PARK NATIONAL CORP /OH/
10-K, 1998-03-19
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>   1
                                  UNITED STATES
                       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 1-13006

                            PARK NATIONAL CORPORATION
             ------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                          <C>
                            Ohio                                                          31-1179518
- --------------------------------------------------------------              ------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)              (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


            50 North Third Street, Newark, Ohio                                             43055
         ----------------------------------------                            -----------------------------------
         (Address of principal executive offices)                                         (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code                                     (740) 349-8451
                                                                             -----------------------------------

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

                                                                                     Name of each exchange
         Title of each class                                                         on which registered
         -------------------                                                         -----------------------
Common Shares, without par value (9,391,648 common shares                            American Stock Exchange
outstanding on February 27, 1998)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:                                    None
                                                                                    --------------------------
</TABLE>

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 closing price reported on the American Stock Exchange on February
27, 1998, the aggregate market value of the Common Shares of the Registrant held
by non-affiliates on that date was $576,589,375.
                                    -----------
Documents Incorporated by Reference:

     (1)   Portions of the Registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for the
           fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, are incorporated by reference
           into Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

     (2)   Portions of the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its
           Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 20, 1998, are
           incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form
           10-K.

                            Exhibit Index on Page 92
                                                  ---

<PAGE>   2


                                     PART I

Item 1.    Business.

                                     General

           Park National Corporation, an Ohio corporation (the "Company"), 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 Company are located
in Newark, Ohio.

           Through its subsidiaries, The Park National Bank, Newark, Ohio, a
national banking association ("PNB"), The Richland Trust Company, Mansfield,
Ohio, an Ohio state-chartered bank ("Richland"), Century National Bank,
Zanesville, Ohio, a national banking association ("Century"), and The First-Knox
National Bank of Mount Vernon, a national banking association ("FKNB"), the
Company is engaged in a general commercial banking and trust business, in
fifteen counties in central and southern Ohio. PNB operates through two banking
divisions with the Park Division headquartered in Newark, Ohio and the Fairfield
National Division headquartered in Lancaster, Ohio. FKNB also operates through
two banking divisions with the First-Knox Division headquartered in Mount
Vernon, Ohio and the Farmers and Savings Bank Division headquartered in
Loudonville, Ohio (formerly The Farmers and Savings Bank).

           Effective April 7, 1997, Mutual Federal Savings Bank converted from a
federal savings association charter to a national bank charter and, in
connection therewith, changed its name to "Century National Bank."

           On May 5, 1997, the Company merged with First-Knox Banc Corp., a $569
million bank holding company headquartered in Mount Vernon, Ohio ("First-Knox"),
in a transaction accounted for as a pooling of interests (the "Merger"). Upon
effectiveness of the Merger, pursuant to the terms of an Agreement and Plan of
Merger, dated as of October 28, 1996, as amended by an Amendment to Agreement
and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 10, 1997 (collectively, the "Merger
Agreement"), each of the outstanding common shares of First-Knox was converted
into the right to receive .5914 common shares of the Company (the "Exchange
Ratio"). As a result of the Merger, approximately 2.3 million common shares of
the Company were issued to the former First-Knox shareholders.

           On December 8, 1997, the Fairfield National Division of PNB acquired
three branch offices in Lancaster, Ohio from KeyBank National Association
pursuant to a Branch Purchase and Assumption Agreement, dated as of May 23,
1997, as amended by an Amendment No. 1 to Branch Purchase and Assumption
Agreement, dated as of September 24, 1997. In addition to the fixed assets of
such branches, the purchase included approximately $49 million of deposits and
approximately $12 million of loans. The banking business of these three branches
has been consolidated into the operations of the Fairfield National Division.

           Effective December 30, 1997, The Farmers and Savings Bank, an Ohio
state-charted bank which had been a subsidiary of First-Knox and became a
subsidiary of the Company as a result of the Merger, merged into FKNB, a former
subsidiary of First-Knox which also became a subsidiary of the




                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3

Company as a result of the Merger. The operations of The Farmers and Savings
Bank are now conducted through the Farmers and Savings Bank Division of FKNB.

                 Services Provided by the Company's Subsidiaries

           PNB, Richland, Century and FKNB provide the following principal
services: the acceptance of deposits for demand, savings and time accounts and
the servicing of such accounts; commercial, industrial, consumer and real estate
lending, including installment loans, credit cards, home equity lines of credit
and commercial and auto leasing; safe deposit operations; trust services; cash
management; electronic funds transfers; and a variety of additional
banking-related services tailored to the needs of individual customers. The
Company believes that the deposit mix of its subsidiaries is such that no
material portion thereof has been obtained from a single customer and,
consequently, the loss of any one customer of any subsidiary of the Company
would not have a materially adverse effect on the business of that subsidiary or
the Company.

           The Company's subsidiaries deal with a wide cross-section of
businesses and corporations which are located primarily in Ashland, Athens,
Coshocton, Fairfield, Franklin, Hamilton, Hocking, Holmes, Knox, Licking,
Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Perry and Richland Counties in Ohio. Few loans are
made to borrowers outside these counties. Lending decisions at each of the
Company's subsidiaries are made in accordance with written loan policies
designed to maintain loan quality. Each of the Company's subsidiaries originates
and retains for its own portfolio commercial and commercial real estate loans,
variable rate residential real estate loans, home equity lines of credit,
installment loans and credit card loans. Fixed rate residential real estate
loans are also generated for the secondary market. The loans of each of the
Company's subsidiaries are spread over a broad range of industrial
classifications. The Company believes that its subsidiaries have no significant
concentrations of loans to borrowers engaged in the same or similar industries
and such subsidiaries do not have any loans to foreign entities.

           Commercial lending entails significant additional risks as compared
with consumer lending -- i.e., single-family residential mortgage lending, home
equity lines of credit, installment lending, credit card loans and automobile
leasing. In addition, the payment experience on commercial loans is typically
dependent on adequate cash flow of a business and thus may be subject, to a
greater extent, to adverse conditions in the economy generally or adverse
conditions in a specific industry.

           At December 31, 1997, the Company's subsidiaries had outstanding
approximately $481.3 million in commercial loans (including commercial real
estate loans) and commercial leases, representing approximately 30.2% of their
total aggregate loan portfolio as of that date. PNB's, Richland's, Century's and
FKNB's regulatory limits for loans made to one borrower were $13.1 million, $4.3
million, $4.0 million and $6.5 million, respectively, at December 31, 1997.
However, participations in loans of amounts larger than $5.0 million are
generally sold to other banks. Loan terms include amortization schedules
commensurate with the purpose of each loan, the source of each repayment and the
risk involved. Executive Committee approval is required for loans to borrowers
whose aggregate total debt, including the principal amount of the proposed loan,
exceeds $2.0 million. The primary analysis technique used in determining whether
to grant a commercial loan is the review of a schedule of cash flows in order to
evaluate whether anticipated future cash flows will be adequate to service both
interest and principal due.



                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
           The Company has a loan review program which reevaluates annually all
loans with an outstanding amount greater than $100,000. If it is determined that
deterioration has occurred, effective and prompt action is taken by the
responsible subsidiary. Upon detection of a reduced ability of a borrower to
service interest and/or principal on a loan, the loan is downgraded and placed
on non-accrual status. The subsidiary then works with the borrower to develop a
payment schedule which they anticipate will permit the principal and interest on
the loan to be serviced by the borrower. Loans which deteriorate and show an
inability of a borrower to repay principal and do not meet the subsidiary's
standards are charged off quarterly.

           PNB also leases equipment under terms similar to its commercial
lending policies. Park Leasing Company, a division of PNB, originates and
services direct leases of equipment which PNB acquires with no outside
financing. In addition, Scope Leasing, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of PNB,
specializes in the direct leasing of aircraft with no outside financing.

           At December 31, 1997, the Company's subsidiaries had outstanding
consumer loans (including automobile leases and credit cards) in an aggregate
amount of approximately $336.3 million constituting approximately 21.1% of their
aggregate total loan portfolio. The Company's subsidiaries make installment
credit available to customers and prospective customers in their primary market
area of Ashland, Athens, Coshocton, Fairfield, Franklin, Hamilton, Hocking,
Holmes, Knox, Licking, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Perry and Richland Counties,
Ohio. In addition, the Company's subsidiaries are participants in an automobile
installment loan program sponsored by an insurance company as a result of which
automobile installment loans may be made to borrowers in other counties located
in the State of Ohio. Credit approval for consumer loans requires demonstration
of sufficiency of income to repay principal and interest due, stability of
employment, a positive credit record and sufficient collateral for secured
loans. It is the policy of the Company's subsidiaries to adhere strictly to all
laws and regulations governing consumer lending. A qualified compliance officer
is responsible for monitoring each subsidiary's performance in this area and for
advising and updating loan personnel. The Company's subsidiaries make credit
life insurance and health and accident insurance available to all qualified
buyers, thus reducing their risk of loss when a borrower's income is terminated
or interrupted. It is the policy of each of the Company's subsidiaries to review
its consumer loan portfolio monthly and to charge off loans which do not meet
that subsidiary's standards. Each subsidiary also offers VISA and MasterCard
accounts through their consumer lending departments. These accounts are
administered in accordance with the same standards as applied to other consumer
loans and leases.

           Consumer loans generally involve more risk as to collectibility than
mortgage loans because of the type and nature of the collateral and, in certain
instances, the absence of collateral. As a result, consumer lending collections
are dependent upon the borrower's continued financial stability, and thus are
more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce or personal bankruptcy
and by adverse economic conditions.

           At December 31, 1997, there were approximately $774.3 million in
residential real estate, home equity lines of credit and construction mortgages
outstanding, representing approximately 48.6% of total loans outstanding. The
market area for real estate lending by the Company's subsidiaries is
concentrated in Ashland, Athens, Coshocton, Fairfield, Franklin, Hamilton,
Hocking, Holmes, Knox, Licking, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Perry and Richland
Counties, Ohio. The Company's subsidiaries generally require that the loan
amount with respect to residential real estate loans be no


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5

more than 80% of the purchase price or the appraisal value of the real estate
securing the loan, unless private mortgage insurance is obtained by the borrower
with respect to the percentage exceeding such 80%. Loans made for each
subsidiary's portfolio in this lending category are generally one year
adjustable rate, fully amortized mortgages. Each subsidiary also originates
fixed rate real estate loans for the secondary market. The standards applicable
to these loans permit a higher loan to value ratio and a longer loan term. These
loans are generally sold immediately after closing. All real estate loans are
secured by first mortgages with evidence of title in favor of the subsidiary in
the form of an attorney's opinion of title or a title insurance policy. The
Company's subsidiaries also require proof of hazard insurance with the
appropriate subsidiary named as the mortgagee and as the loss payee. Independent
appraisals are required in the case of loans in excess of $250,000.

           Home equity lines of credit are generally made as second mortgages by
the Company's subsidiaries. The maximum amount of a home equity line of credit
is generally limited to 80% of the appraised value of the property less the
balance of the first mortgage. The home equity lines of credit are written with
ten year terms but are subject to review and reappraisal every three years. A
variable interest rate is generally charged on the home equity lines of credit.

           Construction financing is generally considered to involve a higher
degree of risk of loss than long-term financing on improved, occupied real
estate. Risk of loss on a construction loan is dependent largely upon the
accuracy of the initial estimate of the property's value at completion of
construction and the estimated cost (including interest) of construction. If the
estimate of construction cost proves to be inaccurate, the Company's subsidiary
making the loan may be required to advance funds beyond the amount originally
committed to permit completion of the project. If the estimate of value proves
inaccurate, the subsidiary may be confronted, at or prior to the maturity of the
loan, with a project having a value which is insufficient to assure full
repayment, should the borrower default.

                                   Competition

           The Company's subsidiaries compete for deposits and loans with other
banks, savings associations, credit unions and other types of financial
institutions. The primary factors in competing for loans are interest rates
charged and overall services provided to borrowers. The primary factors in
competing for deposits are interest rates paid on deposits, account liquidity
and the convenience of office locations.

                                    Employees

           As of December 31, 1997, the Company and its subsidiaries had 978
full-time equivalent employees.

                           Supervision and Regulation

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

           The Company is a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company
Act of 1956, as amended, which restricts the activities of the Company and the
acquisition by the Company of voting shares or assets of any bank, savings
association or other company. The Company is also subject to



                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6

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. In addition, any savings association acquired by a bank holding
company must conform its activities to those permissible for a bank holding
company under the Bank Holding Company Act.

           As national banks, PNB, Century and FKNB are supervised and regulated
by the Comptroller of the Currency (the "Comptroller"). As an Ohio
state-chartered bank, Richland is supervised and regulated by the Ohio Division
of Financial Institutions (the "ODFI").

           The deposits of PNB, Richland, Century and FKNB are insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC") and those entities are
subject to the applicable provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. See
"Deposit Insurance Assessments and Recent Legislation" below. 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 PNB, Richland, Century and
FKNB 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. Since June 1997, pursuant to federal legislation, PNB,
Century and FKNB have been authorized to branch across state lines, 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. The risk-based capital
guidelines include both a definition of capital and a framework for calculating
weighted risk assets by assigning assets and off-balance sheet items to broad
risk categories. The minimum ratio of capital to weighted risk 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,



                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7

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 PNB, Century and FKNB, are subject to similar capital requirements
adopted by the Comptroller and state non-member bank subsidiaries, such as
Richland, are subject to similar capital requirements adopted by the FDIC.

           The Company 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 and
savings associations. 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 Company to serve as
a source of strength to PNB, Richland, Century and FKNB which may require it to
retain capital for further investment in the subsidiaries, rather than use such
funds for dividends for shareholders of the Company. PNB, Richland, Century and
FKNB may not pay dividends to the Company 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. PNB, Richland, Century
and FKNB 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 or if necessary to maintain adequate capital for
the bank. These provisions could have the effect of limiting the Company's
ability to pay dividends on its outstanding common shares.

              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 members
of the Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF"). PNB, Richland and FKNB are
members of the BIF and Century is a member of the



                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8

SAIF. 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 SAIF
and BIF members. Under this system, assessments vary based on the risk the
institution poses to its deposit insurance fund. The risk level is based on the
institution's capital level and the FDIC's level of supervisory concern about
the institution.

                     Monetary Policy and Economic Conditions

           The business of commercial banks 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 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.

                       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 Company and its
subsidiaries. The Company believes that the nature of the operations of its
subsidiaries has little, if any, environmental impact. The Company, therefore,
anticipates no material capital expenditures for environmental control
facilities for its current fiscal year or for the foreseeable future. The
Company'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.

                           FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

           Certain statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K which
are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the
"Act"), including, without limitation, the statements specifically identified as
forward-looking statements within this document. In addition, certain statements
in future filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in
press releases, and in oral and written statements made by or with the approval
of the Company which are not statements of historical fact constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act. Examples of
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) projections of
revenues, income or loss, earnings



                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9

or loss per share, the payment or non-payment of dividends, capital structure
and other financial items; (ii) statements of plans and objectives of the
Company or its management or Board of Directors, including those relating to
products or services; (iii) statements of future economic performance; and (iv)
statements of assumptions underlying such statements. Words such as "believes",
anticipates", expects", "intends", "targeted", and similar expressions are
intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means
of identifying such statements.

           Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which may
cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. Factors
that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the strength of
the U.S. economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which
operations of the Company's subsidiaries are conducted; (ii) the effects of and
changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate
policies of the Federal Reserve Board; (iii) inflation, interest rate, market
and monetary fluctuations; (iv) the timely development of and acceptance of new
products and services and perceived overall value of these products and services
by customers; (v) changes in consumer spending, borrowing and saving habits;
(vi) technological changes; (vii) acquisitions and the ability to successfully
integrate their operations; (viii) the ability to increase market share and
control expenses; (ix) the effect of changes in laws and regulations (including
laws and regulations concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance) with
which the Company and its subsidiaries must comply; (x) the effect of changes in
accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies
as well as the Financial Accounting Standards Board; (xi) changes in the
Company's organization, compensation and benefit plans; (xii) the costs and
effects of litigation and of unexpected or adverse outcomes in such litigation;
and (xiii) the success of the Company at managing the risks involved in the
foregoing.

           Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which
such statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any
forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on
which such statement is made to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Item 2.    Properties.

           The Company's principal executive offices are located at 50 North
Third Street, Newark, Ohio 43055. The Company neither leases nor owns any
physical property, real or personal.

           The principal offices of PNB are located in its two-story main office
building at 50 North Third Street, Newark, Ohio 43055. PNB occupies all of this
building. PNB's Operations Center is located in a three-story building owned by
it at 21 South First Street, Newark, Ohio 43055. PNB occupies approximately
36,000 square feet of this building, with the remaining 4,000 square feet leased
to outside tenants. PNB, in addition to having six offices in Newark (including
the main office and the Operations Center), has offices in Granville, Heath (two
offices), Hebron, Johnstown, Kirkersville, Pataskala and Utica in Licking
County, an office in Columbus in Franklin County, an office in Cincinnati in
Hamilton County and offices in Baltimore, Pickerington and Lancaster (seven
offices) in Fairfield County. The offices in Fairfield County comprise the
Fairfield National Division. PNB also operates eight stand-alone automatic
banking center locations. The properties occupied by ten of PNB's Licking County
offices (including the main office and the Operations Center) and by four

                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10

Fairfield County offices are owned by PNB. The remaining three offices in
Licking County, five offices in Fairfield County and PNB's Franklin County and
Hamilton County offices are leased under leases with various expiration dates
through 2006. Certain of the leases contain renewal options. PNB owes no
mortgage debt on any of its property.

           The principal offices of Richland are located in its eight-story main
office building located at 3 North Main Street, Mansfield, Ohio. Richland
occupies 22,166 square feet out of the total 42,969 square feet of the building,
with the remaining portion leased to tenants not affiliated with Richland.
Richland, in addition to six offices in Mansfield (including the main office),
has offices in Butler, Lexington, Ontario and Shelby (two offices) in Richland
County. Richland also operates three stand-alone automatic banking center
locations. Richland owns the property occupied by all of these offices, with the
exception of one branch office in Mansfield which is leased through 2000.
Richland owes no mortgage debt on any of its property.

           The principal offices of Century are located in a two-story building
owned by it at 14 South Fifth Street, Zanesville, Ohio. Century occupies all of
this building. Century, in addition to having four offices (including the main
office) and a mortgage lending office in Zanesville, has offices in New Concord
in Muskingum County, Malta in Morgan County, New Lexington in Perry County,
Logan in Hocking County, Athens in Athens County and Coshocton in Coshocton
County. Century also operates three stand-alone automatic banking center
locations and a lending office in Dresden in Muskingum County. All of the
properties occupied by Century's offices are owned by Century, with the
exception of the office located in Coshocton which is leased under a lease which
expires in November, 1999 and the lending office in Dresden which is leased
month-to-month. Century owes no mortgage debt on any of its properties.

           The principal offices of FKNB are located in its four-story main
office building located at One South Main Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio. FKNB
occupies all of this building. FKNB's Operations Center is located in a
two-story building owned by it at 105 West Vine Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio. FKNB
occupies all of this building. FKNB, in addition to having three offices
(including the main office and the Operations Center) in Mount Vernon, has
offices in Loudonville and Perrysville in Ashland County, an office in
Millersburg in Holmes County, offices in Centerburg, Danville and Fredericktown
in Knox County, two offices in Mount Gilead in Morrow County and offices in
Bellville and Lexington in Richland County. The offices in Ashland County
comprise the Farmers and Savings Bank Division. FKNB also operates five
stand-alone automatic banking center locations. FKNB owns the property occupied
by all of these offices, with the exception of the branch in Millersburg where a
portion of this branch is leased through 2000. FKNB owes no mortgage debt on any
of its property.

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings.

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



                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11

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 Company as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the
positions presently held by each such executive officer and the positions held
by each such executive officer during his tenure as an executive officer of the
Company and its subsidiaries. All executive officers serve at the pleasure of
the Board of Directors of the Company.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Position(s) Held with the Company
Name                            Age                                  and its Principal Subsidiaries
- ----                            ---                                  ------------------------------

<S>                             <C>               <C>
William T. McConnell            64                Chairman of the Board since 1994, Chief Executive Officer and
                                                  Director since 1986, and President from 1986 to 1994, of the
                                                  Company; Chairman of the Board since 1993, Chief Executive
                                                  Officer since 1983, President from 1979 to 1993, and Director
                                                  since 1977, of PNB; Director of Century since 1990; Director of
                                                  FKNB since 1997

C. Daniel DeLawder              48                President and Director of the Company since 1994; President since
                                                  1993, Executive Vice President from 1992 to 1993, and Director
                                                  since 1992, of PNB; Chairman of Advisory Board since 1989, and
                                                  President from 1985 to 1992, of the Fairfield National Division
                                                  of PNB; Director of Richland since 1997

David C. Bowers                 61                Secretary since 1987, Chief Financial Officer and Chief
                                                  Accounting Officer since 1990, and Director from 1989 to 1990, of
                                                  the Company; Senior Vice President since 1986, and Director since
                                                  1989, of PNB
</TABLE>

                                     PART II

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

           In accordance with General Instruction G(2), the information called
for in Item 201 of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference to page 39
of the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1997.

           On November 11, 1997, the Company issued to (a) each of the thirteen
non-employee directors of the Company 150 common shares (for an aggregate of
1,950 common shares) in lieu of an annual cash retainer for serving as a
director of the Company and its subsidiaries, and (b) each of the 33
non-employee directors of one of the Company's subsidiaries who is not also a
director of the Company 50 common shares (for an aggregate of 1,650 common
shares) in lieu of an annual cash retainer for serving as a director of the
subsidiary. The common shares had a market value of



                                      -11-
<PAGE>   12

$89.31 per share on the date of issuance. The common shares were issued in
reliance upon the exemptions from registration provided by Sections 4(2) and
4(6) under the Securities Act of 1933 based upon the limited number of persons
to whom the common shares were "sold" and the status of each of such
individuals as a director of the Company or of one of its subsidiaries.

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data.

           In accordance with General Instruction G(2), the information called
for in this Item 6 is incorporated herein by reference to page 37 of the
Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1997.

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

           In accordance with General Instruction G(2), the information called
for in this Item 7 is incorporated herein by reference to pages 23 through 36 of
the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1997.

Item 7A.   Quantitive and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk.

           As noted on page 29 of the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, during 1997, 1996 and 1995, the
Company and its subsidiaries had no investment in off-balance sheet derivative
instruments.

Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

           The Consolidated Balance Sheets of the Company and its subsidiaries
at December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996, the related Consolidated Statements
of Income, of Changes in Stockholders' Equity and of Cash Flows for each of the
fiscal years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997, the related Notes
to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and the Report of Independent
Auditors, appearing on pages 41 through 68 of the Company's Annual Report to
Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, are incorporated
herein by reference. Quarterly Financial Data set forth on page 38 of the
Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1997 are also incorporated herein by reference.

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

           No response required.

                                    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 Company'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 Company's Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on April 20, 1998, under the captions "ELECTION OF
DIRECTORS" and "SECURITY



                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13

OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT -- Section 16(a)
Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance." In addition, certain information
concerning the executive officers of the Company 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 Company'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 Company's Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on April 20, 1998, under the captions "ELECTION OF
DIRECTORS -- Compensation of Directors," "COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND
INSIDER PARTICIPATION" and "COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS." Neither the
report on executive compensation nor the performance graph included in the
Company's definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Company's Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on April 20, 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 Company'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 Company's Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on April 20, 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 Company'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 Company's Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on April 20, 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 with this Annual
           Report on Form 10-K, see "Index to Financial Statements" at page 18.



                                      -13-
<PAGE>   14

(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"
           beginning at page 92. The following table provides certain
           information concerning the executive compensation plans and
           arrangements required to be filed as exhibits to this Annual Report
           on Form 10-K.

                  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS AND ARRANGEMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Exhibit
  No.              Description                                        Location
- -------            -----------                                        --------

<S>                <C>                                                <C>
10(a)              Certified Copy of Resolutions Adopted by           Incorporated herein by reference to the
                   Board of Directors of Park National                Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                   Corporation on July 17, 1995 Affecting Park        fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 (File No.
                   National Corporation Defined Benefit Pension       1-13006) (the "1995 Form 10-K") [Exhibit
                   Plan and Trust                                     10(a)]

10(b)              Park National Corporation Defined Benefit          Incorporated herein by reference to the
                   Pension Plan                                       Company's 1995 Form 10-K [Exhibit 10(b)]

10(c)              Park National Corporation Employees Voluntary      Incorporated herein by reference to the
                   Salary Deferral Plan and Trust                     Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                                                                      fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 (File No.
                                                                      0-18772) [Exhibit 10(d)]

10(d)              Summary of Incentive Bonus Plan of Park            Incorporated herein by reference to the
                   National Corporation                               Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4,
                                                                      filed on January 24, 1997 (Registration No.
                                                                      333-20417) (the "Company's Form S-4")
                                                                      [Exhibit 10(d)]
</TABLE>



                                      -14-
<PAGE>   15
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
  No.              Description                                        Location
- -------            -----------                                        --------

<S>                <C>                                                <C>
10(e)              Split-Dollar Agreement, dated May 17, 1993,        Incorporated herein by reference to: (a) the
                   between William T. McConnell and The Park          Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                   National Bank; and Schedule A to Exhibit           fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 (File No.
                   10(f) identifying other identical                  0-18772) [Exhibit 10(f)]; and (b) the
                   Split-Dollar Agreements between The Park           Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                   National Bank and executive officers of the        fiscal year ended December 31, 1994 (File No.
                   Company                                            1-13006) [Exhibit 10(g)]

10(f)              Split-Dollar Agreement, dated September 29,        Incorporated herein by reference to the
                   1993, between Dominic C. Fanello and The           Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                   Richland Trust Company; and Schedule A to          fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 (File No.
                   Exhibit 10(f) identifying other identical          0-18772 [Exhibit 10(g)]; Schedule A to
                   Split-Dollar Agreements between directors of       Exhibit 10(f) is being filed herewith
                   the Company and The Park National Bank, The
                   Richland Trust Company or Century National
                   Bank, as identified in such Schedule A

10(g)              Park National Corporation 1995 Incentive           Incorporated herein by reference to the
                   Stock Option Plan                                  Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8
                                                                      filed May 9, 1995 (Registration No. 33-92060)
                                                                      [Exhibit 4(d)]

10(h)              Form of Stock Option Agreement executed in         Incorporated herein by reference to the
                   connection with the grant of options under         Company's 1995 Form 10-K [Exhibit 10(i)]
                   Park National Corporation 1995 Incentive
                   Stock Option Plan

10(i)              Description of Park National Corporation           Incorporated herein by reference to the
                   Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan             Company's Form S-4 [Exhibit 10(i)]
</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.

                                      -15-
<PAGE>   16

(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"
           beginning at page 92.

(d)        Financial Statement Schedules.

           None



                                      -16-
<PAGE>   17

                                   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.

                                         PARK NATIONAL CORPORATION



Date:  March 19, 1998                    By   David C. Bowers,
             --                               Secretary, Chief Financial Officer
                                              and Chief Accounting 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>
*William T. McConnell                         *                Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer,
                                                               Principal Executive Officer and Director

*C. Daniel DeLawder                           *                President and Director

*David C. Bowers                              *                Secretary, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting
                                                               Officer

*Maureen Buchwald                             *                Director

*James J. Cullers                             *                Director

*Dominic C. Fanello                           *                Director

*R. William Geyer                             *                Director

*Philip H. Jordan, Jr.                        *                Director

*Tamala Longaberger Kaido                     *                Director

</TABLE>

*By:     David C. Bowers,
         Attorney-in-Fact

Date:  March 19, 1998



                                      -17-
<PAGE>   18


                 Name                        Date                    Capacity
                 ----                        ----                    --------
*Howard E. LeFevre                            *                     Director

*Phillip T. Leitnaker                         *                     Director

*James A. McElroy                             *                     Director

*John J. O'Neill                              *                     Director

*William A. Phillips                          *                     Director

*J. Gilbert Reese                             *                     Director

*Rick R. Taylor                               *                     Director

*John L. Warner                               *                     Director

















*By:     David C. Bowers,
         Attorney-in-Fact

Date:  March 19, 1998
             


                                      -18-
<PAGE>   19


                            PARK NATIONAL CORPORATION

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

                          INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           PAGE(S)
DESCRIPTION                                                                                            IN FORM 10-K
- -----------                                                                                            ------------
<S>                                                                                                      <C>
Report of Independent Auditors (Ernst & Young LLP)...............................................          62

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1997 and 1996........................................          63-64

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996
         and 1995................................................................................          65-66

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the years ended
         December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995........................................................          67

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1997,
         1996 and 1995...........................................................................          68

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements...................................................          69-89

</TABLE>





                                      -19-
<PAGE>   20
FINANCIAL REVIEW

This financial review presents management's discussion and analysis of financial
condition and results of operations for Park National Corporation ("Park" or the
"Corporation"). This discussion should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and related footnotes and the five-year
summary of selected financial data. Management's discussion and analysis
contains forward-looking statements that are provided to assist in the
understanding of anticipated future financial performance. However, such
performance involves risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to
differ materially from those in such statements. For a discussion of certain
factors that may cause such forward-looking statements to differ materially from
Park's actual results see Park's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997.

