
                                                                ----           ----            ----
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>            <C>
       U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government
         agency securities                                  $43,398,433     $54,235,593    $74,251,501
       Obligations of states and
         political subdivisions                               5,395,065       6,389,434      9,543,395
       Mortgage-backed securities                            21,159,472       4,837,112      5,345,748
       Marketable equity securities                           1,730,150       1,173,750      1,189,222
                                                            -----------     -----------    -----------

                                                            $71,683,120     $66,635,889    $90,329,866
                                                            ===========     ===========    ===========

</TABLE>


       B.  The maturity distribution and weighted average yield of securities
           available for sale at December 31, 1997 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     ---------------------------Maturing------------------------- 
                                                                  After One Year   After Five Years
                                                      Within        But Within        But Within         After
                                                     One Year       Five Years         Ten Years       Ten Years
                                                     --------       -----------       -----------      ----------
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>               <C>              <C>
U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government
  agency securities                                  $      -       $43,170,683       $   227,750      $        -
Obligations of states and political
  subdivisions (1)                                    293,389         2,802,897         2,192,900         105,879
Mortgage-backed securities (2)                         33,816         4,285,568        10,710,064       6,130,024
Marketable equity securities                                -                 -                 -       1,730,150
                                                     --------       -----------       -----------      ----------

                                                     $327,205       $50,259,148       $13,130,714      $7,966,053
                                                     ========       ===========       ===========      ==========

Weighted average yield                                   5.95%             6.04%             6.80%           6.23%
                                                         ====              ====              ====            ====

</TABLE>


       (1)     Yields are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
       (2)     Maturity based upon estimated weighted-average life.

       The weighted average interest rates are based on coupon rates for
       securities purchased at par value and on effective interest rates
       considering amortization or accretion if the securities were purchased at
       a premium or discount.

       C.  Excluding those holdings of the investment portfolio in U.S. Treasury
           securities and other agencies of the U.S. Government, there were no
           securities of any one issuer which exceeded 10% of the shareholders'
           equity of the Corporation at December 31, 1997.



                                       15
<PAGE>   16




III.     LOAN PORTFOLIO

         A.       Types of Loans - Total loans on the balance sheet are
                  comprised of the following classifications at December 31 for
                  the years indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                           1997             1996             1995             1994             1993
                           ----             ----             ----             ----             ----
<S>                   <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Commercial,
  financial and
  agricultural(1)      $217,324,268     $185,838,900     $ 63,444,036     $ 62,866,040     $ 51,078,815
Real estate
  mortgage(1)            75,212,817       72,356,881      152,555,540      152,136,086      122,313,826
Consumer
  loans to
  individuals            67,198,876       60,512,850       61,600,664       65,676,876       54,420,469
                       ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
                       $359,735,961     $318,708,631     $277,600,240     $280,679,002     $227,813,110
                       ============     ============     ============     ============     ============
Real estate
  mortgage
  loans held
  for resale           $  4,404,327     $  1,875,636     $  2,949,293     $  4,689,611     $  4,669,580
                       ============     ============     ============     ============     ============
</TABLE>


       (1)     Beginning in 1996, commercial real estate loans are classified as
               commercial, financial and agricultural. Prior to 1996, commercial
               real estate loans are classified as real estate mortgage.

Concentrations of Credit Risk: The Corporation grants commercial, real estate
and installment loans to customers mainly in northwest Ohio. Commercial loans
include loans collateralized by business assets and agricultural loans
collateralized by crops and farm equipment. As of December 31, 1997, commercial,
financial and agricultural loans make up approximately 60% of the loan portfolio
and the loans are expected to be repaid from cash flow from operations of
businesses. As of December 31, 1997, residential first mortgage loans make up
approximately 21% of the loan portfolio and are collateralized by first
mortgages on residential real estate. As of December 31, 1997, consumer loans to
individuals make up approximately 19% of the loan portfolio and are primarily
collateralized by consumer assets.

         B.    Maturities and Sensitivities of Loans to Changes in Interest
               Rates - The following table shows the amounts of commercial,
               financial and agricultural loans outstanding as of December 31,
               1997 which, based on remaining scheduled repayments of principal,
               are due in the periods indicated. Also, the amounts have been
               classified according to sensitivity to changes in interest rates
               for commercial, financial and agricultural loans due after one
               year. (Variable-rate loans are those loans with floating or
               adjustable interest rates.)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                              Commercial,
                                                                                             Financial and
                                            Maturing                                         Agricultural
                                            --------                                         ------------
<S>                                                                                       <C>
                         Within one year                                                     $ 97,867,000
                         After one year but within five years                                 114,137,000
                         After five years                                                       5,320,000
                                                                                             ------------
                                                                                             $217,324,000

</TABLE>



                                       16
<PAGE>   17




III.     LOAN PORTFOLIO (Continued)

                         Commercial, Financial and Agricultural
                         --------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         Interest Sensitivity
                                                        ----------------------
                                                        Fixed         Variable
                                                        Rate            Rate            Total
                                                        ----            ----            -----
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>             <C>
                         Due after one year but
                           within five years          $33,473,000    $80,664,000     $114,137,000
                         Due after five years           5,320,000              -        5,320,000
                                                      -----------    -----------     ------------

                                                      $38,793,000    $80,664,000     $119,457,000
                                                      ===========    ===========     ============

</TABLE>


         C.     Risk Elements
                -------------

                1.    Nonaccrual, Past Due, Restructured and Impaired Loans -
                      The following schedule summarizes nonaccrual, past due,
                      restructured and impaired loans at December 31.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                            1997          1996          1995            1994          1993
                                            ----          ----          ----            ----          ----
                                                                       (In thousands)
<S>                                        <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>   
(a)     Loans accounted for on a
          nonaccrual basis                 $2,303(1)     $1,055(1)     $2,403(1)       $3,538        $3,621

(b)     Accruing loans which are
          contractually past due 90 days
          or more as to interest
          or principal payments               462           293           711           1,198           200

(c)     Loans not included in (a)
          or (b) which are
          "Troubled Debt Restruc-
          turings" as defined by
          Statement of Financial
          Accounting Standards
          No. 15                                -             -             -               -             -

(d)     Other loans defined as
         "impaired"                             -         2,490             -               -             -
                                           ------        ------        ------          ------        ------
                                           $2,765        $3,838        $3,114          $4,736        $3,821
                                           ======        ======        ======          ======        ======

</TABLE>

(1)     Includes loans defined as "impaired" under SFAS No. 114.



                                       17
<PAGE>   18




III. LOAN PORTFOLIO (Continued)

Management believes the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 1997 is
adequate to absorb any losses on nonperforming loans, as the allowance balance
is maintained by management at a level considered adequate to cover losses that
are currently anticipated based on past loss experience, general economic
conditions, information about specific borrower situations including their
financial position and collateral values, and other factors and estimates which
are subject to change over time.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    1997
                                                                                                    ----
                                                                                              (In thousands)
<S>                                                                                           <C> 
         Gross interest income that would have been recorded in 1997 on
         nonaccrual loans outstanding at December 31, 1997 if the loans had been
         current, in accordance with their original terms and had been
         outstanding throughout the period or since origination if held for part
         of the period                                                                              $250

         Interest  income  actually  recorded on  nonaccrual  loans and
         included in net income for the period                                                       (46)
                                                                                                    ----

         Interest income not recognized during the period                                           $204
                                                                                                    ====
</TABLE>

                1.    Discussion of the Nonaccrual Policy

                      The accrual of interest income is discontinued when the
                      collection of a loan or interest, in whole or in part, is
                      doubtful. When interest accruals are discontinued,
                      interest income accrued in the current period is reversed.
                      While loans which are past due 90 days or more as to
                      interest or principal payments are considered for
                      nonaccrual status, management may elect to continue the
                      accrual of interest when the estimated net realizable
                      value of collateral, in management's judgment, is
                      sufficient to cover the principal balance and accrued
                      interest. These policies apply to both commercial and
                      consumer loans.

                2.    Potential Problem Loans

                      As of December 31, 1997, in addition to the $2,765,000 of
                      loans reported under Item III, C.1., there are
                      approximately $3,855,000 in other outstanding loans where
                      known information about possible credit problems of the
                      borrowers causes management to have serious doubts as to
                      the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present
                      loan repayment terms and which may result in disclosure of
                      such loans pursuant to Item III. C.1 at some future date.
                      Consideration was given to loans classified for regulatory
                      purposes as loss, doubtful, substandard, or special
                      mention that have not been disclosed in Section 1 above.
                      To the extent that such loans are not included in the
                      $3,855,000 potential problem loans described above,
                      management believes that such loans will not materially
                      impact future operating results, liquidity, or capital
                      resources.




                                       18
<PAGE>   19



III. LOAN PORTFOLIO (Continued)

            3.    Foreign Outstandings

                  None

            4.    Loan Concentrations

                  At December 31, 1997, loans outstanding related to
                  agricultural operations or collateralized by agricultural
                  real estate aggregated approximately $48,794,000. At
                  December 31, 1997, there were no agriculture loans which
                  were accounted for on a nonaccrual basis; and there are no
                  accruing agriculture loans which are contractually past
                  due ninety days or more as to interest or principal
                  payments.

     D.     Other Interest-Bearing Assets
            -----------------------------

            There are no other interest-bearing assets as of December 31,
            1997 which would be required to be disclosed under Item III. C.1
            or 2 if such assets were loans.



                                       19
<PAGE>   20



IV. SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE


    A. The following schedule presents an analysis of the allowance for loan
losses, average loan data and related ratios for the years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1997                 1996                 1995        
                                                                 ----                 ----                 ----        
<S>                                                         <C>                 <C>                 <C>
LOANS
    Loans outstanding at end of period (1)                    $ 363,851,637       $ 320,321,476       $ 280,314,137    
                                                              =============       =============       =============    

    Average loans outstanding during period (1)               $ 342,480,740       $ 305,611,881       $ 282,864,867    
                                                              =============       =============       =============    

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
    Balance at beginning of period                            $   5,066,600       $   4,270,000       $   4,770,000    
    Allowance of acquired Bank                                           --                  --                  --    

    Loans charged-off
         Commercial, financial and agricultural loans (2)          (438,317)           (308,143)         (1,267,028)   
         Real estate mortgage (2)                                   (30,863)            (14,470)           (509,108)   
         Consumer loans to individuals                             (856,426)           (555,164)           (874,690)   
                                                              -------------       -------------       -------------    
                                                                 (1,325,606)           (877,777)         (2,650,826)   

    Recoveries of loans previously charged-off
         Commercial, financial and agricultural loans (2)           308,283             380,951             497,437    
         Real estate mortgage (2)                                     6,877               8,288              23,432    
         Consumer loans to individuals                              235,482             324,129             178,059    
                                                              -------------       -------------       -------------    
                                                                    550,642             713,368             698,928    
                                                              -------------       -------------       -------------    

Net loans charged-off                                              (774,964)           (164,409)         (1,951,898)   

Provision for loan losses                                           947,965             961,009           1,451,898    
                                                              -------------       -------------       -------------    

Balance at end of period                                      $   5,239,601       $   5,066,600       $   4,270,000    
                                                              =============       =============       =============    

Ratio of net charge-offs during the period to
  average loans outstanding during the period                           .23%                .05%                .69%   
                                                              =============       =============       =============    

</TABLE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1994                1993
                                                                     ----                ----
<S>                                                             <C>                 <C>                
LOANS                                                           $ 285,106,409       $ 232,317,346      
    Loans outstanding at end of period (1)                      =============       =============      
                                                                                                       
                                                                $ 249,993,210       $ 225,013,808      
    Average loans outstanding during period (1)                 =============       =============      
                                                                                                       
                                                                                                       
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES                                       $   3,390,000       $   3,086,443      
    Balance at beginning of period                                  1,100,000                  --      
    Allowance of acquired Bank                                                                         
                                                                                                       
    Loans charged-off                                                (275,543)           (139,250)     
         Commercial, financial and agricultural loans (2)             (66,531)           (118,054)     
         Real estate mortgage (2)                                    (408,879)           (676,436)     
         Consumer loans to individuals                          -------------       -------------      
                                                                     (750,953)           (933,740)     
                                                                                                       
                                                                                                       
    Recoveries of loans previously charged-off                         85,052              89,832      
         Commercial, financial and agricultural loans (2)              56,809             114,156      
         Real estate mortgage (2)                                     187,602             237,823      
         Consumer loans to individuals                          -------------       -------------      
                                                                      329,463             441,811      
                                                                -------------       -------------      
                                                                                                       
                                                                     (421,490)           (491,929)     
Net loans charged-off                                                                                  
                                                                      701,490             795,486      
Provision for loan losses                                       -------------       -------------      
                                                                                                       
                                                                $   4,770,000       $   3,390,000      
Balance at end of period                                        =============       =============      
                                                                                                       
                                                                                                       
Ratio of net charge-offs during the period to                             .17%                .22%     
  average loans outstanding during the period                   =============       =============      
                                                                                                       

</TABLE>


    (1)  Net of unearned income and deferred loan fees, including
         loans held for sale

    (2)  Beginning in 1996,  commercial real estate loans are 
         classified as commercial,  financial and agricultural.
         Prior to 1996, commercial real estate loans are
         classified as real estate mortgage.

     The allowance for loan losses balance and the provision for loan
     losses are judgmentally determined by management based upon
     periodic reviews of the loan portfolio. In addition, management
     considered the level of charge-offs on loans as well as the
     fluctuations of charge-offs and recoveries on loans including
     the factors which caused these changes. Estimating the risk of
     loss and the amount of loss is necessarily subjective.
     Accordingly, the allowance is maintained by management at a
     level considered adequate to cover losses that are currently
     anticipated based on past loss experience, general economic
     conditions, information about specific borrower situations
     including their financial position and collateral values and
     other factors and estimates which are subject to change over
     time. The increase in loans charged-off in 1995 as compared to
     the other periods presented is due largely to the charge-off of
     certain credits which were previously reported on a nonaccrual
     basis.




                                 20
<PAGE>   21



IV. SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE (Continued)

    B. The following schedule is a breakdown of the allowance for loan losses
       allocated by type of loan and related ratios.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          -----------Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses-------
                                                                            Percentage                        Percentage
                                                                             of Loans                          of Loans
                                                                              In Each                           In Each
                                                                            Category to                       Category To
                                                             Allowance         Total           Allowance         Total
                                                              Amount           Loans            Amount           Loans
                                                              ------           -----            ------           -----
                                                                 December 31, 1997                 December 31, 1996
                                                                 -----------------                 -----------------
    <S>                                                    <C>                  <C>            <C>                <C>
    Commercial, financial
      and agricultural                                     $3,678,000           60.4%          $3,445,000         58.3%
    Residential first mortgage                                203,000           20.9              203,000         22.7
    Consumer loans
      to individuals                                          742,000           18.7              811,000         19.0
    Unallocated                                               616,601            N/A              607,600          N/A
                                                           ----------        -------           ----------        -----
                                                           $5,239,601          100.0%          $5,066,600        100.0%
                                                           ==========        =======           ==========        =====


                                                                 December 31, 1995                 December 31, 1994
                                                                 -----------------                 -----------------
    Commercial, financial
      and agricultural                                     $1,665,000           22.9%          $1,764,900         22.4%
    Real estate mortgage                                      512,000           54.9              572,400         54.2
    Consumer loans
      to individuals                                        1,452,000           22.2            1,621,800         23.4
    Unallocated                                               641,000            N/A              810,900          N/A
                                                           ----------        -------           ----------        -----
                                                           $4,270,000          100.0%          $4,770,000        100.0%
                                                           ==========        =======           ==========        =====


                                                                 December 31, 1993
                                                                 -----------------
    Commercial, financial
      and agricultural                                     $1,220,400           22.4%
    Real estate mortgage                                      372,900           53.7
    Consumer loans
      to individuals                                        1,084,800           23.9
    Unallocated                                               711,900            N/A
                                                           ----------          -----

                                                           $3,390,000          100.0%
                                                           ==========          =====

</TABLE>

             While management's periodic analysis of the adequacy of the
             allowance for loan losses may allocate portions of the allowance
             for specific problem loan situations, the entire allowance is
             available for any loan charge-offs that occur.



                                       21
<PAGE>   22



V.  DEPOSITS

    The average amount of deposits and average rates paid are summarized as
    follows for the years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          1 9 9 7                  1 9 9 6                   1 9 9 5
                                                          -------                  -------                   -------
                                                   Average       Average    Average       Average   Average         Average
                                                   Amount        Rate       Amount         Rate      Amount          Rate
                                                   ------        ----       ------         ----      ------          ----
<S>                                            <C>             <C>      <C>               <C>     <C>               <C>  
Savings and interest-bearing demand deposits     $ 90,874,940    2.17%   $ 83,395,385      2.53%   $ 83,243,571      2.51%
Time deposits                                     265,046,479    5.41     243,798,539      5.09     231,640,466      5.23
Demand deposits (noninterest-bearing)              44,405,121    ----      42,733,313      ----      41,427,007      ----
                                                 ------------            ------------              ------------          
                                                 $400,326,540            $369,927,237              $356,311,044
                                                 ============            ============              ============

</TABLE>

    Maturities of time certificates of deposit and other time deposits of
    $100,000 or more outstanding at December 31, 1997 are summarized as follows:

                                                               Amount
                                                            -----------
        Three months or less                                $16,139,000
        Over three months and through six months             17,506,000
        Over six months and through twelve months            10,834,000
        Over twelve months                                   12,799,000
                                                            -----------
                                                            $57,278,000
                                                            ===========



                                       22
<PAGE>   23



VI. RETURN ON EQUITY AND ASSETS

    The ratio of net income to average shareholders' equity and average total
    assets and certain other ratios are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                           1997                 1996              1995
                                                           ----                 ----              ----

<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>              <C>         
        Average total assets                           $452,011,352          $416,742,825     $398,560,067
                                                       ============          ============     ============
        Average shareholders'
          equity and net ESOP
          obligation (1)                               $ 42,150,629          $ 40,748,698     $ 37,876,540
                                                       ============          ============     ============
        Average shareholders' equity (1)               $ 33,972,273          $ 32,133,390     $ 29,792,748
                                                       ============          ============     ============
        Net income                                     $  5,515,797          $  4,849,214     $  4,094,813
                                                       ============          ============     ============
        Cash dividends declared                        $  1,648,730          $  1,308,975     $  1,310,627
                                                       ============          ============     ============
        Return on average total assets                         1.22%                 1.16%            1.03%
                                                               ====                  ====             ====
        Return on average share-
          holders' equity and net ESOP
          obligation                                          13.09%                11.90%           10.81%
                                                              =====                 =====            =====
        Return on average share-
          holders' equity                                     16.24%                15.09%           13.74%
                                                              =====                 =====            =====
        Dividend payout percentage (2)                        29.89%                26.99%           32.01%
                                                              =====                 =====            =====
        Average shareholders'
          equity and net ESOP obligation
          to average total assets                              9.33%                 9.78%            9.50%
                                                               ====                  ====             ====
        Average shareholders'
          equity to average total assets                       7.52%                 7.71%            7.48%
                                                               ====                  ====             ====

</TABLE>

        (1) Net of average unrealized appreciation or depreciation on securities
            available for sale. 
        (2) Dividends declared divided by net income.



II.      SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

         The Corporation did not have any category of short-term borrowings for
         which the average balance outstanding during the reported periods was
         30 percent or more of shareholders' equity at the end of the reported
         periods.



                                       23
<PAGE>   24




                       Effect of Environmental Regulation
                       ----------------------------------

         Compliance with federal, state and local provisions regulating the
discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the
protection of the environment, has not had a material effect upon the capital
expenditures, earnings or competitive position of the Corporation and its
subsidiaries. The Corporation believes that the nature of the operations of its
subsidiaries has little, if any, environmental impact. The Corporation,
therefore, anticipates no material capital expenditures for environmental
control facilities for its current fiscal year or for the foreseeable future.
The Corporation's subsidiaries may be required to make capital expenditures for
environmental control facilities related to properties which they may acquire
through foreclosure proceedings in the future; however, the amount of such
capital expenditures, if any, is not currently determinable.

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

         The following is a listing and brief description of the properties
owned or leased by State Bank and used in its business:

                                    1. Its main office is a two-story brick
                           building located at 401 Clinton Street, Defiance,
                           Ohio, which was built in 1971. Including a basement
                           addition built in 1991, it contains 33,400 square
                           feet of floor space. Approximately 2,186 square feet
                           on the second floor and 2,910 on the lower level
                           presently are leased to RDSI, 6,408 square feet on
                           the second floor are leased to RFS and 3,565 sqaure
                           feet on the lower level are leased to the
                           Corporation.

                                    2. A branch office located in downtown
                           Defiance, Ohio containing 3,200 square feet of floor
                           space was built in 1961. Most of the space is in the
                           basement which is used for storage. It contains a
                           three-bay drive-thru, two inside teller locations, an
                           ATM and a night deposit unit.

                                    3. A full service branch office located on
                           Main Street in Ney, Ohio containing 1,536 square feet
                           of floor space was opened in 1968.

                                    4. A full service branch office located at
                           1796 North Clinton Street, Defiance, Ohio containing
                           2,120 square feet of floor space was opened in 1968.
                           It is a free standing structure located in front of a
                           shopping center.

                                    5. A full service branch office located at
                           1856 East Second Street, Defiance, Ohio containing
                           2,160 square feet of floor space was opened in 1972.
                           It is a free standing structure located in front of a
                           shopping center.

                                    6. A full service branch office located at
                           2010 South Jefferson, Defiance, Ohio containing 2,160
                           square feet of floor space was opened in 1979. It is
                           located in a primarily residential area.



                                       24
<PAGE>   25



                                    7. A full service branch office located at
                           220 North Main Street, Paulding, Ohio containing
                           6,200 square feet of floor space was opened in 1980.

                                    8. A full service branch office located at
                           312 Main Street, Delta, Ohio containing 3,470 square
                           feet of floor space was acquired from Society Bank &
                           Trust ("Society") in 1992.

                                    9. A full service branch office located at
                           133 E. Morenci Street, Lyons, Ohio containing 2,578
                           square feet of floor space was acquired from Society
                           in 1992.

                                    10. A full service branch office located at
                           515 Parkview, Wauseon, Ohio containing 3,850 square
                           feet of floor space was acquired from Society in
                           1992.

                                    11. A full service branch located in the
                           Chief Market Square supermarket at 705 Deatrick
                           Street, Defiance, Ohio and containing 425 square feet
                           was opened in 1993. State Bank leases the space in
                           which this branch is located pursuant to a 15-year
                           lease.

         The following is a listing and brief description of the properties
owned by Peoples Bank and used in its business:

                                    1. The full service main office located at
                           301 South Main Street, Findlay, Ohio was opened in
                           1990. It contains approximately 30,000 square feet of
                           floor space, of which 12,000 is used by an unrelated
                           law firm.

                                    2. A full service branch office located at
                           124 East Main Street, McComb, Ohio was opened in
                           1990. It contains approximately 3,600 square feet of
                           floor space.

                                    3. A full service branch office located at
                           1330 North Main Street, Findlay, Ohio, was opened in
                           1979. It contains approximately 1,500 square feet of
                           floor space.

         The only real property owned by First National Bank is the location of
the Bank at 405 East Main Street, Ottawa, Ohio. First National Bank's facility
is a two-story brick and steel building containing approximately 7,100 square
feet of space. The first floor is a traditional banking lobby which was
remodeled in 1991. The second floor contains bookkeeping, office and storage
space.

         The following is a listing and brief description of the properties
owned by Citizens Savings Bank and used in its business:

                                    1. The full service main office is located
                           at 132 East Front Street, Pemberville, Ohio and
                           contains 6,389 square feet. It was built near the
                           turn of the century and was completely remodeled and
                           added on to in 1992.



                                       25
<PAGE>   26



                                    2. A full service branch office located at
                           230 West Madison Street, Gibsonburg, Ohio occupies
                           2,520 square feet and was built in 1988.