OVERVIEW

On May 5, 1997, Park merged with First-Knox Banc Corp. ("First-Knox"), a $569
million bank holding company headquartered in Mount Vernon, Ohio, in a
transaction accounted for as a pooling-of-interests. Park issued approximately
2.3 million shares of common stock to the stockholders of First-Knox based upon
an exchange ratio of .5914 shares of Park common stock for each outstanding
share of First-Knox common stock. The historical financial statements of Park
have been restated to show Park and First-Knox on a combined basis.

Net income for 1997 was $37.7 million, the highest in Park's ten- year history
as a bank holding company. This represents an 18.9% increase over net income of
$31.7 million for 1996. Net income per share-diluted was $4.00 for 1997, up by
18.3% over the $3.38 net income per share-diluted for 1996. Net income has
increased at an annual compound growth rate of 12.99% over the last five years,
and net income per share has grown at an annual compound growth rate of 12.40%
over the same period.

Effective with the fourth quarter of 1997, the quarterly cash dividend on common
stock was increased to $.48 per share. The new annualized dividend of $1.92 per
share is 20.0% greater than the dividend paid in 1997. The Corporation has paid
quarterly dividends since becoming a holding company in early 1987. The annual
compound growth rate for the Corporation's per share dividend for the last five
years is 13.81% and the dividends declared to net income ratio has averaged
38.4% over that same period.

Park's business strategy is geared toward maximizing the return to stockholders.
The Corporation's common stock value has appreciated 19.8% annually on a
compounded, total return basis for the last five years. The December 31, 1997
value of a $100 investment on December 31, 1992 would be $247, inclusive of the
reinvestment of dividends in the Corporation's stock.

ABOUT OUR BUSINESS

Through its banking subsidiaries, Park is engaged in the commercial banking and
trust business, generally in small to medium population Ohio communities.
Management believes there is a significant number of consumers and businesses
which seek long-term relationships with community-based financial institutions
of quality and strength. While not engaging in activities such as foreign
lending, nationally syndicated loans and investment banking operations, the
Corporation attempts to meet the needs of its customers for commercial, real
estate and consumer loans, and investment and deposit services. Familiarity with
the local market, coupled with conservative loan underwriting standards, has
allowed the Corporation to achieve solid financial results even in periods where
there have been changes in economic conditions and the general level of interest
rates.

The Corporation has produced performance ratios which compare favorably to peer
bank holding companies in terms of equity and asset returns, capital adequacy
and asset quality. Continued satisfactory results are contingent upon economic
conditions in Ohio and competitive factors, among other things.

The Corporation's subsidiaries compete for deposits and loans with other banks,
savings associations, credit unions and other types of financial institutions.
The Corporation and its subsidiaries operate fifty-seven full-service banking
offices and a network of fifty-eight automatic teller machines in fifteen
central and southern Ohio counties.

                                       23
<PAGE>   21
A table of financial data of the Corporation's affiliates for 1997, 1996, and
1995 is shown below:

TABLE 1 - PARK NATIONAL CORPORATION AFFILIATE FINANCIAL DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 1997                         1996                       1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         AVERAGE         NET         Average         Net         Average         Net
     (In thousands)                      ASSETS        INCOME        Assets        Income        Assets        Income
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>              <C>        <C>             <C>         <C>             <C>    
   Park National Bank:

     Park National Division            $   716,356      $20,013    $   672,374     $15,900     $   637,211     $13,716
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Fairfield National Division           202,681        3,893        187,226       3,564         171,572       3,315
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Richland Trust Company                  385,469        5,195        275,287       3,747         255,311       3,642
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Century National Bank                   348,861        5,805        346,512       3,401         329,848       2,016
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   First-Knox National Bank:
     First-Knox
     National Division                     502,723        2,516        471,046       5,646         423,925       5,036
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Farmers and Savings
     Division                               60,189          512         56,718         827          53,247         695
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Parent Company,
     including consolidating
     entries                                 3,303         (241)         2,632      (1,385)          1,885        (591)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   CONSOLIDATED TOTALS                  $2,219,582      $37,693     $2,011,795     $31,700      $1,872,999     $27,829
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

RETURN ON EQUITY

The Corporation's primary financial goal is to achieve a superior, long-term
return on stockholders' equity. The Corporation measures performance in its
attempts to achieve this goal against its peers, defined as all U.S. bank
holding companies between $1 billion and $3 billion in assets. At year-end 1997
there were 126 peer bank holding companies. The Corporation's net income to
average equity was 18.21%, 16.88% and 16.52% in 1997, 1996, and 1995,
respectively. In the past five years, the Corporation's net income to average
equity exceeded the mean and median return of the peer group by a substantial
margin.

The return on equity ratio has averaged 17.19% over the past five years.
Maintaining the Corporation's favorable equity return on an ever increasing
equity base is a continual challenge for management.

HISTORICAL COMPARISON OF RETURN ON AVERAGE EQUITY

[GRAPHIC]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  1993    1994    1995    1996    1997

<S>              <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>       <C>   
Park             17.61%  16.72%  16.52%  16.88%    18.21%
Peer Median      12.41%  12.27%  12.58%  13.55%    14.42%*
</TABLE>

                                        *as of 09/30/97

BALANCE SHEET COMPOSITION

Park functions as a financial intermediary. The following section discusses the
sources of funds and the manner in which management has invested these funds.

                                       24
<PAGE>   22
SOURCE OF FUNDS

DEPOSITS: The Corporation's major source of funds is provided by core deposits
from individuals, businesses, and local government units. These core deposits
consist of all noninterest bearing and interest bearing deposits, excluding
certificates of deposit of $100,000 and over which were less than 12.2% of total
deposits for the last three years. In 1997, year-end total deposits increased by
$92 million or 5.2%. Approximately $49.2 million of this increase was a result
of the purchase of three bank branches in Lancaster, Ohio from KeyBank,
Cleveland, Ohio in December, 1997. The mix of core deposits shifted toward core
certificates of deposit as more aggressive pricing and more flexible withdrawal
options were offered. Increases in noninterest bearing deposits were experienced
in all three years, primarily from commercial and public fund depositors.

Maturity of time certificates of deposit and other time deposits of $100,000 and
over as of December 31, 1997 were:

TABLE 2 - OVER $100,000 MATURITY SCHEDULE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             TIME CERTIFICATES
      DECEMBER 31, 1997 (IN THOUSANDS)                          OF DEPOSIT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>     
   3 months or less                                              $  97,176
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Over 3 months through 6 months                                   27,009
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Over 6 months through 12 months                                  45,373
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Over 12 months                                                   36,599
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      TOTAL                                                       $206,157
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS: Short-term borrowings primarily result from securities
sold under agreements to repurchase but also include Federal Home Loan Bank
advances and federal funds purchased. These funds are also used to manage the
Corporation's liquidity needs and interest rate sensitivity risk. They are
subject to short-term price swings as the Corporation's needs change or the
overall market rates for short-term investment funds change. In 1997, average
short-term borrowings were $162.6 million compared to $126.7 million in 1996 and
$139.0 million in 1995. Average short-term borrowings were less than 7.5% of
average assets in all years.

LONG-TERM DEBT: Long-term debt is a result of borrowings from the Federal Home
Loan Bank. These borrowings were reduced in late 1997 as more attractive rates
were available in short-term markets.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Average stockholders' equity to average total assets
increased to 9.33% in both 1997 and 1996 from 8.99% in 1995. In accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, the Corporation reflects
any unrealized holding gain/(loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of
federal taxes as an adjustment to the Corporation's equity. While the effects of
this accounting is not recognized for calculation of regulatory capital adequacy
ratios, it does impact the Corporation's equity as reported in the audited
financial statements. The unrealized holding gain/(loss) on available-for-sale
securities, net of federal taxes, was $7.0, $4.7, and $7.8 million at year-end
1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.

INVESTMENT OF FUNDS

Loans: Average loans, net of unearned income, were $1,528 million in 1997
compared to $1,380 million in 1996 and $1,318 million in 1995. The average yield
on loans was reasonably stable at 9.37% in 1997 compared to 9.41% in 1996 and
9.26% in 1995. Approximately 73% of loan balances mature or reprice within one
year. This results in the interest rate yield on the loan portfolio adjusting
with changes in interest rates, but on a delayed basis.

                                       25
<PAGE>   23
Year-end loan balances, net of unearned income, increased by $120 million or
8.2% in 1997 and by $116.7 million or 8.6% in 1996. The growth in 1997, includes
$11.6 million of loans acquired from the purchase of three branches in Lancaster
in December, 1997. As a percentage of assets, year-end loan balances were 69.6%,
67.4%, and 68.7% in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.

Year-end real estate loans, both commercial and residential, increased to $965
million from $832 million in 1996, an increase of 16.0% . The growth in real
estate loans was principally due to the strength of the economy in Central Ohio.

Table 3 reports year-end loan balances by type of loan for the past five years.

TABLE 3 - LOANS BY TYPE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      DECEMBER 31, (IN THOUSANDS)                 1997           1996           1995            1994           1993
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>            <C>           <C>             <C>            <C>        
   Commercial, financial and
      agriculture                              $   212,970    $   224,912   $   211,535     $   189,303    $   203,005
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Real estate - construction                       65,548         70,359        52,084          42,485         32,037
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Real estate - residential                       708,768        617,018       585,739         565,663        509,107
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Real estate - commercial                        256,074        215,372       200,675         187,936        157,199
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Consumer, net                                   313,517        320,831       282,618         278,427        249,141
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Leases, net                                      35,050         23,532        22,717          21,494         12,807
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      TOTAL LOANS                               $1,591,927     $1,472,024    $1,355,368      $1,285,308     $1,163,296
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

TABLE 4 - SELECTED LOAN MATURITY DISTRIBUTION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Over One            Over
                                                          One Year         Through            Five
      DECEMBER 31, 1997 (IN THOUSANDS)                    or Less         Five Years          Years             TOTAL
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>              <C>               <C>              <C>     
   Commercial, financial and
      agriculture                                         $105,449         $62,239           $45,282          $212,970
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Real estate - construction                               28,423           4,595            32,530            65,548
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      TOTAL                                               $133,872         $66,834           $77,812          $278,518
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total of these selected loans due after one year with:
        Fixed interest rate                                                                                  $  37,165
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Floating interest rate                                                                                 107,481
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

INVESTMENT SECURITIES: The Corporation's securities portfolio is structured to
provide liquidity and contribute to earnings. The Corporation classifies
approximately 98% of its securities as available-for-sale -- see Footnote 4 to
the financial statements. These securities are carried on the books at the
estimated fair value with the unrealized holding gain/(loss), net of taxes,
accounted for as an adjustment to the Corporation's equity. Management
classifies a large portion of the securities portfolio as available-for-sale so
that these securities will be available to be sold in future periods in carrying
out the Corporation's investment strategies. The remaining securities are
classified as held-to-maturity and are accounted for at amortized cost.

                                       26
<PAGE>   24

The Corporation's investment strategy is dynamic. As conditions change over
time, the Corporation's overall interest rate risk, liquidity needs, and
potential return on the investment portfolio will change. The Corporation
regularly re-evaluates the securities in its portfolio based on circumstances as
they evolve. Circumstances that may precipitate a sale of a security would be to
better manage interest rate risk, meet liquidity needs, or to improve the
overall yield from the investment portfolio. There were negligible security
losses in 1997, $1.3 million, and $.6 million in 1996, and 1995, respectively.
The Corporation's strategy has generally been to reinvest the proceeds from the
sale of securities at a loss into higher yielding securities with modest
extension of maturities. Generally lower overall interest rates in 1997
prevented this strategy from being executed.

The average yield on taxable investment securities was 7.00%, 6.85%, and 6.69%
for 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. The average maturity or repricing of the
taxable investment portfolio was approximately 3.1 years at year-end 1997
compared to 3.2 years at year-end 1996 and 3.4 years at year-end 1995.

The Corporation's nontaxable investment securities as a percent of total
securities was increased to 16.2% in 1997 as more favorable tax-effective rates
were available. The average tax-equivalent yield on the tax-exempt securities
portfolio was 7.82%, 8.56%, and 8.61% for 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.
The average maturity of the tax-exempt portfolio was approximately 7.1 years at
year-end 1997 and year-end 1996 compared to 7.6 years at year-end 1995.

The following table sets forth the book value of investment securities at year
end:

TABLE 5 - INVESTMENT SECURITIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      DECEMBER 31, (IN THOUSANDS)                                     1997                 1996                1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>                 <C>                 <C>     
   Obligations of U.S. Treasury and other
      U.S. Government agencies                                       $159,248            $222,034            $192,263
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Obligations of states and political subdivisions                    87,367              67,357              64,763
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   U.S. Government asset-backed securities
      and other asset-backed securities                               274,234             270,003             191,883
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Other securities                                                    19,881              14,999              11,809
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      TOTAL                                                          $540,730            $574,393            $460,718
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


EARNING RESULTS

The Corporation's principal source of earnings is net interest income, the
difference between total interest income and total interest expense. Net
interest income results from average balances outstanding for interest earning
assets and interest bearing liabilities in conjunction with the average rates
earned and paid on them.

The net yield on interest earning assets was relatively stable at 5.07% for 1997
compared to 5.09% for 1996 and 5.02% in 1995. Similarly, the net interest rate
spread -- the difference between rates received for interest earning assets and
the rates paid for interest bearing liabilities was within the narrow range of
4.36% to 4.41% for all three years.

The yield on average interest earning assets was 8.76% in 1997 compared to 8.75%
in 1996 and 8.68% in 1995. Average interest earning assets increased by $193
million or 10.2% to $2,084 million in 1997 compared to an increase of $135
million or 7.7% to $1,892 million in 1996.

The rate paid on average interest bearing liabilities was 4.38% in 1997 compared
to 4.34% in 1996 and 4.32% in 1995. Average interest bearing liabilities
increased by $166.0 million or 10.4% to $1,760.1 million in 1997 compared to an
increase of $104.4 million or 7.0% to $1,594.1 million in 1996. Average interest
bearing deposits as a percentage of average interest bearing liabilities were
88.1% in 1997, 89.1% in 1996, and 88.4% in 1995.


                                       27
<PAGE>   25


TABLE 6 - DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      December 31,                            1997                         1996                        1995
      (Dollars in thousands)       DAILY                 AVERAGE     Daily              Average    Daily             Average
                                  AVERAGE     INTEREST     RATE     Average  Interest     Rate    Average  Interest   Rate
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   ASSETS
   INTEREST EARNING ASSETS:
<S>                               <C>          <C>         <C>    <C>         <C>         <C>   <C>        <C>         <C>  
      Loans (1) (2)               $1,527,694   $143,157    9.37%  $1,379,973  $129,843    9.41% $1,318,275 $122,121    9.26%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Taxable investment
        securities                   474,707     33,229    7.00%     410,339    28,125    6.85%    360,539   24,119    6.69%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Tax-exempt investment
        securities (3)                73,613      5,757    7.82%      61,768     5,288    8.56%     60,550    5,212    8.61%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Interest bearing deposits
        in banks                          --         --      --           --        --      --         157        8    5.10%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Federal funds sold               8,132        461    5.67%      39,573     2,184    5.52%     17,168    1,001    5.83%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        TOTAL INTEREST EARNING
          ASSETS                   2,084,146    182,604    8.76%   1,891,653   165,440    8.75%  1,756,689  152,461    8.68%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   NONINTEREST EARNING ASSETS:
      Allowance for possible
        loan losses                  (34,346)                        (30,816)                      (27,171)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Cash and due from banks         71,244                          69,396                        70,231
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Premises and equipment, net     27,361                          27,742                        27,541
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Other assets                    71,177                          53,820                        45,709
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        TOTAL                     $2,219,582                      $2,011,795                    $1,872,999
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   LIABILITIES AND
   STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
   INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES:
      Transaction accounts        $  364,776 $    8,927    2.45%   $ 354,944  $  8,450    2.38% $  268,568 $  6,180    2.30%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Savings deposits               278,371      7,863    2.82%     269,991     7,599    2.81%    358,490   10,658    2.97%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Time deposits                  907,718     49,659    5.47%     795,984    44,612    5.60%    690,267   38,385    5.56%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        TOTAL INTEREST BEARING
          DEPOSITS                 1,550,865     66,449    4.28%   1,420,919    60,661    4.27%  1,317,325   55,223    4.19%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Short-term borrowings          162,626      7,738    4.76%     126,721     5,694    4.49%    139,035    7,173    5.16%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Long-term debt                  46,652      2,846    6.10%      46,497     2,800    6.02%     33,413    1,951    5.84%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        TOTAL INTEREST BEARING
          LIABILITIES              1,760,143     77,033    4.38%   1,594,137    69,155    4.34%  1,489,773   64,347    4.32%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   NONINTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES:
      Demand deposits                228,598                         207,262                       196,406
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Other                           23,842                          22,641                        18,388
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        TOTAL NONINTEREST BEARING
          LIABILITIES                252,440                         229,903                       214,794
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Stockholders' equity           206,999                         187,755                       168,432
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        TOTAL                     $2,219,582                      $2,011,795                    $1,872,999
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net interest earnings                       $105,571                      $  96,285                    $  88,114
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net interest spread                                    4.38%                          4.41%                        4.36%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net yield on interest
      earning assets                                      5.07%                          5.09%                        5.02%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1)   Loan income includes net fee loan income of $1,670 in 1997, $1,905 in 1996
      and $1,577 in 1995. Loan income also includes the effects of taxable
      equivalent adjustments using a 35% rate in 1997, 1996 and 1995. The
      taxable equivalent adjustment was $435 in 1997, $459 in 1996 and $395 in
      1995.

(2)   For purposes of this computation, nonaccrual loans are included in the
      daily average loans outstanding.

(3)   Interest income on tax-exempt securities includes the effect of taxable
      equivalent adjustments using a 35% rate in 1997, 1996 and 1995. The
      taxable equivalent adjustment was $1,658 in 1997, $1,788 in 1996 and
      $1,778 in 1995.

                                       28
<PAGE>   26


The change in interest due to both volume and rate has been allocated to volume
and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar
amounts of the change in each.

TABLE 7 - VOLUME/RATE VARIANCE ANALYSIS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Change from 1996 to 1997                 Change from 1995 to 1996
                                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
      (IN THOUSANDS)                       Volume        Rate         TOTAL          Volume        Rate         Total
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>         <C>     
   Increase (decrease) in:
      Interest income:
         TOTAL LOANS                      $13,867      $   (553)     $13,314       $  5,737       $1,985      $  7,722
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Taxable investments                   4,479           625        5,104          3,415          591         4,006
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Tax-exempt investments                  953          (484)         469            106          (30)           76
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Federal funds sold                   (1,781)           58       (1,723)         1,239          (56)        1,183
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Interest bearing deposits
         in banks                              --            --           --             (4)          (4)           (8)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TOTAL INTEREST INCOME             17,518          (354)      17,164         10,493        2,486        12,979
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Interest expense:
      Transaction accounts                    231           246          477          2,048          222         2,270
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Savings accounts                        237            27          264         (2,511)        (548)       (3,059)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Time deposits                         6,107        (1,060)       5,047          5,948          279         6,227
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Short-term borrowings                 1,686           358        2,044           (600)        (879)       (1,479)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Long-term debt                            9            37           46            787           62           849
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE             8,270          (392)       7,878          5,672         (864)        4,808
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         NET VARIANCE                    $  9,248     $      38     $  9,286       $  4,821       $3,350      $  8,171
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

OTHER INCOME: Total other income, exclusive of security losses, increased by
13.9% to $20.5 million in 1997 and increased by 7.8% to $18.0 million in 1996
compared to $16.7 million for 1995. Income from fiduciary activities increased
by 26.7% to $5.2 million in 1997 primarily due to increases in assets under
management for new Trust Department customers. The Other subcategory increased
in 1997 due to rental income from operating leases originated by Scope Leasing,
Inc., an aircraft leasing company acquired by the Corporation in May, 1994 and
increased fees from check card and ATM products.

Losses on sale of securities were $1.3 million in 1996 compared to $.6 million
in 1995. The proceeds from these sales of securities were generally invested in
higher yielding, longer maturity securities to take advantage of an upward
sloping yield curve. Generally lower overall interest rates and a flat yield
curve prevented sales for losses and related reinvestments in 1997. During 1997,
1996, and 1995, the Corporation had no investment in off-balance sheet
derivative instruments.

OTHER EXPENSE: Total Other Expense increased by 5.6% to $62.4 million in 1997
and increased by 4.6% to $59.1 million in 1996 compared to $56.5 million in
1995. Increases in Total Other Expense of approximately $2.0 million in 1997 and
$1.4 million in 1996 were due to one-time expenses related to the May, 1997
merger with First-Knox. These expenses were absorbed by First-Knox in 1997 and
1996.

Salaries and employee benefits increased by 10.1% in 1997 and by 5.4% in 1996
compared to the prior years. The increase in 1997 was primarily due to one-time
expenses related to the First-Knox merger of approximately $1.9 million for
deferred employee payments, stock appreciation rights, and employee benefits
expense. The increase in 1996 was due to normal merit increases and staff
increases to accommodate new banking offices, extended hours in selected banking
offices, and annuity/mutual fund 

                                       29
<PAGE>   27
alternative investment product sales. Full-time equivalent employees at year-end
were 978 in 1997, 961 in 1996 and 944 in 1995. Amortization of intangibles
expense increased sharply in 1997 to $2.0 million due to the increased
amortization of goodwill resulting from branch purchases in 1997 and 1996.

Insurance expense decreased in 1997 and 1996 as Park's deposit insurance premium
expense was sharply reduced. The Corporation's thrift subsidiary -- Mutual
Federal Savings -- incurred a one-time FDIC recapitalization expense in 1996.
Mutual Federal Savings converted to a national bank charter in the second
quarter of 1997 and now operates under the name of Century National Bank.

The subcategory Other Expense decreased from 1995 in 1996 and 1997 primarily due
to a decrease in depreciation expense from operating leases.

INCOME TAXES: Federal income tax expense as a percentage of income before taxes
was 30.9% in 1997, 31.5% in 1996 and 30.8% in 1995. A lower tax percentage rate
than the statutory rate of thirty-five percent is primarily due to tax-exempt
interest income from state and municipal bond investments.

CREDIT EXPERIENCE

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES: The provision for loan losses is the amount added to
the allowance for loan losses to absorb possible future loan charge-offs. The
amount of the loan loss provision is determined by management after reviewing
the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio, historical loan loss experience
and projections of future economic conditions. In 1997, First-Knox absorbed a
significant increase in the loan loss provision charged to earnings in order to
bring its allowance for possible loan losses into alignment with other
Corporation affiliates. The impact of this was partially offset by a reduced
loan loss provision at Park National Division.

The allowance for possible loan losses at December 31, 1997 totaled $35.6
million and represented 2.24% of total loans outstanding at December 31, 1997
compared to $32.3 million or 2.20% of total loans outstanding at December 31,
1996 and $29.2 million or 2.16% of total loans outstanding at December 31, 1995.
The provision for loan losses increased by $1.7 million to $7.0 million for 1997
compared to $5.3 million for 1996 and $5.2 million for 1995. Net charge-offs
increased by $1.6 million to $3.8 million for 1997 compared to $2.2 million for
1996 and $1.4 million for 1995.

The allowance for possible loan losses as a percentage of ending loans
represents one measure of adequacy. The allowance for possible loan losses
expressed as a percentage of nonperforming loans is another. On this basis, the
December 31, 1997 allowance for possible loan losses represented 573% of
nonperforming loans up from 425% at December 31, 1996 and 444% at December 31,
1995. It is management's opinion that the allowance for possible loan losses at
year-end 1997 is adequate to absorb estimated credit losses in the loan
portfolio.

                                       30
<PAGE>   28
The following table summarizes the loan loss provision, charge-offs and
recoveries for the last five years:

TABLE 8 - SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     DECEMBER 31,
     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                          1997          1996           1995           1994         1993
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>       
   AVERAGE LOANS
     (NET OF UNEARNED INTEREST)                   $1,527,694     $1,379,973     $1,318,275    $1,220,333    $1,112,873
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES:
     Beginning balance                            $   32,347     $   29,239     $   25,438    $   23,775    $   21,564
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     CHARGE-OFFS:
       Commercial                                      1,332            868            407         1,131         1,374
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Real estate                                     1,265            185            471            60           398
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Consumer                                        3,530          2,971          2,019         1,777         1,748
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Lease financing                                   144            414             55           103            92
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TOTAL CHARGE-OFFS                             6,271          4,438          2,952         3,071         3,612
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     RECOVERIES:
       Commercial                                        400            420            175         1,035         1,088
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Real estate                                       696            365            171           164           118
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Consumer                                        1,198          1,404          1,074           984           622
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Lease financing                                   226             63             85            73            61
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TOTAL RECOVERIES                              2,520          2,252          1,505         2,256         1,889
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           NET CHARGE-OFFS                             3,751          2,186          1,447           815         1,723
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Provision charged to earnings                   6,999          5,294          5,248         2,478         3,934
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     ENDING BALANCE                               $   35,595     $   32,347     $   29,239    $   25,438    $   23,775
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   RATIO OF NET CHARGE-OFFS TO
     AVERAGE LOANS                                     0.25%          0.16%          0.11%         0.07%         0.15%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   RATIO OF ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE
     LOAN LOSSES TO END OF YEAR LOANS,
     NET OF UNEARNED INTEREST                          2.24%          2.20%          2.16%         1.98%         2.04%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


The following table summarizes the allocation of allowance for possible loan
losses:

TABLE 9 - ALLOCATION OF ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           1997                 1996                1995                1994                 1993
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             PERCENT OF           Percent of          Percent of           Percent of          Percent of
   (Dollars in                LOANS PER           Loans Per           Loans Per            Loans Per           Loans Per
    thousands)     ALLOWANCE  CATEGORY  Allowance Category  Allowance Category   Allowance Category  Allowance Category
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>    
   Commercial       $10,116     13.38%  $  8,996    15.28%  $  8,779     15.61%  $  7,572    14.73%  $  8,120    17.45%
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Real estate       11,420     64.73%     9,902    61.32%     8,071     61.86%     7,252    61.94%     6,238    60.03%
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Consumer          12,541     19.69%    12,513    21.80%    11,474     20.85%     9,772    21.66%     8,894    21.42%
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Leases             1,518      2.20%       936     1.60%       915      1.68%       842     1.67%       523     1.10%
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     TOTAL          $35,595    100.00%   $32,347   100.00%   $29,239    100.00%   $25,438   100.00%   $23,775   100.00%
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
As of December 31, 1997, the Corporation had no significant concentrations of
loans to borrowers engaged in the same or similar industries nor did the
Corporation have any loans to foreign governments.

                                       31
<PAGE>   29
NONPERFORMING ASSETS: Nonperforming loans include: l) loans whose interest is
accounted for on a nonaccrual basis; 2) loans whose terms have been
renegotiated; and 3) loans which are contractually past due 90 days or more as
to principal or interest payments but whose interest continues to accrue. Other
real estate owned results from taking title to property used as collateral for a
defaulted loan.

The following is a summary of the nonaccrual, past due and renegotiated loans
and other real estate owned for the last five years:

TABLE 10 - NONPERFORMING ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     DECEMBER 31, (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                 1997          1996           1995           1994        1993
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>   
   Nonaccrual loans                                     $2,060         $2,301        $2,425        $2,677       $2,718
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Renegotiated loans                                    1,642          2,348         2,525         1,365        1,285
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Loans past due 90 days or more                        2,512          2,963         1,640         1,090        2,035
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     TOTAL NONPERFORMING LOANS                           6,214          7,612         6,590         5,132        6,038
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Other real estate owned                                 300            329           183           406        1,386
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     TOTAL NONPERFORMING ASSETS                         $6,514         $7,941        $6,773        $5,538       $7,424
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   PERCENTAGE OF NONPERFORMING LOANS TO
     LOANS, NET OF UNEARNED INTEREST                     0.39%          0.52%         0.49%         0.40%        0.52%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   PERCENTAGE OF NONPERFORMING ASSETS TO
     LOANS, NET OF UNEARNED INTEREST                     0.41%          0.54%         0.50%         0.43%        0.64%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   PERCENTAGE OF NONPERFORMING ASSETS TO
     TOTAL ASSETS                                        0.28%          0.36%         0.34%         0.30%        0.43%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Tax equivalent interest income from loans of $143.2 million for 1997 would have
increased by $87,000 if all loans had been current in accordance with their
original terms. Interest income for the year ended December 31, 1997 in the
approximate amount of $373,000 is included in interest income for those loans in
accordance with original terms.

The Corporation had $17.6 million of loans included on the Corporation's watch
list of potential problem loans at December 31, 1997 compared to $19.8 million
at year-end 1996 and $18.9 million at year-end 1995. The existing conditions of
these loans do not warrant classification as nonaccrual. Management undertakes
additional surveillance regarding a borrower's ability to comply with payment
terms for watch list loans.

TECHNOLOGY RISK - YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE ISSUES

In early 1997, the Corporation formed a Year 2000 project team to identify
software systems and computer-related devices that require modification for the
year 2000. A project plan has been developed with goals and target dates. The
Corporation's business areas are in various stages of completing this project
plan. The Corporation has incurred expenses throughout 1997 related to this
project and will continue to incur expenses over the next two years. These
expenses are not expected to materially impact operating results in any one
period, with a significant portion of these expenses represented by existing
staff that has been redeployed to this project. Many of the Corporation's
systems are vendor-supplied. All the vendors have been contacted and most have
provided certification or a delivery commitment letter for compliance with Year
2000. Management presently believes with the planned modifications to existing
systems, conversion to new systems, and vendor delivery of millenium-compliant
systems, the year 2000 compliance issues will be resolved on a timely basis, and
any related costs will not have a material impact on the operations, cash flows,
or financial condition of future periods.

                                       32
<PAGE>   30
CAPITAL RESOURCES

LIQUIDITY AND INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY MANAGEMENT: The Corporation's objective
in managing its liquidity is to maintain the ability to continuously meet the
cash flow needs of customers, such as borrowings or deposit withdrawals, while
at the same time seeking higher yields from longer-term lending and investing
activities.

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $11.8 million during 1997 to $93.6
million at year end. Cash provided by operating activities was $44.8 million in
1997, $35.2 million in 1996, and $39.3 million in 1995. Net income was the
primary source of such cash during each year.

Cash used in investing activities was $93.4 million in 1997, $249.5 million in
1996, and $103.0 million in 1995. The primary use of cash in investing
activities was the net increase in the loan portfolio. Cash used for the net
increase in loans was $111.3 million in 1997, $87.6 million in 1996, and $71.4
million in 1995. Cash of $6.7 million was used in 1997 to purchase branch
offices and $11.6 million was used to acquire the related loans. During 1996,
$10.9 million in cash was used to purchase branch offices and $30.8 million was
invested to acquire the related loans.

Security transactions are the other major source or use of cash in investing
activities. Proceeds from the sale or maturity of securities provide cash and
purchases of securities use cash. Net security transactions provided $38.9
million of cash in 1997 and used $118.2 million and $27.7 million of cash in
1996 and 1995, respectively.

Cash provided by financing activities was $60.4 million in 1997, $183.0 million
in 1996, and $94.6 million in 1995. A major source of cash for financing
activities is the net increase in deposits. Cash provided from the net increase
in deposits was $42.3 million in 1997, $54.9 million in 1996 and $155.1 million
in 1995. The purchase of deposits with the branch offices in 1997 and 1996
provided cash of $49.2 million and $97.9 million, respectively.

Changes in short-term borrowings or long-term debt is a major source or use of
cash for financing activities. The net increase in short-term borrowings
provided cash of $16.5 million in 1997 and $13.1 million in 1996. The net
decrease in short-term borrowings used cash of $44.7 million in 1995. Proceeds
from long-term debt provided cash of $30.0 million in 1996 and $5.0 million in
1995. Cash was used to repay long-term debt of $31.5 million in 1997, $1.0
million in 1996, and $6.3 million in 1995.

Funds are available from a number of sources, including the securities
portfolio, the core deposit base, Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings, and the
capability to securitize or package loans for sale. The present funding sources
provide more than adequate liquidity for the Corporation to meet its cash flow
needs.

Liquidity is enhanced by assets maturing or repricing within one year. Assets
maturing or repricing within one year were $1,273 million or 59.7% of interest
earning assets at year-end 1997. Liquidity is also enhanced by a significant
amount of stable core deposits from a variety of customers in several Ohio
markets served by the Corporation.

An asset/liability committee monitors and forecasts rate-sensitive assets and
liabilities and develops strategies and pricing policies to influence the
acquisition of certain assets and liabilities. The purpose of these efforts is
to guard the Corporation from adverse impacts of unforeseen swings in interest
rates and to enhance the net income of the Corporation by accepting a limited
amount of interest rate risk, based on interest rate projections.

The following table shows interest sensitivity data for five different time
intervals as of December 31, 1997:

                                       33
<PAGE>   31
TABLE 11 - INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  0-3        3-12         1-3          3-5       Over 5
     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                     Months      Months       Years        Years       Years        TOTAL
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>          <C>           <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>       
   INTEREST RATE SENSITIVE ASSETS:   
     Investment securities (1)               $   31,607   $  78,547     $146,826   $  60,239    $223,511    $  540,730
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Loans (1)                                  544,828     618,389      271,157     115,459      42,094     1,591,927
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       TOTAL INTEREST EARNING ASSETS            576,435     696,936      417,983     175,698     265,605     2,132,657
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES:
     Interest bearing checking (2)               31,022          --       93,065          --          --       124,087
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Savings accounts (2)                       137,013          --      137,012          --          --       274,025
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Money market checking                      242,854          --           --          --          --       242,854
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Time deposits                              201,715     449,682      255,841      44,000       3,326       954,564
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Other                                        1,567          --           --          --          --         1,567
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total deposits                           614,171     449,682      485,918      44,000       3,326     1,597,097
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Short-term borrowings                      149,824       1,800           --          --          --       151,624
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Long-term debt                                 731       1,080       20,984       2,398       5,675        30,868
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       TOTAL INTEREST BEARING
         LIABILITIES                            764,726     452,562      506,902      46,398       9,001     1,779,589
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY GAP               (188,291)    244,374      (88,919)    129,300     256,604       353,068
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   CUMULATIVE RATE SENSITIVITY GAP             (188,291)     56,083      (32,836)     96,464     353,068
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   CUMULATIVE GAP AS A PERCENTAGE
     OF TOTAL INTEREST EARNING ASSETS            -8.83%       2.63%       -1.54%       4.52%      16.56%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1)  Investment securities and loans that are subject to prepayment are shown in
     the table by the earlier of their repricing date or their expected
     repayment dates and not by their contractual maturity.

(2)  Management considers interest bearing checking accounts and savings
     accounts to be core deposits; therefore, not as rate sensitive as other
     deposit accounts and borrowed money. Accordingly, only 25% of interest
     bearing checking accounts and 50% of savings accounts are considered to
     reprice within one year. If all of the interest bearing checking accounts
     and savings accounts were considered to reprice within one year, the
     one-year cumulative gap would change from a positive 2.63% to a negative
     8.16%.


For the first three months, there was a cumulative excess of rate-sensitive
liabilities over rate-sensitive assets while in the next period (three to twelve
months), the reverse was true. For the year, rate-sensitive assets are greater
than rate-sensitive liabilities, by 2.63% of interest earning assets, which
indicates that the Corporation's interest rate risk position is somewhat
balanced. A positive one-year cumulative gap would suggest that the
Corporation's net interest margin would modestly increase, if interest rates
were to rise. The interest rate sensitivity gap analysis does provide a good
overall picture of the Corporation's static interest rate risk position.

The Corporation's current policy is that the one-year cumulative gap should not
exceed fifteen percent of earning assets for three consecutive quarters. Trying
to manage this gap within an acceptable percentage range of earning assets is a
continual challenge in a changing interest rate environment and one of the
objectives of the Corporation's Asset/Liability Committee.

The usefulness of the interest sensitivity gap analysis as a forecasting tool in
projecting net interest income is limited. The gap analysis does not consider
the magnitude by which assets or liabilities will reprice during a period and
also contains assumptions as to the repricing of transaction and savings
accounts that 

                                       34
<PAGE>   32
may not prove to be correct. Management supplements the interest rate
sensitivity gap analysis with periodic simulations of balance sheet sensitivity
under various interest rate and what-if scenarios to better forecast and manage
the net interest margin.

The Corporation uses an earnings simulation model to analyze net interest income
sensitivity to movements in interest rates. This model is based on actual cash
flows and repricing characteristics for balance sheet instruments and
incorporates market-based assumptions regarding the impact of changing interest
rates on the prepayment rate of certain assets and liabilities. This model also
includes management's projections for activity levels of various balance sheet
instruments and noninterest fee income and operating expense. Assumptions based
on the historical behavior of deposit rates and balances in relation to changes
in interest rates are also incorporated into this earnings simulation model.
These assumptions are inherently uncertain and, as a result, the model can not
precisely measure net interest income or precisely predict the impact of changes
in interest rates on net interest income and net income. Actual results will
differ from simulated results due to timing, magnitude, and frequency of
interest rate changes as well as changes in market conditions and management
strategies.

Management uses a .50% change in market interest rates per quarter for a total
of 2.00% per year in evaluating the impact of changing interest rates on net
interest income and net income over a one-year horizon. At December 31, 1997,
the earnings simulation model projected that net income would increase by 2.2%
using a rising interest rate scenario and decrease by 2.2% using a declining
interest rate scenario over the next year. At December 31, 1996, the earnings
simulation model projected that net income would increase by 2.8% using a rising
interest rate scenario and decrease by 3.2% using a declining interest rate
scenario over a one-year horizon. Management believes that at December 31, 1997
the balance sheet reflects a slight asset sensitive rate risk position for the
one-year horizon.

CAPITAL: The Corporation's primary means of maintaining capital adequacy is
through net retained earnings. At December 31, 1997, the Corporation's equity
capital was $222.1 million, an increase of 11.6% over the equity capital at
December 31, 1996. Exclusive of the unrealized gain on available-for-sale
securities, equity capital increased 10.7% in 1997 compared to 1996.

Financial institution regulators have established guidelines for minimum capital
ratios for banks, thrifts and bank holding companies. In 1990, the banking
industry began to phase in new capital requirements based on "risk-based"
assets. The unrealized gain or loss on available-for-sale securities is not
included in computing regulatory capital. The capital standard of risk-based
capital to risk-based assets is 8.00% at December 31, 1997. At year-end 1997,
the Corporation had a risk-based capital ratio of 14.72% or capital above the
minimum required by $99.4 million. The capital standard of Tier 1 capital to
risk-based assets is 4% at December 31, 1997. Tier 1 capital includes
stockholders' equity net of goodwill and any other intangible assets.
At year-end 1997, the Corporation had a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets
ratio of 13.46% or capital above the minimum required by $139.8 million. Bank
regulators have also established a leverage capital ratio of 4%, consisting of
Tier 1 capital to total assets, not risk adjusted. At year-end 1997, the
Corporation had a leverage capital ratio of 8.91% or capital above the minimum
required by $109.7 million. Regulatory guidelines also establish capital ratio
requirements for "well capitalized" bank holding companies. The capital ratios
are 10% for risk-based capital, 6% for Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets and
5% for Tier 1 capital to total assets. The Corporation exceeds these higher
capital standards and therefore is classified as "well capitalized."

                                       35
<PAGE>   33

The financial institution subsidiaries of the Corporation each met the well
capitalized capital ratio guidelines at December 31, 1997. The table below
indicates the capital ratios for each subsidiary and the Corporation at December
31, 1997:

TABLE 12 - CAPITAL RATIOS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  TIER 1                   TOTAL
     DECEMBER 31, 1997                                    LEVERAGE              RISK-BASED              RISK-BASED
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>                    <C>                     <C>   
   Park National Bank                                       6.17%                   8.55%                  11.22%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Richland Trust Company                                   5.97%                  10.43%                  11.69%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Century National Bank                                    5.93%                  10.03%                  11.30%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   First-Knox National Bank                                 6.67%                   9.63%                  11.49%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Park National Corporation                                8.91%                  13.46%                  14.72%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Minimum Capital Ratio                                    4.00%                   4.00%                   8.00%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Well Capitalized Ratio                                   5.00%                   6.00%                  10.00%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



RISK-BASED CAPITAL RATIOS  December 31, 1997

[GRAPHIC]

        Park           
        Well Capitalized
        Regulatory Minimum

AVERAGE STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (millions)

<TABLE>
<S>                 <C>   
1997                $207.0
1996                $187.8
1995                $168.4
1994                $150.6
1993                $134.6
</TABLE>

EFFECTS OF INFLATION: Balance sheets of financial institutions typically contain
assets and liabilities that are monetary in nature and therefore, differ greatly
from most commercial and industrial companies which have significant investments
in premises, equipment and inventory. During periods of inflation, financial
institutions that are in a net positive monetary position will experience a
decline in purchasing power, which does have an impact on growth. Another
significant effect on internal equity growth is other expenses, which tend to
rise during periods of inflation.

Management believes the most significant impact on financial results is the
Corporation's ability to align its asset/liability management program to react
to changes in interest rates.


                                       36
<PAGE>   34
The following table summarizes five-year financial information:

TABLE 13 - CONSOLIDATED FIVE-YEAR SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     DECEMBER 31,
     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS,                            1997             1996         1995         1994         1993
     EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>       
   RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
     Interest income                                $   180,511    $   163,193    $  150,288   $  127,411   $  121,676
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Interest expense                                    77,033         69,155        64,347       48,791       46,520
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Net interest income                                103,478         94,038        85,941       78,620       75,156
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Noninterest income                                  20,479         16,660        16,049       11,783       13,375
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Noninterest expense                                 62,408         59,112        56,501       52,512       52,959
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Provision for losses                                 6,999          5,294         5,248        2,478        3,934
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Income before extraordinary item and
       cumulative effect of a change in
       accounting principle                              37,693         31,700        27,829       25,181       22,211
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Net income                                          37,693         31,700        27,829       25,181       23,711
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   PER SHARE:
     Income before extraordinary item and
       cumulative effect of a change in
       accounting principle - basic                       $4.02          $3.39         $2.96        $2.68        $2.42
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Income before extraordinary item and
       cumulative effect of a change in
       accounting principle - diluted                      4.00           3.38          2.95         2.67         2.39
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Net income - basic                                    4.02           3.39          2.96         2.68         2.58
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Net income - diluted                                  4.00           3.38          2.95         2.67         2.55
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Cash dividends declared                               1.68           1.45          1.25         0.98         1.05
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   AVERAGE BALANCES:
     Loans                                           $1,527,694     $1,379,973    $1,318,275   $1,221,333   $1,112,873
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Investment securities                              548,320        472,107       421,089      429,572      434,963
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Money market instruments and other                   8,132         39,573        17,325        8,612       18,473
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       TOTAL INTEREST EARNING ASSETS                  2,084,146      1,891,653     1,756,689    1,659,517    1,566,309
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Noninterest bearing deposits                       228,598        207,262       196,406      186,508      169,498
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Interest bearing deposits                        1,550,865      1,420,919     1,317,325    1,264,862    1,229,858
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       TOTAL DEPOSITS                                 1,779,463      1,628,181     1,513,731    1,451,370    1,399,356
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Short-term borrowings                              162,626        126,721       139,035      130,831      110,973
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Long-term debt                                      46,652         46,497        33,413       27,246        4,773
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Stockholders' equity                               206,999        187,755       168,432      150,640      134,642
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total assets                                     2,219,582      2,011,795     1,872,999    1,772,848    1,662,533
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   RATIOS:
     Return on average assets                             1.70%          1.58%         1.49%        1.42%        1.43%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Return on average equity                            18.21%         16.88%        16.52%       16.72%       17.61%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Net interest margin (1)                              5.07%          5.09%         5.02%        4.88%        4.94%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Noninterest expense to
       net revenue (1)                                   49.51%         52.34%        54.24%       56.59%       58.38%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Dividend payout ratio                               41.93%         40.66%        38.45%       33.95%       36.87%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Average stockholders' equity to
       average total assets                               9.33%          9.33%         8.99%        8.50%        8.10%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Leveraged capital                                    8.91%          8.73%         9.06%        8.62%        8.14%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Tier 1 capital                                      13.46%         13.16%        14.06%       13.37%       13.47%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Risk-based capital                                  14.72%         14.42%        15.30%       14.61%       14.70%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1) Computed on a fully taxable equivalent basis

                                       37
<PAGE>   35
The following table is a summary of selected quarterly results of operations for
the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996. Certain quarterly amounts have been
reclassified to conform to the year-end financial statement presentation.

TABLE 14 - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS,                                                 THREE MONTHS ENDED
     EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)                         --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          MARCH 31          JUNE 30           SEPT. 30         DEC. 31
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>              <C>               <C>              <C>    
   1997:
     Interest income                                       $43,461          $45,214           $45,731          $46,105
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Interest expense                                       18,777           19,466            19,451           19,339
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Net interest income                                    24,684           25,748            26,280           26,766
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Provision for loan losses                               1,194            1,454             1,521            2,830
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Loss on the sale of securities                             --               --                (7)              --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Income before income taxes                             13,016           13,849            15,040           12,645
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Net income                                              8,989            9,552            10,384            8,768
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Per share data:
       Net income - basic                                     0.96             1.02              1.11             0.93
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Net income - diluted                                   0.96             1.01              1.10             0.93
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Weighted-average common
       stock outstanding - basic                         9,343,358        9,402,886         9,410,162        9,386,903
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Weighted-average common
       stock equivalent - diluted                        9,390,650        9,420,240         9,448,032        9,436,164
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   1996:
     Interest income                                       $39,511          $39,640           $41,074          $42,968
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Interest expense                                       16,933           16,629            17,483           18,110
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Net interest income                                    22,578           23,011            23,591           24,858
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Provision for loan losses                               1,086            1,256             1,216            1,736
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Loss on the sale of securities                           (300)            (400)             (168)            (456)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Income before income taxes                             10,930           12,174            12,971           10,217
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Net income                                              7,589            8,423             8,947            6,741
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Per share data:
       Net income - basic                                     0.81             0.90              0.96             0.72
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Net income - diluted                                   0.81             0.90              0.95             0.72
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Weighted-average common
       stock outstanding - basic                         9,346,853        9,354,309         9,353,594        9,352,853
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Weighted-average common
       stock equivalent - diluted                        9,380,518        9,385,471         9,393,742        9,386,219
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       38
<PAGE>   36


The Corporation's common stock (symbol:PRK) is traded on the American Stock
Exchange (AMEX). At December 31, 1997, the Corporation had 2,691 stockholders of
record. The following table sets forth the high, low and closing sale prices of,
and dividends declared on the common stock for each quarterly period for the
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, as reported by AMEX.


TABLE 15 - MARKET AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                              CASH
                                                                                                            DIVIDEND
                                                                                         LAST               DECLARED
                                               HIGH                 LOW                 PRICE               PER SHARE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>                  <C>                 <C>                    <C> 
   1997:
     First Quarter                            $54 5/8               $51 1/8              $54 5/8                $0.40
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Second Quarter                            79 3/4                54 1/8               79 3/4                 0.40
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Third Quarter                             80 7/8                66 5/8               80 7/8                 0.40
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Fourth Quarter                            98                    80                   88 1/8                 0.48
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   1996:
     First Quarter                             $50 1/4               $47 3/8             $48 3/8                $0.35
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Second Quarter                            49 1/2                46 3/8               49 1/2                 0.35
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Third Quarter                             49 5/8                47 7/8               48 1/4                 0.35
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Fourth Quarter                            53                    48                   53                     0.40
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

TEN-YEAR RETURN  (December 31, 1987 - December 31, 1997)

                                   [GRAPHIC]

<TABLE>
<S>              <C>
87               $ 1,000
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97               $11,687
</TABLE>


Assumes initial investment of $1,000 with reinvestment of dividends in the
common stock of Park.


                                       39
<PAGE>   37

STOCKHOLDERS' INFORMATION

STOCK LISTING:

      AMEX Symbol - PRK
      CUSIP #700658107

GENERAL STOCKHOLDER INQUIRIES:

      Park National Corporation
      David C. Bowers, Secretary
      50 North Third Street
      Post Office Box 3500
      Newark, Ohio 43058-3500
      740/349-3708

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN:

      The Corporation offers a plan whereby participating stockholders can
      purchase additional shares of Park National Corporation common stock
      through automatic reinvestment of their regular quarterly cash dividends.
      All commissions and fees connected with the purchase and safekeeping of
      the shares are paid by the Corporation. Details of the Plan and an
      enrollment card can be obtained by contacting the Secretary as indicated
      above.

DIRECT DEPOSIT OF DIVIDENDS:

      The Corporation's stockholders may have their dividend payments directly
      deposited into their checking, savings or money market account. This
      direct deposit of dividends is free for all stockholders. If you have any
      questions or need an enrollment form, please contact the Corporation's
      Stock Transfer Agent and Registrar indicated below.

STOCK TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR:

      First-Knox National Bank
      P.O. Box 871
      One South Main Street
      Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050-0871
      800/837-5266

FORM 10-K:

      Copies of Park National Corporation's Form 10-K for 1997, including
      financial statements and inserts, may be obtained by contacting the
      Secretary as indicated above.

INTERNET ADDRESS:

      http://www.parknationalbank.com/corp.htm

E-MAIL:

      [email protected]

                                       40
<PAGE>   38
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Park National Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Park National
Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997. These
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. The consolidated financial statements give retroactive effect to the
merger of Park National Corporation and First-Knox Banc Corp. (First-Knox),
which has been accounted for using the pooling of interests accounting method as
described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. We did not audit
the 1996 and 1995 financial statements of First-Knox, which statements reflect
total assets constituting 26% for 1996 and net income constituting 19% for 1996
and 21% for 1995 of the related consolidated financial statement totals. Those
statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us,
and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts for First-Knox, is based
solely on the report of other auditors.

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

In our opinion, based on our audits, and for 1996 and 1995, the report of other
auditors, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the consolidated financial position of Park National
Corporation and Subsidiaries at December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the consolidated
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

                                                       /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Columbus, Ohio
January 20, 1998

                                       41
<PAGE>   39

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

PARK NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
at December 31, 1997 and 1996  (Dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
                                                                                          1997                 1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>                 <C>         
   Cash and due from banks                                                            $     93,585        $     81,765
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   INVESTMENT SECURITIES:
     Securities available-for-sale, at fair value
       (amortized cost of $522,179 and $556,436 at
       December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively)                                           532,922             563,613
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized
       cost (fair value approximates $8,156 and
       $11,217 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively)                                  7,808              10,780
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES                                                       540,730             574,393
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Loans                                                                                 1,603,648           1,483,387
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Unearned loan interest                                                                (11,721)            (11,363)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TOTAL LOANS                                                                     1,591,927           1,472,024
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Allowance for possible loan losses                                                    (35,595)            (32,347)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         LOANS, NET                                                                      1,556,332           1,439,677
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   OTHER ASSETS:
     Premises and equipment, net                                                            27,805              27,548
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Accrued interest receivable                                                            13,923              12,790
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Other                                                                                  56,008              48,797
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TOTAL OTHER ASSETS                                                                 97,736              89,135
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           TOTAL ASSETS                                                                 $2,288,383          $2,184,970
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


                                       42
<PAGE>   40
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  (continued)

PARK NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
at December 31, 1997 and 1996  (Dollars in thousands)

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         1997                 1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                    <C>                 <C>        
   DEPOSITS:
     Noninterest bearing                                                               $   257,867         $   225,424
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Interest bearing                                                                    1,597,097           1,537,994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       TOTAL DEPOSITS                                                                    1,854,964           1,763,418
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   BORROWINGS:
     Short-term borrowings                                                                 151,624             135,111
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Long-term debt                                                                         30,868              62,375
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   OTHER LIABILITIES:
     Accrued interest payable                                                                6,548               6,620
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Other                                                                                  22,262              18,485
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       TOTAL OTHER LIABILITIES                                                              28,810              25,105
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TOTAL LIABILITIES                                                               2,066,266           1,986,009
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
     Common stock, no par value (20,000,000 shares authorized;
       9,551,203 shares issued in 1997 and 9,443,864
       issued in 1996)                                                                      68,275              64,611
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Unrealized holding gain on
       available-for-sale securities, net                                                    7,019               4,687
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Retained earnings                                                                     154,535             132,648
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Less: Treasury stock (158,864 shares in 1997 and
       89,426 shares in 1996)                                                               (7,712)             (2,985)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                        222,117             198,961
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                   $2,288,383          $2,184,970
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

                                       43
<PAGE>   41
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995  (Dollars in thousands, 
except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            1997              1996               1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                        <C>               <C>              <C>     
   Interest income:
     Interest and fees on loans                                            $142,722          $129,384         $121,726
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Interest and dividends on:
Obligations of U.S. Government, its agencies
         and other securities                                                33,229            28,125           24,119
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Obligations of states and political subdivisions                       4,099             3,500            3,434
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Other interest income                                                      461             2,184            1,009
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total interest income                                                180,511           163,193          150,288
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Interest expense:
     Interest on deposits:
       Demand and savings deposits                                           16,790            16,049           16,838
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Time deposits                                                         49,659            44,612           38,385
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Interest on short-term borrowings                                        7,738             5,694            7,173
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Interest on long-term debt                                               2,846             2,800            1,951
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total interest expense                                                77,033            69,155           64,347
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Net interest income                                                103,478            94,038           85,941
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Provision for loan losses                                                  6,999             5,294            5,248
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Net interest income after provision for loan losses                 96,479            88,744           80,693
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Other income:
     Income from fiduciary activities                                         5,192             4,099            3,583
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Service charges on deposit accounts                                      6,308             5,849            5,388
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Loss on sales of securities                                                 (7)           (1,324)            (634)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Other service income                                                     3,376             3,236            2,805
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Other                                                                    5,610             4,800            4,907
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total other income                                                 $  20,479         $  16,660        $  16,049
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

                                       44
                                                                                
<PAGE>   42



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME


for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995  (Dollars in thousands, 
except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            1997              1996               1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                         <C>               <C>              <C>    
   OTHER EXPENSE:
     Salaries and employee benefits                                         $31,888           $28,966          $27,476
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Data processing fees                                                     5,306             5,183            4,836
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Fees and service charges                                                 3,732             4,874            3,272
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Net occupancy expense of bank premises                                   3,339             3,063            2,933
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Amortization of intangibles                                              2,019               635              603
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Furniture and equipment expense                                          3,680             3,589            3,256
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Insurance                                                                  774             1,785            2,325
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Marketing                                                                2,182             1,925            1,796
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Postage and telephone                                                    2,747             2,539            2,446
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     State taxes                                                              1,957             2,022            2,027
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Other                                                                    4,784             4,531            5,531
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       TOTAL OTHER EXPENSE                                                   62,408            59,112           56,501
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         INCOME BEFORE FEDERAL INCOME TAXES                                  54,550            46,292           40,241
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Federal income taxes                                                      16,857            14,592           12,412
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         NET INCOME                                                         $37,693           $31,700          $27,829
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   EARNINGS PER SHARE:
         BASIC                                                                $4.02             $3.39            $2.96
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         DILUTED                                                              $4.00             $3.38            $2.95
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