         The following is a listing and brief description of the properties
leased by RMC and used in its business:

                                    1. A 6,400 square foot office space located
                           at Estancia Boulevard, Suite 201, Clearwater,
                           Florida. This office was first leased on January 22,
                           1997.

                                    2. A 650 square foot office space located at
                           6521 Ridge Rd. Port Richey, Florida and used as a
                           satellite mortgage loan production office.

                                    3. A 650 square foot office space located at
                           3443G Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte, Florida.


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

         There are no pending legal  proceedings to which the  Corporation or 
any of its  subsidiaries is a party or to which any of their property is 
subject,  except routine legal  proceedings to which the Corporation or any of 
its  subsidiaries is a party incidental to its banking  business.  None of such
proceedings are considered by the Corporation to be material.

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

         Not applicable.

Executive Officers of the Registrant.
- -------------------------------------

         The following table lists the names and ages of the executive officers
of the Corporation as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the
positions presently held by each such executive officer and the business
experience of each such executive officer during the past five years. Unless
otherwise indicated, each person has held his principal occupation(s) for more
than five years. All executive officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of
Directors of the Corporation.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

               Name                       Age        Position(s) Held with the
               ----                       ---        Corporation and its Subsidiaries
                                                     and Principal Occupation(s)
                                                     ---------------------------
<S>                                      <C>        <C>
        Steven D. VanDemark                45        Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Corporation;
                                                     Chairman of the Board of Directors of State Bank; Director of
                                                     RDSI; Director of RMC; General Manager of Defiance Publishing
                                                     Company, Defiance, Ohio, a newspaper publisher.

</TABLE>



                                       26
<PAGE>   27





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     Name                                 Age        Position(s) Held with the
     ----                                 ---        Corporation and its Subsidiaries
                                                     and Principal Occupation(s)
                                                     ---------------------------
<S>                                      <C>        <C>
Thomas C. Williams                         49        President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation since
                                                     June 1995; Director of the Corporation, State Bank, Peoples
                                                     Bank, Rurban Life, RFS, RMC and RDSI.  President and Chief
                                                     Executive Officer of State Bank, June 1995 to August 1996;
                                                     President of FirstMerit Bank, FSB, Clearwater, Florida, from
                                                     1994 to June 1995; Senior Vice President and Managing Officer
                                                     of the Northern Region of The First National Bank of Ohio,
                                                     Cleveland, Ohio, from 1990 to 1994.

Robert W. Constien                         45        Executive Vice President of the Corporation since March 12,
                                                     1997; Vice President of the Corporation from 1994 to March,
                                                     1997; Chief Executive Officer and a Director of RFS since
                                                     March 1997; Director of State Bank; Executive Vice President
                                                     of State Bank from 1994 to 1997, Senior Vice President of
                                                     State Bank from 1991 to 1993 and Vice President of State Bank
                                                     from 1987 to 1991.

Richard C. Warrener                        53        Executive Vice President of the Corporation since December
                                                     1997; Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation since
                                                     December 31, 1996; Senior Vice President of the Corporation
                                                     from December 31, 1996 to December 1997; Senior Vice President
                                                     and Chief Financial Officer of FirstMerit Bank, N.A. from
                                                     March 1994 to December 1996; Senior Vice President and Chief
                                                     Financial Officer of Life Savings Bank from January 1991 to
                                                     March 1994; Division Vice President and Chief Financial
                                                     Officer of Florida Federal Savings Bank from 1988 to November
                                                     1990.

Mark E. Rowland                            46        Senior Vice President and Senior Lender of the Corporation
                                                     since December 1997; Executive Vice President of State Bank
                                                     since June 1997; Senior Vice President of State Bank since
                                                     January 1997; Executive Vice President of Bancapital
                                                     Corporation, a financial services company involved primarily
                                                     in mortgage lending, from January 1991 to June 1996.


</TABLE>

                                       27
<PAGE>   28



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     Name                                 Age        Position(s) Held with the
     ----                                 ---        Corporation and its Subsidiaries
                                                     and Principal Occupation(s)
                                                     ---------------------------
<S>                                      <C>        <C>
Mark A. Soukup                             41        President and Chief Executive Officer of State Bank since
(1)                                                  August 1996; Senior Vice President-Retail Banking of State
                                                     Bank from November 1995 to August 1996;
                                                     Branch Administrator
                                                     FirstMerit First National
                                                     Bank of Ohio from 1992 to
                                                     September 1995.

Kenneth A. Joyce                           50        Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of RDSI since October
(1)                                                  1997; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of RMC since 
                                                     November 1997; Executive Vice President of State Bank from 
                                                     June 1997 to November 1997; President of
                                                     FirstMerit Bank, FSB,
                                                     Clearwater Florida from
                                                     July 1995 to December 1996.

</TABLE>


(1)  For purposes of this Form 10-K, even though Mr. Soukup and Mr. Joyce are
     not employed as officers of the Corporation and their salaries are not paid
     by the Corporation, they are included in the list of Executive Officers of
     the Corporation because they perform policy making functions for the
     Corporation.


                                     PART II
                                     -------

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         The common shares of the Corporation are traded on a limited basis in
the over-the-counter market. The table below sets forth the high and low bid
quotations for, and the cash dividends declared with respect to, the common
shares of the Corporation, for the indicated periods. The bid quotations were
obtained from one of the securities dealers who makes a market in the
Corporation's common shares (the Corporation is aware of three securities
dealers who make a market in its common shares). The bid quotations reflect the
prices at which purchases and sales of the Corporation's common shares could be
made during each period and not inter-dealer prices. The bid quotations reflect
retail mark-ups, but not commissions or retail mark-downs. The bid quotations
represent actual transactions in the Corporation's common shares. The per share
amounts have been restated for the 5% stock dividend declared in December 1996.



                              Per Share                  Per Share
                             Bid Prices                  Dividends
1996                      High           Low              Declared
- ----                      ----           ---              --------
First Quarter            $32.38        $29.88             $ .1429
Second Quarter            33.81         30.95             $ .1429
Third Quarter             33.81         31.90             $ .1429
Fourth Quarter            33.10         28.00             $ .1429



                                       28
<PAGE>   29



                               Per Share                   Per Share
                               Bid Prices                  Dividends
1997                       High           Low              Declared
- ----                       ----           ---              --------

First Quarter            $33.00        $26.00               $ .18
Second Quarter            32.00         30.00               $ .18
Third Quarter             31.50         28.00               $ .18
Fourth Quarter            31.38         27.50               $ .20


         There can be no assurance as to the amount of dividends which will be
declared with respect to the common shares of the Corporation in the future,
since such dividends are subject to the discretion of the Corporation's Board of
Directors, cash needs, general business conditions, dividends from the
subsidiaries and applicable governmental regulations and policies. See Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operation - Capital Resources and Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.

         The approximate number of holders of outstanding common shares of the
Corporation, based upon the number of record holders as of December 31, 1997, is
1,130.




                                       29
<PAGE>   30



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

SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               (Dollars in thousands except per share data)

Year Ended December 31,                    1997        1996        1995        1994        1993
                                           ----        ----        ----        ----        ----
<S>                                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
EARNINGS
  Total interest income                  $ 37,120    $ 33,511    $ 31,430    $ 23,474    $ 21,478
  Total interest expense                   16,689      14,657      14,238       9,612       8,909
  Net interest income                      20,431      18,854      17,192      13,862      12,569
  Provision for loan losses                   948         961       1,452         701         795
  Total noninterest income                  7,756       6,194       5,753       5,312       5,434
  Total noninterest expense                19,253      16,876      15,271      12,664      11,510
  Income tax expense                        2,470       2,362       2,127       1,899       1,823
  Net income                                5,516       4,849       4,095       3,910       3,875

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

PER SHARE DATA (1)
  Basic and diluted net income(2)        $   2.49    $   2.14    $   1.79    $   1.80    $   1.82
  Cash dividends declared                    0.74        0.57        0.57        0.57        0.57

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

AVERAGE BALANCES
  Average shareholders'
    equity and net ESOP
    obligation                           $ 42,151    $ 40,749    $ 37,877    $ 30,614    $ 29,966
  Average shareholders'
    equity                                 33,972      32,133      29,793      24,589      25,412
  Average total assets                    452,011     416,743     398,560     335,118     314,230

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

RATIOS
  Return on average total assets             1.22%       1.16%       1.03%       1.17%       1.23
  Average shareholders' equity
   and net ESOP obligation to
    average total assets                     9.33        9.78        9.50        9.14        9.54
  Average shareholders' equity
   to average total assets                   7.52        7.71        7.48        7.34        8.09
  Return on average shareholders'
   equity and net ESOP obligation           13.09       11.90       10.81       12.77       12.93
  Return on average
    shareholders' equity                    16.24       15.09       13.74       15.90       15.25
  Cash dividend payout ratio
    (cash dividends divided by
    net income)                             29.89       26.99       32.01       32.33       31.54

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

(1) Per share data restated for 5% stock dividend declared in 1996 and 1994
    two-for-one stock split. 
(2) Restated to reflect adoption of SFAS No. 128 on December 31, 1997.



                                       30
<PAGE>   31



SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                      (Dollars in thousands except per share data)

Year Ended December 31,           1997         1996         1995         1994         1993
                                  ----         ----         ----         ----         ----
<S>                             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
PERIOD END TOTALS
  Total assets                  $471,371     $433,273     $411,226     $393,547     $317,845
  Total loans and leases         359,736      318,709      277,600      280,679      227,813
  Total deposits                 415,181      387,766      367,797      354,646      283,603
  Advances from FHLB               7,530           --           --           --           --
  Shareholders' equity and
    net ESOP obligation           39,094       41,489       40,078       35,675       31,293
  Shareholders' equity            30,268       33,591       30,745       28,840       26,076
  Shareholders' equity and
    net ESOP obligation per
    share(1)                       18.89        18.13        17.47        15.55        14.69
  Shareholders' equity per
    share(1)                       17.36        17.14        15.52        14.36        13.12

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

</TABLE>

(1) Per share data restated for 5% stock dividend declared in 1996 and 1994 
    two-for-one stock split.


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

EARNINGS SUMMARY

CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME for Rurban Financial Corp. (the "Corporation") for 1997
was $5.5 million, up from $4.8 million in 1996 and $4.1 million in 1995. Net
income per share was $2.49 in 1997, an increase of 16% from $2.14 in 1996. The
1996 net income per share results represented a 20% increase from $1.79 in 1995.
Cash dividends declared per share were $.74 in 1997 compared to $.57 in 1996 and
1995, a 30% increase in 1997. Per share data has been adjusted to reflect the 5%
stock dividend declared in December, 1996.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

1997 COMPARED WITH 1996
- -----------------------

NET INTEREST INCOME for 1997 was $20.4 million an increase of $1.6 million
(8.4%) over 1996. The increase was primarily due to additional net interest
income resulting from an 12.1% increase in the average balance of total loans
and loans held for sale. While the average yield on loans was flat at 9.39%
compared to 9.38% for 1996, the mix of loans as a percentage of average earning
assets increased from 79.0% in 1996 to 80.7% in 1997, thereby improving the
average yield on earning assets from 8.71% to 8.78%. The improvement in earning
asset yield was more than offset by the increase in the average rate on interest
bearing liabilities from 4.44% in 1996 to 4.61% in 1997; resulting in a decline
in the net interest margin from 4.93% in 1996 to 4.85% in 1997.

AT DECEMBER 31, 1997, total loans and loans held for sale, net of deferred loan
fees amounted to $363.9 million, an increase of 13.6% over net loans of $320.3
million at December 31, 1996. This increase was primarily due to the
Corporation's loan origination efforts.


                                       31
<PAGE>   32



COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL AND AGRICULTURAL LOANS increased $35.1 million from $185.8
million at December 31, 1996 to $217.3 million at December 31, 1997. This
increase occurred as the result of the hiring of additional commercial lending
staff and the Corporation's goal to increase commercial loan relationships.

AT DECEMBER 31, 1997, approximately $4.4 million of real estate mortgage loans
were held for sale in the secondary market. During 1997, approximately $30.8
million of real estate mortgage loans were originated for sale and approximately
$28.8 million were sold in the secondary market. This represents an increase of
$7.6 million (36%) in loans sold in 1997 as compared to 1996. Real estate
mortgage loans originated for sale increased $10.4 million in 1997, as compared
to 1996, primarily due to the loan origination efforts of the Rurban Mortgage
Division of State Bank and Rurban Mortgage Company. Net gains on loan sales for
1997 totaled $552,000, an increase of $762,000 as compared to net losses on loan
sales of $210,000 in 1996. During 1997, most loans were sold on a servicing
released basis. Loans originated for sale are primarily fixed rate mortgage
loans. Management anticipate further growth in the volume of loans originated
for sale in 1998 as Rurban Mortgage Company's volume grows from its start-up
level in 1997. Such growth is anticipated to be boosted by relatively low
interest rate levels, which during the first quarter of 1998 were resulting in a
wave of mortgage loan refinancing.

SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE TOTALED $71.7 million at December 31, 1997 which
represented an increase of $5.0 million (7.6%) from total securities of $66.6
million at December 31, 1996. As of December 31, 1997, all securities of the
Corporation were designated available for sale. Available for sale securities
represent those securities which the Corporation may decide to sell if needed
for liquidity, asset/liability management or other reasons. Such securities are
reported at fair value with net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included
as a separate component of shareholders' equity, net of tax. This resulted in a
net increase in shareholders' equity of $219,000 at December 31, 1997.

TOTAL DEPOSITS AT December 31, 1997 amounted to $415.2 million, an increase of
$27.4 million (7.1%) over total deposits of $387.8 million at December 31, 1996.
The increase in deposits is believed to have occurred as a result of increased
deposit services and flexibility of products offered. Management believes that
customers continue to place a value on federal insurance on deposit accounts and
that, to the extent the Corporation continues to pay competitive rates on
deposits and continues to provide flexibility of deposit products, the
Corporation will be able to maintain and increase its deposit levels.

OTHER BORROWINGS at December 31, 1997 were 12.5 million and $0 at December 31,
1997 and 1996. These borrowings consisted of $7.5 million of FHLB Advances and
$4.9 million of federal funds purchased as the Corporation began to access
alternative sources for funding its loan growth.

THE PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES charged to operations was based on the amount of
net losses incurred and management's estimation of future losses based on an
evaluation of loan portfolio risk and economic factors. The provision for loan
losses was $948,000 in 1997 compared to $961,000 in 1996.

THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES at December 31, 1997 was $5.2 million or 1.44% of
total loans and loans held for sale, net of deferred loan fees, compared to $5.1
million or 1.58% at December 31, 1996.

LOANS ARE CONSIDERED IMPAIRED if full principal or interest payments are not
anticipated in accordance with the contractual loan terms. Impaired loans are
carried at the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the
loan's effective interest rate or at the fair value of the collateral if the
loan is collateral dependent. Under this guidance, the carrying value of
impaired loans is periodically adjusted to reflect cash payments, revised
estimates of future cash flows and increases in the present value of expected
cash flows due to the passage of time. A portion of the allowance for loan
losses is allocated to impaired loans.

SMALLER-BALANCE homogeneous loans are evaluated for impairment in total. Such
loans include residential first mortgage loans secured by one-to-four family
residences, residential construction loans, and automobile, home equity and
second mortgage loans. Commercial loans and mortgage loans secured by other
properties are evaluated individually for impairment. When analysis of borrower
operating results and financial condition indicates that underlying cash flows
of the borrower's business are not adequate to meet its debt service
requirements, the loan is evaluated for impairment. Often this is associated
with a delay or shortfall in payments




                                       32
<PAGE>   33



of 30 days or more. Commercial loans are rated on a scale of 1 to 8, with 1-3
being satisfactory, 4 watch, 5 special mention, 6 substandard, 7 doubtful, and 8
as loss which are then charged off. Loans graded a 6 or worse are considered for
impairment. Loans are generally moved to nonaccrual status when 90 days or more
past due. Such loans are often considered impaired. Impaired loans, or portions
thereof, are charged off when deemed uncollectible. This typically occurs when
the loan is 120 days or more past due. At December 31, 1997, the Corporation
classified four loan relationships as impaired, totaling $1.8 million.
Management allocated $725,000 of the allowance for loan losses to impaired loans
at December 31, 1997.

MANAGEMENT ALLOCATED approximately 70% of the allowance for loan losses to
commercial, financial and agricultural loans; 14% to consumer loans; and 4% to
residential first mortgage loans at December 31, 1997, leaving a balance of 12%
unallocated. Nonperforming loans decreased to $2.8 million at December 31, 1997
from $3.8 million at December 31, 1996. The decrease in nonperforming loans
relates primarily to the reduction of impaired loans during 1997. The allowance
is maintained by management at a level considered adequate to cover losses that
are currently anticipated based on past loss experience, general economic
conditions, information about specific borrower situations including their
financial position and collateral values, and other factors and estimates which
are subject to change over time. Management believes the allowance for loan
losses balance at December 31, 1997 is adequate to absorb losses on these and
other loans.

TOTAL NONINTEREST INCOME increased $1,562,000 (25.2%) to $7.8 million in 1997
from $6.2 million in 1996. Net gain on sales of loans increased $762,000 to
$552,000 in 1997 as compared to a net loss of $210,000 in 1996. During the first
quarter of 1997, an adjustment of approximately $238,000 was made to reflect the
adoption of SFAS No. 122 as of January 1, 1996. Approximately $200,000 of that
amount related to the recording of originated mortgage servicing rights on loans
sold in 1996. Trust fees income declined $32,000 (1.4%) to $2,327,000 in 1997
from $2,359,000 in 1996. This $32,000 decline actually represented a $228,000
(10.8%) increase after considering the $260,000 increase in 1996 as the result
of converting from cash to accrual basis of accounting for trust fees in 1996.
Data processing fees increased $563,000 (25.5%) to $2,766,000 in 1997 compared
to $2,203,000 in 1996. An adjustment in 1997 to convert from cash to accrual
basis of accounting for data processing fees accounted for $238,000 (42.3%) of
this increase.

TOTAL NONINTEREST EXPENSE increased $2.4 million (14.1%) to $19.3 million in
1997, from $16.9 million in 1996, primarily due to the following factors.
Salaries and employee benefits increased $1.9 million (22.4%) to $10.2 million
in 1997 compared to $8.3 million in 1996. This increase was due primarily to
three factors; 1) annual merit increases, 2) staffing increases, and 3)the
extension of performance related bonuses and incentive compensation throughout
the organization, and 4)individual employee equity and market salary adjustments
to maintain competitive salaries and retain qualified employees. Equipment
rentals, depreciation and maintenance declined $150,000 primarily due to a
reduction in the dollar amount for classifying equipment purchases as fixed
assets rather than recording them as direct expense in accordance with the
Corporation's new fixed asset capitalization policy. The minimum amount to be
capitalized was reduced from $5,000 to $1,000. Other expenses increased $649,000
(11.9%) primarily due to inflation and additional expenses attributed to loan
and deposit growth.

INCOME TAX EXPENSE for the year ended December 31, 1997 was $2.5 million, an
increase of $108,000 (4.6%) from 1996. This increase was primarily attributable
to an increase in income before income tax expense.

THE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BOARD (FASB) issued SFAS No. 125 which
applied for the first time in 1997. SFAS No. 125, Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, provides
authoritative guidance as to the accounting and financial reporting for
transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishment of liabilities.
Example transactions covered by SFAS No. 125 include asset securitizations,
repurchase agreements, wash sales, loan participations, transfers of loans with
recourse and servicing of loans. The Standard is based on a consistent
application of a financial components approach that focuses on control. The
Statement provides consistent standards for distinguishing transfers of
financial assets that are sales from transfers that are secured borrowings. The
Statement also requires measuring instruments that have a substantial prepayment
risk at fair value, much like debt instruments classified as available for sale
or trading. SFAS No. 125 also supersedes SFAS No. 122, Accounting for Mortgage
Servicing Rights, but it only marginally modifies the accounting and disclosure
requirements of SFAS No. 122. SFAS No. 125, as amended by SFAS No.



                                       33
<PAGE>   34



127, was effective on a prospective basis for some transactions in 1997 and will
be effective for others in 1998. The effect on the consolidated financial
statements was not material.

A NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARD, SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, has
been issued which will require future reporting of comprehensive income
beginning March 31, 1998. Comprehensive income is net income plus changes in
unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on securities available for sale, net of
tax.

A NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARD, SFAS No. 131, Disclosures About Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information, will require future reporting of additional
information related to material business segments beginning December 31, 1998.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

1996 COMPARED WITH 1995
- -----------------------

NET INTEREST INCOME for 1996 was $18.9 million an increase of $1.7 million
(9.7%) over 1995. The increase was primarily due to additional net interest
income resulting from an 8.0% increase in the average balance of total loans and
loans held for sale, net of unearned income and deferred loan fees. While the
average yield on loans remained at 9.38%, the mix of loans as a percentage of
average earning assets increased from 76.6% in 1995 to 79.0% in 1996, thereby
improving the average yield on earning assets from 8.57% to 8.71%. The
improvement in earning asset yield coupled with a decline in the average rate on
interest bearing liabilities from 4.51% in 1995 to 4.44% in 1996; resulted in an
improvement in the net interest margin from 4.72% to 4.93%.

AT DECEMBER 31, 1996, total loans and loans held for sale, net of deferred loan
fees amounted to $320.3 million, an increase of 14.3% over net loans of $280.3
million at December 31, 1995. This increase was primarily due to a decline in
interest rates and an improved focus on loan origination during 1996.

AT DECEMBER 31, 1996, approximately $1.9 million of real estate mortgage loans
were held for sale in the secondary market. During 1996, approximately $20.4
million of real estate mortgage loans were originated for sale and approximately
$21.2 million were sold in the secondary market. This represents an increase of
$9.0 (74%) in loans sold in 1996 as compared to 1995. Mortgage loans originated
for sale increased $10.0 million in 1996, as compared to 1995, primarily due to
declines in interest rates during the first half of 1996. Net losses on loan
sales for 1996 totaled $210,000, a decrease of $294,000 as compared to net gains
on loan sales of $84,000 in 1995. The Corporation retained the servicing of
these loans as a fee generating service. Loans originated for sale were
primarily fixed rate mortgage loans.

SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE TOTALED $66.6 million at December 31, 1996 which
represented a decrease of $23.7 million (26.2%) from total securities of $90.3
million at December 31, 1995. The decrease in securities from sales and
maturities was primarily due to the need to fund loan demand which out paced
deposit growth.

TOTAL DEPOSITS at December 31, 1996 amounted to $387.8 million, an increase of
$20.0 million (5.4%) over total deposits of $367.8 million at December 31, 1995.
The increase in deposits is believed to have occurred as a result of increased
deposit services and flexibility of products offered.

THE PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES charged to operations was based on the amount of
net losses incurred and management's estimation of future losses based on an
evaluation of loan portfolio risk and economic factors. The provision for loan
losses was $961,000 in 1996 compared to $1,452,000 in 1995. The decreased
provision and increase in the allowance in 1996 as compared to 1995 were due
largely to the charge-off of certain large credits in 1995.

THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES at December 31, 1996 was $5.1 million or 1.59% of
total loans and loans held for sale, net of deferred loan fees, compared to $4.3
million or 1.52% at December 31, 1995.


                                       34
<PAGE>   35



MANAGEMENT ALLOCATED approximately 68% of the allowance for loan losses to
commercial, financial and agricultural loans; 16% to consumer loans; and 4% to
residential first mortgage loans at December 31, 1996, leaving a balance of 12%
unallocated. Nonperforming loans increased to $3.8 million at December 31, 1996
from $3.1 million at December 31, 1995. The increase in nonperforming loans
relates primarily to the identification of additional loans as impaired during
1996.

TOTAL NONINTEREST INCOME increased $440,000 (7.7%) to $6.2 million in 1996 from
$5.8 million in 1995. Trust fees income increased $413,000 (21.2%) to $2,359,000
in 1996 from $1,946,000 in 1995; $260,000 of this increase resulted from a
change from cash to accrual basis of accounting for trust fees in 1996. Data
processing fees increased $164,000 (8.1%) to $2,203,000 in 1996 compared to
$2,039,000 in 1995. These increases were partially offset by net loss on sales
of loans of $210,000 in 1996 which was an unfavorable change of $294,000 from
the $84,000 of net gains on sales of loans in 1995.

TOTAL NONINTEREST EXPENSE increased $1.6 million (10.5%) to $16.9 million in
1996, from $15.3 million in 1995, primarily due to the following factors.
Salaries and employee benefits increased $1.2 million (16.7%) to $8.3 million in
1996 compared to $7.1 million in 1995. This increase was due primarily to three
factors; 1) annual merit increases, 2) staffing increases, and 3)the extension
of performance related bonuses and incentive compensation throughout the
organization. Net occupancy expense of premises increased by $107,000 due to the
repair of the exterior of the main office. Equipment costs increased $242,000
due primarily to the purchase of personal computers and other small equipment to
upgrade the quality of the tools available to our people. Other expenses
increased $64,000 (1.2%) primarily due to increases in professional fees of
$142,000 and in other operating expenses of $573,000 which were offset by
decreases in amortization of intangibles of $349,000 and FDIC deposit insurance
premiums of $359,000. The increase in other operating expenses was primarily a
result of increases in education and travel expenses of $191,000, and an
increase of $84,000 in temporary labor.

INCOME TAX EXPENSE for the year ended December 31, 1996 was $2.4 million, an
increase of $235,000 (11.0%) from 1995. This increase was primarily attributable
to an increase in income before income tax expense.


LIQUIDITY

LIQUIDITY RELATES PRIMARILY to the Corporation's ability to fund loan demand,
meet deposit customers' withdrawal requirements and provide for operating
expenses. Assets used to satisfy these needs consist of cash and due from banks,
federal funds sold, securities available-for sale and loans held for sale. These
assets are commonly referred to as liquid assets. Liquid assets were $98 million
at December 31, 1997 compared to $103 million at December 31, 1996 and $122
million at December 31, 1995. Liquidity levels declined $5 million from 1996 to
1997 and $19 million from 1995 to 1996 primarily due to the increase in loans.
Management recognizes that securities may need to be sold in the future to help
fund loan demand and, accordingly, as of December 31, 1997, the entire
securities portfolio of $71.7 million was classified as available for sale.

THE CORPORATION'S RESIDENTIAL FIRST MORTGAGE PORTFOLIO of $75.2 million which
can and has been readily used to collateralize borrowings is an additional
source of liquidity. Management believes its current liquidity level is
sufficient to meet anticipated future growth.

THE CASH FLOW statements for the periods presented provide an indication of the
Corporation's sources and uses of cash as well as an indication of the ability
of the Corporation to maintain an adequate level of liquidity. A discussion of
the cash flow statements for 1997, 1996 and 1995 follows.

FOR ALL PERIODS presented, the Corporation experienced a net increase in cash
from operating activities. Net cash from operating activities was $4.1 million,
$8.6 million and $8.0 million for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995, respectively. The decrease in net cash from operating activities of $4.5
million for 1997 as compared to 1996 was primarily due to increases in loans
held for sale of $2.5 million and increases in cash paid to supplies and
employees of $2.5 million. The increase in net cash from operating activities of
$566,000 for 1996 as compared to 1995 was primarily due to interest received on
interest-earning assets which outpaced an increase in interest paid on
interest-bearing liabilities.


                                       35
<PAGE>   36



NET CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES was $(47.8 million), $(20.0 million) and
$(16.7 million) for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. The changes in net cash from investing activities include loan
growth, as well as normal maturities and reinvestments of securities and
premises and equipment expenditures. In 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Corporation
received $28.6, $19.4 million and $2.3 million, respectively, from sales of
securities available for sale, while proceeds from repayments and maturities of
securities were $8.8 million, $46.4 million and $22.2 million in 1997, 1996 and
1995, respectively.

NET CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES was $32.0, $17.0 and $11.8 million for
the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The net cash
increase was primarily attributable to growth in total deposits of $27.4, $20.0
and $13.2 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Other significant
changes in 1997 included $12.5 million in borrowings partially offset by $6.7
paid to repurchase common stock.


ASSET LIABILITY MANAGEMENT

ASSET LIABILITY MANAGEMENT involves developing and monitoring strategies to
maintain sufficient liquidity, maximize net interest income and minimize the
impact that significant fluctuations in market interest rates would have on
earnings. The business of the Corporation and the composition of its balance
sheet consists of investments in interest-earning assets (primarily loans,
mortgage-backed securities, and securities available for sale) which are
primarily funded by interest-bearing liabilities (deposits and borrowings). With
the exception of loans which are originated and held for sale, all of the
financial instruments of the Corporation are for other than trading purposes.
All of the Corporation's transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars with no
specific foreign exchange exposure. In addition, the Corporation has limited
exposure to commodity prices related to agricultural loans. The impact of
changes in foreign exchange rate and commodity prices on interest rates are
assumed to be significant. The Corporation's financial instruments have varying
levels of sensitivity to changes in market interest rates resulting in market
risk. Interest rate risk is the Corporation's primary market risk exposure; to a
lesser extent, liquidity risk also impacts market risk exposure.

INTEREST RATE RISK is the exposure of a banking institution's financial
condition to adverse movements in interest rates. Accepting this risk can be an
important source of profitability and stockholder value; however, excessive
levels of interest rate risk could pose a significant threat to the
Corporation's earnings and capital base. Accordingly, effective risk management
that maintains interest rate risks at prudent levels is essential to the
Corporation's safety and soundness.

EVALUATING a financial institution's exposure to changes in interest rates
includes assessing both the adequacy of the management process used to control
interest rate risk and the organization's quantitative level of exposure. When
assessing the interest rate risk management process, the Corporation seeks to
ensure that appropriate policies, procedures, management information systems,
and internal controls are in place to maintain interest rate risks at prudent
levels of consistency and continuity. Evaluating the quantitative level of
interest rate risk exposure requires the Corporation to assess the existing and
potential future effects of changes in interest rates on its consolidated
financial condition, including capital adequacy, earnings, liquidity, and asset
quality (when appropriate).

THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD together with the Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, adopted a Joint Agency
Policy Statement on interest rate risk effective June 26, 1996. The policy
statement provides guidance to examiners and bankers on sound practices for
managing interest rate risk, which will form the basis for ongoing evaluation of
the adequacy of interest rate risk management at supervised institutions. The
policy statement also outlines fundamental elements of sound management that
have been identified in prior Federal Reserve guidance and discusses the
importance of these elements in the context of managing interest rate risk.
Specifically, the guidance emphasizes the need for active Board of Director and
Senior Management oversight and a comprehensive risk management process that
effectively identifies, measures, and controls interest rate risk.


                                       36
<PAGE>   37



FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS derive their income primarily from the excess of interest
collected over interest paid. The rates of interest an institution earns on its
assets and owes on its liabilities generally are established contractually for a
period of time. Since market interest rates change over time, an institution is
exposed to lower profit margins (or losses) if it cannot adapt to interest rate
changes. For example, assume that an institution's assets carry intermediate or
long term fixed rates and that those assets are funded with short-term
liabilities. If market interest rates rise by the time the short-term
liabilities must be refinanced, the increase in the institution's interest
expense on its liabilities may not be sufficiently offset if assets continue to
earn at the long-term fixed rates. Accordingly, an institution's profits could
decrease on existing assets because the institution will either have lower net
interest income or possible, net interest expense. Similar risks exist when
assets are subject to contractual interest rate ceilings, or rate sensitive
assets are funded by longer-term, fixed-rate liabilities in a decreasing rate
environment.

SEVERAL WAYS an institution can manage interest rate risk include: 1) selling
existing assets or repaying certain liabilities; 2) matching repricing periods
for new assets and liabilities, for example, by shortening terms of new loans or
investments; and 3) hedging existing assets, liabilities, or anticipated
transactions. An institution might also invest in more complex financial
instruments intended to hedge or otherwise change interest rate risk. Interest
rate swaps, futures contacts, options on futures contracts, and other such
derivative financial instruments are often used for this purpose. Because these
instruments are sensitive to interest rate changes, they require management's
expertise to be effective. The Corporation has not purchased derivative
financial instruments in the past and does not presently intend to purchase such
instruments.

QUANTITATIVE MARKET RISK DISCLOSURE. The following table provides information
about the Corporation's financial instruments used for purposes other than
trading that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. For loans receivable,
securities, and liabilities with contractual maturities, the table presents
principal cash flows and related weighted-average interest rates by contractual
maturities as well as the Corporation's historical experience of the impact of
interest rate fluctuations on the prepayment of residential and home equity
loans and mortgage backed securities. For core deposits (demand deposits,
interest-bearing checking, savings, and money market deposits) that have no
contractual maturity, the table presents principal cash flows and, as
applicable, related weighted-average interest rates based upon the Corporation's
historical experience, management's judgement and statistical analysis, as
applicable, concerning their most likely withdrawal behaviors. Weighted average
variable rates are based upon rates existing at the reporting date.



                                       37
<PAGE>   38



                     Principal/Notional Amount Maturing In:
                             (Dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         1998         1999         2000        2001         2002       Thereafter       Total
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>             <C>     
 RATE-SENSITIVE ASSETS
Fixed interest rate loans             $ 26,160      $ 9,372      $16,252      $23,495      $18,947      $   22,305      $116,531
   Average interest rate                  9.75%        9.72%        9.12%        9.02%        9.00%           9.88%         9.42%
Variable interest rate loans          $210,233      $15,499      $ 8,475      $ 6,296      $ 6,650      $      456      $247,609
   Average interest rate                  9.15%        9.15%        9.04%        7.72%        8.64%           8.71%         9.10%
Fixed interest rate securities        $    336      $37,116      $ 5,919      $ 4,284      $ 3,372      $   20,656      $ 71,683
   Average interest rate                  5.90%        5.88%        6.24%        6.12%        6.26%           6.54%         6.13%
Other interest-bearing assets         $  7,200           --           --           --           --              --      $  7,200
   Average interest rate                  5.80%          --           --           --           --              --          5.80%

RATE SENSITIVE LIABILITIES:
Non interest-bearing checking         $    839      $ 1,679      $ 2,515      $ 3,355      $ 4,195      $   33,566      $ 46,149
   Average interest rate                    --           --           --           --           --              --            --
   Savings and interest-bearing       $  1,652      $ 3,303      $ 4,946      $ 6,598      $ 8,250      $   65,278      $ 90,027
     checking
   Average interest rate                  2.17%        2.17%        2.17%        2.17%        2.17%           2.17%         2.17%
Time deposits and money markets       $215,036      $52,266      $ 8,921      $ 1,263      $   764      $      755      $279,005
   Average interest rate                  5.50%        5.75%        5.75%        5.92%        6.16%           5.10%         5.56%
Fixed interest rate borrowings        $  6,570      $   255      $   271      $   288      $    75              --      $  7,459
   Average interest rate                  6.38%        6.25%        6.25%        6.25%        6.25%             --          6.36%
Variable interest rate borrowings           --           --           --           --           --      $    5,000      $  5,000
   Average interest rate                    --           --           --           --           --            5.75%         5.75%

</TABLE>

AT DECEMBER 31, 1997, the Corporation has a modestly positive Asset/Liability
Gap of 108% during the one year frame. The one year Gap ratio above 100%
indicates that a change in interest rates will affect more interest-earning
assets that interest-bearing liabilities over the course of the year. Therefore,
in the absence of countermanding strategies or circumstances, net interest
income could be expected to rise in a period of rising rates and decline in
periods of declining rates.

THE CORPORATION MANAGES its interest rate risk by the employment of strategies
to assure that desired levels of both interest- earning assets and
interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice with similar time frames. Such
strategies include; 1) loans receivable which are renewed(and repriced)
annually, 2) variable rate loans, 3) certificates of deposit with terms from one
month to six years, 4) securities available for sale which mature at various
times primarily from one through ten years 5) federal funds borrowings with
terms of one day to 90 days, and 6) Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings with terms
of one day to five years.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY plus common stock subject to repurchase obligation in
ESOP, net of unearned ESOP shares was $39,094,000 as of December 31, 1997, a
decrease of $2,395,000 from $41,489,000 as of December 31, 1996. The decrease
was primarily due to the repurchase of 217,942 common shares at a cost of
$6,677,000 under a stock repurchase program initiated during the fourth quarter
of 1997, cash dividends of $1,649,000 offset by 1997 net income of $5,516,000.

TOTAL REGULATORY (RISK-BASED) CAPITAL was $42.2 million (which includes $8.8
million of common stock subject to repurchase obligation in ESOP, net of $1.3
million of unearned ESOP shares) as of December 31, 1997, a decrease of $2.3
million from total regulatory (risk-based) capital of $44.5 million as of
December 31, 1996.


                                       38
<PAGE>   39



AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997, the Corporation's and State Bank's total capital to
risk weighted assets exceeded the minimum requirements for capital adequacy
purposes of 8.0% (by 3.6% or $13.1 million for the Corporation and by 2.3% or
$5.5 million for State Bank). Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets exceeded
the minimum of 4.0% (by 6.3% or $23.1 million for the Corporation and by 5.1%r
$12.0 million for State Bank), and Tier 1 capital to average assets exceeded the
minimum of 4.0% (by 4.0% or $18.8 million for the Corporation and by 3.2% or
$9.5 million for State Bank). Under prompt corrective actions regulations, the
Corporation's and State Bank's total capital to risk weighted assets exceeded
the minimum requirement to be well capitalized of 10.0% (by 1.6% or $5.8 million
for the Corporation and by .3% or $.8 million for State Bank). Tier 1 capital to
risk weighted assets exceeded the minimum of 6.0% (by 4.3% or $15.9 million for
the Corporation and by 3.1% or $7.3 million for State Bank), and Tier 1 capital
to average assets exceeded the minimum of 5.0% (by 3.0% or $14.1 million for the
Corporation and by 2.2% or $6.6 million for State Bank).

THE COMPONENTS OF total risk-based capital are Tier 1 capital and Tier 2
capital. Tier 1 capital is total shareholders' equity less intangible assets.
Tier 2 capital is Tier 1 capital plus a portion of the allowance for loan
losses. The allowance for loan losses is includable in Tier 2 capital up to a
maximum of 1.25% of risk weighted assets. The net unrealized
appreciation(depreciation) on securities available for sale, net of tax, under
SFAS No. 115 is not considered in meeting regulatory capital requirements. The
following table provides the minimum regulatory capital requirements and the
Corporation's capital ratios at December 31, 1997:

CAPITAL RATIOS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    Minimum
                                                                                  Regulatory
                                                                                    Capital           Corporation's
                                                                                 Requirements            Capital
                                                                                   12/31/96               Ratio
                                                                                   --------               -----
<S>                                                                                <C>                  <C>  
Ratio of Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets                                       8.0%                 11.6%
Ratio of Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets                                      4.0%                 10.3%
Ratio of Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets                                            4.0%                  8.0%

</TABLE>


THE CORPORATION'S SUBSIDIARIES exceed the applicable minimum regulatory capital
requirements at December 31, 1997.

RESTRICTIONS EXIST REGARDING the ability of the subsidiary banks to transfer
funds to the Corporation in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances. (See
Note 1 to consolidated financial statements.) These restrictions have had no
major impact on the Corporation's dividend policy or operations and it is not
anticipated that they will have a major impact in the future.


IMPACT OF THE YEAR 2000

THE CORPORATION HAS CONDUCTED A comprehensive review of its computer systems to
identify applications that could be affected by the "Year 2000" issue, and has
developed an implementation plan to address the issue. The Corporation's data
processing is performed primarily in-house by RDSI; however software and
hardware utilized is under maintenance agreements with third party vendors.
Consequently the Corporation has contacted each vendor to request time tables
for Year 2000 compliance and expected costs, if any, to be passed along to the
Corporation. To date, the Corporation has been informed that its primary service
providers anticipate that all reprogramming efforts will be complete by June 30,
1998, allowing the Corporation time for testing of the Corporation's primary
computer systems before the Year 2000 arrives. Certain vendors have not
responded, however, and the Corporation will pursue other options if it appears
that these vendors will be unable to comply. Management does not expect the
costs of addressing the impact of the Year 2000 to have a significant impact on
the Corporation's consolidated financial position or results of operations;
however, there can be no assurance that the vendors'


                                       39
<PAGE>   40



systems will be 2000 compliant, consequently the Corporation could incur
material incremental costs to convert to other vendors. The Corporation has
identified certain of its hardware and software equipment that will not be Year
2000 compliant and intends to purchase new equipment and software prior to
December 31, 1998.


PLANNED PURCHASES OF PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

MANAGEMENT PLANS TO PURCHASE additional premises and equipment to meet the
current and future needs of the Corporation's customers. These purchases,
including land, buildings and improvements and furniture and equipment (which
includes computer software and license agreements), are currently expected to
total at least $4 million over the next two years.

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997, management is not aware of any current recommendations
by banking regulatory authorities which, if they were to be implemented, would
have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material adverse effect on the
Corporation's liquidity, capital resources or operations.


IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES

THE MAJORITY OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES of the Corporation are monetary in nature
and therefore the Corporation differs greatly from most commercial and
industrial companies that have significant investments in fixed assets or
inventories. However, inflation does have an important impact on the growth of
total assets in the banking industry and the resulting need to increase equity
capital at higher than normal rates in order to maintain an appropriate equity
to assets ratio. Inflation significantly affects noninterest expense, which
tends to rise during periods of general inflation.

MANAGEMENT BELIEVES the most significant impact on financial results is the
Corporation's ability to react to changes in interest rates. Management seeks to
maintain an essentially balanced position between interest sensitive assets and
liabilities and actively manages the amount of securities available for sale in
order to protect against the effects of wide interest rate fluctuations on net
income and shareholders' equity.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

WHEN USED IN THIS FILING and in future filing by the Corporation with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, in the Corporation's press releases or other
public or shareholder communications, or in oral statements made with the
approval of an authorized executive officer, the words or phases, "anticipate,"
"would be," "will allow," "intends to," "will likely result," "are expected to,"
"will continue," "is anticipated, "estimated," "project," or similar expressions
are intended to identify, "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to
risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in economic
conditions in the Corporation's market area, changes in policies by regulatory
agencies, fluctuations in interest rates, demand for loans in the Corporation's
market area, and competition, all or some of which could cause actual results to
differ materially from historical earnings and those presently anticipated or
projected.

THE CORPORATION WISHES TO CAUTION readers not to place undue reliance on any
such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and
advise readers that various factors, including regional and national economic
conditions, substantial changes in levels of market interest rates, credit and
other risks of lending and investing activities, and competitive and regulatory
factors, could affect the Corporation's financial performance and could cause
the Corporation's actual results for future periods to differ materially form
those anticipated or projected.

THE CORPORATION DOES NOT UNDERTAKE, and specifically disclaims any obligation,
to update any forward looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated
events or circumstances after the date of such statements.


                                       40
<PAGE>   41

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------

         The disclosures required by this item appear on pages 36 through 38 of
this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption "Asset Liability Management".


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

         The Consolidated Balance Sheets of the Corporation and its subsidiaries
as of December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996, 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, the related Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements and the Report of Independent Auditors, appear
on pages 48 through 78 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Corporation is
not required to furnish the supplementary financial information specified by
Item 302 of Regulation S-K.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
        Financial Disclosure.
        ---------------------

         None.



                                    PART III
                                    --------

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

         In accordance with General Instruction G(3), the information called for
in this Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to the Corporation's
definitive Proxy Statement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
pursuant to Regulation 14A of the General Rules and Regulations under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, relating to the Corporation's Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on April 27, 1998, under the captions "ELECTION OF
DIRECTORS" and "SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT."
In addition, certain information concerning the executive officers of the
Corporation called for in this Item 10 is set forth in the portion of Part I of
this Annual Report on Form 10-K entitled "Executive Officers of the Registrant"
in accordance with General Instruction G(3).

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

         In accordance with General Instruction G(3), the information called for
in this Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to the Corporation's
definitive Proxy Statement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
pursuant to Regulation 14A of the General Rules and Regulations under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, relating to the Corporation's Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on April 27, 1998, under the captions "COMPENSATION OF
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS" and "COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND
INSIDER PARTICIPATION." Neither the "REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION" nor the
"PERFORMANCE GRAPH" included in the Corporation's definitive Proxy Statement
relating to the Corporation's Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April
27, 1998, shall be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference.

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

         In accordance with General Instruction G(3), the information called for
in this Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to the Corporation's
definitive Proxy Statement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
pursuant to Regulation 14A of the General Rules and



                                       41
<PAGE>   42



Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, relating to the
Corporation's Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 27, 1998, under
the caption "SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT."

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

         In accordance with General Instruction G(3), the information called for
in this Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to the Corporation's
definitive Proxy Statement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
pursuant to Regulation 14A of the General Rules and Regulations under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, relating to the Corporation's Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on April 27, 1998, under the caption "TRANSACTIONS
INVOLVING MANAGEMENT."



                                     PART IV
                                     -------

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

(a)  (1)      Financial Statements.

              For a list of all financial statements included in this Annual
              Report on Form 10-K, see "Index to Financial Statements" at 
              page 48.

(a)  (2)      Financial Statement Schedules.

              All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable
              accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
              are not required under the related instructions or are
              inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.

(a)  (3)      Exhibits.

              Exhibits filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K are attached
              hereto. For a list of such exhibits, see "Index to Exhibits" at
              page 79. The following table provides certain information
              concerning executive compensation plans and arrangements required
              to be filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


                                       42
<PAGE>   43



                  Executive Compensation Plans and Arrangements
                  ---------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Exhibit No.              Description                                        Location
- -----------              -----------                                        --------
<S>                    <C>                                               <C>
10(a)                    Employees' Stock Ownership Plan of Rurban          Incorporated herein by reference to the
                         Financial Corp.                                    Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                            for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                            1993 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(a)].

10(b)                    First Amendment to Employees' Stock Ownership      Incorporated herein by reference to the
                         Plan of Rurban Financial Corp., dated June 14,     Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                         1993 and made to be effective as of January 1,     for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                         1993                                               1993 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(b)].

10(c)                    Second Amendment to Employees' Stock Ownership     Incorporated herein by reference to the
                         Plan of Rurban Financial Corp., dated March 14,    Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                         1994 and made to be effective as of January 1,     for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                         1993                                               1993 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(c)].

10(d)                    Third Amendment to Employees' Stock Ownership      Incorporated herein by reference to the
                         Plan of Rurban Financial Corp., dated March 13,    Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                         1995                                               for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                            1994 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(d)].

10(e)                    Fourth Amendment to Employees' Stock Ownership     Incorporated herein by reference to the
                         Plan of Rurban Financial Corp., dated June 10,     Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                         1995 and made to be effective as of January 1,     for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                         1995                                               1995 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(e)].

10(f)                    The Rurban Financial Corp. Savings Plan and        Incorporated herein by reference to the
                         Trust                                              Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                            for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                            1990 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(g)].

10(g)                    First Amendment to The Rurban Financial Corp.      Incorporated herein by reference to the
                         Savings Plan and Trust, dated December 10, 1990    Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                         and effective January 1, 1990                      for the fiscal year ended December
                                                                            31, 1990  (File No. 0-13507)
                                                                            [Exhibit 10(g)].
</TABLE>


                                       43
<PAGE>   44



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Exhibit No.              Description                                        Location
- -----------              -----------                                        --------
<S>                    <C>                                               <C>
10(h)                    Second Amendment to The Rurban Financial Corp.     Incorporated herein by reference to the
                         Savings Plan and Trust, dated March 11, 1991,      Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                         effective February 1, 1991                         for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                            1992 (File No. 0-13507)  [Exhibit 10(d)].

10(i)                    Third Amendment to The Rurban Financial Corp.      Incorporated herein by reference to the
                         Savings Plan and Trust, dated June 11, 1991        Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                            for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                            1992 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(e)].