                                       45
<PAGE>   43
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995  (Dollars in thousands,
except share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               UNREALIZED
                                                                                 HOLDING
                                                                              GAIN/(LOSS) ON
                                                  COMMON STOCK                  AVAILABLE-         TREASURY STOCK
                                             ---------------------               FOR-SALE      ------------------------
                                               SHARES                RETAINED   SECURITIES,
                                               ISSUED      AMOUNT    EARNINGS       NET           SHARES       AMOUNT        TOTAL
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>             <C>       <C>          <C>      
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1995                    9,373,236   $   56,336   $  106,260   $   (7,350)      32,960   $     (255)  $  154,991
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Treasury stock purchased                       --           --           --           --        112,977       (4,675)      (4,675)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Treasury stock reissued primarily for
    stock options exercised                      --           --           --           --         (5,345)         212          212
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Shares issued for dividend 
    reinvestment
    plan and stock options                      8,116          239         --           --           --           --            239
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net income                                     --           --         27,829         --           --           --         27,829
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Cash dividends:
    Corporation at $1.25 per share               --           --         (8,950)        --           --           --         (8,950)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Cash dividends declared First-Knox,
    prior to merger                              --           --         (1,751)        --           --           --         (1,751)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Two-for-one stock split in the
    form of a 100% stock dividend
    at First-Knox, prior to merger               --          5,693       (5,693)        --           --           --           --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized net holding gain on
    available-for-sale securities                --           --           --         15,188         --           --         15,188
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995                  9,381,352       62,268      117,695        7,838      140,592       (4,718)     183,083
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Treasury stock purchased                       --           --           --           --         13,000         (640)        (640)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Treasury stock reissued primarily for
    stock options exercised                      --             38      (15,628)         650          688
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Shares issued for dividend 
    reinvestment
    plan and stock options                      5,540          171         --           --           --           --            171
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net income                                     --           --         31,700         --           --           --         31,700
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Cash dividends:
    Corporation at $1.45 per share               --           --        (10,354)        --           --           --        (10,354)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Cash dividends declared First-Knox,
    prior to merger                              --           --         (2,536)        --           --           --         (2,536)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  5% stock dividend at First-Knox,
    prior to merger                            56,972        2,134       (3,857)        --        (48,538)       1,723         --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized net holding loss on
    available-for-sale securities                --           --           --         (3,151)        --           --         (3,151)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996                  9,443,864       64,611      132,648        4,687       89,426       (2,985)     198,961
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Treasury stock purchased                       --           --           --           --         96,721       (6,249)      (6,249)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Treasury stock reissued primarily for
    stock options exercised                      --           --           --           --        (27,283)       1,522        1,522
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Shares issued for dividend 
    reinvestment
    plan and stock options                    107,939        2,325         --           --           --           --          2,325
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Cash payment for fractional
    shares in merger                             (600)         (40)        --           --           --           --            (40)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Tax benefit from exercise of
    stock options                                --          1,379         --           --           --           --          1,379
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net income                                     --           --         37,693         --           --           --         37,693
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Cash dividends:
    Corporation at $1.68 per share               --           --        (14,905)        --           --           --        (14,905)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Cash dividends declared First-Knox,
    prior to merger                              --           --           (901)        --           --           --           (901)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized net holding gain on
    available-for-sale securities                --           --           --          2,332         --           --          2,332
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997                  9,551,203   $   68,275   $  154,535   $    7,019      158,864   $   (7,712)  $  222,117
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
                                       46
<PAGE>   44
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995  (Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             1997              1996             1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                      <C>               <C>              <C>       
   OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
     Net income                                                          $   37,693        $   31,700       $   27,829
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
         provided by operating activities:
       Provision for loan losses                                              6,999             5,294            5,248
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Amortization of loan costs and fees, net                                (788)             (475)            (161)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Provision for depreciation and amortization                            3,273             3,005            2,929
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Market loss on loans held-for-sale                                        --                59               --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Amortization of the excess of cost over net assets
         of banks purchased                                                   2,019               380              363
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Accretion of investment security discounts, net                       (1,726)           (1,658)          (1,083)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Deferred income taxes                                                   (378)             (213)            (770)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Realized investment security losses                                        7             1,324              634
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Loan sale gain                                                            --                --              (27)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Changes in assets and liabilities:
         Increase in other assets                                            (5,264)           (4,521)            (742)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Increase in other liabilities                                        2,949               223            5,121
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES                         44,784            35,118           39,341
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
     Proceeds from sales of securities:
       Available-for-sale                                                    45,083            85,717           48,923
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Proceeds from maturities of securities:
       Held-to-maturity                                                       2,973             2,110            6,032
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Available-for-sale                                                   141,765            86,150           53,363
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Purchases of securities:
       Held-to-maturity                                                          --            (1,575)          (2,265)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Available-for-sale                                                  (150,873)         (290,580)        (133,789)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Net increase in loans                                                 (111,284)          (87,612)         (71,356)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Purchase of loans                                                      (11,582)          (30,755)              --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Cash paid for branches                                                  (6,748)          (10,857)              --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Purchases of premises and equipment, net                                (2,740)           (2,072)          (3,881)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES                            (93,406)         (249,474)        (102,973)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
     Purchase of deposits                                                    49,192            97,928               --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Net increase in deposits                                                42,354            54,883          155,121
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings                        16,513            13,133          (44,740)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Issuance of common stock                                                    --               337              247
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Exercise of stock options                                                3,664                --               --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Purchase of treasury stock, net                                         (4,727)             (118)          (4,471)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Proceeds from long-term debt                                                --            30,000            5,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Repayment of long-term debt                                            (31,507)           (1,040)          (6,305)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Cash dividends paid                                                    (15,047)          (12,166)         (10,282)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES                         60,442           182,957           94,570
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                  11,820           (31,399)          30,938
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                            81,765           113,164           82,226
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR                      $   93,585        $   81,765      $   113,164
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

                                       47
<PAGE>   45

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed in the
preparation of the consolidated financial statements:

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Park National
Corporation (the Corporation or Park) and all of its subsidiaries. Material
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

ORGANIZATION

The Corporation is a multi-bank holding company headquartered in Newark, Ohio.
Through its banking subsidiaries, The Park National Bank (PNB), The Richland
Trust Company (Richland), Century National Bank (Century), and The First-Knox
National Bank of Mount Vernon (FKNB), the Corporation is engaged in a general
commercial banking and trust business, primarily in Central Ohio. PNB operates
through two banking divisions with the Park National Division headquartered in
Newark, Ohio and the Fairfield National Division headquartered in Lancaster,
Ohio. FKNB also operates through two banking divisions with the First-Knox
National Division headquartered in Mount Vernon, Ohio and the Farmers and
Savings Division headquartered in Loudonville, Ohio. All of the banking
subsidiaries and their respective divisions provide the following principal
services: the acceptance of deposits for demand, savings, and time accounts;
commercial, industrial, consumer and real estate lending, including installment
loans, credit cards, home equity lines of credit and commercial and auto
leasing; trust services; cash management; safe deposit operations; electronic
funds transfers; and a variety of additional banking-related services.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

RECLASSIFICATIONS

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year
presentation.

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

Investment securities are classified upon acquisition into one of three
categories: Held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading (see Note 4).

Held-to-maturity securities are those securities that the Corporation has the
positive intent and ability to hold to maturity and are recorded at amortized
cost. Available-for-sale securities are those securities that would be available
to be sold in the future in response to the Corporation's liquidity needs,
changes in market interest rates, and asset-liability management strategies,
among others. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, with
unrealized holding gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a
separate component of stockholders' equity, net of applicable taxes. At December
31, 1997 and 1996, the Corporation did not hold any trading securities.

Gains and losses realized on the sale of investment securities have been
accounted for on the completed transaction method in the year of sale on an
"identified certificate" basis.

                                       48
<PAGE>   46
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation is generally provided on the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are
amortized over the lives of the respective leases or the estimated useful lives
of the improvements, whichever are the shorter periods. Upon the sale or other
disposal of the assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are
removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is recognized.
Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred while renewals and
improvements are capitalized.


OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED

Other real estate owned is recorded at the lower of cost or fair market value
(which is not in excess of estimated net realizable value) and consists of
property acquired through foreclosure, loans in judgment and subject to
redemption, and real estate held for sale. Subsequent to acquisition, allowances
for losses are established if carrying values exceed fair value less estimated
costs to sell. Costs relating to development and improvement of such properties
are capitalized (not in excess of fair value less estimated costs to sell),
whereas costs relating to holding the properties are charged to expense.


INCOME RECOGNITION

Income earned by the Corporation and its subsidiaries is recognized principally
on the accrual basis of accounting. Loan origination fees are amortized over the
life of the loans using the interest method on a loan by loan basis, and
origination costs are deferred and amortized if material. Certain fees,
principally service, are recognized as income when billed or collected.

The Corporation's subsidiaries suspend the accrual of interest when, in
management's opinion, the collection of all or a portion of interest has become
doubtful. Generally, when a loan is placed on non-accrual, the Corporation's
subsidiaries charge all previously accrued and unpaid interest against income.
In future periods, interest will be included in income to the extent received
only if complete principal recovery is reasonably assured.


ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES

The allowance for possible loan losses is that amount believed adequate to
absorb estimated credit losses in the loan portfolio based on management's
evaluation of various factors including overall growth in the loan portfolio, an
analysis of individual loans, prior and current loss experience, and current and
anticipated economic conditions. A provision for loan losses is charged to
operations based on management's periodic evaluation of these and other
pertinent factors.

Effective January 1, 1995, the Corporation adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of
a Loan", as amended by SFAS No. 118, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of
a Loan - Income Recognition and Disclosure." These standards require an
allowance to be established as a component of the allowance for loan losses for
certain loans when it is probable that all amounts due pursuant to the
contractual terms of the loan will not be collected, and the recorded investment
in the loan exceeds the fair value. Fair value is measured using either the
present value of expected future cash flows based upon the initial effective
interest rate on the loan, the observable market price of the loan or the fair
value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The adoption of
these standards did not have a material impact on the overall allowance for loan
losses and did not affect the Corporation's charge-off or income recognition
policies.

                                       49
<PAGE>   47
LEASE FINANCING

Leases of equipment, automobiles, and aircraft to customers generally are direct
leases in which the Corporation's subsidiaries have acquired the equipment,
automobiles, or aircraft with no outside financing.

Such leases are accounted for as direct financing leases for financial reporting
purposes. Under the direct financing method, a receivable is recorded for the
total amount of the lease payments to be received.

Unearned lease income, representing the excess of the sum of the aggregate
rentals of the equipment, automobiles or aircraft over its cost is included in
income over the term of the lease under the interest method.

EXCESS OF COST OVER NET ASSETS OF BANKS PURCHASED

The excess of cost over net assets of the banks purchased is being amortized,
principally on the straight-line method, over periods ranging from seven to
fifteen years.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and cash items, amounts due from banks
and federal funds sold. Generally federal funds are purchased and sold for one
day periods.

Net cash provided by operating activities reflects cash payments as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     DECEMBER 31, (IN THOUSANDS)                                     1997                 1996                1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                  <C>                 <C>    
   Interest paid on deposits and other borrowings                   $77,105              $68,541             $62,238
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Income taxes paid                                                 14,104               15,808              10,177
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

INCOME TAXES

The Corporation accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability
approach. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined
based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and
liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be
in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.

ACCOUNTING CHANGES

In 1997, SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share" replaced the calculation of primary
and fully diluted earnings per share with basic and diluted earnings per share.
Unlike primary earnings per share, basic earnings per share excludes any
dilutive effects of options, warrants and convertible securities. Diluted
earnings per share is very similar to the previously reported fully diluted
earnings per share. All earnings per share amounts for all periods have been
presented, and where appropriate, restated to conform to SFAS No. 128
requirements.

2. ACQUISITIONS

On May 5, 1997, the Corporation merged with First-Knox Banc Corp. (First-Knox),
a $569 million bank holding company headquartered in Mount Vernon, Ohio, in a
transaction accounted for as a pooling of interests. Park issued approximately
2.3 million shares of common stock to the stockholders of First-Knox based upon
an exchange ratio of .5914 shares of Park common stock for each outstanding
share of First-Knox common stock. The historical financial statements of the
Corporation have been restated to show Park and First-Knox on a combined basis.

Separate results of operations for Park and First-Knox are as follows:

                                       50
<PAGE>   48
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              THREE MONTHS ENDED               Twelve Months Ended
     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)                         MARCH 31                        December 31
                                                                     1997                 1996                1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                  <C>                 <C>    
   NET INTEREST INCOME:
     Park                                                           $19,077              $72,271             $66,352
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     First-Knox                                                       5,607               21,767              19,589
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       COMBINED                                                     $24,684              $94,038             $85,941
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   NET INCOME:
     Park                                                            $7,296              $25,664             $22,120
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     First-Knox                                                       1,693                6,036               5,709
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       COMBINED                                                      $8,989              $31,700             $27,829
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   BASIC NET INCOME PER SHARE:
     Park                                                             $1.02                $3.60               $3.09
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     First-Knox                                                        0.45                 1.61                1.51
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       COMBINED                                                       $0.96                $3.39               $2.96
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE:
     Park                                                             $1.02                $3.60               $3.09
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     First-Knox                                                        0.44                 1.59                1.50
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       COMBINED                                                       $0.96                $3.38               $2.95
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



On December 8, 1997, Fairfield National Division acquired three branch offices
in Lancaster, Ohio from KeyBank National Association. In addition to the fixed
assets, the purchase included $49 million of deposits and $12 million of loans.
The excess of the cost over net assets purchased was $6 million and is being
amortized using the straight-line method over seven years.

On December 6, 1996, Richland Trust Company acquired five branch offices in
Richland County from Peoples National Bank. In addition to the fixed assets, the
purchase included $98 million of deposits and $31 million of loans. The banking
business of the five branches was consolidated into Richland Trust Company's
operations. The excess of the cost over net assets purchased was $10 million and
is being amortized using the straight-line method over seven years.

Proforma information for the branch acquisitions has not been provided as the
impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Corporation is not
material.

3. RESTRICTIONS ON CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

The Corporation's banking subsidiaries are required to maintain average reserve
balances with the Federal Reserve Bank. The average required reserve balance was
approximately $19,493,000 and $19,224,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. No other compensating balance arrangements were in existence at
year end.

                                       51

<PAGE>   49
4. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investment securities at
December 31 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                GROSS          GROSS
                                                                             UNREALIZED     UNREALIZED
      (IN THOUSANDS)                                         AMORTIZED         HOLDING        HOLDING        ESTIMATED
                                                               COST             GAINS         LOSSES        FAIR VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>             <C>               <C>            <C>     
   1997:
     SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:
       Obligations of U.S. Treasury and other
         U.S. Government agencies                            $ 155,780       $   3,468         $  --          $159,248
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Obligations of states and
         political subdivisions                                 76,803           3,192            62            79,933
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       U.S. Government agencies'
         asset-backed securities and
         other asset-backed securities                         270,708           3,628           102           274,234
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Other equity securities                                  18,888             619            --            19,507
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TOTAL SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE                  $522,179         $10,907          $164          $532,922
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     SECURITIES HELD-TO-MATURITY:
       Obligations of states and
         political subdivisions                            $     7,434       $     349        $    5        $    7,778
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Other asset-backed securities                               374               4            --               378
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TOTAL SECURITIES HELD-TO-MATURITY                  $    7,808        $    353        $    5        $    8,156
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   1996:
     SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:
       Obligations of U.S. Treasury and other
         U.S. Government agencies                            $ 218,201       $   3,969         $ 136         $ 222,034
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Obligations of states and
         political subdivisions                                 56,493           1,337           257            57,573
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       U.S. Government agencies'
         asset-backed securities and
         other asset-backed securities                         267,406           2,371           442           269,335
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Other equity securities                                  14,336             335            --            14,671
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Total Securities Available-for-Sale                 $ 556,436       $   8,012         $ 835         $ 563,613
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     SECURITIES HELD-TO-MATURITY:
       Obligations of states and
         political subdivisions                            $     9,784      $      453        $    8        $   10,229
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Other asset-backed securities                               668               3            11               660
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Other securities                                            328              --            --               328
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Total Securities Held-to-Maturity                  $   10,780      $      456        $   19        $   11,217
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       52
<PAGE>   50
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt securities at
December 31, 1997 are shown below (in thousands) by contractual maturity except
for asset-backed securities which are shown based on expected maturities. The
average yield is computed on a tax equivalent basis using a 35 percent tax rate:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           WEIGHTED
                                                    AMORTIZED  ESTIMATED    AVERAGE       AVERAGE
       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                         COST    FAIR VALUE   MATURITY        YIELD
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>        <C>        <C>              <C>  
SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:
  U.S. Treasury and agencies' notes:
    Due within one year                              $ 43,829   $ 44,201   0.5 years        7.33%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Due one through five years                        111,951    115,047   2.0 years        7.43%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                                          $155,780   $159,248   1.6 years        7.40%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Obligations of state and political subdivisions:
    Due within one year                              $  4,861   $  4,926   0.5 years        9.75%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Due one through five years                         17,206     17,798   3.3 years        7.87%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Due five through ten years                         29,677     30,943   7.6 years        7.47%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Due over ten years                                 25,059     26,266   11.2 years       7.57%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                                          $ 76,803   $ 79,933   7.4 years        7.74%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  U.S. Government agencies' asset-backed
    securities and other asset-backed securities:
    Due within one year                              $ 23,940   $ 23,995   0.5 years        6.17%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Due one through five years                        134,156    136,161   3.3 years        7.03%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Due five through ten years                        112,612    114,078   5.5 years        6.96%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                                          $270,708   $274,234   4.0 years        6.92%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES HELD-TO-MATURITY:
  Obligations of state and political subdivisions:
    Due within one year                              $  1,685   $  1,694   0.5 years        8.29%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Due one through five years                          4,477      4,812   3.0 years       10.08%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Due five through ten years                            852        852   7.5 years        8.03%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Due over ten years                                    420        420   11.9 years       7.63%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                                          $  7,434   $  7,778   3.5 years        9.30%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Other asset-backed securities:
    Due one through five years                       $     61   $     65   4.2 years        8.73%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Due over ten years                                    313        313   14.1 years       7.63%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                                          $    374   $    378   12.5 years       6.50%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Investment securities having a book value of $378,469,000 and $363,054,000 at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, were pledged to collateralize
government and trust department deposits in accordance with federal and state
requirements and to secure repurchase agreements sold.

                                       53
<PAGE>   51

In 1997, 1996, and 1995, gross gains of $64,000, $234,000, and $73,000 and gross
losses of $71,000, $1,558,000, and $707,000 were realized, respectively. Tax
benefits related to net securities losses were $2,000 in 1997, $463,000 in 1996,
and $222,000 in 1995.



5. LOANS

The composition of the loan portfolio is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     DECEMBER 31, (IN THOUSANDS)                                              1997                            1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                       <C>                              <C>        
   Commercial, financial and agricultural                                 $   212,970                      $   224,912
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Real estate - construction                                                  65,548                           70,359
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Real estate - residential                                                  708,768                          617,018
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Real estate - commercial                                                   256,074                          215,372
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Consumer, net                                                              313,517                          320,831
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Leases, net                                                                 35,050                           23,532
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     TOTAL                                                                $ 1,591,927                      $ 1,472,024
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>


The financial review section provides detail regarding nonperforming loans.
Under the Corporation's credit policies and practices, all nonaccrual and
restructured commercial, financial, agricultural, construction and commercial
real estate loans meet the definition of impaired loans under SFAS No. 114 and
118. Impaired loans as defined by SFAS No. 114 and 118 exclude certain consumer
loans, residential real estate loans and lease financing classified as
nonaccrual. The majority of the loans deemed impaired were evaluated using the
fair value of the collateral as the measurement method.



Nonaccrual and restructured loans are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     DECEMBER 31, (IN THOUSANDS)                                              1997                            1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                       <C>                             <C>      
   Impaired loans:
     Nonaccrual                                                           $   1,070                       $   1,042
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Restructured                                                             1,642                           2,348
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total impaired loans                                                   2,712                           3,390
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Other nonaccrual loans                                                       990                           1,259
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TOTAL NONACCRUAL AND RESTRUCTURED LOANS                          $   3,702                       $   4,649
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans at December 31, 1997
and 1996 was $406,000 and $403,000, respectively. All impaired loans for both
periods were subject to a related allowance for credit losses.

The average balance of impaired loans was $3,599,000 for 1997 and $3,663,000 for
1996.

Interest income on impaired loans is recognized after all past due and current
principal payments have been made, and collectibility is no longer doubtful. For
the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Corporation recognized $283,000
and $353,000, respectively, of interest income on impaired loans, which included
$290,000 and $344,000, respectively, of interest income recognized using the
cash basis method of income recognition.

                                       54
<PAGE>   52
Certain of the Corporation's executive officers, directors and their affiliates
are loan customers of the Corporation's banking subsidiaries. As of December 31,
1997 and 1996, loans aggregating approximately $43,555,000 and $39,806,000,
respectively, were outstanding to such parties.

6. ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES

Activity in the allowance for possible loan losses is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (IN THOUSANDS)                                                  1997                 1996                1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                  <C>                 <C>    
   Balance, January 1                                               $32,347              $29,239             $25,438
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Provision for loan losses                                        6,999                5,294               5,248
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Losses charged to the reserve                                   (6,271)              (4,438)             (2,952)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Recoveries                                                       2,520                2,252               1,505
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   BALANCE, DECEMBER 31                                             $35,595              $32,347             $29,239
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

7. INVESTMENT IN FINANCING LEASES

The following is a summary of the components of the Corporation's affiliates'
net investment in direct financing leases:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     DECEMBER 31, (IN THOUSANDS)                                                1997                            1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>                              <C>    
   Total minimum payments to be received                                      $26,294                          $19,534
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Estimated unguaranteed residual value of leased property                    14,712                            7,409
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Less: unearned income                                                       (5,956)                          (3,411)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     TOTAL                                                                    $35,050                          $23,532
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Minimum lease payments, in thousands, to be received as of December 31, 1997
are:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (IN THOUSANDS)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>     
   1998                                                                 $  7,114
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   1999                                                                    6,523
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   2000                                                                    5,832
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   2001                                                                    3,790
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   2002                                                                    3,035
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     TOTAL                                                              $ 26,294
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       55
<PAGE>   53
8. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

The major categories of premises and equipment and accumulated depreciation are
summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     DECEMBER 31, (IN THOUSANDS)                                                1997                            1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                         <C>                              <C>      
   Land                                                                     $   6,524                        $   6,269
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Buildings                                                                   25,851                           25,543
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Equipment, furniture and fixtures                                           24,720                           22,501
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Leasehold improvements                                                       1,144                              967
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     TOTAL                                                                     58,239                           55,280
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization                            (30,434)                         (27,732)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET                                             $ 27,805                         $ 27,548
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Depreciation and amortization expense amounted to $3,273,000, $3,005,000, and
$2,929,000 for the three years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.

The Corporation and its subsidiaries lease certain premises and equipment
accounted for as operating leases. The following is a schedule of the future
minimum rental payments required for the next five years under such leases with
initial terms in excess of one year (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     DECEMBER 31, (IN THOUSANDS)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                      <C>    
   1998                                                                  $   417
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   1999                                                                      410
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   2000                                                                      294
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   2001                                                                      195
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   2002                                                                      195
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Thereafter                                                                370
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total                                                                $1,881
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Rent expense amounted to $639,000, $609,000 and $593,000, for the three years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

9. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Short-term borrowings are as follows:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     DECEMBER 31, (IN THOUSANDS)                                               1997                             1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>                              <C>     
   Securities sold under agreements to
     repurchase and federal funds purchased                                  $127,587                         $119,959
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Federal Home Loan Bank advances                                             18,900                           10,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Other short-term borrowings                                                  5,137                            5,152
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     TOTAL SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS                                             $151,624                         $135,111
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      56
<PAGE>   54
The outstanding balances for all short-term borrowings as of December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995 (in thousands) and the weighted-average interest rates as of and
paid during each of the years then ended are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  REPURCHASE                                 DEMAND
                                                                  AGREEMENTS             FEDERAL              NOTES
                                                                  AND FEDERAL           HOME LOAN           DUE U.S.
                                                                     FUNDS                BANK              TREASURY
       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                                      PURCHASED            ADVANCES            AND OTHER
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                  <C>                  <C>   
   1997:
     Ending balance                                                 $127,587             $18,900              $5,137
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Highest month-end balance                                       161,172              86,000               5,137
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Average daily balance                                           132,976              26,741               2,909
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Weighted-average interest rate:
       As of year-end                                                  4.61%               6.25%               5.75%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Paid during the year                                            4.60%               5.49%               5.25%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   1996:
     Ending balance                                                 $119,959             $10,000              $5,152
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Highest month-end balance                                       137,843              10,000               5,895
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Average daily balance                                           118,592               4,420               3,709
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Weighted-average interest rate:
       As of year-end                                                  4.53%               5.85%               5.32%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Paid during the year                                            4.40%               6.06%               5.75%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   1995:
     Ending balance                                                 $110,105             $10,000              $1,874
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Highest month-end balance                                       153,683              11,040               6,113
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Average daily balance                                           125,591              10,361               3,083
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Weighted-average interest rate:
       As of year-end                                                  4.63%               5.94%               5.28%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Paid during the year                                            5.07%               6.21%               5.29%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       57
<PAGE>   55
10. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt is listed below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     DECEMBER 31, (IN THOUSANDS)                                               1997                             1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>                             <C>     
   FIXED RATE FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES WITH MONTHLY PRINCIPAL AND
     INTEREST PAYMENTS:

       5.60% Advance due August 1, 2003                                      $  1,902                        $  2,180
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       6.35% Advance due August 1, 2013                                         2,628                           2,723
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       5.95% Advance due March 1, 2004                                            519                             586
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       5.70% Advance due May 1, 2004                                            4,230                           4,760
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       5.85% Advance due January 1, 2016                                        4,259                           4,876
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       2.00% Advance due November 1, 2027                                          40                              --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       2.00% Advance due January 1, 2028                                           40                              --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   FIXED RATE FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES WITH MONTHLY INTEREST PAYMENTS:

       5.35% Advance due February 1, 1999                                       5,000                           5,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       5.60% Advance due April 1, 1999                                          5,000                           5,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       5.70% Advance due June 1, 1999                                           7,000                           7,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       6.35% Advance due March 1, 2004                                            250                             250
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       6.15% Advance due July 21, 1997                                             --                          10,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       6.60% Advance due July 21, 1999                                             --                          10,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       6.90% Advance due July 21, 2001                                             --                          10,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT                                                 $30,868                         $62,375
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

At December 31, 1997, Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances were collaterized
by the FHLB stock owned by the Corporation's affiliate banks and by residential
mortgage loans pledged under a blanket agreement by the Corporation's affiliate
banks.

11. STOCK OPTION PLAN

The Park National Corporation 1995 Incentive Stock Option Plan ("the Park Plan")
was adopted April 17, 1995. The Park Plan is intended as an incentive to
encourage stock ownership by the key employees of the Corporation. The maximum
number of common shares with respect to which incentive stock options may be
granted under the Park Plan is 200,000. At December 31, 1997, 45,142 options
were available for future grants under this plan. Incentive stock options may be
granted at a price not less than the fair market value at the date of the grant,
and for an option term of up to five years. No incentive stock options may be
granted under the Park Plan after January 16, 2005.

In conjunction with the First-Knox Merger in 1997, the Corporation assumed the
1995 First-Knox Director's Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan and
the 1990 First-Knox Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan.
Additionally, in conjunction with the merger in 1997, all former First-Knox
Plans were terminated with respect to the granting of any additional options and
stock appreciation rights.

                                       58
<PAGE>   56

The Corporation's stock option activity and related information is summarized as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                STOCK OPTIONS                      STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       OUTSTANDING                              OUTSTANDING
                                                  ------------------------                 ----------------------
                                                               WEIGHTED                                 WEIGHTED
                                                                AVERAGE                                  AVERAGE
                                      NUMBER                   EXERCISE        NUMBER                   EXERCISE
                                     AVAILABLE                 PRICE PER      AVAILABLE                 PRICE PER
                                     FOR GRANT     NUMBER        SHARE        FOR GRANT     NUMBER        SHARE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>   
   January 1, 1995                        101      105,362      $20.49         22,967       25,906       $22.95
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Authorized                       311,774           --           --        37,258           --           --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Granted                          (53,486)      53,486       45.26             --           --           --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Exercised                             --       (9,688)      28.74             --       (1,223)       17.75
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Forfeited/Expired                   (101)        (805)      19.12        (22,967)        (161)       19.12
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   December 31, 1995                  258,288      148,355       28.89         37,258       24,522        23.23
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Granted                          (49,605)      49,605       43.62         (2,602)       2,602        37.01
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Exercised                             --      (15,766)      39.56             --         (656)       18.45
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Forfeited/Expired                    400         (400)      47.28             --           --           --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   December 31, 1996                  209,083      181,794       31.95         34,656       26,468        24.70
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Granted                          (87,405)      87,405       62.16             --           --           --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Exercised                             --     (137,049)      28.06             --      (26,445)       24.70
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Forfeited/Expired                (76,536)      (4,317)      59.07        (34,656)         (23)       24.04
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   DECEMBER 31, 1997                   45,142      127,833       55.88             --           --           --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                        <C> 
   Range of exercise prices:                                               $34.70 - $98.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Weighted-average remaining contractual life:                            4.2 years
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Exerciseable at year-end:                                               117,807
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Weighted-average exercise price of exerciseable options:                $53.37
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights was $339,000, $212,000
and $150,000 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

The Corporation has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.25
"Accounting for Stock issued to Employees" (APB 25) and related interpretations
in accounting for its employee stock options because, as discussed below, the
alternative fair value accounting provided for under SFAS No. 123, "Accounting
for Stock Based Compensation," requires the use of option valuation models that
were not developed for use in valuing employee stock options. Under APB 25,
because the exercise price of the Corporation's employee stock options equals
the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation
expense is recognized.