10(j)                    Fourth Amendment to The Rurban Financial Corp.     Incorporated herein by reference to the
                         Savings Plan and Trust, dated July 14, 1992,       Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                         effective May 1, 1992                              for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                            1992 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(f)].

10(k)                    Fifth Amendment to The Rurban Financial Corp.      Incorporated herein by reference to the
                         Savings Plan and Trust, dated March 14, 1994       Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                            for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                            1993 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(i)].

10(l)                    Sixth Amendment to The Rurban Financial Corp.      Incorporated herein by reference to the
                         Savings Plan and Trust dated May 1, 1995           Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                            for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                            1995 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(l)].

10(m)                    Summary of Incentive Compensation Plan of State    Incorporated herein by reference to the
                         Bank                                               Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                            for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                            1993 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(j)].

10(n)                    Summary of Bonus Program adopted by the Trust      Incorporated herein by reference to the
                         Department of State Bank for the benefit of        Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                         Robert W. Constien in his capacity as Manager      for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                         of the Trust Department                            1991 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(e)].

10(o)                    Summary of Bonus Program for the Trust             Incorporated herein by reference to the
                         Department of State Bank                           Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                            for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                            1992 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(i)].

</TABLE>


                                       44
<PAGE>   45


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Exhibit No.              Description                                        Location
- -----------              -----------                                        --------
<S>                    <C>                                               <C>
10(p)                    Summary of Sales Bonus Program of State Bank       Incorporated herein by reference to the
                                                                            Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                            for the fiscal year ended
                                                                            December 31, 1994 (File No. 0-13507)
                                                                            [Exhibit 10(n)].

10(q)                    Summary of Rurban Financial Corp. Bonus Plan       Incorporated herein by reference to the
                                                                            Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                            for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                            1993 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(q)].

10(r)                    Executive Salary Continuation Agreement, dated     Incorporated herein by reference to the
                         December 15, 1994, between Rurban Financial        Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                         Corp. and Richard C. Burrows                       for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                            1994 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(p)].

10(s)                    Executive Salary Continuation Agreement, dated     Incorporated herein by reference to the
                         October 11,  1995, between Rurban Financial        Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                         Corp. and Thomas C. Williams; and Amended          for the fiscal year ended
                         Schedule A to Exhibit 10(s) identifying other      December 31, 1995 (File No. 0-13507)
                         identical Executive Salary Continuation            [Exhibit 10(s)]; Amended Schedule A to
                         Agreements between executive officers of Rurban    10(s) is included at Page 92 of this
                         Financial Corp. and Rurban Financial Corp.         Annual Report on Form 10-K.
10(t)
                         Description of Split-Dollar Insurance Policies     Incorporated herein by reference to the
                         Maintained for Certain Executive Officers of       Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                         Rurban Financial Corp.                             for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                            1995 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(t)].
10(u)
                         Rurban Financial Corp. Stock Option Plan           Incorporated herein by reference to the
                                                                            Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                            for the fiscal year ended
                                                                            December 31, 1996 (File No. 0-13507)
                                                                            [Exhibit 10(u)].
10(v)
                         Rurban Financial Corp. Plan to Allow Directors     Incorporated herein by reference to the
                         to Elect to Defer Compensation                     Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                            for the fiscal year ended
                                                                            December 31, 1996 (File No. 0-13507)
                                                                            [Exhibit 10(v)].

10(w)                    Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement       Pages 93 through 97 of this Annual
                                                                            Report on Form 10-K.

</TABLE>


                                       45
<PAGE>   46



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Exhibit No.              Description                                        Location
- -----------              -----------                                        --------
<S>                    <C>                                               <C>
 10(x)                   Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement           Pages 98 through 102 of this Annual
                                                                            Report on Form 10-K.

</TABLE>

(b)      Reports on Form 8-K.

         There were no Current Reports on Form 8-K filed during the fiscal
         quarter ended December 31, 1997.

(c)      Exhibits.

         Exhibits filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K are attached
         hereto. For a list of such exhibits, see "Index to Exhibits" at 
         page 79.

(d)      Financial Statement Schedules.

         None.




                                       46
<PAGE>   47



                                   SIGNATURES

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

                              RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP.

                                   /s/ RICHARD C. WARRENER
                                   -----------------------
Date: March 31, 1998          By:  Richard C. Warrener, Executive Vice President
                                   and Chief Financial Officer

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                  Name                    Date                               Capacity
                  ----                    ----                               --------
<S>                                     <C>            <C>
*Thomas C. Williams                        *             President, Chief Executive Officer, Principal
- -------------------                                      Executive Officer and Director

*Richard C. Burrows                        *             Director
- -------------------

*John R. Compo                             *             Director
- --------------

*John Fahl                                 *             Director
- ----------

*Robert A. Fawcett, Jr.                    *             Director
- -----------------------

*Richard Z. Graham                         *             Director
- ------------------

*Eric C. Hench                             *             Director
- --------------

*W. Scott Muir                             *             Director
- -------------

*Steven D. VanDemark                       *             Director
- --------------------

*J. Michael Walz, D.D.S                    *             Director
- -----------------------

*By:  Richard C. Warrener                  *             Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
- -------------------------                                Officer
    (Attorney-in-Fact)

</TABLE>


Date:   March 31, 1998


                                       47
<PAGE>   48


                             RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP.

                           ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
                     FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997


                          INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                  Pages in
                                                                                                  this Annual
                                                                                                  Report on
Description                                                                                       Form 10-K
- -----------                                                                                       ---------
<S>                                                                                                <C>
Report of Independent Auditors...................................................................      49

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1997
  and 1996.......................................................................................     50-51
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years
  ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.........................................................      52
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders'
  Equity for the three years ended December 31,
  1997...........................................................................................      53
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
  years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
  1995...........................................................................................     54-55

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.......................................................     56-78

</TABLE>


                                       48
<PAGE>   49



                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



Board of Directors and Shareholders
Rurban Financial Corp.
Defiance, Ohio


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Rurban Financial
Corp. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and the related
consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash
flows for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995. These consolidated
financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Rurban Financial
Corp. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.





                                                   Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP

South Bend, Indiana
January 30, 1998



                                       49

<PAGE>   50



                     RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           December 31, 1997 and 1996

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   1997          1996
                                                                                   ----          ----
<S>                                                                        <C>             <C>         
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks                                                      $ 15,552,385    $ 18,718,263
Federal funds sold                                                              6,670,000      15,309,000
                                                                             ------------    ------------
     Total cash and cash equivalents                                           22,222,385      34,027,263
Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions                         529,777         180,000
Securities available for sale                                                  71,683,120      66,635,889
Loans held for sale, net of valuation allowance
  (1997 - $-0-, 1996 - $31,119)                                                 4,404,327       1,875,636
Loans
     Commercial, financial and agricultural                                   217,324,268     185,838,900
     Residential first mortgage                                                75,212,817      72,356,881
     Consumer                                                                  67,198,876      60,512,850
                                                                             ------------    ------------
         Total loans                                                          359,735,961     318,708,631
     Deferred loan fees, net                                                     (288,651)       (262,791)
     Allowance for loan losses                                                 (5,239,601)     (5,066,600)
                                                                             ------------    ------------
         Net loans                                                            354,207,709     313,379,240
Accrued interest receivable                                                     3,533,532       3,298,902
Premises and equipment, net                                                     8,583,961       8,827,838
Other assets                                                                    6,206,279       5,048,005
                                                                             ------------    ------------

         Total assets                                                        $471,371,090    $433,272,773
                                                                             ============    ============

</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       50
                                   (Continued)
<PAGE>   51



                     RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           December 31, 1997 and 1996

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   1997          1996
                                                                                   ----          ----
<S>                                                                        <C>             <C>         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities
     Deposits
         Noninterest-bearing                                                 $ 46,149,132    $ 42,323,683
         Interest-bearing                                                     369,032,154     345,442,390
                                                                             ------------    ------------
              Total deposits                                                  415,181,286     387,766,073
     Federal funds purchased                                                    4,929,000               -
     Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)                                7,529,867               -
     Accrued interest payable                                                   1,577,140       1,421,131
     Other liabilities                                                          3,059,869       2,596,921
                                                                             ------------    ------------

              Total liabilities                                               432,277,162     391,784,125

Common stock subject to repurchase obligation
  in ESOP (shares outstanding:  1997 - 326,612,
  1996 - 328,582)                                                              10,124,972       9,387,588
Unearned ESOP shares (unearned shares: 1997 - 43,111,
  1996 - 46,879)                                                               (1,299,000)     (1,490,000)
Common stock:  stated value $2.50 per share;
  shares authorized:  10,000,000; shares issued: 2,287,851;
  shares outstanding:  1997 - 1,743,297, 1996 - 1,959,269                       4,903,098       4,898,173
Additional paid-in capital                                                      7,930,646       8,672,955
Retained earnings                                                              23,891,983      20,024,916
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
  securities available for sale, net of tax of $106,988 in
  1997 and $(2,567) in 1996                                                       218,840          (4,984)
Treasury stock:  1997 - 217,942 shares, at cost                                (6,676,611)              -
                                                                             ------------    ------------

         Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                          $471,371,090    $433,272,773
                                                                             ============    ============

</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       51
              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
                       consolidated financial statements.

<PAGE>   52


                     RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                  Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1997            1996           1995
                                                                 ----            ----           ----
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>            <C>        
Interest income
     Loans, including fees                                  $32,155,039     $28,680,021    $26,539,689
     Taxable securities                                       3,900,143       4,066,184      3,756,764
     Non-taxable securities                                     312,278         408,811        426,178
     Other interest income                                      753,081         355,950        707,596
                                                            -----------     -----------    -----------
         Total interest income                               37,120,541      33,510,966     31,430,227

Interest expense
     Deposits                                                16,305,732      14,511,736     14,197,998
     Short-term borrowings                                      161,505         144,773         40,050
     Advances from FHLB                                         221,918               -              -
                                                            -----------     -----------    -----------
         Total interest expense                              16,689,155      14,656,509     14,238,048
                                                            -----------     -----------    -----------

Net interest income                                          20,431,386      18,854,457     17,192,179
     Provision for loan losses                                  947,965         961,009      1,451,898
                                                            -----------     -----------    -----------

Net interest income after provision
  for loan losses                                            19,483,421      17,893,448     15,740,281

Noninterest income
     Service charges on deposit accounts                      1,199,153       1,253,127      1,184,787
     Trust fees                                               2,326,629       2,359,312      1,946,013
     Data processing fees                                     2,765,533       2,203,213      2,038,948
     Net gain on securities                                     193,892          33,884          3,113
     Net gain (loss) on sales of loans                          551,730        (210,000)        83,919
     Other income                                               718,804         554,131        496,419
                                                            -----------     -----------    -----------
         Total noninterest income                             7,755,741       6,193,667      5,753,199

Noninterest expense
     Salaries and employee benefits                          10,189,420       8,327,349      7,135,943
     Net occupancy expense of premises                          992,486         977,165        869,678
     Equipment rentals, depreciation and
       maintenance                                            1,981,699       2,131,295      1,889,540
     Other expenses                                           6,089,291       5,439,951      5,376,402
                                                            -----------     -----------    -----------
         Total noninterest expense                           19,252,896      16,875,760     15,271,563
                                                            -----------     -----------    -----------

Income before income tax expense                              7,986,266       7,211,355      6,221,917
     Income tax expense                                       2,470,469       2,362,141      2,127,104
                                                            -----------     -----------    -----------

Net income                                                  $ 5,515,797     $ 4,849,214    $ 4,094,813
                                                            ===========     ===========    ===========

Basic and diluted earnings per common share                 $      2.49     $      2.14    $      1.79
                                                            ===========     ===========    ===========

</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       52
              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
                       consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   53


                     RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                       Three years ended December 31, 1997

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       Net Unrealized
                                                                                        Appreciation
                                                                                       (Depreciation)
                                                                                        On Securities
                                                         Additional                       Available
                                            Common         Paid-In       Retained         For Sale,     Treasury
                                             Stock         Capital       Earnings        Net of Tax       Stock
                                             -----         -------       --------        -----------      ------
<S>                                     <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>           
Balances at January 1, 1995             $   4,782,375  $    8,232,185  $  16,995,711  $  (1,170,241) $            -

Net income for the year                             -               -      4,094,813              -               -
Cash dividends declared
  ($0.57 per share)                                 -               -     (1,310,627)             -               -
Transfer of 26,039 common shares
  and adjustment to common stock
  subject to repurchase obligation in
  ESOP                                        (65,098)     (2,433,372)             -              -               -
Net change in unrealized appreciation
  (depreciation) on securities available
  for sale, net of tax of $834,400                  -               -              -      1,619,718               -
                                        -------------  --------------  -------------  -------------  --------------

Balances at December 31, 1995               4,717,277       5,798,813     19,779,897        449,477               -

Net income for the year                             -               -      4,849,214              -               -
Cash dividends declared
  ($0.57 per share)                                 -               -     (1,308,975)             -               -
Declaration of a 5% stock dividend
  and issuance of 92,826 common
  shares and 15,647 common shares
  subject to repurchase obligation
  in ESOP                                     232,066       2,574,993     (3,280,224)             -               -
Cash dividend distributable for
  fractional shares related to 5%
  stock dividend                                    -               -        (14,996)             -               -
Purchase and retirement of 5,000
  common shares                               (12,500)       (158,125)             -              -               -
Transfer of 15,468 common shares
  and adjustment to common stock
  subject to repurchase obligation
  in ESOP                                     (38,670)        457,274              -              -               -
Net change in unrealized
  appreciation (depreciation) on
  securities available for sale,
  net of tax of $(234,116)                          -               -              -       (454,461)              -
                                        -------------  --------------  -------------  -------------  --------------

Balances at December 31, 1996               4,898,173       8,672,955     20,024,916         (4,984)              -

Net income for the year                             -               -      5,515,797              -               -
Cash dividends declared
  ($.74 per share)                                  -               -     (1,648,730)             -               -
Purchase of 217,942 treasury shares                 -               -              -              -      (6,676,611)
Transfer of 1,970 common shares
  and adjustment from common
  stock subject to repurchase
  obligation in ESOP                            4,925        (742,309)             -              -               -
Net change in unrealized
  appreciation (depreciation) on
  securities available for sale, net
  of tax of $109,555                                -               -              -        223,824               -
                                        -------------  --------------  -------------  -------------  --------------

Balances at December 31, 1997           $   4,903,098  $    7,930,646  $  23,891,983  $     218,840  $   (6,676,611)
                                        =============  ==============  =============  =============  ==============
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       53
              THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE
                       CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
<PAGE>   54

                     RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1997                1996                1995
                                                                 ----                ----                ----
<S>                                                         <C>                 <C>                <C>             
Cash flows from operating activities
     Cash received from customers - fees
       and commissions                                      $     7,010,119     $     6,369,783    $      5,666,167
     Cash paid to suppliers and employees                       (18,388,747)        (15,877,040)        (14,117,567)
     Loans originated for sale                                  (30,797,914)        (20,385,626)        (10,418,133)
     Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale                  28,820,953          21,249,283          12,242,370
     Interest received                                           36,911,771          33,479,613          30,857,639
     Interest paid                                              (16,533,146)        (14,270,426)        (14,111,248)
     Income taxes paid                                           (2,968,950)         (1,966,477)         (2,086,479)
                                                            ---------------     ---------------    ----------------
         Net cash from operating activities                       4,054,086           8,599,110           8,032,749

Cash flows from investing activities
     Net change in interest-bearing deposits
       in other financial institutions                             (349,777)                  -             166,324
     Net change in loans                                        (42,353,197)        (41,986,168)            427,936
     Proceeds from sales of securities available
       for sale                                                  28,631,037          19,416,875           2,263,104
     Principal repayments, maturities, and
       calls of:
         Securities available for sale                            8,785,410          46,431,465          22,190,401
         Securities held to maturity                                      -                   -           3,318,925
     Purchase of:
         Securities available for sale                          (41,936,407)        (42,809,056)        (41,660,219)
         Securities held to maturity                                      -                   -          (3,802,079)
     Net purchases of premises and equipment                     (1,149,654)         (1,717,922)           (274,859)
     Recoveries on loan charge-offs                                 550,903             713,368             698,928
                                                            ---------------     ---------------    ----------------
         Net cash from investing activities                     (47,821,685)        (19,951,438)        (16,671,539)

Cash flows from financing activities
     Cash paid to purchase unearned ESOP
       shares                                                             -          (1,490,000)                  -
     Net change in deposits                                      27,415,213          19,969,535          13,150,902
     Net change in federal funds purchased                        4,929,000                   -                   -
     Proceeds from advances from FHLB                             7,529,867                   -                   -
     Cash dividends paid                                         (1,234,748)         (1,308,975)         (1,310,627)
     Cash paid to repurchase common stock                        (6,676,611)           (170,625)                  -
                                                            ---------------     ---------------    ----------------
         Net cash from financing activities                      31,962,721          16,999,935          11,840,275
                                                            ---------------     ---------------    ----------------

Net change in cash and cash equivalents                         (11,804,878)          5,647,607           3,201,485

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                   34,027,263          28,379,656          25,178,171
                                                            ---------------     ---------------    ----------------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                    $    22,222,385     $    34,027,263    $     28,379,656
                                                            ===============     ===============    ================
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       54
                                   (CONTINUED)
<PAGE>   55

                     RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1997                1996                1995
                                                                 ----                ----                ----
<S>                                                         <C>                 <C>                <C>             
Reconciliation of net income to
  net cash from operating activities
     Net income                                             $     5,515,797     $     4,849,214    $      4,094,813
     Adjustments to reconcile net income
       to net cash from operating activities
         Depreciation                                             1,393,531           1,273,801           1,155,227
         Amortization of intangible assets                          180,000             285,000             634,000
         Provision for loan losses                                  947,965             961,009           1,451,898
         Net gain on securities                                    (193,892)            (33,884)             (3,113)
         Loans originated for sale                              (30,797,914)        (20,385,626)        (10,418,133)
         Proceeds from sales of loan held for sale               28,820,953          21,249,283          12,242,370
         Net (gain) loss on sales of loans                         (551,730)            210,000             (83,919)
         Paydown of ESOP loan                                       191,000                   -                   -
         Change in assets and liabilities
              Deferred loan fees, net                                25,860              27,395             (26,808)
              Accrued interest receivable                          (234,630)            (58,748)           (545,780)
              Other assets                                       (1,447,829)           (430,654)           (591,281)
              Accrued interest payable                              156,009             386,083             126,800
              Other liabilities                                      48,966             266,237              (3,325)
                                                            ---------------     ---------------    ----------------
                  Net cash from operating
                    activities                              $     4,054,086     $     8,599,110    $      8,032,749
                                                            ===============     ===============    ================
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
     Transfer from securities held to maturity to
       securities available for sale                        $             -     $             -    $     10,854,066
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       55
              THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE
                       CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
<PAGE>   56

                     RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of Rurban Financial Corp. and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries. Rurban Financial Corp. is a bank holding company, organized under
Ohio law, that owns all the outstanding stock of The State Bank and Trust
Company ("State Bank"), The Peoples Banking Company ("Peoples Bank"), The First
National Bank of Ottawa ("First National Bank"), The Citizens Savings Bank
Company ("Citizens Savings Bank"), Rurbanc Data Services, Inc. ("RDSI") and
Rurban Life Insurance Company ("Rurban Life") (together referred to as "the
Corporation"). State Bank owns all of the outstanding stock of Reliance
Financial Services, N.A. ("RFS") and Rurban Mortgage Company ("RMC"). RMC was
incorporated on November 5, 1997. On December 31, 1997, the operations of the
Rurban Mortgage Division of State Bank were merged into RMC along with the
acquired operations of S&L Financial Services, Inc. ("S&L"). The S&L acquisition
was accounted for as a purchase; income from S&L was not material for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995. All significant intercompany balances
and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Nature of Business: The Corporation operates primarily in the banking industry
which accounts for more than 90% of its revenues, operating income and assets.
The Corporation's subsidiary banks grant credit and accept deposits from their
customers in the normal course of business primarily in the northwestern Ohio
region. RDSI provides data processing services, primarily to financial
institutions located in northwestern Ohio. Rurban Life accepts reinsurance ceded
in part by USLIFE from the credit life and disability insurance purchased by
customers of the Corporation's subsidiary banks. RFS offers a diversified array
of trust and financial services to customers nationwide. RMC services
residential mortgage customers in West and Central Florida.

Use of Estimates: To prepare consolidated financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles, management makes estimates and
assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions
affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the
disclosures provided, and future results could differ. The allowance for loan
losses, fair values of financial instruments, the carrying value of loans held
for sale and fair value of stock options are particularly subject to change.

Securities: Securities are classified as held to maturity and carried at
amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them
to maturity. Securities are classified as available for sale when they might be
sold before maturity. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value,
with unrealized holding gains and losses reported separately in shareholders'
equity, net of tax. Securities are classified as trading when held for short
term periods in anticipation of market gains, and are carried at fair value.
Securities are written down to fair value when a decline in fair value is not
temporary.

In November 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued its
Special Report, A Guide to Implementation of SFAS No. 115 on Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities ("Guide"). As permitted by the
Guide, on December 31, 1995, the Corporation made a one-time reassessment and
transferred securities from the held to maturity portfolio to the available for
sale portfolio. At the date of transfer, these securities had an amortized cost
of $10,854,066 and the transfer increased the unrealized gain on securities
available for sale by $210,566 and shareholders' equity by $138,974, net of tax
of $71,592.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       56
                                   (CONTINUED)
<PAGE>   57

                     RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Realized gains and losses resulting from the sale of securities are computed by
the specific identification method. Interest and dividend income, adjusted by
amortization of purchase premium or discount, is included in earnings. Premiums
and discounts on securities are recognized using the level yield method over the
estimated life of the security.

Loans Held for Sale: Mortgage loans intended for sale in the secondary market
are carried at the lower of cost or estimated market value in the aggregate. Net
unrealized losses are recognized in a valuation allowance by charges to income.

Interest Income on Loans: Interest on loans is accrued over the term of the
loans based upon the principal outstanding. Management reviews loans delinquent
90 days or more to determine if the interest accrual should be discontinued.
When serious doubt exists as to the collectibility of a loan, the accrual of
interest is discontinued. Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, as amended
by SFAS No. 118, the carrying value of impaired loans is periodically adjusted
to reflect cash payments, revised estimates of future cash flows, and increases
in the present value of expected cash flows due to the passage of time. Cash
payments representing interest income are reported as such and other cash
payments are reported as reductions in carrying value. Increases or decreases in
carrying value due to changes in estimates of future payments or the passage of
time are reported as a component of the provision for loan losses.

Loan Fees and Costs: Loan fees, net of direct origination costs, are deferred.
The net amount deferred is reported in the consolidated balance sheets as part
of loans and is recognized in interest income over the term of the loan using
the level yield method.

Allowance For Loan Losses: An allowance for loan losses is established and
maintained because some loans may not be repaid in full. Increases to the
allowance are recorded by a provision for loan losses charged to expense.
Estimating the risk of loss and the amount of loss on any loan is necessarily
subjective. Accordingly, the allowance is maintained by management at a level
considered adequate to cover losses that are currently anticipated based on past
loss experience, general economic conditions, information about specific
borrower situations including their financial position and collateral values,
and other factors and estimates which are subject to change over time. While
management may periodically allocate portions of the allowance for specific
problem loan situations, the entire allowance is available for any loan
charge-offs that may occur. A loan is charged off by management as a loss when
deemed uncollectible, although collection efforts continue and future recoveries
may occur.

Loans are considered impaired if full principal or interest payments are not
anticipated in accordance with the contractual loan terms. Impaired loans are
carried at the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the
loan's effective interest rate or at the fair value of the collateral if the
loan is collateral dependent. A portion of the allowance for loan losses is
allocated to impaired loans if the value of such loans is deemed to be less than
the unpaid balance. If these allocations cause the allowance for loan losses to
require increase, such increase is reported as a component of the provision for
loan losses.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       57
                                   (CONTINUED)

<PAGE>   58

                     RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Smaller-balance homogeneous loans are evaluated for impairment in total. Such
loans include residential first mortgage loans secured by one-to-four family
residences, residential construction loans, and automobile, home equity and
second mortgage loans. Commercial loans and mortgage loans secured by other
properties are evaluated individually for impairment. When analysis of borrower
operating results and financial condition indicates that underlying cash flows
of the borrower's business are not adequate to meet its debt service
requirements, the loan is evaluated for impairment. Often this is associated
with a delay or shortfall in payments of 30 days or more. Commercial loans are
rated on a scale of 1 to 8, with 1 to 3 being satisfactory, 4 watch, 5 special
mention, 6 substandard, 7 doubtful, and 8 as loss which are then charged off.
Loans graded a 6 or worse are considered for impairment. Loans are generally
moved to nonaccrual status when 90 days or more past due. These loans are often
considered impaired. Impaired loans, or portions thereof, are charged off when
deemed uncollectible. This typically occurs when the loan is 120 days or more
past due. The nature of disclosures for impaired loans is considered generally
comparable to prior nonaccrual and renegotiated loans and non-performing and
past-due asset disclosures.

Premises and Equipment: Land is carried at cost. Buildings and improvements are
depreciated using primarily the straight-line method with useful lives ranging
from 10 to 50 years. Furniture and equipment are depreciated using the
straight-line and declining-balance methods with useful lives ranging
predominantly from 5 to 20 years. These assets are reviewed for impairment under
SFAS No. 121 when events indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
Maintenance and repairs are expensed and major improvements are capitalized.

Servicing Rights: Prior to adopting SFAS No. 122 at the start of 1996, servicing
right assets were recorded only for purchased rights to service mortgage loans.
Subsequent to adopting this standard, servicing rights represent both purchased
rights and the allocated value of servicing rights retained on loans sold.
Servicing rights are expensed in proportion to, and over the period of,
estimated net servicing revenues. Impairment is evaluated based on the fair
value of the rights, using groupings of the underlying loans as to interest
rates and then, secondarily, as to geographic and prepayment characteristics.
Any impairment of a grouping is reported as a valuation allowance. The impact on
the Corporation's consolidated financial position and results of operations for
the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 was not material.

Excess servicing receivable is reported when a loan sale results in servicing in
excess of normal amounts, and is expensed over the life of the servicing on the
interest method.

Intangible Assets: Goodwill arising from the acquisition of subsidiary banks and
RMC is amortized over 5 to 25 years using the straight-line method. Core deposit
intangibles are amortized on an accelerated basis over 10 years, the estimated
life of the deposits acquired. Goodwill and identified intangibles are assessed
for impairment based on estimated undiscounted cash flows, and written down if
necessary. As of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, unamortized goodwill totaled
approximately $941,000, $669,000 and $784,000 and unamortized core deposit
intangibles totaled approximately $271,000, $351,000 and $521,000.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       58
                                   (CONTINUED)

<PAGE>   59

                     RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Foreclosed Real Estate: Real estate properties acquired through, or in lieu of,
loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition
establishing a new cost basis. Any reduction to fair value from the carrying
value of the related loan at the time of acquisition is accounted for as a loan
loss and charged against the allowance for loan losses. After acquisition, a
valuation allowance is recorded through a charge to income for the amount of
estimated selling costs. Valuations are periodically performed by management,
and valuation allowances are adjusted through a charge to income for changes in
fair value or estimated selling costs. Other real estate owned amounted to
approximately $-0- and $329,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, and
is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

Income Taxes: Income tax expense is the sum of the current year income tax due
or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax consequences of temporary
differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and
liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed,
reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

Employee Benefits: The Corporation sponsors an employee stock ownership plan
(ESOP) and 401(k) profit sharing plan for which contributions are made and
expensed annually. The Corporation also provides split-dollar life insurance
plans for certain executive officers of the Corporation. Also, the Corporation
sponsors a supplemental retirement plan for certain executive officers of the
Corporation. Employee benefits are discussed further in Note 8.

Stock Option Plan: The Corporation sponsors a stock option plan for directors,
officers and key employees. Expense for employee compensation under the stock
option plan is based on Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion 25 with
expense reported only if options are granted below market price at grant date.
If applicable, disclosures of net income and earnings per common share are
provided as if the fair value method of SFAS No. 123 were used for stock-based
compensation. For further discussion see Note 8.

Postretirement Health Care Benefits: The Corporation sponsors a postretirement
health care plan that covers both salaried and nonsalaried employees. The
Corporation accrues, during the years that employees render the necessary
service, the expected cost of providing postretirement health care benefits to
employees and their beneficiaries and covered dependents. The Corporation's
postretirement health care plan provides that retired employees may remain on
the Corporation's health care plan with each retiree's out-of-pocket
contribution to the Corporation equal to their premium expense determined
exclusively on the loss experience of the retirees in the plan.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       59
                                   (CONTINUED)
<PAGE>   60

v                     RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Stock Dividends: Dividends issued in stock are reported by transferring the
market value of the stock issued from retained earnings to common stock and
additional paid-in capital. Stock splits are recorded by adjusting par value. On
December 9, 1996, the Board of Directors declared a five percent stock dividend
increasing shares outstanding by 108,473 shares. The stock dividend was payable
to shareholders of record as of December 24, 1996. As of December 31, 1996,
common stock includes $232,066 for the stock dividend distributable to
shareholders which was paid on January 31, 1997.

Earnings and Dividends Per Common Share: Basic and diluted earnings per common
share are computed under a new accounting standard, SFAS No. 128, effective
beginning with the quarter ended December 31, 1997. All prior earnings per
common share amounts have been restated to be comparable. Basic earnings per
common share is based on net income divided by the weighted average number of
common shares considered to be outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings
per common share shows the dilutive effect of any additional potential common
shares issuable under stock options. ESOP shares are considered to be
outstanding, for both basic and diluted earnings per common share, after they
are committed to be released. Earnings and dividends per common share are
restated for all stock splits and dividends.

Dividend Restriction: Certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of the
subsidiaries to transfer funds to Rurban Financial Corp. in the form of cash
dividends, loans or advances. As of December 31, 1997, approximately $4,200,000
of undistributed earnings of the subsidiaries, included in consolidated retained
earnings, was available for distribution to Rurban Financial Corp. as dividends
without prior regulatory approval.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments: Fair values of financial instruments are
estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully
disclosed in Note 14. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of
significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and
other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items.
Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect such
estimates.

Concentrations of Credit Risk: The Corporation grants commercial, real estate
and installment loans to customers mainly in northwest Ohio. Commercial loans
include loans collateralized by commercial real estate, business assets and
agricultural loans collateralized by crops and farm equipment. Commercial,
financial and agricultural loans make up approximately 60% of the loan portfolio
and the loans are expected to be repaid from cash flow from operations of
businesses. Residential first mortgage loans make up approximately 21% of the
loan portfolio and are collateralized by first mortgages on residential real
estate. Consumer loans make up approximately 19% of the loan portfolio and are
primarily collateralized by consumer assets.

Financial Instruments With Off-Balance-Sheet Risk: The Corporation, in the
normal course of business, makes commitments to extend credit which are not
reflected in the consolidated financial statements. A summary of these
commitments is disclosed in Note 12.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       60
                                   (CONTINUED)

<PAGE>   61

                     RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Statements of Cash Flows: For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash
equivalents is defined to include cash on hand, due from financial institutions
and federal funds sold with original maturities under 90 days. The Corporation
reports net cash flows for customer loan transactions, deposit transactions,
short-term borrowings with original maturities of 90 days or less and
interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions.

New Accounting Pronouncements: SFAS No. 125, Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities, was issued by
the FASB in 1996. It revised the accounting for transfers of financial assets,
such as loans and securities, and for distinguishing between sales and secured
borrowings. It was effective for some transactions in 1997 and will be effective
for others in 1998. The effect on the consolidated financial statements was not
material.

A new accounting standard, SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, has
been issued which will require future reporting of comprehensive income.
Comprehensive income is net income plus changes in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on securities available for sale, net of tax.

A new accounting standard, SFAS No. 131, Disclosures About Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information, will require future reporting of additional
information related to material business segments.

Reclassifications: Some items in the prior consolidated financial statements
have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       61
                                   (CONTINUED)

<PAGE>   62

                     RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

NOTE 2 - BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the computations of basic
earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 is presented below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Year Ended December 31,
                                                                     -----------------------
                                                                 1997           1996          1995
                                                                 ----           ----          ----
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>           <C>             
Basic Earnings Per Common Share
     Net income                                               $5,515,797     $4,849,214    $4,094,813
                                                              ==========     ==========    ==========
     Weighted average common shares
       outstanding                                             2,259,671      2,284,197     2,293,597

     Less:  Unallocated ESOP shares                              (44,995)       (23,440)            -
                                                              ----------     ----------    ----------
     Weighted average common shares
       outstanding for basic earnings
       per common share                                        2,214,676      2,260,757     2,293,597
                                                              ==========     ==========    ==========

     Basic earnings per common share                          $     2.49     $     2.14    $     1.79
                                                              ==========     ==========    ==========
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
     Net income                                               $5,515,797     $4,849,214    $4,094,813
                                                              ==========     ==========    ==========
     Weighted average common shares
       outstanding for basic earnings
       per common share                                        2,214,676      2,260,757     2,293,597

     Add: Dilutive effects of assumed
       conversions and exercise of stock options                   1,191              -             -
                                                              ----------     ----------    ----------
     Weighted average common and dilutive
       potential common shares outstanding                     2,215,867      2,260,757     2,293,597
                                                              ==========     ==========    ==========

     Diluted earnings per common share                        $     2.49     $     2.14    $     1.79
                                                              ==========     ==========    ==========
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       62
                                   (CONTINUED)
<PAGE>   63

                     RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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

NOTE 3 - SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

Year end securities available for sale were as follows.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Gross         Gross
                                             Amortized     Unrealized   Unrealized
1997                                           Cost          Gains         Losses      Fair Value
- ----                                           ----          -----         ------      ----------
<S>                                          <C>           <C>            <C>              <C>             
     U.S. Treasury and U.S.
       Government agency
       securities                            $43,385,761    $ 48,187     $ (35,515)   $43,398,433
     Obligations of states and
       political subdivisions                  5,238,970     156,333          (238)     5,395,065
     Mortgage-backed securities               21,002,411     199,211       (42,150)    21,159,472
     Marketable equity securities              1,730,150           -             -      1,730,150
                                             -----------    --------     ---------    -----------

                                             $71,357,292    $403,731     $ (77,903)   $71,683,120
                                             ===========    ========     =========    ===========
1996
- ----
     U.S. Treasury and U.S.
       Government agency
       securities                            $54,407,062    $ 65,917     $(237,386)   $54,235,593
     Obligations of states and
       political subdivisions                  6,249,299     152,997       (12,862)     6,389,434
     Mortgage-backed securities                4,813,329      29,022        (5,239)     4,837,112
     Marketable equity securities              1,173,750           -             -      1,173,750
                                             -----------    --------     ---------    -----------

                                             $66,643,440    $247,936     $(255,487)   $66,635,889
                                             ===========    ========     =========    ===========
</TABLE>

Contractual maturities of debt securities available for sale at December 31,
1997 were as follows. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities
because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or
without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity
date are shown separately.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Available for Sale
                                                                                ------------------
                                                                             Amortized
                                                                               Cost          Fair Value
                                                                               ----          ----------
<S>                                                                          <C>                 <C>            
     Due in one year or less                                                 $   297,581    $   293,389
     Due after one year through five years                                    45,887,958     45,973,580
     Due after five years through ten years                                    2,336,138      2,420,650
     Due after ten years                                                         103,054        105,879
     Mortgage-backed securities                                               21,002,411     21,159,472
                                                                             -----------    -----------

        Total debt securities available for sale                             $69,627,142    $69,952,970
                                                                             ===========    ===========
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       63
                                   (CONTINUED)
<PAGE>   64

                     RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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

NOTE 3 - SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE (Continued)

Proceeds, gross gains and gross losses realized from sales of securities
available for sale for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1997            1996             1995
                                                            ----            ----             ----
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>               <C>           
Proceeds from sales of debt securities
  available for sale                                     $28,631,037     $19,401,403       $2,263,104
Proceeds from sales of marketable equity
  securities available for sale                                    -          15,472                -
                                                         -----------     -----------       ----------
      Total proceeds from sale of
         securities available for sale                   $28,631,037     $19,416,875       $2,263,104
                                                         ===========     ===========       ==========
Gross gains from sales of debt securities
  available for sale                                     $   252,834     $    48,248       $   11,975
Gross losses from sales of debt securities
  available for sale                                         (58,942)        (14,364)          (8,672)
Net losses on calls of securities available
  for sale                                                         -               -             (190)
                                                         -----------     -----------       ----------

      Net gain (loss) on securities                      $   193,892     $    33,884       $    3,113
                                                         ===========     ===========       ==========
</TABLE>

At December 31, 1997 there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer,
other than the U.S. Government and its agencies and corporations, in an amount
greater than 10% of shareholders' equity.

Securities with an amortized cost of approximately $51,262,000 and $31,941,000
as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, were pledged to secure public and trust
deposits.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       64
                                   (CONTINUED)
<PAGE>   65

                     RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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

NOTE 4 - ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The following is a summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses
account for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1997              1996            1995
                                                            ----              ----            ----
<S>                                                      <C>              <C>              <C>           
Beginning balance                                        $ 5,066,600       $4,270,000       $ 4,770,000
Provision for loan losses                                    947,965          961,009         1,451,898
Recoveries of previous charge-offs                           550,642          713,368           698,928
Losses charged to the allowance                           (1,325,606)        (877,777)       (2,650,826)
                                                         -----------       ----------       -----------

     Ending balance                                      $ 5,239,601       $5,066,600       $ 4,270,000
                                                         ===========       ==========       ===========
</TABLE>

At December 31, 1997 and 1996, loans past due more than 90 days and still
accruing interest approximated $462,000 and $293,000.

Impaired loans were as follows.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1997            1996              1995
                                                           ----            ----              ----
<S>                                                     <C>             <C>              <C>
Year-end loans with no allowance for
  loan losses allocated                                 $        -      $        -       $  302,000
Year-end loans with allowance for loan
  losses allocated                                       1,801,000       3,296,000        1,533,000
Amount of allowance allocated                              725,000       1,237,000          643,000
Average of impaired loans during the year                1,919,000       3,081,000        2,542,000
Interest income recognized during impairment                36,000         115,000           32,000
Cash-basis interest income recognized                       36,000         112,000           32,000

</TABLE>

NOTE 5 - PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               1997           1996
                                                                               ----           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>             <C>           
        Land                                                               $ 1,073,031     $   966,579
        Buildings and improvements                                           7,173,717       7,069,653
        Furniture and equipment                                              8,423,337       7,484,199
                                                                           -----------     -----------
           Total cost                                                       16,670,085      15,520,431
        Accumulated depreciation and amortization                           (8,086,124)     (6,692,593)
                                                                           -----------     -----------
                                                                           $ 8,583,961     $ 8,827,838
                                                                           ===========     ===========
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       65
                                   (CONTINUED)
<PAGE>   66

                     RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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

NOTE 6 - INTEREST-BEARING DEPOSITS

Included in interest-bearing deposits are certificates of deposit in
denominations of $100,000 or more of approximately $57,278,000 and $38,305,000
as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

At December 31, 1997, the scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit are as
follows for the years ended December 31:

       1998                                          $147,634,714
       1999                                            45,473,746
       2000                                             6,772,005
       2001                                               840,342
       2002                                               622,480
       Thereafter                                          20,906
                                                     ------------
                                                     $201,364,193
                                                     ============

NOTE 7 - ADVANCES FROM FHLB

At December 31, 1997, advances from the FHLB of Cincinnati with fixed interest
rates ranging from 6.25% to 6.90% mature in the year ending December 31 as
follows:

       1998                                            $1,639,577
       1999                                               254,987
       2000                                               271,389
       2001                                               288,845
       2002                                                75,069
                                                       ----------
                                                        2,529,867
       Line of credit (LIBOR +.25 basis
        points)                                         5,000,000
                                                       ----------
                                                       $7,529,867
                                                       ==========

At December 31, 1997, in addition to FHLB stock, the Corporation pledged
mortgage loans with a minimum carrying value of approximately $11,324,000 to the
FHLB to secure advances outstanding.

The Corporation has a line of credit with the Fifth Third Bank in the amount of
$10,000,000. At December 31, 1997, the Corporation did not have any advances
outstanding on this line of credit.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       66
                                   (CONTINUED)
<PAGE>   67

                     RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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

NOTE 8 - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Employee Stock Ownership Plan: The Corporation has a noncontributory employee
stock ownership plan (ESOP) covering substantially all employees of the
Corporation and its subsidiaries. Voluntary contributions are made by the
Corporation to the plan. Each eligible employee is vested based upon years of
service, including prior years of service. Contributions to the ESOP were
$451,000, $375,000 and $374,000 and related expense attributable to the plan
included in salaries and employee benefits were approximately $403,000, $476,000
and $374,000 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

Distributions to plan participants may be paid in cash or stock upon their
termination of employment. For corporations not listed on NASDAQ, ERISA rules
require employers with an ESOP to agree to repurchase shares from participants
for a certain time period following the distribution of shares to the
participants.

The Corporation's common stock subject to repurchase obligation in ESOP had an
estimated value as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            Unearned
                                                                               ESOP        ESOP Shares
                                                                               ----        -----------
<S>                                                                        <C>             <C>            
     Balance at December 31, 1994                                          $ 6,834,557     $         -
     Change in estimated market value of common
       stock subject to repurchase obligation in ESOP                        2,498,470               -
                                                                           -----------     -----------
     Balance at December 31, 1995                                            9,333,027               -
     Purchase of unallocated ESOP shares with loan                           1,490,000      (1,490,000)
     Change in estimated market value of common
       stock subject to repurchase obligation in ESOP                       (1,435,439)              -
                                                                           -----------     -----------
     Balance at December 31, 1996                                            9,387,588      (1,490,000)
     Paydown of ESOP loan                                                            -         191,000
     Change in estimated market value of common
       stock subject to repurchase obligation in ESOP                          737,384               -
                                                                           -----------     -----------

     Balance at December 31, 1997                                          $10,124,972     $(1,299,000)
                                                                           ===========     ===========
</TABLE>

During 1996, the ESOP borrowed $1,490,000 from the Corporation to purchase
46,879 shares of common stock at a weighted average cost of $31.78 per share.
Collateral for the loan is the unearned shares of common stock purchased by the
ESOP with the loan proceeds. The loan will be repaid principally from the
Corporation's discretionary contributions to the ESOP. The interest rate for the
loan is 7.75%. Shares purchased by the ESOP will be held in suspense until
allocated among ESOP participants as the loan is repaid.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       67
                                   (CONTINUED)
<PAGE>   68

                     RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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

NOTE 8 - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Continued)

The ESOP shares as of December 31 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               1997           1996
                                                                               ----           ----
<S>                                                                         <C>            <C>    
        Allocated shares                                                       283,501        281,703
        Unearned shares                                                         43,111         46,879
                                                                            ----------     ----------

             Total ESOP shares                                                 326,612        328,582
                                                                            ==========     ==========

        Fair value of unearned ESOP shares at December 31                   $1,336,441     $1,339,333
                                                                            ==========     ==========
</TABLE>

The Corporation accounts for its ESOP under AICPA Statement of Position ("SOP")
93-6. Compensation expense is recorded based on the average market price of the
shares committed to be released for allocation to participant accounts. The
difference between the market price and the cost of shares committed to be
released is recorded as an adjustment to common stock. Dividends on allocated
ESOP shares are recorded as a reduction of retained earnings; dividends on
unearned ESOP shares are reflected as a reduction of debt and accrued interest.

Stock Option Plan: On March 12, 1997, the Board of Directors of the Corporation
adopted the Rurban Financial Corp. Stock Option Plan ("Option Plan"). The
purpose of the Option Plan is to advance the interests of the Corporation and
its shareholders by granting directors, officers, and key employees of the
Corporation options to increase their propriety interest in the Corporation.
200,000 shares of the Corporation's authorized unissued common stock were
reserved for issuance under the Option Plan. The option exercise price shall not
be less than the fair market value (as defined in the Option Plan) of the common
stock on the date the option is granted, and the option term cannot exceed 10
years.

On October 22, 1997, 89,500 options with a 10 year term were granted at an
exercise price of $28.38 per share. All 89,500 of the options granted are
outstanding at December 31, 1997. 110,500 options are available for granting at
December 31, 1997. Eligible directors, officers and key employees are able to
exercise options awarded to them at a rate of 20% per year, October 22, 1998,
being the first possible exercise date, accordingly no options were exercisable
at December 31, 1997 or 1996.

The Corporation applied APB Opinion 25, Accounting For Stock Issued to Employees
and related interpretations in accounting for its Option Plan. Accordingly, no
compensation expense has been recognized for the Option Plan. SFAS No. 123,
Accounting For Stock-Based Compensation requires disclosures for stock-based
compensation awarded in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1994 for
entities that do not adopt its fair value accounting method for stock-based
compensation. The effects of the fair value of options granted and the effects
of the amortization of the fair value over the vesting period on the
Corporation's net income and earnings per common share under the provisions of
SFAS No. 123 were not material for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995. In future years, as additional options are granted, the effect on net
income and earnings per common share may increase.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       68
                                   (CONTINUED)
<PAGE>   69

                    RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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


NOTE 8 - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Continued)

401(k) Profit Sharing Plan: The Corporation has 401(k) profit sharing plans. The
annual expense of the plans is based on 50% matching of voluntary employee
contributions of up to 6% of individual compensation. Employee contributions are
vested immediately and the Corporation's matching contributions are fully vested
after six years. The plans cover substantially all employees of the Corporation.
Contributions to the plans were $145,000, $120,000 and $101,000 and related
expense attributable to the plans, included in salaries and employee benefits,
were approximately $117,000, $140,000 and $101,000 in 1997, 1996 and 1995.

Life Insurance Plans: Life insurance plans are provided for certain executive
officers on a split-dollar basis and the Corporation is the owner of the
split-dollar policies. The officers are entitled to a sum equal to two times
either the employee's annual salary at death, if actively employed, or final
annual salary, if retired, less $50,000. The Corporation is entitled to the
remainder of the death proceeds less any loans on the policy and unpaid interest
or cash withdrawals previously incurred by the Corporation. The employees have
the right to designate a beneficiary(s) to receive their share of the proceeds
payable upon death. The cash surrender value of these life insurance policies
was approximately $604,000 and $602,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, and is
included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

Supplemental Retirement Plan: The Corporation established a supplemental
retirement plan for selected officers. The Corporation has purchased insurance
contracts on the lives of certain participants in the supplemental retirement
plan and has named the Corporation as beneficiary. While no direct contract
exists between the supplemental retirement plan and the life insurance
contracts, it is management's current intent that the proceeds from the
insurance contracts will be used to help offset earlier payments made under the
supplemental retirement plan. The Corporation is recording an expense equal to
the projected present value of the payment due at retirement based on the
projected remaining years of service using the projected unit credit method. The
obligations under the plans, net of payments already made, was approximately
$532,000 and $456,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996 and is included in other
liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The expense attributable to the
plans, included in salaries and employee benefits, was approximately $127,000,
$126,000 and $133,000 in 1997, 1996 and 1995. The cash surrender value of the
life insurance was approximately $1,597,000 and $1,491,000 at December 31, 1997
and 1996, and is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.



- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       69
                                  (Continued)
<PAGE>   70

                    RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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



NOTE 9 - OTHER EXPENSES

The following is an analysis of other expenses for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1997            1996              1995
                                            ----            ----              ----
<S>                                     <C>              <C>              <C>       
Amortization of intangible assets       $  180,000       $  285,000       $  634,000
Advertising expense                        343,771          271,407          259,938
Professional fees                        1,193,329        1,012,029          870,487
Insurance expense                          141,929          123,893          525,189
Data processing fees                       412,736          426,771          436,983
Printing, stationery and supplies          686,701          689,489          604,340
Postage and delivery expense               362,249          337,544          304,362
State, local and other taxes               655,089          610,792          630,829
Other operating expenses                 2,113,487        1,683,026        1,110,274
                                        ----------       ----------       ----------
                                        $6,089,291       $5,439,951       $5,376,402
                                        ==========       ==========       ==========
</TABLE>


NOTE 10 - INCOME TAX EXPENSE

Income tax expense consists of the following for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                           1997              1996               1995
                           ----              ----               ----
<S>                    <C>                <C>                <C>        
Current expense        $ 2,525,248        $ 2,380,683        $ 2,915,522
Deferred benefit           (54,779)           (18,542)          (788,418)
                       -----------        -----------        -----------
                       $ 2,470,469        $ 2,362,141        $ 2,127,104
                       ===========        ===========        ===========
</TABLE>

Tax expense on net gain on securities was $65,923, $11,521 and $1,058 in 1997,
1996 and 1995.

The difference between the financial statement income tax expense and amounts
computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before
income tax expense is as follows for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                              1997                 1996                 1995
                                              ----                 ----                 ----
<S>                                        <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Statutory tax rate                                   34%                 34%                 34%
Income taxes computed at the
  statutory federal income tax rate         $ 2,715,330         $ 2,451,861         $ 2,115,452
Add (subtract) tax effect of
    Tax-exempt income                          (214,877)           (200,737)           (184,312)
    Non-deductible expenses and other           (29,984)            111,017             195,964
                                            -----------         -----------         -----------
                                            $ 2,470,469         $ 2,362,141         $ 2,127,104
                                            ===========         ===========         ===========
</TABLE>


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       70
                                  (Continued)
<PAGE>   71

                    RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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


NOTE 10 - INCOME TAX EXPENSE (Continued)

The components of the net deferred tax asset recorded in the consolidated
balance sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       1997              1996
                                                       ----              ----
<S>                                                <C>               <C>
     Deferred tax assets
         Provision for loan losses                  $1,290,453        $1,252,221
         Mark to market adjustment                     100,513                --
         Net deferred loan fees                         48,427            48,427
         Net unrealized depreciation on
           securities available for sale                    --             2,567
         Accrued compensation and benefits             180,070           154,880
         Other                                           7,337           112,837
                                                    ----------        ----------
                                                     1,626,800         1,570,932

     Deferred tax liabilities
         Net unrealized appreciation on
           securities available for sale              (106,988)               --
         Originated mortgage servicing rights          (88,433)               --
         Depreciation                                 (105,404)         (113,232)
         Purchase accounting adjustments              (163,252)         (196,360)
         Mark-to-market adjustment                          --           (43,883)
         Other                                          (1,568)           (1,526)
                                                    ----------        ----------
                                                      (465,645)         (355,001)
     Valuation allowance                                    --                --
                                                    ----------        ----------
                                                    $1,161,155        $1,215,931
                                                    ==========        ==========
</TABLE>


NOTE 11 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Certain directors, executive officers and principal shareholders of the
Corporation, including associates of such persons, were loan customers during
1997. A summary of the related party loan activity, for loans aggregating
$60,000 or more to any one related party, follows for the year ended December
31, 1997 and 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    1997                1996
                                    ----                ----

<S>                             <C>                <C>         
     Balance, January 1         $ 7,891,000        $  3,512,000
         New loans                  309,000          18,423,000
         Repayments                 (87,000)        (14,469,000)
         Other changes           (6,783,000)            425,000
                                -----------        ------------

     Balance, December 31       $ 1,330,000        $  7,891,000
                                ===========        ============
</TABLE>

Other changes include adjustments for loans applicable to one reporting period
that are excludable from the other reporting period.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       71
                                  (Continued)
<PAGE>   72

                    RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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




NOTE 12 - COMMITMENTS, OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK AND CONTINGENCIES

The Corporation is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk
in the normal course of business to meet financing needs of its customers. These
financial instruments include commitments to make loans, unused lines of credit
and standby letters of credit. The Corporation's exposure to credit loss in the
event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instruments for
commitments to make loans, unused lines of credit and standby letters of credit
is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Corporation
follows the same credit policy to make such commitments as it uses for
on-balance-sheet items.

The Corporation has the following commitments for terms of up to two years
outstanding at December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1997               1996
                                                          ----               ----

<S>                                                    <C>               <C>        
     Loan commitments and unused lines of credit       $76,633,000       $67,561,000
     Standby letters of credit                           1,481,000         2,431,000
                                                       -----------       -----------
                                                       $78,114,000       $69,992,000
                                                       ===========       ===========
</TABLE>

Since many commitments to make loans expire without being used, the amount does
not necessarily represent future cash commitments. In addition, commitments to
extend credit are arrangements to lend to customers as long as there is no
violation of any condition established in the contract. No losses are
anticipated as a result of these transactions. Collateral obtained upon exercise
of the commitment is determined using management's credit evaluation of the
borrower and may include real estate, business assets, consumer assets, deposits
and other items.

There are various contingent liabilities that are not reflected in the
consolidated financial statements, including claims and legal actions arising in
the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, after
consultation with legal counsel, the ultimate disposition of these matters is
not expected to have a material effect on the Corporation's consolidated
financial condition or results of operations.

Under employment agreements with certain executive officers, certain events
leading to separation from the Corporation could result in cash payments
totaling approximately $917,000 for which only $208,000 has been accrued as a
liability at December 31, 1997.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       72
                                  (Continued)
<PAGE>   73


                    RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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



NOTE 12 - COMMITMENTS, OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

The Corporation was required to have approximately $4,027,000 and $4,802,000 of
cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank to meet regulatory
reserve and clearing requirements at December 31, 1997 and 1996.
These balances do not earn interest.


NOTE 13 - PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Presented below are condensed financial statements for the parent company,
Rurban Financial Corp.:

                            CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                           December 31, 1997 and 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1997               1996
                                                             ----               ----
<S>                                                      <C>                 <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents                                 $   991,206        $   468,782
Securities available for sale                                      --            506,614
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries
     Banking subsidiaries                                  34,448,145         37,575,479
     Non-banking subsidiaries                               3,567,264          2,648,882
                                                          -----------        -----------
         Total investment in subsidiaries                  38,015,409         40,224,361
Other assets                                                  886,162            827,280
                                                          -----------        -----------

         Total assets                                     $39,892,777        $42,027,037
                                                          ===========        ===========

LIABILITIES
Cash dividends payable                                    $   413,982        $        --
Other liabilities                                             384,867            538,389
                                                          -----------        -----------
         Total liabilities                                    798,849            538,389

COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO REPURCHASE
  OBLIGATION IN ESOP                                       10,124,972          9,387,588

UNEARNED ESOP SHARES                                       (1,299,000)        (1,490,000)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                       30,267,956         33,591,060
                                                          -----------        -----------

         Total liabilities and shareholders' equity       $39,892,777        $42,027,037
                                                          ===========        ===========
</TABLE>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       73
                                  (Continued)
<PAGE>   74

                    RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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


NOTE 13 - PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


                         CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                  Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1997              1996              1995
                                                        ----              ----              ----
<S>                                                 <C>                <C>              <C>       
Income
     Interest on securities-non-taxable             $    21,477        $   21,070       $    5,347
     Dividends from subsidiaries
         Banking subsidiaries                         9,705,299         2,325,000        3,015,000
         Non-banking subsidiaries                            --            50,000           75,000
                                                    -----------        ----------       ----------
              Total                                   9,705,299         2,375,000        3,090,000
     Noninterest income                                 225,133            17,869           11,509
                                                    -----------        ----------       ----------
         Total income                                 9,951,909         2,413,939        3,106,856

Noninterest expense                                   2,738,038         1,423,660          896,999
                                                    -----------        ----------       ----------

Income before income tax benefit and equity
  in undistributed net income of subsidiaries         7,213,871           990,279        2,209,857

Income tax benefit                                      925,702           448,950          302,011
                                                    -----------        ----------       ----------

Income before equity in undistributed
  net income of subsidiaries                          8,139,573         1,439,229        2,511,868

Equity in undistributed (excess distributed)
  net income of subsidiaries
     Banking subsidiaries                            (3,542,158)        2,999,521        1,358,754
     Non-banking subsidiaries                           918,382           410,464          224,191
                                                    -----------        ----------       ----------
         Total                                       (2,623,776)        3,409,985        1,582,945
                                                    -----------        ----------       ----------

Net income                                          $ 5,515,797        $4,849,214       $4,094,813
                                                    ===========        ==========       ==========
</TABLE>


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       74
                                  (Continued)
<PAGE>   75

                    RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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


NOTE 13 - PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

                       CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1997                1996               1995
                                                        ----                ----               ----
<S>                                                  <C>                <C>                <C>
Cash flows from operating activities
     Dividends received from subsidiaries
         Banking subsidiaries                        $ 9,705,299        $ 2,325,000        $ 3,015,000
         Non-banking subsidiaries                             --             50,000             75,000
                                                     -----------        -----------        -----------
              Total                                    9,705,299          2,375,000          3,090,000
     Cash paid to suppliers and employees             (2,877,327)        (1,445,917)          (681,050)
     Income tax refunds                                  933,985            375,026            253,486
                                                     -----------        -----------        -----------
         Net cash from operating activities            7,761,957          1,304,109          2,662,436

Cash flows from investing activities
     Proceeds from sales of securities
       available for sale                                516,371                 --                 --
     Principal repayments and calls of
       securities available for sale                     155,455                 --                 --
     Purchase of securities available for sale                --           (200,517)          (306,097)
     Cash paid for life insurance premiums                    --                 --           (716,613)
                                                     -----------        -----------        -----------
         Net cash from investing activities              671,826           (200,517)        (1,022,710)

Cash flows from financing activities
     Cash dividends paid                              (1,234,748)        (1,308,975)        (1,310,627)
     Cash paid to repurchase common stock             (6,676,611)          (170,625)                --
                                                     -----------        -----------        -----------
         Net cash from financing activities           (7,911,359)        (1,479,600)        (1,310,627)
                                                     -----------        -----------        -----------

Net change in cash and cash equivalents                  522,424           (376,008)           329,099

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
  of year                                                468,782            844,790            515,691
                                                     -----------        -----------        -----------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year             $   991,206        $   468,782        $   844,790
                                                     ===========        ===========        ===========

</TABLE>


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       75
                                  (Continued)
<PAGE>   76

                    RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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


NOTE 13 - PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

                 CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
                  Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1997              1996                1995
                                                           ----              ----                ----
<S>                                                    <C>               <C>                <C>
Reconciliation of net income to net cash
  from operating activities
      Net income                                        $5,515,797        $ 4,849,214        $ 4,094,813
      Adjustments to reconcile net income to
        net cash from operating activities
         Net gain on securities                           (165,212)                --                 --
         Equity in (undistributed) excess
           distributed net income of subsidiaries
              Banking subsidiaries                       3,542,158         (2,999,521)        (1,358,754)
              Non-banking subsidiaries                    (918,382)          (410,464)          (224,191)
         Change in other assets                            (58,882)             6,772            (66,596)
         Change in other liabilities                      (153,522)          (141,892)           217,164
                                                        ----------        -----------        -----------
              Net cash from operating activities        $7,761,957        $ 1,304,109        $ 2,662,436
                                                        ==========        ===========        ===========
</TABLE>


NOTE 14 - FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following table shows the estimated fair values and the related carrying
values of the Corporation's financial instruments at December 31, 1997 and 1996.
Items which are not financial instruments are not included.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1 9 9 7                                  1 9 9 6
                                               ----------------------------------       -----------------------------------
                                                 Carrying              Estimated            Carrying             Estimated
                                                   Value              Fair Value              Value             Fair Value
<S>                                           <C>                  <C>                  <C>                    <C>
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents                      $  22,222,385        $  22,222,000        $  34,027,263        $  34,027,000
Interest-bearing deposits in
  other financial institutions                       529,777              530,000              180,000              180,000
Securities available for sale                     71,683,120           71,683,000           66,635,889           66,636,000
Loans, net of allowance for loan
  losses (including loans held for sale)         358,612,036          358,833,000          315,254,876
                                                                                                                312,643,000
Accrued interest receivable                        3,533,532            3,534,000            3,298,902            3,299,000
Cash surrender value of
  life insurance                                   2,201,000            2,201,000            2,093,000            2,093,000

Financial liabilities
Demand and savings deposits                     (213,817,093)        (213,817,000)        (203,709,830)        (203,710,000)
Time deposits                                   (201,364,193)        (202,358,000)        (184,056,243)        (183,925,000)
Accrued interest payable                          (1,577,140)          (1,577,000)          (2,596,921)          (2,597,000)
</TABLE>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       76
                                  (Continued)
<PAGE>   77

                    RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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

NOTE 14 - FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

For purposes of the above disclosures of estimated fair values, the following
assumptions were used as of December 31, 1997 and 1996. The estimated fair value
for cash and cash equivalents, accrued interest receivable, cash surrender value
of life insurance and accrued interest payable are considered to approximate
cost. The estimated fair value for interest-bearing deposits in other financial
institutions and securities available for sale is based on quoted market values
for the individual deposits or securities or for equivalent deposits or
securities. The estimated fair value for loans is based on estimates of the
difference in interest rates the Corporation would charge the borrowers for
similar such loans with similar maturities made at December 31, 1997 and 1996,
applied for an estimated time period until the loan is assumed to reprice or be
paid. The estimated fair value for demand and savings deposits is based on their
carrying value. The estimated fair value for time deposits is based on estimates
of the rate the Corporation would pay on such deposits at December 31, 1997 and
1996, applied for the time period until maturity. The estimated fair value for
other financial instruments and off-balance-sheet loan commitments approximate
cost at December 31, 1997 and 1996 and are not considered significant to this
presentation.

While these estimates of fair value are based on management's judgment of the
most appropriate factors, there is no assurance that were the Corporation to
have disposed of such items at December 31, 1997 and 1996, the estimated fair
values would necessarily have been achieved at that date, since market values
may differ depending on various circumstances. The estimated fair values at
December 31, 1997 and 1996 should not necessarily be considered to apply at
subsequent dates.

In addition, other assets and liabilities of the Corporation that are not
defined as financial instruments are not included in the above disclosures, such
as premises and equipment. Also, non-financial instruments typically not
recognized in the financial statements nevertheless may have value but are not
included in the above disclosures. These include, among other items, the
estimated earnings power of core deposit accounts, the earnings potential of
trust assets, the trained work force, customer goodwill and similar items.


NOTE 15 - REGULATORY MATTERS

The Corporation and its subsidiary banks are subject to regulatory capital
requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy
guidelines and prompt corrective action regulations involve quantitative
measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items calculated
under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are
also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk
weightings, and other factors, and the regulators can lower classifications in
certain cases. Failure to meet various capital requirements can initiate
regulatory action that could have a direct material effect on the consolidated
financial statements.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       77
                                  (Continued)
<PAGE>   78

                    RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

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


NOTE 15 - REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

The prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications, including
well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly
undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not
used to represent overall financial condition. If only adequately capitalized,
regulatory approval is required to accept brokered deposits. If
undercapitalized, capital distributions are limited, as is asset growth and
expansion, and plans for capital restoration are required. The minimum
requirements are:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Capital to Risk-
                                                              Weighted Assets  
                                                          ----------------------          Tier 1 Capital
                                                          Total           Tier 1         To Average Assets
                                                          -----           ------         -----------------
<S>                                                        <C>                <C>                <C>
     Well capitalized                                      10%                6%                 5%
     Adequately capitalized                                 8%                4%                 4%
     Undercapitalized                                       6%                3%                 3%
</TABLE>

At year end, consolidated actual capital levels (in millions) and minimum
required levels were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        Minimum Required
                                                                  Minimum Required    To Be Well Capitalized
                                                                     For Capital      Under Prompt Corrective
                                                   Actual         Adequacy Purposes      Action Regulations
                                              ----------------    -----------------      ------------------
                                              Amount     Ratio     Amount    Ratio         Amount    Ratio
                                              ------     -----     ------    -----         ------    -----
1997
<S>                                           <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>          <C>       <C>
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)
   Consolidated                                $42.2      11.6%     $29.1      8.0%        $36.4     10.0%
   State Bank                                   24.2      10.3       18.7      8.0          23.4     10.0
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)
   Consolidated                                 37.7      10.3       14.6      4.0          21.8      6.0
   State Bank                                   21.3       9.1        9.3      4.0          14.0      6.0
Tier 1 capital (to averaged assets)
   Consolidated                                 37.7       8.0       18.9      4.0          23.6      5.0
   State Bank                                   21.3       7.2       11.8      4.0          14.7      5.0

1996
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)
   Consolidated                                $44.5      13.9%     $25.7      8.0%        $32.1     10.0%
   State Bank                                   25.9      12.9       16.0      8.0          20.0     10.0
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)
   Consolidated                                 40.5      12.6       12.8      4.0          19.3      6.0
   State Bank                                   23.4      11.7        8.0      4.0          12.0      6.0
Tier 1 capital (to averaged assets)
   Consolidated                                 40.5       9.4       17.2      4.0          21.5      5.0
   State Bank                                   23.4       9.0       10.4      4.0          13.0      5.0
</TABLE>

The Corporation and State Bank at year-end 1997 and 1996 were categorized as
well capitalized. All other subsidiary banks are not considered significant for
this presentation.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       78
                                  (Continued)
<PAGE>   79


                             RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP.

                           ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
                     FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997


                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit No.    Description                                      Page No.
- -----------    -----------                                      --------
<S>            <C>                                              <C>
  3(a)         Amended Articles of Registrant, as amended       Incorporated herein by reference to
                                                                Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                1989 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit
                                                                3(a)(i)].

  3(b)         Certificate of Amendment to the Amended          Incorporated herein by reference to
               Articles of Rurban Financial Corp.               Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                1993 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 3(b)].

  3(c)         Certificate of Amendment to the Amended          Pages 84 through 85 of this Annual 
               Articles of Rurban Financial Corp.               Report on Form 10-K.

  3(d)         Amended and Restated Articles of                 Pages 86 through 91 of this Annual
               Rurban Financial Corp.                           Report on Form 10-K.

  3(e)         Regulations of Registrant, as amended            Incorporated herein by reference to
                                                                Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                1986 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 3(b)].

 10(a)         Employees' Stock Ownership Plan of Rurban        Incorporated herein by reference to
               Financial Corp.                                  Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                1993 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(a)].

 10(b          First Amendment to Employees' Stock Ownership    Incorporated herein by reference to
               Plan of Rurban Financial Corp., dated            Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
               June 14, 1993 and made to be effective as of     for the fiscal year ended
               January 1, 1993                                  December 31, 1993 (File No. 0-13507)
                                                                [Exhibit 10(b)].

</TABLE>

                                       79
<PAGE>   80

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit No.    Description                                      Page No.
- -----------    -----------                                      --------

<S>            <C>                                              <C>
 10(c)          Second Amendment to Employees' Stock            Incorporated herein by reference to
                Ownership Plan of Rurban Financial Corp.,       Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                dated March 14, 1994 and made to be effective   for the fiscal year ended
                as of January 1, 1993                           December 31, 1993 (File No. 0-13507)
                                                                [Exhibit 10(c)].

 10(d)          Third Amendment to Employees' Stock Ownership   Incorporated herein by reference to
                Plan of Rurban Financial Corp., dated           Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                March 13, 1995                                  for the fiscal year ended
                                                                December 31, 1994 (File No. 0-13507)
                                                                [Exhibit 10(d)].

 10(e)         Fourth Amendment to Employees' Stock Ownership   Incorporated herein by reference to
               Plan of Rurban Financial Corp., dated June 10,   Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
               1995 and made to be effective as of January 1,   for the fiscal year ended December 31,
               1995                                             1995 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(e)].

 10(f)         The Rurban Financial Corp. Savings Plan and      Incorporated herein by reference to
               Trust                                            Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                1990 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(g)].

 10(g)         First Amendment to The Rurban Financial Corp.    Incorporated herein by reference to
               Savings Plan and Trust, dated December 10,       Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
               1990 and effective January 1, 1990               for the fiscal year ended December
                                                                31, 1990  (File No. 0-13507)
                                                                [Exhibit 10(g)].

 10(h)          Second Amendment to The Rurban Financial Corp.   Incorporated herein by reference to
               Savings Plan and Trust, dated March 11, 1991,    Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
               effective February 1, 1991                       for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                1992 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(d)].

 10(i)         Third Amendment to The Rurban Financial Corp.    Incorporated herein by reference to
               Savings Plan and Trust, dated June 11, 1991      Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                1992 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(e)].

 10(j)         Fourth Amendment to The Rurban Financial Corp.   Incorporated herein by reference to
               Savings Plan and Trust, dated July 14, 1992,     Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
               effective May 1, 1992                            for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                1992 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(f)].
</TABLE>

                                       80
<PAGE>   81

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit No.    Description                                      Page No.
- -----------    -----------                                      --------

<S>            <C>                                              <C>

 10(k)         Fifth Amendment to The Rurban Financial Corp.    Incorporated herein by reference to
               Savings Plan and Trust, dated March 14, 1994     Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                1993 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(i)].
 
 10(l)         Sixth Amendment to The Rurban Financial Corp.    Incorporated herein by reference to
               Savings Plan and Trust dated May 1, 1995         Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                1995 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(l)].

 10(m)         Summary of Incentive Compensation Plan of        Incorporated herein by reference to
               State Bank                                       Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                1993 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(j)].

 10(n)         Summary of Bonus Program adopted by the Trust    Incorporated herein by reference to
               Department of State Bank for the benefit of      Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
               Robert W. Constien in his capacity as Manager    for the fiscal year ended December 31,
               of the Trust Department                          1991 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(e)].

 10(o)         Summary of Bonus Program for the Trust           Incorporated herein by reference to
               Department of State Bank                         Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                1992 (File No. 0-13507 [Exhibit 10(i)].

 10(p)         Summary of Sales Bonus Program of State Bank     Incorporated herein by reference to
                                                                Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                for the fiscal year ended
                                                                December 31, 1994 (File No. 0-13507)
                                                                [Exhibit 10(n)].

 10(q)         Summary of Rurban Financial Corp. Bonus Plan     Incorporated herein by reference to
                                                                Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                1993 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(q)].

</TABLE>
                                       81
<PAGE>   82

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit No.    Description                                      Page No.
- -----------    -----------                                      --------

<S>            <C>                                              <C>

 10(r)         Executive Salary Continuation Agreement, dated   Incorporated herein by reference to
               December 15, 1994, between Rurban Financial      Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
               Corp. and Richard C. Burrows                     for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                1994 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(p)].

 10(s)         Executive Salary Continuation Agreement, dated   Incorporated herein by reference to
               October 11,  1995, between Rurban Financial      Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
               Corp. and Thomas C. Williams; and Amended        for the fiscal year ended December 31,
               Schedule A to Exhibit 10(s) identifying other    1995 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(s)].
               identical Executive Salary Continuation          Amended Schedule A to 10(s) is included
               Agreements between executive officers of         at Page 92 of this Annual Report on Form
               Rurban Financial Corp. and Rurban Financial      10-K.
               Corp.

 10(t)         Description of Split-Dollar Insurance Policies   Incorporated herein by reference to
               Maintained for Certain Executive Officers of     Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
               Rurban Financial Corp.                           for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                1995 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 10(t)].

 10(u)         Rurban Financial Corp. Stock Option Plan         Incorporated herein by reference to the
                                                                Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                for the fiscal year ended
                                                                December 31, 1996 (File No. 0-13507)
                                                                [Exhibit 10(u)].

 10(v)         Rurban Financial Corp. Plan to Allow Directors   Incorporated herein by reference to the
               to Elect to Defer Compensation                   Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                for the fiscal year ended
                                                                December 31, 1996 (File No. 0-13507)
                                                                [Exhibit 10(u)].

 10(w)         Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement     Pages 93 through 97 of this Annual
                                                                Report on Form 10-K.

 10(x)         Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement         Pages 98 through 102 of this Annual
                                                                Report on Form 10-K.