The fair value of these options was estimated at the date of grant using a
Black-Scholes options pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions for 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively: risk-free interest rates of
6.25%, 6.48% and 6.41%; a dividend yield of 2.50%, 2.61% and 2.49%; a volatility
factor of the expected market price of the Corporation's common stock of .219,
 .206 and .200 and a weighted-average expected option life of 4.0, 4.2 and 4.3
years. The weighted-average fair value of options granted were $13.94, $8.30 and
$9.90 for 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

                                       59
<PAGE>   57
The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the
fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully
transferable. In addition, options valuation models require the input of highly
subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because
the Corporation's employee stock options have characteristics significantly
different from those traded options and because changes in the subjective input
assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's
opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single
measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.

The Corporation's proforma information follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)                           1997                 1996                1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                  <C>                 <C>    
   Net income as reported                                           $37,693              $31,700             $27,829
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Proforma net income                                               36,620               31,360              27,353
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Basic earnings per share as reported                               $4.02                $3.39               $2.96
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Proforma basic earnings per share                                   3.90                 3.36                2.92
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Diluted earnings per share as reported                              4.00                 3.38                2.95
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Proforma diluted earnings per share                                 3.89                 3.34                2.91
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

12. BENEFIT PLANS

The Corporation has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering
substantially all of its employees. The plan provides benefits based on an
employee's years of service and compensation. The Corporation's funding policy
is to contribute annually an amount that can be deducted for federal income tax
purposes using a different actuarial cost method and different assumptions from
those used for financial reporting purposes.

Net pension cost for 1997, 1996 and 1995 included the following components:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (IN THOUSANDS)                                                  1997                 1996                1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>     
   Service cost - benefits earned during the year                   $   942             $    911            $    823
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Interest cost on projected benefit obligation                      1,098                1,025                 917
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Actual return on plan assets                                      (3,934)              (2,253)             (2,303)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net amortization and deferral                                      2,493                  915               1,158
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     PENSION COST, NET                                              $   599             $    598            $    595
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       60
<PAGE>   58
The funded status of the plan and the prepaid pension cost at December 31, 1997,
1996, and 1995 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>                                                    <C>                  <C>                 <C> 
     December 31, (In thousands)                                     1997                 1996                1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
     Vested benefits                                                $12,128              $10,318            $  9,810
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Nonvested benefits                                                 176                  312                 235
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       ACCUMULATED BENEFIT OBLIGATION                                12,304               10,630              10,045
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Impact of projected future salary increases                        4,194                3,629               3,730
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION                                  16,498               14,259              13,775
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Plan assets at fair value                                         19,578               16,376              15,169
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       PLAN ASSETS IN EXCESS OF
         PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION                                 3,080                2,117               1,394
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Items not yet recognized in income:
     Unrecognized net gain from past
       experience different from that assumed
       and effects of changes in assumptions                         (2,731)              (1,537)               (169)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Unrecognized prior service cost                                     (3)                 (10)               (118)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Initial transition asset which is being amortized
       over 15.8 years                                                 (221)                (285)               (349)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       PREPAID PENSION COST INCLUDED IN
         CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET                               $     125            $     285           $     758
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The assumptions used as of December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995 in determining
pension expense and funded status information shown above were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     December 31,                                                    1997                 1996                 1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                   <C>              <C>    <C>                <C>  
   Weighted-average discount rate                                     7.71%            7.50 - 8.00%              7.50%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Rate of future salary increases                                    5.00%            4.75 - 5.00%       4.75 - 5.00%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Long-term rate of return on assets                                 8.00%            8.00 - 9.00%       8.00 - 9.00%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



The Corporation contributed approximately $438,000, $125,000, and $1,276,000 to
the plan in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

The Corporation has a voluntary salary deferral plan covering substantially all
of its employees. Eligible employees may contribute a portion of their
compensation subject to a maximum statutory limitation. The Corporation provides
a matching contribution established annually by the Corporation. Contribution
expense for the Corporation was $586,000, $475,000 and $458,000 for 1997, 1996
and 1995, respectively.

                                       61
<PAGE>   59
13. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of
the Corporation's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     DECEMBER 31, (IN THOUSANDS)                                               1997                             1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>                              <C>    
   DEFERRED TAX ASSETS:
     Allowance for loan losses                                               $ 12,491                         $10,937
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Deferred loan fees                                                           457                              328
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Deferred compensation                                                        529                              559
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Other                                                                      2,776                            2,451
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       TOTAL DEFERRED TAX ASSETS                                             $ 16,253                         $14,275
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES:
     Lease revenue reporting                                                 $  4,472                         $  3,126
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Unrealized holding gain on securities                                      3,760                            2,492
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Fixed assets, principally due to depreciation                                870                              953
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Other                                                                      5,017                            4,680
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       TOTAL DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES                                        $ 14,119                         $11,251
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         DEFERRED TAX ASSETS, NET                                            $  2,134                         $  3,024
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The components of the provision for federal income taxes are shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     DECEMBER 31, (IN THOUSANDS)                                     1997                 1996                1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                  <C>                 <C>    
   Currently payable                                                $17,235              $14,805             $13,182
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Deferred                                                            (378)                (213)               (770)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     TOTAL                                                          $16,857              $14,592             $12,412
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The following is a reconcilement of federal income tax expense to the amount
computed at the statutory rate of 35% for the year ended December 31, 1997 and
the weighted-average statutory rate of 34.8% for the years ended December 31,
1996 and 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     December 31,                                                    1997                 1996                1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                   <C>                  <C>                 <C>  
   Statutory corporate tax rate                                       35.0%                34.8%               34.8%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Changes in rate resulting from:
     Tax-exempt interest income                                       -2.9%                -1.5%               -1.7%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Other                                                            -1.2%                -1.8%               -2.3%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   EFFECTIVE TAX RATE                                                 30.9%                31.5%               30.8%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       62
<PAGE>   60
14. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per
share for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     DECEMBER 31,
     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)                   1997                 1996                1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>                 <C>                 <C>         
   NUMERATOR:
     Net income                                                 $    37,693         $     31,700        $     27,829
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   DENOMINATOR:
     Denominator for basic earnings per share -
       weighted-average shares                                    9,385,827            9,351,902           9,395,341
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Effect of dilutive securities - stock options                   37,944               34,317              29,003
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Denominator for diluted earnings per share -
       adjusted weighted-average shares and
       assumed conversions                                        9,423,771            9,386,219           9,424,344
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   EARNINGS PER SHARE:
     Basic earnings per share                                         $4.02                $3.39               $2.96
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Diluted earnings per share                                       $4.00                $3.38               $2.95
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

15. DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
Bank regulators limit the amount of dividends a subsidiary bank can declare in
any calendar year without obtaining prior approval. At December 31, 1997,
approximately $7,385,000 of the total stockholders' equity of the bank
subsidiaries is available for the payment of dividends to the Corporation,
without approval by the applicable regulatory authorities.

16.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK AND
     FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
The Corporation is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in
the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers.
These financial instruments include loan commitments and standby letters of
credit. The instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and
interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the financial
statements.

The Corporation's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the
other party to the financial instrument for loan commitments and standby letters
of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The
Corporation uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional
obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. Since many of the loan
commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount
does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The credit risk
involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved
in extending loan commitments to customers.

The total amounts of off-balance sheet financial instruments with credit risk
are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     DECEMBER 31, (IN THOUSANDS)                                               1997                             1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>                              <C>     
   Loan commitments                                                          $215,638                         $231,023
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unused credit card limits                                                   92,993                           93,282
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Standby letters of credit                                                    6,362                            6,259
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The loan commitments are generally for variable rates of interest.

                                       63
<PAGE>   61

customers primarily located in Central Ohio. The Corporation evaluates each
customer's credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral
obtained, if deemed necessary by the Corporation upon extension of credit, is
based on management's credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies
but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment,
and income-producing commercial properties.

Although the Corporation has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion
of the debtors' ability to honor their contracts is dependent upon the economic
conditions in each loan's respective location.

17. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Corporation in estimating
its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet
for cash and short-term instruments approximate those assets' fair values.

INVESTMENT SECURITIES: Fair values for investment securities are based on quoted
market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair
values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments.

LOANS RECEIVABLE: For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no
significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. The
fair values for certain mortgage loans, one-to-four family residential, are
based on quoted market prices of similar loans sold in conjunction with
securitization transactions, adjusted for differences in loan characteristics.
The fair values for other loans are estimated using discounted cash flow
analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar
terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET INSTRUMENTS: Fair values for the Corporation's loan
commitments and standby letters of credit are based on the fees currently
charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining
terms of the agreements and the counter parties' credit standing.

DEPOSIT LIABILITIES: The fair values disclosed for demand deposits are, by
definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The
carrying amounts for variable-rate, fixed-term certificates of deposit
approximate their fair values at the reporting date. Fair values for fixed rate
certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation
that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a
schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS: The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased,
borrowings under repurchase agreements, and other short-term borrowings
approximate their fair values.

LONG-TERM DEBT: The fair value for long-term debt is estimated using a
discounted cash flow evaluation using current market interest rates available to
replace the various maturities.


                                       54
<PAGE>   62
The fair value of financial instruments at December 31, 1997 and 1996 is as
follows:                    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   1997                                1996
                                                        ---------------------------------------------------------------
      DECEMBER 31, (IN THOUSANDS)                       Carrying            Fair            Carrying           Fair
                                                         Amount             Value            Amount            Value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>              <C>                <C>              <C>         
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   FINANCIAL ASSETS:
     Cash and federal funds sold                     $     93,585     $     93,585       $     81,765     $     81,765
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Investment securities                                540,370          541,078            574,393          574,830
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Loans:
       Commercial, financial and agricultural             212,970          212,970            224,912          224,912
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Real estate - construction                          65,548           65,548             70,359           70,359
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Real estate - residential                          708,768          722,794            617,018          630,457
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Real estate - commercial                           256,074          256,183            215,372          215,629
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Consumer, net                                      313,517          314,757            320,831          322,520
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TOTAL LOANS                                    1,556,877        1,572,252          1,448,492        1,463,877
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Allowance for loan losses                        (35,595)              --            (32,347)              --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           LOANS RECEIVABLE, NET                       $1,521,282       $1,572,252         $1,416,145       $1,463,877
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:
     Noninterest bearing checking                     $   257,867      $   257,867        $   225,424      $   225,424
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Interest bearing checking                            124,087          124,087            201,698          201,698
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Savings accounts                                     274,025          274,025            276,442          276,442
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Money market accounts                                242,854          242,854            168,740          168,740
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Time deposits                                        954,564          959,077            889,345          892,935
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Other                                                  1,567            1,567              1,769            1,769
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       TOTAL DEPOSITS                                  $1,854,964       $1,859,477         $1,763,418       $1,767,008
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Short-term borrowings                                151,624          151,624            135,111          135,111
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Long-term debt                                        30,868           30,344             62,375           62,036
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   UNRECOGNIZED FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
     Loan commitments                                          --    $        (216)                --    $        (231)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Standby letters of credit                                 --              (32)                --              (31)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

18. CAPITAL RATIOS

The following table reflects various measures of capital at December 31, 1997
and December 31, 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   1997                                1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      DECEMBER 31, (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                AMOUNT            RATIO            Amount            Ratio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>                                      <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>  
   Total equity (1)                                      $222,117          9.71%             $198,961          9.11%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Tier 1 capital (2)                                     198,949         13.46%              182,041         13.16%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total risk-based capital (3)                           217,636         14.72%              199,517         14.42%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Leverage (4)                                           198,949          8.91%              182,041          8.73%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       65
<PAGE>   63

(1)  Computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
     including unrealized market value adjustment of securities
     available-for-sale.
(2)  Stockholders' equity less certain intangibles and the unrealized market
     value adjustment of securities available-for-sale; computed as a ratio to
     risk-adjusted assets as defined.
(3)  Tier 1 capital plus qualifying loan loss allowance; computed as a ratio to
     risk-adjusted assets, as defined.
(4)  Tier 1 capital computed as a ratio to average total assets less certain 
     intangibles.

The Corporation's Tier 1, total risk-based capital and leverage ratios are well
above both the required minimum levels of 4.00%, 8.00% and 4.00%, respectively,
and the well-capitalized levels of 6.00%, 10.00% and 5.00%, respectively.

At December 31, 1997, all of the Corporation's subsidiary financial institutions
met the well-capitalized levels under the capital definitions prescribed in the
FDIC Improvement Act of 1991.

19. PARENT COMPANY STATEMENTS

The Parent Company statements should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and the information set forth below.

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for using the equity method of
accounting.

The effective tax rate for the Parent Company is substantially less than the
statutory rate due principally to tax-exempt dividends from subsidiaries.

Cash represents noninterest bearing deposits with a bank subsidiary.

Net cash provided by operating activities reflects cash payments for income 
taxes of $1,040,000,  $663,000 and $876,000 in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.

At December 31, 1997 and 1996, stockholders' equity reflected in the Parent
Company balance sheet includes $80.6 million and $73.9 million, respectively, of
undistributed earnings of the Corporation's subsidiaries which are restricted
from transfer as dividends to the Corporation.

                                       66
<PAGE>   64
19. PARENT COMPANY STATEMENTS  (continued)

                                 Balance Sheets
                          at December 31, 1997 and 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (IN THOUSANDS)                                                                 1997                        1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                              <C>                         <C>      
   ASSETS:
     Cash                                                                        $  15,714                   $  22,498
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Investment in subsidiaries                                                    161,591                     165,193
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Debentures receivable from subsidiary banks                                    12,000                       2,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Other investments                                                                  84                          84
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Excess of cost over net assets of banks purchased, net                          1,218                       1,522
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Dividends receivable from subsidiaries                                         31,700                       8,700
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Other assets                                                                    5,214                       3,869
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           TOTAL ASSETS                                                           $227,521                    $203,866
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   LIABILITIES:
     Dividends payable                                                          $    4,512                  $    3,754
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Other liabilities                                                                 892                       1,151
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TOTAL LIABILITIES                                                           5,404                       4,905
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
         TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                222,117                     198,961
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                             $227,521                    $203,866
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                              Statements of Income
              for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (IN THOUSANDS)                                                  1997                 1996                 1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                  <C>                 <C>    
   INCOME:
     Dividends from subsidiaries                                    $45,097              $26,965             $24,901
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Interest and dividends                                             790                  629                 193
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Gain of sale of securities                                          --                  181                  --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       TOTAL INCOME                                                  45,887               27,775              25,094
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   EXPENSE:
     Amortization of intangibles                                        304                  259                 259
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Other, net                                                         465                2,179                 837
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       TOTAL EXPENSES                                                   769                2,438               1,096
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       
     INCOME BEFORE FEDERAL TAXES AND EQUITY IN
         UNDISTRIBUTED EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES                      45,118               25,337              23,998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Federal income tax (expense) benefit                                (113)                 449                 516
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       INCOME BEFORE EQUITY IN UNDISTRIBUTED
         EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES                                    45,005               25,786              24,514
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Equity in undistributed earnings
     of subsidiaries                                                 (7,312)               5,914               3,315
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       NET INCOME                                                   $37,693              $31,700             $27,829
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
                                       67
<PAGE>   65

19. PARENT COMPANY STATEMENTS  (continued)

                            Statements of Cash Flows
              for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (IN THOUSANDS)                                                  1997                 1996                 1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>                  <C>                <C>      
   OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
     Net income                                                    $ 37,693             $ 31,700           $  27,829
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to 
     net cash provided by operating
     activities:
     Amortization                                                       304                  259                 259
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries                           7,312               (5,914)             (3,315)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Gain on sale of securities available-for-sale                       --                 (181)                 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Increase in dividends receivable
       from subsidiaries                                            (23,000)              (1,200)               (990)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (Increase) decrease in other assets                             (1,345)              (3,236)                110
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (Decrease) increase in other liabilities                          (259)                 705                 411
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES                   20,705               22,133              24,304
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
     Purchase of debenture from subsidiary bank                     (10,000)                  --                  --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Purchase of investment securities                                   --                  (54)                (30)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale                 --                  431                  --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Capital contribution to subsidiary                                  --               (8,000)                 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Other, net                                                      (1,379)                  --                  --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES                      (11,379)              (7,623)                (30)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
     Cash dividends paid                                            (15,047)             (12,166)            (10,282)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Proceeds from issuance of common stock                           3,664                  337                 247
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Purchase of treasury stock, net                                 (4,727)                (118)             (4,471)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         NET CASH USED FINANCING ACTIVITIES                         (16,110)             (11,947)            (14,506)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH                             (6,784)               2,563               9,768
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Cash at beginning of year                                         22,498               19,935              10,167
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         CASH AT END OF YEAR                                       $ 15,714             $ 22,498           $  19,935
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       68
<PAGE>   66



                            PARK NATIONAL CORPORATION

                           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>
2(a)(1)             Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of           Incorporated herein by reference to
                    October 28, 1996, between Park National             Registrant's Registration Statement on
                    Corporation ("Registrant") and First-Knox Banc      Form S-4, filed January 24, 1997
                    Corp.                                               (Registration No. 333-20417)
                                                                        ("Registrant's Form S-4") [Exhibit 2(a)]

2(a)(2)             Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger,          Incorporated herein by reference to
                    dated as of January 10, 1997, between               Registrant's Form S-4 [Exhibit 2(b)]
                    Registrant and First-Knox Banc Corp.

2(b)(1)             Branch Purchase and Assumption Agreement            *
                    between KeyBank National Association and 
                    The Park National Bank, dated as of May 23, 1997

2(b)(2)             Amendment No. 1 to Branch Purchase and              *
                    Assumption Agreement between KeyBank National
                    Association and The Park National Bank, dated
                    as of September 24, 1997

3(a)(1)             Articles of Incorporation of Park National          Incorporated herein by reference to
                    Corporation as filed with the Ohio                  Registrant's Form 8-B, filed May 20,
                    Secretary of State on  March 24, 1992               1992 (File No. 0-18772) ("Registrant's
                                                                        Form 8-B") [Exhibit 3(a)]
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   67
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Exhibit No.         Description                                         Page No.
- -----------         -----------                                         --------
<S>                 <C>                                                 <C>
3(a)(2)             Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of         Incorporated herein by reference to
                    Incorporation of Park National                      Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                    Corporation as filed with the Ohio Secretary        for the fiscal year ended 
                    of State on May 6, 1993                             December 31, 1993 (File No. 0-18772)
                                                                        [Exhibit 3(b)]

3(a)(3)             Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of         Incorporated herein by reference to
                    Incorporation of Park National Corporation as       Registrant's Quarterly Report on
                    filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on           Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
                    April 16, 1996                                      March 31, 1996 (File No. 1-13006)
                                                                        ("Registrant's March 1996 Form 10-Q")
                                                                        [Exhibit 3(a)]

3(a)(4)             Certificate of Amendment by Shareholders to         Incorporated herein by reference to
                    the Articles of Incorporation of Park               Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form
                    National Corporation as filed with the              10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended  
                    Ohio Secretary of State on April 22, 1997           June 30, 1997 (File No. 1-13006)
                                                                        ("Registrant's June 1997 Form 10-Q")
                                                                        [Exhibit 3(a)(1)]

3(a)(5)             Articles of Incorporation of Park National          Incorporated herein by reference to
                    Corporation (reflecting amendments through          Registrant's June 1997 Form 10-Q
                    April 22, 1997) (For SEC reporting compliance       [Exhibit 3(a)(2)]
                    purposes only -- not filed with Ohio Secretary
                    of State)

3(b)(1)             Regulations of Registrant                           Incorporated herein by reference to
                                                                        Registrant's Form 8-B [Exhibit 3(b)]

3(b)(2)             Certified Resolution regarding adoption of          Incorporated herein by reference to
                    amendment to Subsection 2.02(A) of the              Registrant's June 1997 Form 10-Q
                    Regulations of Park National Corporation            [Exhibit 3(b)(1)]
                    by Shareholders on April 21, 1997

3(b)(3)             Regulations of Park National Corporation            Incorporated herein by reference to
                    (reflecting amendments through April 21,            Registrant's June 1997 Form 10-Q
                    1997) (For SEC reporting                            [Exhibit 3(b)(2)]
                    compliance purposes only) 
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   68

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit No.         Description                                         Page No.
- -----------         -----------                                         --------
<S>                 <C>                                                 <C>
10(a)               Certified Copy of Resolutions Adopted by Board      Incorporated herein by reference to
                    of Directors of Park National Corporation on        Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                    July 17, 1995 Affecting Park National               for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                    Corporation Defined Benefit Pension Plan and        1995 (File No. 1-13006) ("Registrant's
                    Trust                                               1995 Form 10-K") [Exhibit 10(a)]

10(b)               Park National Corporation Defined Benefit           Incorporated herein by reference to
                    Pension Plan                                        Registrant's 1995 Form 10-K
                                                                        [Exhibit 10(b)]

10(c)               Park National Corporation Employees Voluntary       Incorporated herein by reference to
                    Salary Deferral Plan and Trust                      Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                                                                        for the fiscal year ended December
                                                                        31, 1993 (File No. 0-18772)
                                                                        [Exhibit 10(d)]

10(d)               Summary of Incentive Bonus Plan of Park             Incorporated herein by reference to
                    National Corporation                                Registrant's Form S-4 [Exhibit 10(d)]

10(e)               Split-Dollar Agreement, dated May 17, 1993,         Incorporated herein by reference to:
                    between William T. McConnell and The Park           (a) Registrant's Annual Report on
                    National Bank; and Schedule A to Exhibit 10(f)      Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
                    identifying other identical Split-Dollar            December 31, 1993 (File No. 0-18772)
                    Agreements between The Park National Bank and       [Exhibit 10(f)]; and (b) Registrant's
                    executive officers of Registrant                    Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                                                                        fiscal year ended December 31, 1994
                                                                        (File No. 1-13006) [Exhibit 10(g)]

10(f)               Split-Dollar Agreement, dated September 29,         Incorporated herein by reference to: (a)
                    1993, between Dominic C. Fanello and The            Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                    Richland Trust Company; and Schedule A to           for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                    Exhibit 10(f) identifying other identical           1993 (File No. 0-18772) [Exhibit 10(g)];
                    Split-Dollar Agreements between directors of        Schedule A to Exhibit 10(f) is being
                    Registrant and The Park National Bank, The          filed herewith
                    Richland Trust Company or Century National
                    Bank, as identified in such Schedule A
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   69

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit No.         Description                                         Page No.
- -----------         -----------                                         --------
<S>                 <C>                                                 <C>
10(g)               Park National Corporation 1995 Incentive Stock      Incorporated herein by reference to
                    Option Plan                                         Registrant's Registration Statement on
                                                                        Form S-8 filed May 9, 1995 (Registration
                                                                        No. 33-92060) [Exhibit 4(d)]

10(h)               Form of Stock Option Agreement executed in          Incorporated herein by reference to
                    connection with the grant of options under the      Registrant's 1995 Form 10-K
                    Park National Corporation 1995 Incentive Stock      [Exhibit 10(i)]
                    Option Plan

10(i)               Description of Park National Corporation            Incorporated herein by reference to
                    Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan              Registrant's Form S-4 [Exhibit 10(i)]

13                  Annual Report to Stockholders of Registrant         Incorporated herein by reference to the
                    for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997         financial statements portion of this
                    (Not deemed filed except for portions thereof       Annual Report on Form 10-K beginning at
                    which are specifically incorporated by              page 18
                    reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K)

21                  Subsidiaries of Registrant                                              *

23(a)               Consent of Ernst & Young LLP                                            *

23(b)               Consent of Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP                                *

24                  Powers of Attorney                                                      *

27                  Financial Data Schedule                                                 *

99                  Report of Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP                                 *

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

*Filed herewith
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   1


                                 EXHIBIT 2(b)(1)

                 Branch Purchase and Assumption Agreement, dated
               as of May 23, 1997, between The Park National Bank
                        and KeyBank National Association




<PAGE>   2
                                                                 Exhibit 2(b)(1)



                    BRANCH PURCHASE AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

                                 BY AND BETWEEN

                          KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

                                       AND


                             THE PARK NATIONAL BANK


                                   DATED AS OF

                                  MAY 23, 1997


<PAGE>   3




                              INDEX OF DEFINITIONS



AGREED VALUE shall mean, with regard to the Owned Real Estate and the Leasehold
Estate, its value as reflected by the Appraisal. Agreed Value shall mean, with
regard to the furniture, fixture and equipment which constitute part of the
Assets, the net book value determined as of the most recent month end preceding
the Closing Date under generally accepted accounting principles (the "Net Book
Value") of such furniture, fixture and equipment. In no event shall the Agreed
Value of the furniture, fixtures and equipment at any Branch be less than
$5,000.00.

APPRAISAL shall mean, with regard to the Owned Real Estate and the Leasehold
Estate, a limited summary format appraisal of its Fair Market Value furnished by
an Appraiser reasonably acceptable to Seller and Purchaser. For purposes of this
Agreement, "Appraiser" shall mean a reputable appraiser certified as an MIA
appraiser with at least five (5) years' experience within the previous ten (10)
years as a real estate appraiser working in the geographic region in which the
Owned Real Estate or Leasehold Estate to be appraised is located, with knowledge
of market values and practices. The cost of the Appraisal shall be paid equally
by each party hereto.

BRANCH(ES) shall mean each of Seller's branches identified on Schedule A hereto.

CODE shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the
regulations promulgated thereunder.

ENCUMBRANCE shall mean all mortgages, claims, liens, encumbrances, easements,
limitations, restrictions, commitments and security interests, except for
statutory liens securing payments not yet due, liens incurred in the ordinary
course of business and such other liens or encumbrances which do not materially
adversely affect the use of the properties or assets subject thereto or affected
thereby or which otherwise do not materially impair business operations at such
properties.

ERISA shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.

EXCLUDED DEPOSITS shall mean: (a) any individual retirement account or similar
account created by a trust for the exclusive benefit of an individual or his
beneficiaries in accordance with the provisions of Section 408 of the Code and
any simplified employee pension account established in accordance with Section
408(k) of the Code which hold investments in non-deposit instruments; (b)
deposits which have been pledged to secure, or as to which the owner is an
obligor with regard to, any extension of credit by Seller or an affiliate of
Seller other than a Loan, (c) in the event that the Loans are rejected by
Purchaser pursuant to Section 1.08(b) hereof, deposits which have been pledged
to secure any Loan and (d) any deposits obtained directly or indirectly through
a "deposit broker" (as that term is defined in Section 337.6(a)(5) of the Rules
and Regulations of the FDIC, 12 CFR Section 337.6(a)(5)).

FAIR MARKET VALUE shall mean, with regard to the Owned Real Estate and the
Leasehold Estate, the price in terms of money which it will bring, free and
clear of all indebtedness and, in the case of the Leasehold Estate, subject to
all of the terms of the Lease creating such Leasehold Estate, if exposed to the
open market, allowing a reasonable time to find a purchaser, who buys with the
intention of using the Owned Real Estate or the Leasehold Estate for conducting
the business of banking.

FEDERAL FUNDS RATE shall mean the "near closing bid" federal funds rate
published in the Wall Street Journal on the first business day following the
Closing.


                                       1
<PAGE>   4


KNOWLEDGE shall mean, with regard to Article X hereof, the actual present
knowledge as of the date hereof, without further investigation, of any Vice
President in KeyCorp's Corporate Real Estate Group and, with regard to Sections
3.01(j) and 5.01 hereof, the actual present knowledge as of the date hereof,
without further investigation, of any officer that holds the title of Senior
Vice President or above of Seller and has responsibility with respect to the
operations conducted at the Branches.

MEDIATOR shall mean Deloitte and Touche LL P

PERMITTED EXCEPTIONS shall mean, with respect to the Owned Real Estate or the
Leasehold Estate, (a) those standard printed exceptions appearing as Schedule B
items in a standard American Land Title Association ("ALTA") owner's or
leasehold title insurance policy, as the case may be, (provided, however, that
if Purchaser elects to obtain a survey as to any of the Owned Real Estate or
Leasehold Estate, the Permitted Exceptions for such Owned Real Estate or
Leasehold Estate shall not include the standard exception for matters that would
be disclosed by a survey, but shall include specific exceptions, if any,
disclosed by such survey provided that such specific exceptions are otherwise
included in the definition of Permitted Exceptions), (b) statutory liens for
current real estate taxes or assessments, both general and special, not yet due,
or if due not yet delinquent, or the validity of which is being contested in
good faith by appropriate proceedings; (c) all zoning laws and rulings,
easements, rights of way, and restrictions of record; (d) such other liens,
imperfections in title, charges, easements, restrictions, and encumbrances (but
in all cases excluding those which secure borrowed money) which individually and
in the aggregate are not material in character, amount, or extent, or do not
materially detract from the value of, or materially interfere with, the present
use of, any Owned Real Estate or any Leasehold Estate subject thereto or
affected thereby; (e) any exceptions to title arising from the action, inaction,
or status of Purchaser; and (f) such other exceptions as are approved in writing
by Purchaser.