</TABLE>

                                     82

<PAGE>   83

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit No.    Description                                      Page No.
- -----------    -----------                                      --------

<S>            <C>                                              <C>

 11            Statement re Computation of Per                  Pages 60 and 62 [included in Note 1 and Note
               Share Earnings                                   2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial 
                                                                Statements of Registrant in the financial
                                                                statements portion of this Annual Report
                                                                on Form 10-K].

 21            Subsidiaries of Registrant                       Incorporated herein by reference to
                                                                Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                                                                1994 (File No. 0-13507) [Exhibit 21].

 23            Consent of Independent Auditor                   Page 103 of this Annual Report on Form
                                                                10-K

 24            Powers of Attorney                               Pages 104 through 114 of this Annual
                                                                Report on Form 10-K.

 27            Financial Data Schedule                          Page 115 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
</TABLE>



                                       83

<PAGE>   1
                                  Exhibit 3(c)

                         CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO THE
                   AMENDED ARTICLES OF RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP.


LOGO

Prescribed by                                    Charter No. ___________________
BOB TAFT, Secretary of State
30 East Broad Street, 14th Floor                 Approved ______________________
Columbus, Ohio  43266-0418
Form SH-AMD (January 1991)                       Date __________________________

                                                 Fee ___________________________



                            CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
               By Shareholders to the Articles of Incorporation of


                             Rurban Financial Corp.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              (Name of Corporation)

Thomas C. Williams                                                    , who is:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------

[  ] Chairman of the Board    [ X ] President    [  ] Vice President (check one)

and

Keeta J. Diller   , who is: [ X ] Secretary      [  ] Assistant Secretary 
- ------------------                                      (Check One)

of the above name Ohio corporation for profit do hereby certify that: 
(check the appropriate box and complete the appropriate statements)

[ X ]   a meeting of the shareholders was duly called for the purpose of 
        adopting this amendment and held on April 28, 1997 at which meeting a 
                                            --------    --
        quorum of the shareholders was present in person or by proxy, and by 
        the affirmative vote of the holders of shares entitling them to exercise
        at least 50%          of the voting power of the corporation.
                     --------

[   ]   in a writing signed by all of the shareholders who would be entitled to
        notice of a meeting held for that purpose, the following resolution to
        amend the articles was adopted:


                              See attached Annex 1


      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the above named officers, acting for and on the 
behalf of the corporation, have hereto subscribed their names this 
    28th      day of   April       , 1997.
- -------------        ---------------    -


                                         By /S/ Thomas C. Williams
                                           --------------------------------
                                              Thomas C. Willams  (President)


                                         By /s/ Keeta J. Diller
                                           --------------------------------
                                                Keeta J. Diller  (Secretary)

NOTE: Ohio law does not permit one officer to sign in two capacities. Two
separate signatures are required, even if this necessitates the election of a
second officer before the filing can be made.

                                       84
<PAGE>   2



                                  Exhibit 3(c)

                                     Annex 1

         RESOLVED, that the Amended Articles of Rurban Financial Corp. shall be
amended by the addition of Article TWELFTH in the following form:

         TWELFTH: Shareholders shall have no right to vote cumulatively in the
election of directors.



                                       85

<PAGE>   1




                                  Exhibit 3(d)


                          AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES
                            OF RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP.


         FIRST: The name of the corporation shall be Rurban Financial Corp.

         SECOND: The place in Ohio where the principal office of the corporation
is to be located is the city of Defiance, Defiance County.

         THIRD: The purpose for which the corporation is formed is to engage in
any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be formed under Sections
1701.01 to 1701.98, inclusive, of the Ohio Revised Code.

         FOURTH: The total authorized number of shares of the corporation shall
be 10,000,000, all of which shall be common shares, each without par value.

         FIFTH: The number of directors of the corporation shall be fixed from
time to time by its Regulations and may be increased or decreased as therein
provided, but the number of directors shall in no event be fixed at less than
nine (9). The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, designated
Class I, Class II and Class III, as nearly equal in number as the then fixed
number of directors permits, with the term of office of one class expiring each
year. The election of each class of directors shall be a separate election. At
the first election of directors following the adoption of these articles at a
meeting of shareholders, directors of Class I shall be elected to hold office
for a term expiring at the next annual meeting, directors of Class II shall be
elected to hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting two years after
the next annual meeting. At the next annual meeting of shareholders and at each
annual meeting of shareholders thereafter, the successors to that class of
directors whose term then expires shall be elected to hold office for a
three-year term. In the event of any increase in the number of directors of the
corporation, the additional directors shall be similarly classified in such a
manner that each class of directors shall be as equal in number as possible. In
the event of any decrease in the number of directors of the corporation, such
decrease shall be effected in such a manner that each class of directors shall
be equal in number as possible.

         SIXTH: Notwithstanding any provision of the Ohio Revised Code now or
hereafter in force requiring for any purpose the vote, consent, waiver or
release of the holders of shares of the corporation entitling them to exercise
two-thirds (2/3) or any other proportion of the voting power of the corporation
or of any class or classes thereof, such action, unless expressly otherwise
provided by statute, may be taken by the vote, consent, waiver or release of the
holders of the shares entitled them to exercise not less than a majority of the
voting power of the corporation or of such class or classes; provided, however,
that unless two-thirds (2/3) of the whole authorized number of directors of the
corporation shall recommend the approval of any of 


                                       86
<PAGE>   2

the following matters, the affirmative vote of the holders of shares
entitling them to exercise not less than eighty percent (80%) of the voting
power of the corporation entitled to vote thereon shall be required to adopt:

                  (1) a proposed amendment to the articles of the corporation;

                  (2) proposed new regulations, or an alteration, amendment or
         repeal of the regulations of the corporation;

                  (3) an agreement of merger or consolidation providing for the
         merger or consolidation of the corporation with or into one or more
         other corporations;

                  (4) a proposed combination or majority share acquisition
         involving the issuance of shares of shares of the corporation and
         requiring shareholder approval;

                  (5) a proposal to sell, lease, or exchange all or
         substantially all of the property and assets of the corporation;

                  (6) a proposed dissolution of the corporation; or

                  (7) a proposal to fix or create the number of directors by
         action of the shareholders of the corporation.

         The written objection of a director to any such matter submitted to the
president or secretary of the corporation not less than three days before the
meeting of shareholders at which any such matter is to be considered shall be
deemed to be an affirmative vote by such director against such matter.

         SEVENTH: No holder of shares of any class of the corporation shall
have, as a matter of right, the preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for
shares of any class of the corporation now or hereafter authorized, or to
purchase or subscribe for securities or other obligations convertible into or
exchangeable for such shares or which by warrants or otherwise entitle the
holders thereof to subscribe for or purchase any such shares.

         EIGHTH: The directors of the corporation shall have the power to cause
the corporation from time to time and at any time to purchase, hold, sell,
transfer, or otherwise deal with (a) shares of any class or series issued by it;
(b) any security or other obligation of the corporation which may confer upon
the holder thereof the right to convert the same into shares of any class or
series authorized by the articles of the corporation; and (c) any security or
other obligation which may confer upon the holder thereof the right to purchase
shares of any class or series authorized by the articles of the corporation. The
corporation shall have the right to repurchase, if and when any shareholder
desires to sell, or on the happening of any event is required to sell, shares of
any class or series issued by the corporation. The authority granted in this
Article EIGHTH of these articles shall not limit the plenary authority of the
directors to 


                                       87
<PAGE>   3

purchase, hold, sell, transfer, or otherwise deal with shares of any class or 
series, securities, or other obligations issued by the corporation or
authorized by its articles.

         NINTH: A director or officer of the corporation shall not be
disqualified by his office from dealing or contracting with the corporation as
vendor, purchaser, employee, agent or otherwise. No contract or transaction
shall be void or voidable with respect to the corporation for the reason that it
is between the corporation and one or more of its directors or officers, or
between the corporation and any other person in which one or more of its
directors or officers are directors, trustees, or officers, or have a financial
or personal interest, or for the reason that one or more interested directors or
officers participated in or voted at the meeting of the directors or a committee
thereof which authorized such contract or transaction if in any such case (a)
the material facts as to the relationship or interest of such director, officer,
or other person and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known
to the directors or the committee or such members thereof as shall be present at
any meeting at which action upon any such contract or transaction shall be taken
and the directors or committee, in good faith reasonably justified by such
facts, authorized the contract or transaction by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors
constitute less than a quorum; or (b) the material facts as to the relationship
or interest of such director, officer, or other person and as to the contract or
transaction are disclosed or known to the shareholders entitled to vote thereon
and the contract or transaction is specifically approved at a meeting of the
shareholders held for such purpose by the affirmative vote of the holders of
shares entitling them to exercise a majority of the voting power of the
corporation held by person not interested in the contract or transaction; or (c)
the contract or transaction is fair as to the corporation as of the time it is
authorized or approved by the directors, a committee thereof, or the
shareholders. Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the
presence of a quorum at any meeting of the directors, or of a committee thereof,
which authorizes the contract or transaction.

         TENTH: (A) In addition to any affirmative vote required by any
provision of the Ohio Revised Code or by any other provision hereof, the
affirmative vote or consent of the holders of the greater of (a) four-fifths
(4/5) of the outstanding common shares or the corporation entitled to vote
thereon or (b) that fraction of such outstanding common shares having as the
numerator a number equal to the sum (i) the number of outstanding common shares
Beneficially Owned by Controlling persons (as hereinafter defined) plus (ii)
two-thirds (2/3) of the remaining number of outstanding common shares, and as
the denominator a number equal to the total number of outstanding commons hares
entitled to vote, shall be required for the adoption or authorization of a
Business Combination (as hereinafter defined) unless:

                  (1) The Business Combination will result in an involuntary
         sale, redemption, cancellation or other termination of ownership of all
         common shares of the corporation owned by shareholders who do not vote
         in favor of, or consent in writing to, the Business Combination and the
         cash or fair value of other readily marketable consideration to be
         received by such shareholders for such shares shall at least be equal
         to the Minimum Price Per Share (as hereinafter defined); and


                                       88


<PAGE>   4



                  (2) A proxy statement responsive to the requirements of the
         Securities Exchange Act of 1934 shall be mailed to the shareholders of
         the corporation for the purpose of soliciting shareholder approval of
         the proposed Business Combination.

         (B) For purposes of this Article TENTH, the following definitions shall
apply:

                  (1) "Affiliate" shall mean a Person that directly or
         indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is
         controlled by, or is under common control with, another Person.

                  (2) "Associate" shall mean (i) any corporation or organization
         of which a Person is an officer or partner or is, directly or
         indirectly, the Beneficial Owner of ten percent (10%) or more of any
         class of equity securities, (ii) any trust or other estate in which a
         Person has a ten percent (10%) or greater individual interest of any
         nature or as to which a Person serves as trustee or in a similar
         fiduciary capacity, (iii) any spouse of a Person, and (iv) any relative
         of a Person, or any relative of a spouse of a Person, who has the same
         residence of such Person or spouse.

                  (3) "Beneficial Ownership" shall include without limitation
         (i) all shares directly or indirectly owned by a Person, by an
         Affiliate or such Person or by an Associate of such Person or such
         Affiliate, (ii) all shares which such Person, Affiliate or Associate
         has the right to acquire through the exercise of any option, warrant or
         right (whether or not currently exercisable), through the conversion of
         a security, pursuant to the power to revoke a trust, discretionary
         account or similar arrangement, or pursuant to the automatic
         termination of a trust, discretionary account or similar arrangement;
         and (iii) all shares as to which such Person, Affiliate or Associate
         directly or indirectly through any contract, arrangement,
         understanding, relationship or otherwise (including without limitation
         any written or unwritten agreement to act in concert) has or shares
         voting power (which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting
         of such shares) or investment power (which includes the power to
         dispose or direct the disposition of such shares) or both.

                  (4) "Business Combination" shall mean (i) any merger or
         consolidation of the corporation with or into a Controlling Person or
         an Affiliate of a Controlling Person or an Associate of such
         Controlling Person or Affiliate, (ii) any sale, lease, exchange,
         transfer or other disposition, including without limitation a mortgage
         or any other security device of all or any Substantial Part of the
         assets of the corporation, including without limitation any voting
         securities of a Subsidiary, or of the assets of a Subsidiary, to a
         Controlling Person or Affiliate of a Controlling Person or Associate of
         such Controlling Person of Affiliate, (iii) any merger into the
         corporation, or into a Subsidiary, of a Controlling Person or an
         Affiliate of a Controlling Person or an Associate of such Controlling
         Person or Affiliate, (iv) any 


                                       89
<PAGE>   5

         sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition to the corporation
         or a Subsidiary of all or any part of the assets of a Controlling
         Person or Affiliate of a Controlling Person or Associate of such
         Controlling Person or Affiliate but not including any disposition of
         assets which, if included with all other dispositions consummated
         during the same fiscal year of the corporation by the same Controlling
         Person, Affiliates thereof and Associates of such Controlling Person or
         Affiliates, would not result in dispositions during such year by all
         such Persons of assets having an aggregate fair value (determined at
         the time of disposition of the respective assets) in excess of one
         percent (1%) of the total consolidated assets of the corporation (as
         shown on its certified balance sheet as of the end of the fiscal year
         preceding the proposed disposition); provided, however, that in no
         event shall any disposition of assets be excepted from shareholder
         approval by reason of the preceding exclusion if such disposition when
         included with all other dispositions consummated during the same and
         immediately preceding four (4) fiscal years of the corporation by the
         same Controlling Person, Affiliate thereof and Associates of such
         Controlling Person or Affiliates, would result in disposition by all
         such Persons of assets having an aggregate fair value (determined at
         the time of disposition of the respective assets) in excess of two
         percent (2%) of the total consolidated assets of the corporation (as
         shown on its certified balance sheet as of the end of the fiscal year
         preceding the proposed disposition), (v) any reclassification of the
         common shares of the corporation, or any recapitalization involving
         common shares of the corporation, consummated within five (5) years
         after a Controlling Person becomes a Controlling Person, and (vi) any
         agreement, contract or other arrangement providing for any of the
         transactions described in the definition of Business combination.

                  (5) "Control" shall mean the possession, directly or
         indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the
         management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of
         voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

                  (6) "Controlling Person" shall mean any Person who
         Beneficially Owns shares of the corporation entitling that Person to
         exercise twenty percent (20%) or more of the voting power of the
         corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors.

                  (7) "Minimum Price Per Share" shall mean the sum of (a) the
         higher of (i) the highest gross per share price paid or agreed to be
         paid to acquire any common shares of the corporation Beneficially Owned
         by a Controlling Person, provided such payment or agreement to make
         payment was made within five (5) years immediately prior to the record
         date set to determine the shareholders entitled to vote or consent to
         the Business Combination in question, or (ii) the highest per share
         closing public market price for such common shares during such five (5)
         year period, plus (b) the aggregate amount, if any, by which five
         percent (5%) for each year, beginning on the date on which such
         Controlling Person became a Controlling Person, of such higher per
         share price exceeds the aggregate amount 


                                       90

<PAGE>   6

         of all common share dividends per share pain in cash since the date on
         which such Person became a Controlling Person. The calculation of the
         Minimum Price Per Share shall require appropriate adjustments for
         capital changes, including without limitation stock splits, stock
         dividends and reverse stock splits.

                  (8) "Person" shall mean an individual, a corporation, a
         partnership, an association, a joint-stock company, a trust, any
         unincorporated organization, a government or political subdivision
         thereof, and nay other entity.

                  (9) "Securities Exchange Act of 1934" shall mean the
         Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time as well
         as any successor or replacement statute.

                  (10) "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation more than
         twenty-five (25%) of whose outstanding securities entitled to vote for
         the election of directors are Beneficially Owned by the corporation
         and/or one or more Subsidiaries.

                  (11) "Substantial Part" shall mean more than ten percent (10%)
         of the total assets of the corporation in question, as shown on its
         certified balance sheet as of the end of the most recent fiscal year
         ending prior to the time the determination is being made.

                  (C) During any period in which there are one or more
         Controlling Persons, this Article TENTH shall not be altered, changed
         or repealed unless the amendment effecting such alteration, change or
         repeal shall have received, in addition to any affirmative vote
         required by any provision of the Ohio revised Code or by any other
         provision hereof, the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of the
         grater of (a) four-fifths (4/5) of the outstanding common shares of the
         corporation entitled to vote thereon or (b) that fraction of such
         outstanding common shares having as the numerator a number equal to the
         sum of (i) the number of outstanding common shares Beneficially Owned
         by Controlling Persons plus (ii) two-thirds (2/3) of the remaining
         number of outstanding common shares, and as the denominator a number
         equal to the total number of outstanding common shares entitled to
         vote.

         ELEVENTH: These Amended Articles take the place of and supersede the
existing Articles of Incorporation of Rurban Financial Corp.

         TWELFTH: Shareholders shall have no right to vote cumulatively in the
election of directors.


                                       91

<PAGE>   1



                                  Exhibit 10(s)

                       Amended Schedule A to Exhibit 10(s)

                  The following executive officers of Rurban Financial Corp.
(the "Corporation") entered into Executive Salary Continuation Agreements with
the Corporation which are identical to the Executive Salary Continuation
Agreement, dated October 11,1995, between Thomas C. Williams and the Corporation
filed as Exhibit 10(s) to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1995:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                          Date of Executive
                                                                          Salary Continuation
Name of Executive Officer           Position with the Company             Agreement
- -------------------------           -------------------------             ---------

<S>                                 <C>                                   <C>
Robert W. Constien                  Executive Vice President              10/16/95

Richard C. Warrener                 Executive Vice President and          1/1/98
                                    Chief Financial Officer

Mark E. Rowland                     Senior Vice President and             1/1/98
                                    Senior Lender

Mark A. Soukup                      President and Chief Executive         8/30/96
                                    Officer of State Bank

Kenneth A. Joyce                    Chairman and Chief Executive          1/1/98
                                    Officer of RMC and RDSI

</TABLE>

                                       92

<PAGE>   1



                                  Exhibit 10(w)

                                     FORM OF
                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
                          (Non-Qualified Stock Options)

         THIS AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made to be effective as of
_________ __ 199_, by and between Rurban Financial Corp., an Ohio corporation
(the "COMPANY"), and (the "OPTIONEE").

                                   WITNESSETH:

         WHEREAS, the Board of Directors and the shareholders of the COMPANY
have adopted the Rurban Financial Corp. Stock Option Plan (the "PLAN"); and

         WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the PLAN, the Compensation
Committee (the "COMMITTEE") administers the PLAN and the COMMITTEE has
determined that an option to acquire common shares, no par value (the "COMMON
SHARES"), of the COMPANY should be granted to the OPTIONEE upon the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the parties hereto
make the following agreement, intending to be legally bound thereby:

         (l) Grant of OPTION. The COMPANY hereby grants to the OPTIONEE an
option (the "OPTION") to purchase COMMON SHARES of the COMPANY. The OPTION is
not intended to qualify as an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "CODE").

         (2) Terms and Conditions of the OPTION.

                  (A) OPTION Price. The purchase price (the "OPTION PRICE") to
be paid by the OPTIONEE to the COMPANY upon the exercise of the OPTION shall be
$__.___ per share, being the closing price of the Common Shares on ______,
_____, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 3.

                  (B) Exercise of the OPTION. The OPTION may not be exercised
until the OPTIONEE shall have completed twelve months of continuous employment
with the COMPANY and/or its subsidiaries immediately following the date hereof.
Thereafter, the OPTION may be exercised as follows:

                           (i) at any time after such twelve-month period as to
twenty percent (20%) of the COMMON SHARES subject to the OPTION;

                           (ii) at any time after twenty-four months from the
date of this Agreement as to an additional twenty percent (20%) of the COMMON
SHARES subject to the OPTION;

                           (iii) at any time after thirty-six months from the
date of this Agreement as to an additional twenty percent (20%) of the COMMON
SHARES subject to the OPTION;

                           (iv) at any time after forty-eight months from the
date of this Agreement as to an additional twenty percent (20%) of the COMMON
SHARES subject to the OPTION; and


                                       93
<PAGE>   2

                           (v) at any time after sixty months from the date of
this Agreement as to the remaining twenty percent (20%) of the COMMON SHARES
subject to the OPTION.

                  Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, if the
OPTION becomes exercisable as to certain COMMON SHARES, it shall remain
exercisable as to those COMMON SHARES until the date of expiration of the OPTION
term. The COMMITTEE may, but shall not be required to (unless otherwise provided
in this Agreement), accelerate the schedule of the time or times when the OPTION
may be exercised.

                  The grant of the OPTION shall not confer upon the OPTIONEE any
right to continue in the employment of the COMPANY nor limit in any way the
right of the COMPANY to terminate the employment of the OPTIONEE at any time in
accordance with law or the COMPANY's governing corporate documents.

                  (C) OPTION Term. The OPTION shall in no event be exercisable
after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date of this Agreement.

                  (D) Method of Exercise. The OPTION may be exercised by giving
written notice of exercise to the COMMITTEE in care of the Secretary of the
COMPANY stating the number of COMMON SHARES subject to the OPTION in respect of
which it is being exercised. Payment for all such COMMON SHARES shall be made to
the COMPANY at the time the OPTION is exercised in United States dollars in cash
(including check, bank draft or money order). If permitted by the COMMITTEE,
payment for such COMMON SHARES may be made (i) by delivery of COMMON SHARES of
the COMPANY already owned by the OPTIONEE and having a Fair Market Value (as
that term is defined in the PLAN) on the date of delivery equal to the OPTION
PRICE, or (ii) by delivery of a combination of cash and already owned COMMON
SHARES. After payment in full for the COMMON SHARES purchased under the OPTION
has been made, the COMPANY shall take all such action as is necessary to deliver
appropriate share certificates evidencing the COMMON SHARES purchased upon the
exercise of the OPTION as promptly thereafter as is reasonably practicable.

                  (E) Satisfaction of Taxes and Tax Withholding Requirements.
The COMMITTEE shall determine the appropriate arrangements for the satisfaction
by the COMPANY and the OPTIONEE of all federal, state, local or other income,
excise or employment taxes or tax withholding requirements applicable to the
exercise of the OPTION or the later disposition of the COMMON SHARES or other
property thereby acquired.

         (3) Adjustments and Changes in the COMMON SHARES.

                  (A) In the event that the outstanding COMMON SHARES of the
COMPANY shall be changed into or exchanged for a different kind of shares or
other securities of the COMPANY or of another corporation (whether by reason of
merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, split-up, combination
of shares or otherwise) or if the number of such COMMON SHARES shall be
increased through the payment of a stock dividend, then unless such change
results in the termination of all outstanding options granted pursuant to the
PLAN, there shall be substituted for or added to each COMMON SHARE of the
COMPANY subject to the OPTION, the number and kind of shares or other securities
into which each outstanding COMMON SHARE of the COMPANY shall be changed, or for
which each such COMMON SHARE shall be exchanged, or to which the holder of each
such COMMON SHARE shall be entitled, as the case may be. The OPTION shall also
be appropriately amended as to the OPTION PRICE and other terms as may be
necessary to reflect the foregoing events. In the event there shall be any other
change in the number or kind of the outstanding shares of the COMPANY, or of any
shares or other securities into which such shares shall have been changed, 


                                       94
<PAGE>   3

or for which they shall have been exchanged, then if the COMMITTEE shall, in its
sole discretion, determine that such change equitably requires an adjustment in
the OPTION, such adjustment shall be made by the COMMITTEE in accordance with
such determination. Fractional shares resulting from any adjustment in the
OPTION pursuant to this Section 3(A) shall be rounded down to the nearest whole
number of shares.

                  (B) Notice of any adjustment pursuant to this Section 3 shall
be given by the COMPANY to the OPTIONEE.

         (4) Acceleration of OPTIONS.

                  (A) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the
contrary, upon the earlier of (i) the OPTIONEE's 70th birth date, (ii) the
occurrence of an Applicable Event (as defined in the PLAN), (iii) the death of
the OPTIONEE or (iv) total disability, all OPTIONS granted to the OPTIONEE shall
be fully exercisable in accordance with terms of the PLAN. For purposes of this
paragraph, an OPTIONEE is totally disabled if he is receiving disability
benefits under the Social Security Act as the result of a total and permanent
disability, or is determined to be totally disabled under any long-term
disability plan sponsored by the COMPANY.