REGULATORY APPROVALS shall mean all approvals, permits, authorizations, waivers,
or consents of governmental agencies or authorities necessary or appropriate to
permit consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby.




                                       2
<PAGE>   5



                    BRANCH PURCHASE AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT


This Branch Purchase and Assumption Agreement ("Agreement"), dated as of May
23, 1997, is made by and between KeyBank National Association, a national
banking association ("Seller"), and The Park National Bank, a national banking
association ("Purchaser"). Certain definitions used herein are set forth in the
Index of Definitions of this Agreement.

In consideration of the mutual promises hereinafter contained and other good and
valuable consideration, Seller and Purchaser hereby agree as follows:


                                    ARTICLE I

                                THE TRANSACTION

         1.01 THE TRANSACTION. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in
this Agreement, at the Closing, (a) Purchaser shall purchase the Assets and
shall assume the Liabilities, and Seller shall assign, transfer, convey, and
deliver to Purchaser, free and clear of all Encumbrances, all of Seller's right,
title and interest in and to such Assets and such Liabilities and (b) Purchaser
shall assume and thereafter honor and fully and timely pay, perform and
discharge all of Seller's obligations and liabilities of every type and
character relating to the Assets and Liabilities. Purchaser understands and
agrees that it is purchasing only the Assets (and assuming only the Liabilities)
specified in this Agreement and, except as may be expressly provided for in this
Agreement, Purchaser has no interest in, right to, or obligations relating to
any other business relationship which Seller may have with any customer of any
of the Branches.

         1.02     ASSETS AND LIABILITIES PURCHASED AND ASSUMED.

         (a)      ASSETS. For purposes of this Agreement, "Assets" shall mean:

                  (i) all real property owned by Seller on which Branches are
                  located, including all of Seller's rights in and to all
                  improvements thereon ("Owned Real Estate") and all leasehold
                  estates held by Seller ("Leasehold Estate") in and to any real
                  estate on which any of the Branches is situated, including all
                  of Seller's rights in and to all improvements thereon ("Leased
                  Real Estate");

                  (ii) all furniture, fixtures and equipment that are located in
                  or necessary for the conduct of business in the ordinary
                  course at any Branch (including Automated Teller Machines
                  ("ATMs"), if any, and branch teller and platform automation
                  equipment, if any);

                  (iii) safe deposit agreements relating to safe deposit boxes
                  located at the Branches;

                  (iv) all loans (exclusive of any reserve for possible loan
                  losses) that are attributable to the Branches, including all
                  loans made in the ordinary course of business consistent with
                  Seller's credit standards between the date of this Agreement
                  and the Closing, including all documents executed or delivered
                  in connection with any loan and any and all collateral
                  relating to any such loan and all rights in relation thereto
                  attributable to the Branches at the Closing (the "Loans")
                  (unless the Loans are rejected by Purchaser pursuant to
                  Section 1.08(b) hereof);


                                       3
<PAGE>   6


                  (v) all rights of Seller under any service or similar
                  contracts in effect as of the Closing Date with non-affiliated
                  third-party service providers which relate solely to the
                  operations of the Branches to the extent such contracts are
                  assignable;

                  (vi) all cash on hand (i.e., all petty cash, vault cash,
                  teller cash, ATM cash, and prepaid postage) at the Branches as
                  of the Closing; and

                  (vii) all prepaid expenses identified as an asset on the final
                  closing statement.

         (b)      LIABILITIES. For purposes of this Agreement, "Liabilities"
                  shall mean all of Seller's obligations and liabilities of
                  every type and character relating to all deposit accounts,
                  including accrued interest, which are reflected on the books
                  of Seller as of the Closing and are attributable to the
                  Branches, including, without limitation, all passbook
                  accounts, statement savings accounts, checking, Money Market
                  and NOW accounts, certificates of deposit, individual
                  retirement accounts, simplified employee pension accounts,
                  saving incentive match plan for employees accounts, Keogh
                  accounts, and repurchase agreements except for the Excluded
                  Deposits (the "Assumed Deposits"). Liabilities shall also
                  include:

                  (i) all obligations due under any service or similar
                  contracts, in effect at the Closing, relating to the
                  operations of the Branches, to the extent such contracts are
                  included in 1.02(a)(v);

                  (ii) all of Seller's obligations and liabilities, arising from
                  and after the Closing Date, to the extent attributable to the
                  Assets and the Assumed Deposits; and

                  (iii) all accrued and unpaid expenses identified as a
                  liability on the final closing statement.

         1.03     PRELIMINARY CLOSING STATEMENT AND PAYMENT.

         (a)      PRELIMINARY CLOSING STATEMENT. Not less than five (5) days
                  prior to the Closing Date, Seller shall deliver to Purchaser a
                  proposed preliminary closing statement, in the form of
                  Schedule B to this Agreement, completed as at a date mutually
                  agreed to by the parties. The parties shall agree upon the
                  preliminary closing statement before the Closing Date, and it
                  shall be the basis of a preliminary payment to be made to
                  Purchaser's account, or to Seller's account, as the case may
                  be, on the Closing Date (the "Preliminary Payment").

         (b)      PRELIMINARY PAYMENT. Subject to the terms and conditions
                  hereof, at the Closing, Seller shall wire transfer to
                  Purchaser immediately available funds equal to: (i) the sum of
                  (A) the amount of the Assumed Deposits (including accrued and
                  unpaid interest thereon) reflected on the preliminary closing
                  statement and (B) the amount of all accrued and unpaid
                  expenses reflected as a liability on the preliminary closing
                  statement; less (ii) an amount equal to the sum of: (A) twelve
                  point zero seven percent (12.07%) of the Assumed Deposits
                  based on a 30-day average prior to September 12, 1997; (B) the
                  amount of cash on hand at the Branches as of the Closing; (C)
                  the sum of ($125,000), representing the Agreed Value of all
                  furniture, fixtures, and equipment constituting part of the
                  Assets; (D) the Agreed Value of the Owned Real Estate and the
                  Leased Real Estate; (E) the amount of all prepaid expenses of
                  Seller as reflected as an asset on the preliminary closing
                  statement; (F) the Net Book Value of all Loans, plus accrued
                  and unpaid interest thereon as reflected on the preliminary
                  closing statement; and (G) the amount of estimated sales
                  taxes, if any, to be paid by Purchaser in connection with the
                  transaction contemplated hereby.


                                       4
<PAGE>   7

         (c)      PURCHASER PAYMENT. In the event that the amount equal to
                  subclause (b)(ii) above exceeds the amount equal to subclause
                  (b)(i) above, the amount of such excess shall constitute an
                  amount due from Purchaser to Seller and shall be paid to
                  Seller at the Closing.

         1.04 FINAL CLOSING STATEMENT AND ADJUSTMENT PAYMENT. Not more than
fifteen (15) days after the Closing Date, Seller shall provide Purchaser with a
proposed final closing statement, which shall be calculated as of the Closing
Date and the parties shall promptly agree upon the final closing statement. The
final closing statement shall be in a form consistent with the preliminary
closing statement. On the first business day after Purchaser agrees to the final
closing statement or Seller is notified of any determination as to the final
closing statement under Section 1.05 below, Seller shall wire transfer to
Purchaser (or Purchaser shall wire transfer to Seller, as the case may be) in
immediately available funds an amount equal to the amount by which the final
payment reflected on the final closing statement indicates an amount in excess
of (or any amount less than) the Preliminary Payment paid at Closing (the
"Adjustment Payment"), plus interest, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal
Funds Rate.

         1.05 DISPUTES AND MEDIATION; PAYMENT OF FEES. If Purchaser disagrees
with the final closing statement, then Purchaser shall contact Seller and
Purchaser and Seller shall cooperate to resolve the matters in dispute. If the
parties are unable to agree on a final closing statement, then Purchaser or
Seller may submit the matter to the Mediator which shall determine all disputed
portions of the final closing statement; provided, however, that if the fees of
the Mediator as estimated by the Mediator would exceed 50% of the net amount in
dispute, the parties agree that such firm will not be engaged by either party
and that such net amount in dispute will be equally apportioned between Seller
and Purchaser. The parties shall each pay one-half of the fees and expenses of
the Mediator. The final closing statement, as agreed upon by the parties and/or
determined under this subsection, shall be final and binding upon the parties.

         1.06 PRORATION OF CERTAIN EXPENSES. All prepaid expenses and all
accrued and unpaid expenses shall be prorated between Purchaser and Seller as of
the Closing Date; provided, however, that (i) all property Taxes as to the Owned
Real Estate shall be prorated on the basis of the most recently certified tax
duplicate and rates; (ii) all real property taxes and other expenses or charges
required to be paid by Seller as tenant under any lease pursuant to which Seller
leases any of the Leased Real Property ("Lease") shall be prorated based upon
amounts paid by Seller during the current lease year as to any period that
includes but extends after the Closing Date; (iii) all utility payments paid
(excluding any such payment paid by Seller to a landlord, which shall be covered
by clause (ii) hereof) shall be prorated on the basis of the best information
available at the Closing Date. All security deposits under any Lease, together
with any accrued but unpaid interest payable thereon, shall be credited to
Seller. All prepaid expenses that are allocable to Purchaser hereunder shall
appear as an asset on the preliminary or final closing statement. To the extent
that expenses allocable to Seller hereunder have been accrued and not paid by
Seller prior to the Closing Date, they shall appear as a liability on the
preliminary or final closing statement. There shall be no post-closing
adjustment for any of the foregoing.

         1.07 ALLOCATION AND REIMBURSEMENT OF REAL ESTATE EXPENSES. All expenses
attributable to the Owned Real Estate and the Leasehold Estate incurred in
connection with the acquisition of the Branches by Purchaser shall be allocated
to and solely borne by Purchaser except for standard title insurance commitment
fees and title examination fees for the Owned Real Estate which shall be paid by
Seller.

         1.08     LOANS.

         (a)      LOAN INFORMATION. Prior to the date hereof, Seller provided to
                  Purchaser certain information relating to the Loans to be
                  transferred to Purchaser, which included, among other data,
                  summary information relating to loan delinquencies.


                                       5
<PAGE>   8


         (b)      OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW AND REJECT LOANS. Following the date
                  hereof, Purchaser shall be provided with the opportunity to
                  conduct a limited due diligence review of the Loans for the
                  purpose of determining whether Purchaser desires to purchase
                  the Loans in their entirety. Within fourteen (14) days after
                  the date upon which Purchaser is first provided access to
                  documentation relating to the Loans, Purchaser shall notify
                  Seller as to whether Purchaser shall accept or reject the
                  Loans, provided however, that Purchaser shall only be
                  permitted to accept or reject all of the Loans other than
                  overdraft lines directly attributable to the Assumed Deposits.
                  In the event that Purchaser notifies Seller that it intends to
                  reject the Loans, the payment under Section 1.03(b) shall be
                  calculated without giving effect to any amounts described in
                  (F) thereunder.

         (c)      LOAN DOCUMENTATION. As soon as practicable after the Closing,
                  Seller shall deliver to Purchaser all loan files that Seller
                  retains in original paper form. From and after the Closing,
                  Seller shall promptly deliver upon Purchaser's reasonable
                  request on a loan by loan basis any additional loan
                  information that Seller has retained in its possession in
                  electronic form (e.g., microfiche or magnetic tape). Seller
                  shall indemnify Purchaser for any and all losses which arise
                  as a direct result of the failure of Seller to have delivered
                  to Purchaser all necessary documentation with respect to any
                  Loan, provided, however, that Seller shall not be obligated to
                  indemnify Purchaser pursuant to this Section 1.08(c) in the
                  event that Purchaser shall not have notified Seller of the
                  missing documentation within sixty (60) days following the
                  Closing. For purposes of this provision, a "loss" shall mean a
                  loss of the principal balance of the affected Loan outstanding
                  as of the Closing Date and any interest accrued thereon.

         1.09 SUCCESSOR CUSTODIAN. Effective at the Closing, Seller hereby
appoints Purchaser as the successor custodian to Seller under the Liabilities
consisting of individual retirement accounts, simplified employee pension
accounts, saving incentive match plan for employee accounts, and Keogh accounts
and Purchaser hereby accepts from Seller the appointment to serve in such
capacity from and after the Closing Date.


                                   ARTICLE II

              OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE

         2.01 COVENANTS OF SELLER. Seller hereby covenants to Purchaser that,
from the date hereof until the Closing Date or by such earlier time as may be
specified in this Agreement, it will do or cause the following to occur:

         (a)      OPERATION OF BRANCHES. Seller shall continue to operate and
                  maintain the Branches in a manner consistent with its
                  customary practices and in a condition substantially the same
                  as exists on the date hereof (ordinary wear and tear and
                  casualty excepted).

         (b)      INFORMATION CONCERNING BRANCHES. Seller shall use its
                  reasonable efforts to furnish Purchaser, its agents, or
                  representatives reasonable access to, and permit Purchaser to
                  make or cause to be made such reasonable investigation of,
                  information and materials relating to the financial and
                  physical condition of the Branches as Purchaser reasonably
                  deems necessary or advisable; provided, further, that nothing
                  in this Section 2.01(b) shall be deemed to require Seller to
                  breach any obligation of confidentiality or to reveal any
                  proprietary information, trade secrets, or marketing or
                  strategic plans.

         (c)      CREATION OF ENCUMBRANCES. Seller shall not voluntarily create
                  any Encumbrances affecting the Owned Real Estate.


                                       6
<PAGE>   9


         (d)      INSURANCE. Seller will maintain in effect until and including
                  the Closing Date all casualty and public liability policies
                  relating to the Branches and maintained by Seller on the date
                  hereof or procure comparable replacement policies and maintain
                  such replacement policies in effect until and including the
                  Closing Date.

         (e)      RIGHT TO INTERVENE. In the event that any claim, protest, suit
                  or other proceeding is instituted against Purchaser under this
                  Agreement, Seller shall have the right, at its discretion and
                  expense, to intervene in such litigation, and Purchaser hereby
                  consents to such intervention.

         2.02 COVENANTS OF PURCHASER. Purchaser hereby covenants to Seller that,
from the date hereof until the Closing Date or by such earlier time as may be
specified in this Agreement, it will do or cause the following to occur:

         (a)      CERTAIN APPLICATIONS. Not later than twenty-one (21) days
                  after the date hereof, Purchaser shall prepare and submit for
                  filing, at no expense to Seller, applications to all
                  regulatory agencies required by Purchaser to obtain the
                  Regulatory Approvals. Purchaser shall promptly deliver to
                  Seller a copy of such applications and any supplement,
                  amendment, or item of additional information in connection
                  therewith. Purchaser shall also promptly deliver to Seller a
                  copy of each material notice, order, opinion, approval or
                  denial and other item of correspondence received by Purchaser
                  from the regulatory agencies and shall keep Seller promptly
                  informed of developments and progress with respect to such
                  matters. Purchaser hereby represents that it knows of no
                  reason why it should not obtain all Regulatory Approvals in a
                  timely manner.

         (b)      REAL ESTATE LEASE CONSENTS. In connection with the consent and
                  release noted in Section 2.03 hereof, Purchaser shall provide
                  to Seller within five (5) days after the date hereof current
                  financial information concerning Purchaser for Seller's
                  transmittal to the landlord under each Lease and shall provide
                  promptly to Seller any other information requested by such
                  landlord.

         2.03 COVENANTS OF BOTH PARTIES. Seller hereby covenants to Purchaser,
and Purchaser hereby covenants to Seller, that, from the date hereof until the
Closing, such party shall cooperate fully in obtaining, and make all reasonable
efforts to obtain, any third party consents which are required to consummate the
transaction contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, (a)
an estoppel certificate of each landlord in the form attached hereto as Schedule
G, if the landlord agrees to execute such estoppel certificate, (b) the written
consent of each landlord under a Lease to the assignment and assumption by
Purchaser of such Lease or, if the landlord does not so consent, and if such
consent is necessary to validly effect such assignment or assumption or
sublease, to a sublease of the premises demised by such Lease, and (c) in either
case, the release of Seller from all obligations and liabilities under any such
Lease from and after the Closing Date (provided, however, that this Section 2.03
shall not obligate Seller to make any payment or to execute any indemnification
or guaranty or other similar instrument which would render Seller liable for any
obligations, liabilities or duties of Purchaser arising out of such Lease from
and after the Closing Date). Each of Seller and Purchaser also hereby covenant
to the other that it shall cooperate fully in promptly selecting an Appraiser
and shall make all reasonable efforts to obtain an Appraisal of the Owned Real
Property and the Leasehold Estate within thirty (30) days of the date hereof.

                                       7

<PAGE>   10





         2.04     SELLER'S AND PURCHASER'S RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS REGARDING 
TITLE MATTERS.

         (a)      TITLE COMMITMENTS. Seller, at its sole expense, shall deliver
                  to Purchaser not later than thirty (30) days after the date
                  hereof, with respect to the Owned Real Estate, title
                  commitments for issuance of ALTA Owner's Policies of Title
                  Insurance (collectively, the "Title Commitments" and
                  individually, a "Title Commitment") issued not earlier than
                  thirty (30) days prior to the execution of this Agreement and
                  issued by a title insurance company authorized to do business
                  in the state in which the Owned Real Estate is located
                  designated by Seller (the "Title Company").

         (b)      SURVEYS. For thirty (30) days from the date hereof, Purchaser
                  shall have the right, but not the obligation, to obtain, at
                  Purchaser's sole cost and expense, (i) surveys as to any or
                  all of the Owned Real Estate or the Leasehold Estate and (ii)
                  title commitments for issuance of ALTA Leasehold Policies of
                  Title Insurance as to the Leasehold Estate from the Title
                  Company ("Leasehold Title Commitment"). Purchaser shall cause
                  a true and complete copy of each survey to be promptly
                  delivered to Seller and to the Title Company. Purchaser shall
                  cause a true and complete copy of each Leasehold Title
                  Commitment to be promptly delivered to Seller.

         (c)      TITLE DEFECTS. (i) Ten (10) days after receipt by Purchaser of
                  an original Title Commitment or any survey or Leasehold Title
                  Commitment obtained pursuant to Section 2.04(b) hereof,
                  Purchaser shall give Seller and the Title Company written
                  notice of any defect(s) disclosed in such Title Commitment,
                  survey or Leasehold Title Commitment that: (w) is (are) not
                  included in the exceptions specifically identified on the
                  Title Commitment or Leasehold Title Commitment; (x) is(are)
                  not included in clauses (a)-(d) of the definition of Permitted
                  Exceptions related to the applicable Owned Real Estate or
                  Leased Real Estate; (y) that materially adversely affect(s)
                  the business of the Branch situated upon such Owned Real
                  Estate or Leased Real Estate; and (z) which Purchaser does not
                  approve. Failure of Purchaser to provide such notice on a
                  timely basis shall constitute a waiver by Purchaser of any
                  matter(s) disclosed in such Title Commitment, survey or
                  Leasehold Title Commitment and thereupon such matter(s) shall
                  be deemed included in clause (b) of the definition of
                  Permitted Exceptions set forth in this Agreement.

                  (ii) If the notice referred to in (i) above is timely given by
                  Purchaser, Seller shall, within ten (10) days of such notice,
                  notify Purchaser and the Title Company as to whether Seller
                  shall cure or remove any defect(s). Following Seller's notice
                  to Purchaser and the Title Company that Seller elects not to
                  cure any defect(s), Purchaser must elect, within five (5)
                  days, as its sole remedy hereunder with respect to such
                  defect(s), to terminate this Agreement as to the Assets and
                  Liabilities attributable to the Branch situated upon the
                  affected Owned Real Estate and/or Leased Real Estate.
                  Purchaser's failure to make such an election shall be deemed
                  to be a waiver of such defect(s) and such defect(s) shall be
                  included in the Permitted Exceptions and shown as Permitted
                  Exceptions in the deed and the title policy relating to such
                  Owned Real Estate or Leasehold Estate.

                  (iii) Seller shall cause the Title Company to update the Title
                  Commitments and Purchaser may, at its sole cost and expense,
                  cause the Title Company to update Leasehold Title Commitments,
                  as of the business day prior to the Closing Date. In the event
                  that the updated Title Commitment or Leasehold Title
                  Commitment as to any Owned Real Estate or Leasehold Estate
                  discloses any defect(s) not included in the original Title
                  Commitment, survey or Leasehold Title Commitment, the
                  procedure set forth in (ii) above shall apply.

                                       8

<PAGE>   11


                                   ARTICLE III

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         3.01 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER. Seller represents and
warrants to Purchaser as follows:

         (a)      CORPORATE ORGANIZATION AND AUTHORITY. Seller is a national
                  banking association duly organized, validly existing, and in
                  good standing under the laws of the United States of America
                  with corporate power to carry on its business as presently
                  conducted at the Branches. Seller is an insured bank, as
                  defined in the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and applicable
                  regulations thereunder ("FDIA"). Seller is a member of the
                  Bank Insurance Fund of the FDIC ("BIF") and pays deposit
                  insurance assessments to BIF and the Savings Association
                  Insurance Fund. Seller is in compliance in all material
                  respects with all applicable fair lending laws, rules and
                  regulations, including without limitation the Community
                  Reinvestment Act of 1977, as amended. Seller has all requisite
                  corporate power and authority and has taken all corporate
                  action necessary to execute and deliver this Agreement and to
                  consummate the transaction contemplated hereby, and this
                  Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of Seller in
                  accordance with its terms subject, as to enforcement, to
                  bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization,
                  moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating
                  to or affecting creditor's rights generally, whether applied
                  at law or equity, and to general equity principals.

         (b)      EFFECTIVE AGREEMENT. Subject to the receipt of any and all
                  Regulatory Approvals and required third party consents, the
                  execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement by
                  Seller and the consummation of the transaction contemplated
                  hereby, will not conflict with, result in the breach of,
                  constitute a violation or default, result in the acceleration
                  of payment or other obligations, or create an Encumbrance,
                  under any of the provisions of the Charter or By-Laws of
                  Seller, under any judgment, decree, or order, under any law,
                  rule, or regulation of any government or agency thereof, or
                  under any material contract or instrument to which Seller is
                  subject, where such conflict, breach, violation, default,
                  acceleration, or Encumbrance would have a material adverse
                  effect on the business of any Branch or Seller's ability to
                  perform its obligations hereunder.

         (c)      INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS. The Individual Retirement
                  Custodial Account Agreement (i.e. Internal Revenue Service
                  Model Form 5305-A with certain supplementary provisions) used
                  at the Branches materially meets the criteria for the
                  establishment of an "individual retirement account" as
                  specified in Section 408(a) of the Code in all material
                  respects.

         (d)      SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION ACCOUNTS. The Simplified Employee
                  Pension - Individual Retirement Account Agreement (i.e.
                  Internal Revenue Service Model Form 5305-SEP with certain
                  supplementary provisions) and the Salary Reduction and Other
                  Elective Simplified Employee Pension - Individual Retirement
                  Account Agreement (i.e. Internal Revenue Service Model Form
                  5305A-SEP with certain supplementary provisions) used at the
                  Branches materially meets the criteria for the establishment
                  of a "simplified employee pension" as specified in Section
                  408(k) of the Code in all material respects.

         (e)      SAVING INCENTIVE MATCH PLAN FOR EMPLOYEES ACCOUNTS. The Saving
                  Incentive Match Plan for Employees of Small Employers
                  Agreement (i.e. Internal Revenue Service Model Form
                  5305-SIMPLE with certain supplementary provisions) used at the
                  Branches materially meets the criteria for the establishment
                  of a "saving incentive match plan for employees" as specified
                  in Section 408(p) of the Code in all material respects.


                                       9
<PAGE>   12


         (f)      KEOGH ACCOUNTS. The custodial agreement for the retirement
                  plan for self-employed individuals used at the Branches
                  materially meets the criteria for the establishment of a
                  "Keogh plan" as specified in Section 401(a) and Section 401(c)
                  of the Code in all material respects.

         (g)      NO BROKER. No broker or finder, or other party or agent
                  performing similar functions, has been retained by Seller or
                  is entitled to be paid based upon any agreements,
                  arrangements, or understandings made by Seller in connection
                  with the transaction contemplated hereby, and no brokerage fee
                  or other commission has been agreed to be paid by Seller on
                  account of such transaction.

         (h)      ENVIRONMENTAL. Seller makes the representations and warranties
                  to Purchaser set forth in Section 10.01 hereof.

         (i)      ASSETS. The fixed Assets material to the operations of each of
                  the Branches are in adequate working condition for the conduct
                  of the business at each of the Branches currently conducted by
                  Seller except for ordinary wear and tear.

         (j)      DEPOSITS. All of the Assumed Deposits have been administered
                  and, to Seller's knowledge, originated, in material compliance
                  with the documents governing the relevant type of deposit
                  account and all applicable laws. The Assumed Deposits are
                  insured by the Bank Insurance Fund or the Savings Association
                  Insurance Fund of the FDIC up to the current applicable
                  maximum limits, and no action is pending or, to Seller's
                  knowledge, threatened by the FDIC with respect to the
                  termination of such insurance.

         (k)      LIMITATION OF WARRANTIES. Except as otherwise specifically
                  provided for in this Agreement, Seller makes no
                  representations or warranties whatsoever with respect to the
                  Assets or the Liabilities, express or implied, including,
                  without limitation, any warranties with respect to
                  merchantability, fitness, title, enforceability,
                  collectibility, documentation or freedom from liens or
                  encumbrances (in whole or in part).


         3.02     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER.  Purchaser 
represents and warrants to Seller as follows:

         (a)      CORPORATE ORGANIZATION, AUTHORITY AND COMPLIANCE. Purchaser is
                  a national banking association duly organized, validly
                  existing, and in good standing under the laws of the United
                  States of America with corporate power to own its properties
                  and to carry on its business as presently conducted, except
                  where the failure of Purchaser to have such corporate power
                  would not have a material adverse effect on the ability of
                  Purchaser to perform its obligations hereunder. Purchaser is
                  an insured bank, as defined in the FDIA. Purchaser has all
                  requisite corporate power and authority and has taken all
                  corporate action necessary to execute and deliver this
                  Agreement and to consummate the transaction contemplated
                  hereby, and this Agreement is a valid and binding obligation
                  of Purchaser in accordance with its terms subject, as to
                  enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer,
                  reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general
                  applicability relating to or affecting creditor's rights
                  generally, whether applied at law or equity, and to general
                  equity principals. Purchaser is in compliance with all
                  applicable fair lending laws, rules and regulations including
                  but not limited to the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, as
                  amended.


                                       10
<PAGE>   13


         (b)      EFFECTIVE AGREEMENT. Subject to the receipt of any and all
                  Regulatory Approvals and required third party consents, the
                  execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement by
                  Purchaser and the consummation of the transaction contemplated
                  hereby, will not conflict with, result in the breach of,
                  constitute a violation or default, result in the acceleration
                  of payment or other obligations, or create an Encumbrance,
                  under any of the provisions of the Articles of Association or
                  By-Laws of Purchaser, under any judgment, decree, or order,
                  under any law, rule, or regulation of any government or agency
                  thereof, or under any material contract or instrument to which
                  Purchaser is subject, where such conflict, breach, violation,
                  default, acceleration, or lien would have a material adverse
                  effect on Purchaser's ability to perform its obligations
                  hereunder.

         (c)      NO BROKER. No broker or finder, or other party or agent
                  performing similar functions, has been retained by Purchaser
                  or is entitled to be paid based upon any agreements,
                  arrangements, or understandings made by Purchaser in
                  connection with the transaction contemplated hereby, and no
                  brokerage fee or other commission has been agreed to be paid
                  by Purchaser on account of such transaction.

         (d)      REGULATORY MATTERS. (i) There are no pending, or, to
                  Purchaser's knowledge, threatened or contemplated, disputes or
                  controversies (including any written order, decree, agreement
                  or memorandum of understanding, or Commitment Letter or
                  similar submission) with, to or between Purchaser and any
                  federal, state or local governmental agency or authority that,
                  individually or in the aggregate, would have a material
                  adverse effect on Purchaser's ability to perform any of its
                  obligations hereunder.

                  (ii) Purchaser is, and on a pro forma basis giving effect to
                  the transaction contemplated hereby will be, (A) at least
                  "well capitalized", as defined for purposes of the FDIA, and
                  (B) in compliance with all capital requirements, standards and
                  ratios required by each state or federal bank regulator with
                  jurisdiction over Purchaser, including, without limitation,
                  any such higher requirements, standard or ratio as shall apply
                  to institutions engaging in the acquisition of insured
                  institution deposits, assets or branches, and no such
                  regulator is likely to, or has indicated that it will,
                  condition any of the Regulatory Approvals upon an increase in
                  Purchaser's capital or compliance with any capital
                  requirements, standard or ratio.

                  (iii) Purchaser has no knowledge that it will be required to
                  divest deposit liabilities, branches, loans or any business or
                  line of business as a condition to the receipt of any of the
                  Regulatory Approvals.

                  (iv) Except for First-Knox National Bank and Farmers and
                  Savings Bank which were both rated "Satisfactory", each of the
                  subsidiaries, if any, or affiliates of Purchaser that is an
                  insured depository institution was rated "Outstanding"
                  following its most recent Community Reinvestment Act
                  examination by the regulatory agency responsible for its
                  supervision. Purchaser has received no notice of and has no
                  knowledge of any planned or threatened objection by any
                  community group to the transactions contemplated hereby.

         (e)      FINANCING AVAILABLE. Purchaser's ability to consummate the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement is not contingent
                  on raising any equity capital, obtaining specific financing
                  thereof, obtaining the consent of any lender or any other
                  matter.


                                       11
<PAGE>   14



         3.03 SURVIVABILITY; NO INDEMNIFICATION. The representations and
warranties of Seller and Purchaser contained or referred to in this Agreement or
in any certificate, schedule, or other instrument delivered or to be delivered
pursuant to this Agreement shall not survive beyond the Closing and neither
Seller nor Purchaser shall have any obligation whatsoever after the Closing to
indemnify, defend, or hold the other harmless for any loss, cost, charge,
liability or expense arising as a result of the inaccuracy or breach of any such
representation or warranty. Nothing in this provision shall affect the rights
and obligations of the parties provided for in Sections 1.08(c), 4.02(a), 6.03
and 10.02 hereof.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                                EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

         4.01 LIST OF BRANCH EMPLOYEES; HANDBOOK. Names of all employees
(including full and part-time employees, employees on short term disability and
employees on leave of absence and excluding employees on long-term disability)
employed by the Seller and assigned to the Branches as of the date hereof (the
"Branch Employees"), and, as to each Branch Employee, such employee's date of
hire and current compensation are listed on attached Schedule C. At least ten
days prior to the Closing Date, Seller shall update Schedule C to a date within
15 days prior to the Closing Date.

         4.02 ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN BY PURCHASER WITH RESPECT TO BRANCH EMPLOYEES.
Purchaser covenants to Seller that it will do or cause the following to occur:

         (a)      OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT. Seller shall make available and Purchaser
                  shall hire, as of the Closing Date, all Branch Employees, at
                  salaries, or at base wages, not less than the current salaries
                  or base wages paid to such Branch Employees as of the Closing
                  Date. Purchaser shall be responsible for all obligations
                  (including any obligation to provide notices) or liabilities,
                  if any, which may arise in connection with any Branch Employee
                  under the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act
                  (the "WARN Act") and Purchaser shall indemnify Seller for any
                  and all losses which Seller may incur under the WARN Act in
                  connection with any Branch Employee due to actions taken by
                  Purchaser.

         (b)      EMPLOYEE BENEFITS. All Branch Employees shall be eligible to
                  participate in Purchaser's employee benefit plans and fringe
                  benefit plans (including, without limitation, pension and
                  profit sharing plans, retirement income and post retirement
                  welfare benefits, health insurance benefits (medical and
                  dental), disability, life and accident insurance, sickness
                  benefit, vacation, employees' loans, and banking privileges)
                  on the same basis as such plans and benefits exist and are
                  offered to employees of Purchaser with comparable positions
                  with Purchaser. Purchaser shall credit such Branch Employees
                  for their length of service with Seller, its predecessors, or
                  its affiliates, for all purposes under each employee benefit
                  and fringe benefit plan to be provided by Purchaser to such
                  Branch Employees and for purposes of vesting and eligibility
                  (but not for purposes of benefit accrual) under any pension
                  benefit plan as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA.

         (c)      CREDITED SICKNESS DAYS. If Purchaser offers a salary
                  continuation or similar program for employees unable to work
                  for medical reasons, the Branch Employees shall be credited
                  under any program of Purchaser with at least the number of
                  sickness and/or personal benefit days accrued under Seller's
                  program at the Closing Date. After the Closing Date, the
                  Branch Employees shall accrue additional sickness and/or
                  personal benefit days in accordance with the terms of
                  Purchaser's program.


                                       12
<PAGE>   15


         (d)      PRE-EXISTING CONDITION. Purchaser agrees that any pre-existing
                  condition clause in any of Purchaser's health or disability
                  insurance coverage shall not be applicable to the Branch
                  Employees or their dependents.

         (e)      SEVERANCE PAY. Seller's severance policy and Purchaser's
                  severance policy, if any, are attached hereto as Schedule D.
                  Effective as of the Closing Date, Purchaser shall assume
                  liability for all severance benefits payable to any Branch
                  Employee who is terminated by Purchaser after the Closing
                  Date. For a period of one (1) year following the Closing Date,
                  Purchaser shall provide such benefit pursuant to either
                  Purchaser's severance policy or Seller's severance policy,
                  whichever is greater, and Purchaser shall compute severance
                  benefits by giving all Branch Employees full credit for all
                  years of service with Seller, its affiliates, and
                  predecessors, in accordance with Section 4.02(b). In the event
                  that Purchaser does not maintain a severance policy, Purchaser
                  will adopt a severance policy for a period of one (1) year
                  from the Closing Date on a basis consistent with the terms of
                  Seller's severance policy in existence on the Closing Date as
                  disclosed in writing to Purchaser by Seller on or prior to the
                  date hereof. After the initial one-year period, Purchaser
                  shall provide Branch Employees with severance benefits in
                  accordance with Purchaser's severance policy, if any, in
                  accordance with their years of service as credited under this
                  Agreement.

         (f)      SUCCESSOR EMPLOYER. Purchaser agrees it will qualify as a
                  successor employer of Branch Employees for withholding tax
                  purposes.

         (g)      PAYMENT OF CLAIMS. Purchaser assumes responsibility for (i)
                  payment of any medical, dental, health and disability claims
                  incurred by Branch Employees on or after the Closing Date and
                  (ii) Continuation Coverage (as defined in Section 4.03(d)
                  below) to any Branch Employee (and each Branch Employee's
                  qualified beneficiaries) whose qualifying event occurs on or
                  after the Closing Date.

         4.03 ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN BY SELLER WITH RESPECT TO BRANCH EMPLOYEES.
Seller covenants to Purchaser that it will do or cause the following to occur:

         (a)      ACCRUED BENEFITS. Seller agrees to remain responsible for the
                  payment of all accrued benefits to such Branch Employees who
                  are participants or retirees in accordance with the terms of
                  Seller's retirement income plans. Purchaser shall not at any
                  time assume any liability for the benefits of any active or
                  any terminated, vested, or retired participants whose benefit
                  accrued prior to the Closing Date under Seller's retirement
                  income plans.

         (b)      PAYMENT OF CLAIMS. Seller shall retain the responsibility for
                  payment of all medical, dental, health and disability claims
                  incurred by a Branch Employee prior to the Closing Date, and
                  Purchaser shall not assume any liability with respect to such
                  claims.

         (c)      CONTINUATION COVERAGE. Seller shall be responsible for
                  providing any Branch Employee whose "qualifying event," within
                  the meaning of Section 4980B(f) of the Code, occurs prior to
                  the Closing Date (and such Branch Employee's "qualified
                  beneficiaries" within the meaning of Section 4980B(g) of the
                  Code) with the continuation of group health coverage required
                  by Section 4980B(f) of the Code ("Continuation Coverage")
                  under the terms of the health plan maintained by Seller.


                                       13
<PAGE>   16





         (d)      RETIRED OR TERMINATED BRANCH EMPLOYEES. Seller agrees that it
                  shall retain, consistent with its normal employment practices,
                  all liability and obligation, if any (including, without
                  limitation, the liability and obligation for all wages,
                  salary, vacation pay and unemployment, medical, dental, health
                  and disability benefits), for those former employees of the
                  Branches who retired or terminated employment prior to the
                  Closing Date, but shall in all other instances cease to have
                  any liability for Branch Employees with regard to the
                  foregoing provisions on or after the Closing Date, except as
                  otherwise required by law.

         4.04 SELLER'S PENSION AND SAVINGS PLAN. On and after the Closing Date,
Seller shall vest all of the Branch Employees in the KeyCorp Cash Balance
Pension Plan ("Seller's Pension Plan") and the KeyCorp 401(K) Savings Plan
("Seller's Savings Plan").


                                    ARTICLE V

                                   TAX MATTERS

         5.01 DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS DOCUMENTATION. To Seller's Knowledge, with
respect to the Assumed Deposits, Seller is in compliance with the law and IRS
regulations relative to obtaining from depositors executed IRS Forms W-8 and W-9
or is back-up withholding on the applicable account.

         5.02 ASSISTANCE AND COOPERATION; TAX MATTERS. After the Closing Date,
each of Seller and Purchaser shall, with respect to the Assets or income
therefrom, the Assumed Deposits or payments in respect thereof, or the operation
of the Branches:

         (a)      TAX INFORMATION. Make available to the other and, subject to
                  attorney-client privilege, to any taxing authority as
                  reasonably requested all relevant information, records, and
                  documents relating to taxes.

         (b)      AUDITS AND ASSESSMENTS. Provide timely notice to the other
                  party in writing of any pending or proposed tax audits (with
                  copies of all relevant correspondence received from any taxing
                  authority in connection with any tax audit or information
                  request) or assessments for taxable periods for which the
                  other party may have a liability.

                  The party requesting assistance or cooperation shall bear the
other party's reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in complying with such request
to the extent that those expenses are attributable to fees and other costs of
unaffiliated third-party service providers.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                         CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING

         6.01 CONDITIONS TO BOTH PARTIES OBLIGATIONS. The obligations of each
party to consummate the transaction contemplated hereby are subject to the
satisfaction, or the waiver by such party to the extent permitted, of each of
the following conditions at or prior to the Closing:


                                       14

<PAGE>   17

         (a)      PRIOR REGULATORY APPROVAL OF THE TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED
                  HEREBY. All filings and registrations with, and notifications
                  to, all federal and state authorities required for
                  consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby and
                  Purchaser's operation of the Branches shall have been made,
                  all Regulatory Approvals shall have been received and shall be
                  in full force and effect, and all applicable waiting periods
                  shall have passed. A Regulatory Approval will be deemed to
                  have been received, and the condition to closing set forth in
                  this Section 6.01 shall be deemed to have been met
                  notwithstanding the fact that such Regulatory Approval
                  requires Purchaser to effect any divestiture of any of the
                  Branches.

         (b)      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations and
                  warranties of the other party set forth in this Agreement
                  shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the
                  Closing Date with the same effect as though all such
                  representations and warranties had been made on and as of such
                  time (unless a different date is specifically indicated in
                  such representations and warranties), and each party shall
                  have delivered to the other a certificate, dated as of the
                  Closing Date, to the effect that this condition has been
                  satisfied with respect to such party, provided, however, that
                  the representation of Seller set forth in Section 3.01(i)
                  hereof shall be deemed to be true and correct in accordance
                  with this Section 6.01 unless Buyer shall have notified Seller
                  at least 10 days prior to the Closing Date of any potential
                  breach of Section 3.01(i) by Seller and Seller shall have had
                  sufficient opportunity to correct such potential breach.

         (c)      COVENANTS. Each and all of the covenants and agreements of the
                  other party to be performed or complied with at or prior to
                  the Closing Date pursuant to this Agreement shall have been
                  duly performed or complied with in all material respects by
                  such party, or shall have been waived in accordance with the
                  terms hereof, and such party shall have delivered a
                  certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that
                  this condition has been satisfied with respect to such party;
                  provided, however, that the covenant of Seller set forth in
                  Section 2.01(a) hereof shall be deemed to have been duly
                  performed and complied with in accordance with this Section
                  6.01(c) unless Buyer shall have notified Seller at least 10
                  days prior to the Closing Date of any potential breach of
                  Section 2.01(a) and Seller shall have had sufficient
                  opportunity to correct such potential breach.

         (d)      NO PROCEEDING OR PROHIBITION. At the time of the Closing, no
                  court or governmental or regulatory authority of competent
                  jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated,
                  enforced, or entered any statute, rule, regulation, judgment,
                  decree, injunction or other order (whether temporary,
                  preliminary or permanent) which is in effect to restrain,
                  enjoin, or prohibit consummation of the transaction
                  contemplated hereby or which might result in rescission in
                  connection with such transaction, and Purchaser shall have
                  delivered to Seller a certificate, dated as of the Closing
                  Date, to that effect.

         6.02 ADDITIONAL CONDITION TO PURCHASER'S OBLIGATIONS. The Updated Title
Commitments shall have been delivered to Purchaser in accordance with Section
2.04. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.04, the Title Company shall be
ready and willing, upon the recording of the applicable deeds, to issue to
Purchaser, at Purchaser's sole cost and expense, an ALTA Owner's Policy of Title
Insurance as to each parcel of Owned Real Estate, showing as exceptions to title
only the Permitted Exceptions.

         6.03 OVERRIDING PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE LEASES. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary herein, if, by no later than five (5) days prior to the
Closing Date, a landlord under a Lease shall not have consented to the
assignment to and assumption by Purchaser of that Lease or to a sublease by
Seller to Purchaser of the Leased Real Estate demised by the Lease and such
consent is required under the terms of the Lease, the Seller shall have the
right, exercisable by written notice no later than the Closing Date, to
terminate the Agreement: (a) as to the Leasehold Estate demised by such Lease
and all furniture, fixtures and equipment located thereon; or (b) as to the
Assets and Liabilities relating to the Branch situated upon such Leased Real
Estate. Furthermore, and also notwithstanding anything to the 




                                       15
<PAGE>   18

contrary herein, if, by not later than five (5) days prior to the Closing Date,
a landlord under a Lease shall not have agreed to the release of Seller from all
obligations and liabilities under the Lease from and after the Closing Date, but
either the landlord shall have consented to a sublease by Seller to Purchaser of
the Leased Real Estate demised by the Lease (if the Lease requires such consent)
or such a sublease does not require the landlord's consent, then Seller and
Purchaser agree to proceed with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
as to the Branch located at the Leased Real Estate demised by such Lease, except
that Seller and Purchaser shall enter into a sublease agreement by which Seller
shall sublease the Leased Real Estate and Purchaser shall agree to indemnify
Seller for any loss, cost, charge or liability incurred by Seller as a result of
the failure to obtain the landlord's release. If the parties are to enter into a
sublease, then Seller shall provide to Purchaser promptly after the lapse of
such deadline a form of sublease which shall contain substantially the same
terms and conditions as the corresponding Lease, with appropriate modifications
to reflect the sublease nature.


                                   ARTICLE VII

                                     CLOSING

         7.01 CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE. The transaction contemplated hereby
shall be effective at a closing (the "Closing") to be held in the offices of
Seller, located at 127 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44107, or via courier or
facsimile transmission as Seller may designate. The Closing shall be effective
at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 12, 1997 or Friday, December 5, 1997, or such
other date as Seller in its discretion may designate, which date shall be
reasonably acceptable to Purchaser. The date on which the Closing occurs is
referred to in this Agreement as the "Closing Date".

         7.02. PARTIES' ACTIONS AT THE CLOSING. At the Closing, Seller and
Purchaser shall, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, take such
actions, including the execution and delivery of certain documentation, all as
set forth on Schedule E, and including the filing or recording of any and all
documents (including, without limitation, deeds) necessary in order to transfer
legal and equitable title to the Owned Real Estate to Purchaser as of the
Closing Date.


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                          CERTAIN TRANSITIONAL MATTERS

         TRANSITIONAL ACTION BY PURCHASER AND SELLER. Purchaser and Seller shall
cooperate in good faith and will use all reasonable efforts to comply with the
various transitional matters set forth in Schedule F hereto.


                                       16
<PAGE>   19

                                   ARTICLE IX

                               GENERAL COVENANTS

         9.01 INFORMATION. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, for
a period of three (3) years following the Closing, Seller and Purchaser mutually
agree, subject to any limitations imposed by law, to provide each other, upon
written request, with reasonable access to, or copies of, information and
records relating to the Branches, including, without limitation, Branch Employee
and customer files which are in the possession or control of Purchaser or Seller
reasonably necessary to permit Seller or Purchaser or any of their affiliates to
comply with or contest any applicable legal, tax, banking, accounting, or
regulatory policies or requirements, any legal or regulatory proceedings, or
inquiries by customers or Branch Employees. The provisions of this Section 9.01
shall survive the Closing for a period of three (3) years and any claim for the
breach of this Section 9.01 must be brought within such three (3) year period.

         9.02 CONFIDENTIALITY OBLIGATIONS. From and after the date hereof, each
party shall, and shall cause its affiliates to, treat all information received
from the other party concerning the business, assets, operations, and financial
condition of the other party as well as any other material which is included in
the definition of "Evaluation Material" as such term is defined under the
confidentiality agreement between Purchaser and Seller dated as of April 30,
1997 as Evaluation Material in accordance with the terms of such confidentiality
agreement. From and after the Closing Date, Seller shall assign to Purchaser all
of Seller's rights under any confidentiality agreements executed by or on behalf
of parties other than Purchaser.

         9.03 ALLOCATION OF CONSIDERATION. Purchaser and Seller agree that the
consideration payable hereunder at the Closing shall be allocated among the
Assets on the basis of an allocation to be mutually agreed upon by Purchaser and
Seller within thirty (30) days after the Closing, and that is consistent with
Section 1060 of the Code.

         9.04 COVENANT REGARDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BRANCHES AND THE RETENTION
OF CUSTOMER LISTS.

         (a)      For two (2) years after the Closing, Seller shall not open,
                  and shall not permit any of its affiliates to open, any branch
                  office or install any ATM within Lancaster, Ohio; provided
                  that the foregoing restriction shall not apply from and after
                  any date that the Seller or one of its affiliates shall have
                  completed an acquisition transaction, including a merger of
                  Seller or one of Seller's affiliates, with any other financial
                  institution holding company or any insured depository
                  institution which at the time of such acquisition transaction
                  is providing retail branch services in Lancaster, Ohio.

         (b)      Following the Closing, neither Seller nor KeyCorp or any of
                  its affiliates will solicit any Branch customer except such as
                  may occur as a result of solicitations to (i) the public
                  generally, or (ii) customers of Seller or KeyCorp or any of
                  its affiliates, including without limitation, all customers
                  that Seller retains as a result of Purchaser rejecting the
                  Loans in accordance with Section 1.08(b).

         9.05 FURTHER ASSURANCES. From and after the date hereof, each party
hereto agrees to execute and deliver such instruments and to take such other
actions as the other party hereto may reasonably request or as may be reasonably
necessary, including obtaining all required consents of third parties, in order
to carry out and implement this Agreement. Purchaser shall use its best efforts
to pursue all applications filed in connection with obtaining the Regulatory
Approvals diligently and in good faith.

         9.06 OPERATION OF BRANCHES. Not later than the Closing Date, Purchaser:
(a) shall change the legal name of the Branches to a name that does not include
the word Key, and (b) except for any documents or materials in possession of the
customers of the Branches (including, but not limited to, deposit tickets and
checks), shall not use 





                                       17
<PAGE>   20

and shall cause the Branches to cease using (i) any signage, stationery,
advertising, documents, or printed or written materials that refer to such
Branches by any name that includes the word Key and (ii) any logo, trademark or
service mark or trade name registered in the name of, or otherwise owned by
Seller or any of its affiliates, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement
or permitted pursuant to any written agreement(s) between Purchaser and Seller
or its affiliates.

         9.07 NOTICES OF DEFAULT. Each of Seller and Purchaser shall promptly
give written notice to the other upon becoming aware of the impending or
threatened occurrence of any event which could reasonably be expected to cause
or constitute a breach of any of their respective representations, warranties,
covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement.

         9.08 FIRE, CASUALTY AND TAKINGS. If any Owned Real Estate, Leasehold
Estate or Leased Real Estate or any fixtures or leasehold improvements composing
part thereof shall be damaged by fire or other casualty and such damage
materially affects the operations of the Branch related thereto, whether insured
or uninsured, and shall not be substantially repaired or restored by the Closing
Date, or if the land where any of the Branches is located or any building
thereon or any part thereof shall be taken by condemnation or exercise of the
power of eminent domain, or if proceedings therefor have commenced or been
threatened, on or prior to the Closing Date and such taking materially affects
or would materially affect the operations of the Branch related thereto,
Purchaser shall have the right and option exercisable within 10 days of
notification of such damage or taking to elect (i) to terminate this Agreement
with respect to the affected Branch, and the purchase price shall be adjusted to
reflect the decrease in the value of the assets and liabilities of the affected
Branch assigned thereto pursuant to the terms hereof, or (ii) to cause Seller to
assign to Purchaser as of the Closing Date all of Seller's rights and claims
against any third party by reason of such fire or other casualty, including
without limitation, any insurance claims.


                                    ARTICLE X

                             ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

 .        10.01    ENVIRONMENTAL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

         (a)      Prior to the date hereof, Seller shall have provided to
                  Purchaser Phase I audit reports, as of a date no earlier than
                  January 1, 1994, undertaken by Seller with respect to the
                  Owned Real Estate (the "Phase I Reports"). Except as set forth
                  in the Phase I Reports, to the Knowledge of Seller, the
                  Branches are in compliance with all environmental laws, rules
                  and regulations of the United States of America and of states
                  and localities in which the Branches are located, except for
                  any such noncompliance which, individually or in the
                  aggregate, has not had, and is not expected to have, to the
                  Knowledge of Seller, a material adverse effect on the business
                  of any Branch.

         (b)      Except as may be set forth in the Phase I Reports, to the
                  Knowledge of Seller, Seller has no liability with respect to
                  the Branches which, taken singularly or as a whole, if
                  adversely determined, would have a material adverse effect on
                  the business of any Branch (i) relating to the handling,
                  storage, treatment, use, disposal, discharge or release into
                  the environment of any hazardous material or waste at, on or
                  from the Owned Real Estate or the Leased Real Estate, (ii) for
                  the release or emission of any hazardous material from, on,
                  under, or within the Owned Real Estate or Leased Real Estate
                  into the air, water, surface water, ground water, land
                  surface, or subsurface strata, (iii) for the disposal of any
                  hazardous material on the Owned Real Estate or Leased Real
                  Estate or (iv) for the contamination of the Owned Real Estate
                  or Leased Real Estate with any hazardous material.


                                       18
<PAGE>   21


         10.02    ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATION.

         (a)      If any Phase I Report indicates the presence of any hazardous
                  substance with respect to any Owned Real Estate, and such
                  presence is a condition that requires remediation pursuant to
                  appropriate governmental standards, then, at Purchaser's
                  request made in writing to Seller within ten (10) days after
                  the date of this Agreement, and at Purchaser's sole cost and
                  expense, Seller shall arrange to cause a consultant approved
                  by both Seller and Purchaser to conduct a Phase II
                  environmental audit as to such hazardous substance and deliver
                  to Seller and Purchaser the results of such audit within
                  forty-five days after the request by Purchaser. If the Phase
                  II audit report confirms that such presence requires
                  remediation pursuant to appropriate governmental standards and
                  if such presence, if not remediated, would materially
                  adversely affect the business of the Branch situated upon the
                  Owned Real Estate and Purchaser requests that Seller take
                  remedial action with respect thereto, then Purchaser shall so
                  notify Seller in writing promptly after receipt of the Phase
                  II environmental audit report, whereupon Seller shall have the
                  right to (i) terminate this Agreement as it relates to the
                  Assets and Liabilities of the affected Branch, (ii) undertake
                  remedial action as to such presence at its sole cost and
                  expense so that no material continuing violation of any
                  environmental law exists (provided, however, that the timing
                  of any such remediation shall be coordinated with Purchaser to
                  minimize any resulting business interruption), or (iii) agree
                  to indemnify Purchaser for all actual costs and expenses
                  incurred by Purchaser to remediate the Owned Real Estate as to
                  such presence so that no material continuing violation of any
                  environmental law exists.

         (b)      If Purchaser fails to request a Phase II environmental audit
                  or to exercise its right to make a request that Seller
                  remediate any Owned Real Estate in each case as and when
                  required above, then Purchaser shall be bound to the terms of
                  this Agreement without a right of termination except as
                  provided in Article XI and without a further right to request
                  or to require any Seller remediation or indemnification. Any
                  termination by Seller under this Article X shall neither
                  create nor result in any liability of the Seller to the
                  Purchaser.


                                   ARTICLE XI

                                   TERMINATION

         11.01 METHODS OF TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated in any
of the following ways:

         (a)      By either Purchaser or Seller, in writing, if the Closing has
                  not occurred on or before the earlier of the nine (9) month
                  anniversary of this Agreement;

         (b)      At any time prior to the Closing Date by the mutual consent in
                  writing of Purchaser and Seller;

         (c)      By Purchaser or Seller as to the Owned Real Estate and/or
                  Leasehold Estate and all furniture, fixture and equipment
                  located thereon, all of the Assets and Liabilities relating to
                  the affected Branch, or as to the Agreement in its entirety,
                  as provided, in each case, in Section 2.04(c), 6.03 or 10.02;

         (d)      By Purchaser in writing if and when, at any time prior to the
                  Closing, any condition of its obligations hereunder set forth
                  in Section 6.01 of this Agreement becomes incapable of being
                  fulfilled and such condition has not been waived by Purchaser;


                                       19
<PAGE>   22


         (e)      By Seller in writing if and when, at any time prior to the
                  Closing, any condition of its obligations hereunder set forth
                  in Section 6.01 of this Agreement becomes incapable of being
                  fulfilled and such condition has not been waived by Seller;

         (f)      At any time prior to the Closing Date by Purchaser or Seller
                  in writing if the other continues to be in breach of any
                  representation and warranty (as if such representation and
                  warranty had been made on and as of the date of the notice of
                  breach referred to below unless a different time is specified
                  in any such representation and warranty), covenant, or
                  agreement in any material respect and such breach has not been
                  cured within twenty-five (25) days after the giving of notice
                  to the breaching party of such breach; or

         (g)      By Purchaser or Seller in writing at any time after any
                  applicable regulatory authority has denied approval of any
                  application of Purchaser for approval of the transaction
                  contemplated hereby.

         11.02 EFFECT OF TERMINATION. Except as otherwise specifically provided
in this Agreement, in the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to
this Article XI, neither Purchaser nor Seller nor their respective officers,
directors, or agents shall have any liability or obligation to the other of any
nature whatsoever except liabilities and obligations arising from Section 9.02
of this Agreement and liabilities and obligations arising from any material
breach of any provision of this Agreement occurring prior to the termination
hereof.


                                   ARTICLE XII

                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

         12.01 EXPENSES. Except as otherwise specifically allocated herein, each
of the parties hereto shall bear its own expenses, whether or not the
transaction contemplated hereby is consummated.

         12.02 TRANSFER OF LOANS WITHOUT RECOURSE; LIMITATION ON WARRANTIES.
Except as may be provided in Section 1.08, all Loans transferred to Purchaser
pursuant to this Agreement shall be transferred without recourse and without any
representations or warranties whatsoever (including, without limitation, any
representations or warranties as to the enforceability or collectibility of any
such Loans, the creditworthiness of any obligors or guarantors thereunder, or
the value or adequacy of such collateral). EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY
PROVIDED FOR IN THIS AGREEMENT, SELLER MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES
WHATSOEVER WITH RESPECT TO THE ASSETS OR THE LIABILITIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO MERCHANTABILITY,
FITNESS, TITLE, ENFORCEABILITY, COLLECTIBILITY, DOCUMENTATION OR FREEDOM FROM
LIENS OR ENCUMBRANCES (IN WHOLE OR IN PART).

         12.03 AMENDMENT, MODIFICATIONS AND WAIVERS. The parties hereto, by
mutual consent of their duly authorized officers, may amend, modify, and
supplement this Agreement in such manner as may be agreed upon by them in
writing. Each party hereto, by written instrument signed by an officer of such
party, may extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or
other acts of the other party hereto and may waive, but only as affects the
party signing such instrument: (a) any inaccuracies in the representations or
warranties of the other party; (b) compliance with any of the covenants or
agreements of the other party; (c) the performance by the other party of such of
its obligations set out herein; and (d) satisfaction of any condition to the
obligations of the waiving party pursuant to this Agreement.