                  (B) The grant of this OPTION shall not affect in any way the
right of the COMPANY to adjust, reclassify, reorganize, or otherwise change its
capital or business structure or to merge, consolidate, dissolve, liquidate or
sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

         (5) Non-Assignability of OPTION. The OPTION shall not be assignable or
otherwise transferable by the OPTIONEE except (i) by will or by the laws of
descent and distribution or (ii) to an immediate family member, partnership
consisting solely of immediate family members or trusts for the benefit of
immediate family members. The OPTION may not be exercised during the lifetime of
the OPTIONEE except by him, his guardian or legal representative.

         (6) Effect of Termination of Employment or Death.

                  (A) If an OPTIONEE's status as a director or as an employee of
the Company terminates for any reason, other than his retirement, death or
disability, before the date of expiration of any OPTIONS held by such OPTIONEE,
such OPTIONS shall become null and void on the date of such termination. An
OPTIONEE who terminates employment with the COMPANY, but retains his status as a
Director is not considered terminated for purposes of this Section 6. The date
of such termination shall be the date the OPTIONEE ceases to be both a director
and an employee of the Company.

                  (B) If an OPTIONEE dies before the expiration of any OPTIONS
held by the OPTIONEE, such OPTIONS shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the
date of expiration of the OPTIONS or (ii) one year following the date of the
OPTIONEE's death. The executor or administrator or personal representative of
the estate of a deceased OPTIONEE, or the person or persons to whom an OPTION
granted hereunder shall have been validly transferred by the executor or the
administrator or the personal representative of the OPTIONEE's estate, shall
have the right to exercise the OPTIONEE's OPTIONS. To the extent that such
OPTIONS would otherwise by exercisable under the terms of the Plan and the
OPTIONEE's Stock Option Agreement, such exercise may occur at any time prior to
the termination date specified in this paragraph.


                                       95
<PAGE>   4

                  (C) If an OPTIONEE becomes totally disabled before the
expiration of the OPTIONS held by the Optionee, such OPTIONS shall terminate on
the earlier of (i) the date of expiration of the OPTIONS Or (ii) one year
following the date of the OPTIONEE's termination of service due to disability.

         (7) Restrictions on Transfers of COMMON SHARES.

                  (A) Anything contained in this Agreement or elsewhere to the
contrary notwithstanding, the COMPANY may postpone the issuance and delivery of
COMMON SHARES upon any exercise of the OPTION until completion of any stock
exchange listing or registration or other qualification of such COMMON SHARES
under any state or federal law, rule or regulation as the COMPANY may consider
appropriate; and may require the OPTIONEE when exercising the OPTION to make
such representations and furnish such information as the COMPANY may consider
appropriate in connection with the issuance of the COMMON SHARES in compliance
with applicable law.

                  (B) COMMON SHARES issued and delivered upon exercise of the
OPTION shall be subject to such restrictions on trading, including appropriate
legending of certificates to that effect, as the COMPANY, in its discretion,
shall determine are necessary to satisfy applicable legal requirements and
obligations.

         (8) Rights of OPTIONEE. The OPTIONEE shall have no rights as a
shareholder of the COMPANY with respect to any COMMON SHARES of the COMPANY
covered by the OPTION until the date of issuance of a certificate to him
evidencing such COMMON SHARES.

         (9) PLAN as Controlling. All terms and conditions of the PLAN
applicable to the OPTION which are not set forth in this Agreement shall be
deemed incorporated herein by reference. Capitalized terms used in this
Agreement which are not defined herein shall have the meanings provided for such
terms in the PLAN. In the event that any term or condition of this Agreement is
inconsistent with the terms and conditions of the PLAN, the PLAN shall be deemed
controlling.

         (10) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.

         (11) Rights and Remedies Cumulative. All rights and remedies of the
COMPANY and of the OPTIONEE enumerated in this Agreement shall be cumulative
and, except as expressly provided otherwise in this Agreement, none shall
exclude any other rights or remedies allowed by law or in equity, and each of
said rights or remedies may be exercised and enforced concurrently.

         (12) Captions. The captions contained in this Agreement are included
only for convenience of reference and do not define, limit, explain or modify
this Agreement or its interpretation, construction or meaning and are in no way
to be construed as a part of this Agreement.

         (13) Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the
application of any provision hereof to any person or any circumstance shall be
determined to be invalid or unenforceable, then such determination shall not
affect any other provision of this Agreement or the application of said
provision to any other person or circumstance, all of which other provisions
shall remain in full force and effect, and it is the intention of each party to
this Agreement that if any provision of this Agreement is susceptible of two or
more constructions, one of which would render the provision enforceable and the
other or others of which would render the provision unenforceable, then the
provision shall have the meaning which renders it enforceable.


                                       96
<PAGE>   5

         (14) Number and Gender. When used in this Agreement, the number and
gender of each pronoun shall be construed to be such number and gender as the
context, circumstances or its antecedent may required.

         (15) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the PLAN constitute the
entire agreement between the COMPANY and the OPTIONEE in respect of the subject
matter of this Agreement, and this Agreement supersedes all prior and
contemporaneous agreements between the parties hereto in connection with the
subject matter of this Agreement. No officer, employee or other servant or agent
of the COMPANY, and no servant or agent of the OPTIONEE is authorized to make
any representation, warranty or other promise not contained in this Agreement.
No change, termination or attempted waiver of any of the provisions of this
Agreement shall be binding upon any party hereto unless contained in a writing
signed by the party to be charged.

         (16) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit
of and be binding upon the successors and assigns (including successive, as well
as immediate, successors and assigns) of the COMPANY.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
Agreement to be executed on the date first above written.


                                    COMPANY:

                                    RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP.


                                    By:
                                       ------------------------
                                    Its:
                                        -----------------------


<PAGE>   1

                                  Exhibit 10(x)

                                     FORM OF
                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
                            (Incentive Stock Options)


         THIS AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made to be effective as of
_________ __ 199_, by and between Rurban Financial Corp., an Ohio corporation
(the "COMPANY"), and (the "OPTIONEE").

                                   WITNESSETH:

         WHEREAS, the Board of Directors and the shareholders of the COMPANY
have adopted the Rurban Financial Corp. Stock Option Plan (the "PLAN"); and

         WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the PLAN, the Compensation
Committee (the "COMMITTEE") administers the PLAN and the COMMITTEE has
determined that an option to acquire common shares, no par value (the "COMMON
SHARES"), of the COMPANY should be granted to the OPTIONEE upon the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the parties hereto
make the following agreement, intending to be legally bound thereby:

         (l)      Grant of OPTION. The COMPANY hereby grants to the OPTIONEE an
option (the "OPTION") to purchase _____ COMMON SHARES of the COMPANY. The OPTION
is intended to qualify as an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "CODE").

         (2)      Terms and Conditions of the OPTION.

                  (A) OPTION Price. The purchase price (the "OPTION PRICE") to
be paid by the OPTIONEE to the COMPANY upon the exercise of the OPTION shall be
$__.____per share, being the closing price of the Common Shares on _________,
______, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 3.

                  (B) Exercise of the OPTION. The OPTION may not be exercised
until the OPTIONEE shall have completed twelve months of continuous employment
with the COMPANY and/or its subsidiaries immediately following the date hereof.
Thereafter, the OPTION may be exercised as follows:

                     (i)      at any time after such  twelve-month  period as to
twenty  percent (20%) of the COMMON SHARES subject to the OPTION;

                     (ii)     at any time after twenty-four months from the
date of this Agreement as to an additional twenty percent (20%) of the COMMON 
SHARES subject to the OPTION;

                     (iii)    at any time after thirty-six months from the
date of this Agreement as to an additional twenty percent (20%) of the COMMON 
SHARES subject to the OPTION;

                                       98


<PAGE>   2



                           (iv) at any time after forty-eight months from the
date of this Agreement as to an additional twenty percent (20%) of the COMMON
SHARES subject to the OPTION; and

                           (v)  at any time  after  sixty  months  from the  
date of this  Agreement  as to the remaining twenty percent (20%) of the COMMON 
SHARES subject to the OPTION.

                  Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, if the
OPTION becomes exercisable as to certain COMMON SHARES, it shall remain
exercisable as to those COMMON SHARES until the date of expiration of the OPTION
term. The COMMITTEE may, but shall not be required to (unless otherwise provided
in this Agreement), accelerate the schedule of the time or times when the OPTION
may be exercised.

                  The grant of the OPTION shall not confer upon the OPTIONEE any
right to continue in the employment of the COMPANY nor limit in any way the
right of the COMPANY to terminate the employment of the OPTIONEE at any time in
accordance with law or the COMPANY's governing corporate documents.

                  (C) OPTION Term. The OPTION shall in no event be exercisable
after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date of the Agreement.

                  (D) Method of Exercise. The OPTION may be exercised by giving
written notice of exercise to the COMMITTEE in care of the Secretary of the
COMPANY stating the number of COMMON SHARES subject to the OPTION in respect of
which it is being exercised. Payment for all such COMMON SHARES shall be made to
the COMPANY at the time the OPTION is exercised in United States dollars in cash
(including check, bank draft or money order). If permitted by the COMMITTEE,
payment for such COMMON SHARES may be made (i) by delivery of COMMON SHARES of
the COMPANY already owned by the OPTIONEE and having a Fair Market Value (as
that term is defined in the PLAN) on the date of delivery equal to the OPTION
PRICE, or (ii) by delivery of a combination of cash and already owned COMMON
SHARES. After payment in full for the COMMON SHARES purchased under the OPTION
has been made, the COMPANY shall take all such action as is necessary to deliver
appropriate share certificates evidencing the COMMON SHARES purchased upon the
exercise of the OPTION as promptly thereafter as is reasonably practicable.

                  (E) Satisfaction of Taxes and Tax Withholding Requirements.
The COMMITTEE shall determine the appropriate arrangements for the satisfaction
by the COMPANY and the OPTIONEE of all federal, state, local or other income,
excise or employment taxes or tax withholding requirements applicable to the
exercise of the OPTION or the later disposition of the COMMON SHARES or other
property thereby acquired.

         (3)      Adjustments and Changes in the COMMON SHARES.

                  (A) In the event that the outstanding COMMON SHARES of the
COMPANY shall be changed into or exchanged for a different kind of shares or
other securities of the COMPANY or of another corporation (whether by reason of
merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, split-up, combination
of shares or otherwise) or if the number of such COMMON SHARES shall be
increased through the payment of a stock dividend, then unless such change
results in the termination of all outstanding options granted pursuant to the
PLAN, there shall be substituted for or added to each COMMON SHARE of the
COMPANY subject to the OPTION, the number and kind of shares or other securities
into which each outstanding COMMON SHARE of the COMPANY shall be changed, or for
which each such COMMON SHARE shall be exchanged, or to which the holder of each
such COMMON SHARE shall be entitled, as the case may be. The OPTION shall also
be appropriately amended as to the 


                                     99

<PAGE>   3




OPTION PRICE and other terms as may be necessary to reflect the foregoing
events. In the event there shall be any other change in the number or kind of
the outstanding shares of the COMPANY, or of any shares or other securities into
which such shares shall have been changed, or for which they shall have been
exchanged, then if the COMMITTEE shall, in its sole discretion, determine that
such change equitably requires an adjustment in the OPTION, such adjustment
shall be made by the COMMITTEE in accordance with such determination. Fractional
shares resulting from any adjustment in the OPTION pursuant to this Section 3(A)
shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number of shares.

                  (B) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any and all adjustments in
connection with the OPTION shall comply in all respects with Section 422 of the
CODE, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

                  (C) Notice of any  adjustment  pursuant  to this  Section 3 
shall be given by the COMPANY to the OPTIONEE.

         (4)      Acceleration of OPTIONS.

                  (A) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the
contrary, upon the earlier of (i) the OPTIONEE's 65th birth date, (ii) the
occurrence of an Applicable Event (as defined in the PLAN), (iii) the death of
the OPTIONEE or (iv) total disability, all OPTIONS granted to the OPTIONEE shall
be fully exercisable in accordance with terms of the PLAN. For purposes of this
paragraph, an OPTIONEE is totally disabled if he is receiving disability
benefits under the Social Security Act as the result of a total and permanent
disability, or is determined to be totally disabled under any long-term
disability plan sponsored by the COMPANY.

                  (B) The grant of this OPTION shall not affect in any way the
right of the COMPANY to adjust, reclassify, reorganize, or otherwise change its
capital or business structure or to merge, consolidate, dissolve, liquidate or
sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

         (5)      Non-Assignability of OPTION. The OPTION shall not be 
assignable or otherwise transferable by the OPTIONEE except by will or by the
laws of descent and distribution. The OPTION may not be exercised during the
lifetime of the OPTIONEE except by him, his guardian or legal representative.

         (6)      Effect of Termination of Employment or Death.

                  (A) If an OPTIONEES's status as an employee of the COMPANY
terminates for any reason, other than death, retirement or disability, before
the date of expiration of OPTIONS held by such OPTIONEE, such OPTIONS shall
become null and void on the date of such termination.

                  (B) If an OPTIONEES's employment with the COMPANY terminates
due to retirement or death, such OPTIONS shall terminate on the earlier of (i)
the date of the expiration of the OPTIONS or (ii) three months following such
termination of employment.

                  (C) If an OPTIONEE's status as employee of the COMPANY
terminates due to disability, as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, such OPTIONS shall terminate on the earlier of
(i) the date of the expiration of the OPTIONS or (ii) on year following such
termination of employment.


                                       100




<PAGE>   4

         (7)      Restrictions on Transfers of COMMON SHARES.

                  (A) Anything contained in this Agreement or elsewhere to the
contrary notwithstanding, the COMPANY may postpone the issuance and delivery of
COMMON SHARES upon any exercise of the OPTION until completion of any stock
exchange listing or registration or other qualification of such COMMON SHARES
under any state or federal law, rule or regulation as the COMPANY may consider
appropriate; and may require the OPTIONEE when exercising the OPTION to make
such representations and furnish such information as the COMPANY may consider
appropriate in connection with the issuance of the COMMON SHARES in compliance
with applicable law.

                  (B) COMMON SHARES issued and delivered upon exercise of the
OPTION shall be subject to such restrictions on trading, including appropriate
legending of certificates to that effect, as the COMPANY, in its discretion,
shall determine are necessary to satisfy applicable legal requirements and
obligations.

         (8) Rights of OPTIONEE. The OPTIONEE shall have no rights as a
shareholder of the COMPANY with respect to any COMMON SHARES of the COMPANY
covered by the OPTION until the date of issuance of a certificate to him
evidencing such COMMON SHARES.

         (9) PLAN as Controlling. All terms and conditions of the PLAN
applicable to the OPTION which are not set forth in this Agreement shall be
deemed incorporated herein by reference. Capitalized terms used in this
Agreement which are not defined herein shall have the meanings provided for such
terms in the PLAN. In the event that any term or condition of this Agreement is
inconsistent with the terms and conditions of the PLAN, the PLAN shall be deemed
controlling.

         (10) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.

         (11) Rights and Remedies Cumulative. All rights and remedies of the
COMPANY and of the OPTIONEE enumerated in this Agreement shall be cumulative
and, except as expressly provided otherwise in this Agreement, none shall
exclude any other rights or remedies allowed by law or in equity, and each of
said rights or remedies may be exercised and enforced concurrently.

         (12) Captions. The captions contained in this Agreement are included
only for convenience of reference and do not define, limit, explain or modify
this Agreement or its interpretation, construction or meaning and are in no way
to be construed as a part of this Agreement.

         (13) Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the
application of any provision hereof to any person or any circumstance shall be
determined to be invalid or unenforceable, then such determination shall not
affect any other provision of this Agreement or the application of said
provision to any other person or circumstance, all of which other provisions
shall remain in full force and effect, and it is the intention of each party to
this Agreement that if any provision of this Agreement is susceptible of two or
more constructions, one of which would render the provision enforceable and the
other or others of which would render the provision unenforceable, then the
provision shall have the meaning which renders it enforceable.

         (14) Number and Gender. When used in this Agreement, the number and
gender of each pronoun shall be construed to be such number and gender as the
context, circumstances or its antecedent may required.


                                      101




<PAGE>   5

         (15) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the PLAN constitute the
entire agreement between the COMPANY and the OPTIONEE in respect of the subject
matter of this Agreement, and this Agreement supersedes all prior and
contemporaneous agreements between the parties hereto in connection with the
subject matter of this Agreement. No officer, employee or other servant or agent
of the COMPANY, and no servant or agent of the OPTIONEE is authorized to make
any representation, warranty or other promise not contained in this Agreement.
No change, termination or attempted waiver of any of the provisions of this
Agreement shall be binding upon any party hereto unless contained in a writing
signed by the party to be charged.

         (16) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit
of and be binding upon the successors and assigns (including successive, as well
as immediate, successors and assigns) of the COMPANY.

              IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
Agreement to be executed on the date first above written.


                                              COMPANY:

                                              RURBAN FINANCIAL CORP.


                                              By:
                                                 ------------------------
                                              Its:
                                                  -----------------------



                                      102











<PAGE>   1
                                   Exhibit 23

         We consent to the incorporation by reference and use of our report
dated January 30, 1998, on the consolidated financial statements of Rurban
Financial Corp., which appears on page 49 of Rurban Financial Corp.'s Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1997, in Rurban Financial Corp.'s Registration
Statement on Form S-8 pertaining to the Rurban Financial Corp. Stock Option
Plan.



                                                  Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP


South Bend, Indiana
March 23, 1998





                                      103

<PAGE>   1



                                   Exhibit 24


                               POWERS OF ATTORNEY











                                      104
<PAGE>   2


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Rurban Financial Corp., an Ohio corporation which is about to
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, hereby constitutes and
appoints Thomas C. Williams and Richard Warrener as his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign both the Annual Report on Form 10-K and any and all
amendments and documents related thereto, and to file the same, and any and all
exhibits, financial statements and schedules related thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and substitute or substitutes,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them or his or
their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand
this 20th day of March, 1998.



                                               /s/ THOMAS C. WILLIAMS
                                               --------------------------- 
                                               Thomas C. Williams


   

                                       105

<PAGE>   3


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Rurban Financial Corp., an Ohio corporation which is about to
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, hereby constitutes and
appoints Thomas C. Williams and Richard Warrener as his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign both the Annual Report on Form 10-K and any and all
amendments and documents related thereto, and to file the same, and any and all
exhibits, financial statements and schedules related thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and substitute or substitutes,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them or his or
their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand
this 20th day of March, 1998.



                                               /s/ RICHARD C. BURROWS
                                               --------------------------- 
                                               Richard C. Burrows






                                      106


<PAGE>   4


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Rurban Financial Corp., an Ohio corporation which is about to
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, hereby constitutes and
appoints Thomas C. Williams and Richard Warrener as his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign both the Annual Report on Form 10-K and any and all
amendments and documents related thereto, and to file the same, and any and all
exhibits, financial statements and schedules related thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and substitute or substitutes,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them or his or
their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand
this 20th day of March, 1998.


                                                /s/ JOHN R. COMPO
                                                --------------------------- 
                                                John R. Compo



                                      107

<PAGE>   5


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Rurban Financial Corp., an Ohio corporation which is about to
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, hereby constitutes and
appoints Thomas C. Williams and Richard Warrener as his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign both the Annual Report on Form 10-K and any and all
amendments and documents related thereto, and to file the same, and any and all
exhibits, financial statements and schedules related thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and substitute or substitutes,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them or his or
their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand
this 20th day of March, 1998.


                                                /s/ JOHN FAHL
                                               -----------------
                                               John Fahl




                                      108

<PAGE>   6


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Rurban Financial Corp., an Ohio corporation which is about to
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, hereby constitutes and
appoints Thomas C. Williams and Richard Warrener as his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign both the Annual Report on Form 10-K and any and all
amendments and documents related thereto, and to file the same, and any and all
exhibits, financial statements and schedules related thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and substitute or substitutes,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them or his or
their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand
this 20th day of March, 1998.



                                               /s/ ROBERT A. FAWCETT, JR.
                                               --------------------------- 
                                               Robert A. Fawcett, Jr.



                                      109

<PAGE>   7


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Rurban Financial Corp., an Ohio corporation which is about to
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, hereby constitutes and
appoints Thomas C. Williams and Richard Warrener as his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign both the Annual Report on Form 10-K and any and all
amendments and documents related thereto, and to file the same, and any and all
exhibits, financial statements and schedules related thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and substitute or substitutes,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them or his or
their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand
this 20th day of March, 1998.


                                                    /s/ RICHARD Z. GRAHAM
                                                    --------------------------- 
                                                        Richard Z. Graham


                                      110


<PAGE>   8


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Rurban Financial Corp., an Ohio corporation which is about to
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, hereby constitutes and
appoints Thomas C. Williams and Richard Warrener as his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign both the Annual Report on Form 10-K and any and all
amendments and documents related thereto, and to file the same, and any and all
exhibits, financial statements and schedules related thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and substitute or substitutes,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them or his or
their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand
this 20th day of March, 1998.



                                               /s/ ERIC C. HENCH
                                               --------------------------- 
                                               Eric C. Hench


                                      111
<PAGE>   9


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Rurban Financial Corp., an Ohio corporation which is about to
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, hereby constitutes and
appoints Thomas C. Williams and Richard Warrener as his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign both the Annual Report on Form 10-K and any and all
amendments and documents related thereto, and to file the same, and any and all
exhibits, financial statements and schedules related thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and substitute or substitutes,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them or his or
their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand
this 20th day of March, 1998.


                                               /s/ W. SCOTT MUIR
                                               --------------------------- 
                                               W. Scott Muir

                                      112


<PAGE>   10


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Rurban Financial Corp., an Ohio corporation which is about to
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, hereby constitutes and
appoints Thomas C. Williams and Richard Warrener as his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign both the Annual Report on Form 10-K and any and all
amendments and documents related thereto, and to file the same, and any and all
exhibits, financial statements and schedules related thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and substitute or substitutes,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them or his or
their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand
this 20th day of March, 1998.


                                               /s/ STEVEN D. VANDEMARK
                                               --------------------------- 
                                               Steven D. VanDemark

                                      113



<PAGE>   11


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Rurban Financial Corp., an Ohio corporation which is about to
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, hereby constitutes and
appoints Thomas C. Williams and Richard Warrener as his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign both the Annual Report on Form 10-K and any and all
amendments and documents related thereto, and to file the same, and any and all
exhibits, financial statements and schedules related thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and substitute or substitutes,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them or his or
their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand
this 20th day of March, 1998.



                                               /s/ J. MICHAEL WALZ
                                               --------------------------- 
                                               J. Michael Walz, D.D.S.

                                      114

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 9
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                      15,552,385
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                         529,777
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                             6,670,000
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                     0
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                 71,683,120
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                               0
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                                 0
<LOANS>                                    363,851,637
<ALLOWANCE>                                  5,239,601
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             471,371,090
<DEPOSITS>                                 415,181,286
<SHORT-TERM>                                 4,929,000
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                          4,637,009
<LONG-TERM>                                  7,529,867
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                     4,903,098
<OTHER-SE>                                  25,364,858
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>             471,371,090
<INTEREST-LOAN>                             32,155,039
<INTEREST-INVEST>                            4,212,421
<INTEREST-OTHER>                               753,081
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                            37,120,541
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                          16,305,732
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                          16,689,155
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                       20,431,386
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                  947,965
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                             193,892
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                             19,252,896
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              7,986,266
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                   5,515,797
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                 5,515,797
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.49
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.49
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                    4.85
<LOANS-NON>                                  2,303,000
<LOANS-PAST>                                   462,000
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                     0
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                              3,855,000
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                             5,066,600
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                1,325,606
<RECOVERIES>                                   550,642
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                            5,239,601
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                         4,623,000
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                  0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                        616,601
        

</TABLE>


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