                                       20
<PAGE>   23

         12.04 NOTICES. Any notice or other communication required or permitted
pursuant to this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and
delivered personally, by facsimile transmission, or by registered or certified
return receipt mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

         If to Purchaser:

                  The Park National Bank
                  21 South First Street
                  Newark, Ohio  43055
                  Facsimile: (614) 349-3787
                  Attention: David C. Bowers, Senior Vice President

         with a copy to the following:

                  Vorys Sater Seymour & Pease
                  P.O Box 1008
                  52 East Gay Street
                  Columbus, Ohio  43216-1008
                  Facsimile: (614) 464-6350
                  Attention:  Betsy Farrar

         If to Seller:

                  KeyCorp
                  127 Public Square
                  Cleveland, Ohio 44114
                  Facsimile:  216-689-3610
                  Attention: Matthew M. Nickels

         with a copy to the following:

                  KeyCorp
                  127 Public Square
                  Cleveland, Ohio 44114
                  Facsimile:  216-689-4121
                  Attention:  Daniel R. Stolzer, Esq.


or such other person or address as any such party may designate by notice to the
other parties, and shall be deemed to have been given as of the date received.

         12.05 PARTIES IN INTEREST; ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement is binding upon
and is for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors,
legal representatives, and assigns, and no person, including a Branch Employee,
who is not a party hereto (or a successor or assignee of such party) shall have
any rights or benefits under this Agreement, either as a third party beneficiary
or otherwise. This Agreement cannot be assigned except by a written agreement
executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and assigns.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller acknowledges that Purchaser may intend to
arrange for resales of certain of the Branches simultaneously with


                                       21
<PAGE>   24



the Closing; provided, however, that no third party beneficiary relationship or
any contractual relationship between Seller and any other third party shall be
deemed to exist or to be created hereunder by virtue of the resale of any of the
Branches by Purchaser hereunder.

         12.06 PRESS RELEASES. Seller and Purchaser shall mutually agree as to
the form, timing and substance of any press release of any matters relating to
this Agreement; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 12.06 shall be
deemed to prohibit any party hereto from making any press release which its
legal counsel deems necessary in order to fulfill such party's disclosure
obligations imposed by law.

         12.07 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement supersedes any and all oral or
written agreements and understandings heretofore made relating to the subject
matter hereof and contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the
subject matter hereof. All Schedules to this Agreement are incorporated into
this Agreement by reference and made a part hereof.

         12.08 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the laws of the State of Ohio. If any part of this Agreement
is declared illegal by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining parts
shall remain in full force and effect.

         12.09 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement and any Schedule hereto may be
executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original,
but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed by their respective officer whose signature appears below as of
the date first above written.


PURCHASER:                               SELLER:

The Park National Bank                   KeyBank National Association


By:  /s/ WILLIAM T. McCONNELL            By: /s/ MATTHEW M. NICKELS
    -----------------------------            ---------------------------
Name: William T. McConnell               Name: Matthew M. Nickels
      ---------------------------              -------------------------
Title: Chairman                          Title: Vice President
      ---------------------------              -------------------------

                                       22

<PAGE>   25


                        List of Schedules and Exhibit to
                    Branch Purchase and Assumption Agreement,
                        dated as of May 23, 1997, between
             The Park National Bank and KeyBank National Association


    Schedule                           Description
    --------                           -----------
     A                                 Branches to be Purchased
     B                                 Form of Preliminary Closing Statement
     C                                 Employee List
     D                                 Severance Policies
     E                                 Actions to be Taken at Closing
         Attachment 1                  Instrument of Assumption
         Attachment 2                  Bill of Sale and Receipt
         Attachment 3                  Limited Warranty Deed for Ohio
         Attachment 4                  Assignment and Assumption of Lease
     F                                 Transitional Matters
     G                                 Landlord Estoppel Certificate

    Exhibit
    -------
    1                       Lease


The above-described Schedules and Exhibit are not being filed herewith. Park
National Corporation agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted
Schedule or Exhibit to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.



<PAGE>   1


                                 EXHIBIT 2(b)(2)

                            Amendment No. 1 to Branch
                        Purchase and Assumption Agreement
                      between KeyBank National Association
                           and The Park National Bank,
                         dated as of September 24, 1997

<PAGE>   2

                                                                 Exhibit 2(b)(2)


                                 AMENDMENT NO. 1
                    BRANCH PURCHASE AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

         This Amendment No. 1 (this "Amendment") dated as of September 24, 1997,
is entered into by and between KeyBank National Association, a national banking
association (the "Seller") and The Park National Bank, a national banking
association (the "Purchaser").

SECTION 1.  BRANCH PURCHASE AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

         Reference is made to the Branch Purchase and Assumption Agreement dated
as of May 23, 1997 (the "Agreement") regarding Purchaser's purchase of certain
assets and assumption of certain liabilities of three (3) branches from Seller.
Unless otherwise changed in this Amendment, terms used herein, which are defined
in the Agreement, are used herein with the meanings therein described to them.
The Agreement as amended by this Amendment is and shall continue to be in full
force and effect and shall not be affected by this Amendment except and only to
the extent specified herein.

         The Agreement provided that the Closing of the transaction would be
effective at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 12, 1997 or Friday, December 5,
1997. The purpose of this Amendment is to modify the Agreement to reflect that
the transaction will close on Friday, December 5, 1997, but will have an
Effective Time (as that term is defined herein) as of 12:01 a.m. Monday,
December 8, 1997. This Amendment also removes the requirement that Purchaser
obtain new telephone numbers for the Branches in Purchaser's name.

SECTION 2.  AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT

         2.1. Amendments to Article I; The Transaction. Article I of the
Agreement shall be and hereby is amended as follows:

                  2.1.1. Section 1.01 is amended, such that the reference to the
         term "Closing" is deleted and in place thereof is inserted the term
         "Effective Time".

                  2.1.2. Section 1.02(a)(iv) is amended, such that each
         reference to the term "Closing" is deleted and in place thereof, in
         each instance, is inserted the term "Effective Time".

                  2.1.3. Section 1.02(a)(v) is amended, such that the reference
         to the term "Closing Date" is deleted and in place thereof is inserted
         the term "Effective Time".

                  2.1.4. Section 1.02(a)(vi) is amended, such that the reference
         to the term "Closing" is deleted and in place thereof is inserted the
         term "Effective Time".

                  2.1.5. Section 1.02(b) is amended, such that the reference to
         the term "Closing" is deleted and in place thereof is inserted the term
         "Effective Time".

                  2.1.6. Section 1.02(b)(i) is amended, such that the reference
         to the term "Closing" is deleted and in place thereof is inserted the
         term "Effective Time".


<PAGE>   3


                  2.1.7. Section 1.02(b)(ii) is amended, such that the reference
         to the term "Closing Date" is deleted and in place thereof is inserted
         the term "Effective Time".

                  2.1.8. Section 1.03(a) is amended and restated as follows:

                  (a) PRELIMINARY CLOSING STATEMENT. Not less than five (5) days
                  prior to the Closing Date, Seller shall deliver to Purchaser a
                  proposed preliminary closing statement, in the form of
                  Schedule B to this Agreement, completed as at a date mutually
                  agreed to by the parties. The parties shall agree upon the
                  preliminary closing statement before the Closing, and it shall
                  be the basis of a preliminary payment to be made to
                  Purchaser's account on the Closing Date, or to Seller's
                  account at the Closing, as the case may be (the "Preliminary
                  Payment").

                  2.1.8. Section 1.03(b) is amended and restated as follows:

                  (b) PRELIMINARY PAYMENT. Subject to the terms and conditions
                  hereof, by no later than 12:00 p.m. on the Closing Date,
                  Seller shall wire transfer to Purchaser immediately available
                  funds equal to: (i) the sum of (A) the amount of the Assumed
                  Deposits (including accrued and unpaid interest thereon)
                  reflected on the preliminary closing statement; (B) the amount
                  of all accrued and unpaid expenses reflected as a liability on
                  the preliminary closing statement; and (C) the aggregate of
                  all prepaid safe deposit rental payments prorated to the
                  Effective Time; less (ii) an amount equal to the sum of: (A)
                  12.07% of the Assumed Deposits based upon an estimated 30-day
                  average prior September 12, 1997; (B) the amount of cash on
                  hand at the Branches as reflected on the preliminary closing
                  statement; (C) the sum of $125,000, representing the Agreed
                  Value of all furniture, fixtures, and equipment constituting
                  part of the Assets; (D) the Agreed Value of the Owned Real
                  Estate and the Leased Real Estate; (E) the amount of all
                  prepaid expenses of Seller as reflected as an asset on the
                  preliminary closing statement; (F) the Net Book Value of all
                  Loans, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon as reflected
                  on the preliminary closing statement; and (G) the amount of
                  estimated sales taxes, if any, to be paid by Purchaser in
                  connection with the transaction contemplated hereby.

                  2.1.9. Section 1.04 is amended, such that the reference to the
         phrase to "at Closing" in the last sentence of this Section 1.04 is
         deleted and in place thereof is inserted the phrase "on the Closing
         Date or at the Closing, as the case may be".

                  2.1.10. Section 1.08(c) is amended, such that each reference
         to the term "Closing" is deleted and in place thereof, in each
         instance, is inserted the term "Closing Date"; and Section 1.08(c) is
         further amended, such that the reference to the term "Closing Date" is
         deleted and in place thereof is inserted the term "Effective Time".


                                       2
<PAGE>   4


                  2.1.11. Section 1.09 is amended, such that the reference to
         the term "Closing" is deleted and in place thereof is inserted the term
         "Effective Time".

         2.2. Amendments to Article II; Obligations of the Parties Prior to the
Closing Date. Article II of the Agreement shall be and hereby is amended as
follows:

                  2.2.1. Section 2.01(d) is amended and restated in its entirety
         as follows:

                  (d) INSURANCE. Seller will maintain in effect until the
                  Effective Time all casualty and public liability policies
                  relating to the Branches and maintained by Seller on the date
                  hereof or procure comparable replacement policies and maintain
                  such replacement policies in effect until the Effective Time.

                  2.2.2. Section 2.02 is amended, such that the reference to the
                  term "Closing Date" is deleted and in place thereof is
                  inserted the term "Closing".

         2.3. Amendments to Article III; Representations and Warranties. Article
III of the Agreement shall be and hereby is amended as follows:

                  2.3.1. Section 3.03 is amended, such that each reference to
         the term "Closing" is deleted and in place thereof, in each instance,
         is inserted the term "Closing Date".

         2.4. Amendments to Article IV; Employee Benefits. Article IV of the
Agreement shall be and hereby is amended as follows:

                  2.4.1. Section 4.02(c) is amended, such that each reference to
         the term "Closing Date" is deleted and in place thereof, in each
         instance, is inserted the term "Effective Time".

                  2.4.2. The second sentence of Section 4.02(e) is amended and
         restated in its entirety as follows:

                  Effective as of the Closing Date, Purchaser shall assume
                  liability for all severance benefits payable to any Branch
                  Employee who is terminated by Purchaser on or after the
                  Closing Date.

                  2.4.3. Section 4.04 is amended, such that the initial phrase
         "On and after the Closing Date" is deleted and in place thereof is
         inserted the phrase "Effective upon the Closing Date".

         2.5 Amendments to Article VI; Conditions Precedent to Closing. Article
VI of the Agreement shall be and hereby is amended as follows:

                                       3

<PAGE>   5

                  2.5.1. Section 6.01(b) is amended, such that the first and
         third references to the term "Closing Date" are deleted and in place
         thereof, in each instance, is inserted the term "Closing".

                  2.5.2. Section 6.01(c) is amended, such that the first and
         third references to the term "Closing Date" are deleted and in place
         thereof, in each instance, is inserted the term "Closing".

                  2.5.3. Section 6.03 is amended, such that each reference to
         the term "Closing Date" in the first sentence of this Section 6.03 is
         deleted and in place thereof, in each instance, is inserted the term
         "Closing"; and Section 6.03 is further amended, such that the first
         reference to the term "Closing Date" in the second sentence of this
         Section 6.03 is deleted and in place thereof is inserted the term
         "Closing".

         2.6. Amendments to Article VII; Closing. Article VII of the Agreement
shall be and hereby is amended as follows:

                  2.6.1. Section 7.01 is amended and restated in its entirety to
read as follows:

                  7.01 CLOSING, CLOSING DATE AND EFFECTIVE TIME. The Transaction
                  contemplated hereby shall occur at a closing (the "Closing")
                  to be held in the offices of Seller, located at 127 Public
                  Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44114, or via courier or facsimile
                  transmission as Seller may designate, on Friday, December 5,
                  1997, or such other date as Seller in its discretion may
                  designate, which date shall be reasonably acceptable to
                  Purchaser. The "Closing Date" shall be Monday, December 8,
                  1997. The "Effective Time" of this Agreement for purposes of
                  making calculations and for other purposes specifically
                  referred to in this Agreement shall be as of 12:01 a.m. on
                  Monday, December 8, 1997. In addition, the Closing shall be
                  deemed to have been consummated and final as of the Effective
                  Time. All actions taken and documents delivered at the Closing
                  will be deemed to have been taken and executed simultaneously,
                  and no action will be deemed taken nor any document deemed
                  delivered until all have been taken and delivered. Both
                  parties acknowledge that time is of the essence with respect
                  to consummating the transactions contemplated hereby.

                  2.6.2. Section 7.03 is added to Article VII as follows:

                  7.03 RECORDED INSTRUMENTS. If any instrument of transfer
                  contemplated herein shall be filed or recorded in any public
                  record before the Closing Date and thereafter the transaction
                  is not consummated, then at the request of Seller, Purchaser
                  will deliver (or execute and deliver) such instruments and
                  take such other action as Seller shall reasonably request to
                  revoke such purported transfer and to record any additional
                  transfers as are necessary to record property in the name of
                  the Seller.



                                       4
<PAGE>   6
                  

         2.7. Amendments to Article IX; General Covenants. Article IX of the
Agreement shall be and hereby is amended as follows:

                  2.7.1. Section 9.03 is amended, such that the first reference
         to the phrase "at the Closing" is deleted and in place thereof is
         inserted the phrase "on the Closing Date or at the Closing, as the case
         may be"; and Section 9.03 is further amended, such that the second
         reference to the term "Closing" is deleted and in place thereof is
         inserted the phrase "Closing Date or the Closing, respectively,".

                  2.7.2. Section 9.06 is amended, such that the reference to the
         term "Closing Date" is deleted and in place thereof is inserted the
         term "Effective Time".

         2.8. Amendments to Article XI; Termination. Article XI of the Agreement
shall be and hereby is amended as follows:

                  2.8.1. Section 11.01(a) is amended, such that the phrase "the
         earlier of" is deleted.

                  2.8.2. Section 11.01(d) is amended, such that the reference to
         the term "Closing" is deleted and in place thereof is inserted the term
         "Closing Date".

                  2.8.3. Section 11.01(e) is amended, such that the reference to
         the term "Closing" is deleted and in place thereof is inserted the term
         "Closing Date".

         2.9. Amendments to Schedule E. Schedule E to the Agreement shall be and
hereby is amended as follows:

                  2.9.1. The paragraph entitled "Delivery of Documentation" set
         forth under the Section "Seller's Actions at the Closing" is amended
         and restated as follows:

                  DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTATION. Execute, acknowledge, and/or
                  deliver to Purchaser, dated as of the Closing Date, the
                  certificates of Seller contemplated by Section 6.01, the Bill
                  of Sale and Receipt in the form of Attachment 2, Limited
                  Warranty Deed in the form of Attachment 3 for the Owned Real
                  Estate upon which each Branch is situated dated as of the
                  Closing and effective upon recording, the Assignment and
                  Assumption of Lease in the form of Attachment 4 for the Leased
                  Real Estate upon which each Branch is situated, all other
                  documents required to be delivered to Purchaser by Seller at
                  the Closing pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and any
                  other documents which Purchaser has identified to Seller at a
                  reasonable time prior to the Closing that are necessary or
                  reasonably advisable to consummate the transaction
                  contemplated by the Agreement.


                                       5

<PAGE>   7

                  2.9.2. The paragraph entitled "Delivery of Funds" set forth
         under the Section "Seller's Actions at the Closing" is amended and
         restated as follows:

                  DELIVERY OF FUNDS. Deliver to Purchaser any funds required to
                  be paid by Seller to Purchaser no later than 12:00 p.m. on the
                  Closing Date pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

                  2.9.3. Attachment 1: Instrument of Assumption, paragraph (b)
         is amended, such that the reference to the term "Closing Date" is
         deleted and in place thereof is inserted the term "Effective Time".

         2.10. Amendments to Schedule F; Transitional Matters. Schedule F to the
Agreement shall be and hereby is amended as follows:

                  2.10.1. Schedule F, paragraph (a) under the heading
         "Transitional Actions by Purchaser" is amended, such that the first
         sentence is restated as follows: "From and after the Effective Time,
         Purchaser shall: (i) . . ."

                  2.10.2. Schedule F, paragraph (b) under the heading
         "Transitional Actions by Purchaser" is amended such that the reference
         to the term "Closing Date" in the first sentence is deleted and in
         place thereof is inserted the term "Effective Time".

                  2.10.3. Schedule F, paragraph (c) under the heading
         "Transitional Actions by Purchaser" is amended, such that the second
         reference to the term "Closing Date" is deleted and in place thereof is
         inserted the term "Effective Time".

                  2.10.4. Schedule F, paragraph (d) under the heading
         "Transitional Actions by Purchaser" is amended, such that each
         reference to the term "Closing Date" is deleted and in place thereof,
         in each instance, is inserted the term "Effective Time".

                  2.10.5. Schedule F, paragraph (e) under the heading
         "Transitional Actions by Purchaser" is amended, such that each
         reference to the term "Closing Date" is deleted and in place thereof,
         in each instance, is inserted the term "Effective Time".

                  2.10.6. Schedule F, paragraph (g) under the heading
         "Transitional Actions by Purchaser" is amended, such that the reference
         to the term "Closing Date" is deleted and in place thereof is inserted
         the term "Effective Time".

                  2.10.7. Schedule F, paragraph (h) under the heading
         "Transitional Actions by Purchaser" is deleted.

                  2.10.8. Schedule F, paragraph (i) under the heading
         "Transitional Actions by Purchaser" is amended, such that the second
         sentence is restated as follows: "Purchaser shall notify affected
         customers to destroy the old ATM/Debit cards and shall notify customers
         of standard withdrawal limits beginning on the date of the Closing."



                                       6
<PAGE>   8

                  2.10.9. Schedule F, the second paragraph of paragraph (a)
         under the heading "Transitional Actions by Seller" is amended, such
         that the phrase "As early as practicable after the Closing Date" is
         deleted and in place thereof is inserted the phrase "No later than the
         Closing Date".

                  2.10.10. Schedule F, paragraph (f) under the heading
         "Transitional Actions by Seller" is amended, such that the reference to
         the term "Closing Date" is deleted and in place thereof is inserted the
         term "Effective Time".

                  2.10.11. Schedule F, paragraph (g) under the heading
         "Transitional Actions by Seller" is amended such that the phrase "on
         the Closing Date" is deleted and in place thereof is inserted the
         phrase "on the date of the Closing".

                  2.10.12. Schedule F under the heading "Transitional Actions by
         Seller" is amended, such that a new paragraph (h) is inserted to read
         as follows:

                  (h) OPERATION OF THE BRANCHES. During the weekend immediately
                  preceding the Closing Date, Seller shall not open the Branches
                  for the conduct of business.

                  2.10.13. Schedule F, paragraph (b) under the heading
         "Transitional Action by Both Parties" is amended, such that the
         reference to the term "Closing Date" in the first sentence is deleted
         and in place thereof is inserted the term "Effective Time".

                  2.10.14. Schedule F, paragraph (e) under the heading
         "Transitional Action by Both Parties" is amended, such that each
         reference to the term "Closing Date" in the last sentence is deleted
         and in place thereof, in each instance, is inserted the term "Effective
         Time".

                  2.10.15. Schedule F, paragraph (f) under the heading
         "Transitional Action by Both Parties" is amended, such that each
         reference to the term "Closing Date" is deleted and in place thereof,
         in each instance, is inserted the term "Effective Time".

SECTION 3.  MISCELLANEOUS

         3.1 Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, by all of which shall
constitute one and the same agreement.

         3.2 Headings. The section headings set forth in this Amendment are for
convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

         3.3 Entire Agreement. This Amendment contains the entire agreement and
understanding of the parties with respect to its subject matter. This Amendment
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties, both
written and oral, with respect to its subject matter.

                                       7

<PAGE>   9

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be duly
executed as a relevant instrument by their duly authorized officer as of the day
and year first written above.

                                   THE PARK NATIONAL BANK

                                   By: /s/ DAVID C. BOWERS
                                       --------------------------------
                                   Title:  SVP
                                         ------------------------------

                                   KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

                                   By: /s/ PHILIP J. ENGLISH
                                       --------------------------------
                                   Title: AVP
                                          -----------------------------


                                       8

<PAGE>   1


                           SCHEDULE A TO EXHIBIT 10(f)

         The following directors of Park National Corporation (the "Company")
entered into Split-Dollar Agreements with the subsidiaries of the Company
identified below which are identical to the Split-Dollar Agreement, dated
September 29, 1993, between Dominic C. Fanello and The Richland Trust Company
("Richland") filed as Exhibit 10(g) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 (File No. 0-18772):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Subsidiary of the Company which is a              Date of Split-Dollar
Name of Director                        Party to Split-Dollar Agreement                   Agreement
- ----------------                        ---------------------------------------------     --------------------
<S>                                     <C>                                               <C>
R. William Geyer                        Century National Bank (formerly Mutual Federal    October 4, 1993
                                        Savings Bank) ("Century")

Tamala Longaberger Kaido                Century                                           October 19, 1993

Howard E. LeFevre                       The Park National Bank ("PNB")                    September 7, 1993

Phillip T. Leitnaker                    PNB                                               October 5, 1993

John J. O'Neill                         PNB                                               September 2, 1993

William A. Phillips                     Century                                           September 14, 1993

J. Gilbert Reese                        PNB                                               September 8, 1993

Rick R. Taylor                          Richland                                          September 29, 1993

John L. Warner                          PNB                                               September 7, 1993
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   1


                                   EXHIBIT 21

                    SUBSIDIARIES OF PARK NATIONAL CORPORATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           State or Other Jurisdiction of
                            Name                                            Incorporation or Organization
                            ----                                           ------------------------------
<S>                                                            <C>
The Park National Bank ("PNB")                                 United States (federally-chartered national banking
                                                               association)

Park Investments, Inc. (NOTE: is a wholly-owned subsidiary     Delaware
of PNB)

Scope Leasing, Inc. (NOTE: is a wholly-owned subsidiary of     Ohio
PNB)

The Richland Trust Company ("Richland")                        Ohio

Richland Investments, Inc. (NOTE: is a wholly-owned            Delaware
subsidiary of Richland)

Century National Bank ("Century")                              United States (federally-chartered national banking
                                                               association)

Zane-Fed Services, Incorporated (NOTE: is a wholly-owned       Ohio
subsidiary of Century)

MFS Investments, Inc. (NOTE: is a wholly-owned subsidiary      Delaware
of Century)

The First-Knox National Bank of Mount Vernon ("FKNB")          United States (federally-chartered national banking
                                                               association)

First-Knox, Inc. (NOTE: is a wholly-owned subsidiary of        Ohio
FKNB)
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   1


                                  EXHIBIT 23(a)

                          Consent of Ernst & Young LLP



<PAGE>   2

                                                                  Exhibit 23(a)

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
                        -------------------------------



We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K
of Park National Corporation for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, of our
report dated January 20, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Park National Corporation included in the Company's Annual Report
to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in (a) the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 33-92060) dated March 5, 1995 and (b)
the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-20417) effective
March 20, 1997 of our report dated January 20, 1998, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Park National Corporation incorporated by
reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1997.


                                 /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Columbus, Ohio
March 19, 1998

<PAGE>   1


                                  EXHIBIT 23(b)

                    Consent of Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP



<PAGE>   2
                                                                  Exhibit 23(b)

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in (a) the Registration Statement
of Park National Corporation on Form S-8 (Registration No. 33-92060) dated March
5, 1995 and (b) the Registration Statement of Park National Corporation on Form
S-4 (Registration No. 333-20417) effective March 20, 1997, of our report dated
January 22, 1997, with respect to the consolidated balance sheet of First-Knox
Banc Corp. as of December 31, 1996, and the related consolidated statements of
income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the two years
in the period ended December 31, 1996, not included separately herein, which
report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Park National
Corporation for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.


                                               /s/ CROWE, CHIZEK AND COMPANY LLP

                                               Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP

Columbus, Ohio
March 19, 1998

<PAGE>   1


                                   EXHIBIT 24

                               Powers of Attorney



<PAGE>   2


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Park National Corporation, an Ohio corporation, (the
"Company"), 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 William T. McConnell, C. Daniel
DeLawder and David C. Bowers 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 and the American Stock Exchange, and grants
unto each of 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, and hereby ratifies and
confirms all things that each of 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 January, 1998.

                                                 /s/ William T. McConnell
                                                 ------------------------
                                                 William T. McConnell



<PAGE>   3


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Park National Corporation, an Ohio corporation, (the
"Company"), 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 William T. McConnell, C. Daniel
DeLawder and David C. Bowers 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 and the American Stock Exchange, and grants
unto each of 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, and hereby ratifies and
confirms all things that each of 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 January, 1998.

                                                   /s/ C. Daniel DeLawder
                                                   ----------------------
                                                   C. Daniel DeLawder




<PAGE>   4


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Park National Corporation, an Ohio corporation, (the
"Company"), 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 William T. McConnell, C. Daniel
DeLawder and David C. Bowers 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 and the American Stock Exchange, and grants
unto each of 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, and hereby ratifies and
confirms all things that each of 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 January, 1998.

                                                /s/ David C. Bowers
                                                -------------------
                                                David C. Bowers




<PAGE>   5


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Park National Corporation, an Ohio corporation, (the
"Company"), 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 William T. McConnell, C. Daniel
DeLawder and David C. Bowers as her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for her and in her
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 and the American Stock Exchange, and grants
unto each of 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 she might or could do in person, and hereby ratifies and
confirms all things that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of
them or her or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set her hand
this 20th day of January, 1998.

                                                  /s/ Maureen Buchwald
                                                  --------------------
                                                  Maureen Buchwald




<PAGE>   6


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Park National Corporation, an Ohio corporation, (the
"Company"), 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 William T. McConnell, C. Daniel
DeLawder and David C. Bowers 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 and the American Stock Exchange, and grants
unto each of 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, and hereby ratifies and
confirms all things that each of 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 January, 1998.

                                               /s/ James J. Cullers
                                               --------------------
                                               James J. Cullers




<PAGE>   7


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Park National Corporation, an Ohio corporation, (the
"Company"), 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 William T. McConnell, C. Daniel
DeLawder and David C. Bowers 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 and the American Stock Exchange, and grants
unto each of 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, and hereby ratifies and
confirms all things that each of 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 January, 1998.

                                                  /s/ Dominic C. Fanello
                                                  ----------------------
                                                  Dominic C. Fanello




<PAGE>   8


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Park National Corporation, an Ohio corporation, (the
"Company"), 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 William T. McConnell, C. Daniel
DeLawder and David C. Bowers 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 and the American Stock Exchange, and grants
unto each of 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, and hereby ratifies and
confirms all things that each of 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 January, 1998.

                                                /s/ R. William Geyer
                                                --------------------
                                                R. William Geyer




<PAGE>   9


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Park National Corporation, an Ohio corporation, (the
"Company"), 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 William T. McConnell, C. Daniel
DeLawder and David C. Bowers 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 and the American Stock Exchange, and grants
unto each of 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, and hereby ratifies and
confirms all things that each of 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 January, 1998.

                                              /s/ Philip H. Jordan, Jr.
                                              -------------------------
                                              Philip H. Jordan, Jr.




<PAGE>   10


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Park National Corporation, an Ohio corporation, (the
"Company"), 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 William T. McConnell, C. Daniel
DeLawder and David C. Bowers 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 and the American Stock Exchange, and grants
unto each of 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, and hereby ratifies and
confirms all things that each of 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 January, 1998.

                                             /s/ Tamala Longaberger Kaido
                                             ----------------------------
                                             Tamala Longaberger Kaido




<PAGE>   11


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Park National Corporation, an Ohio corporation, (the
"Company"), 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 William T. McConnell, C. Daniel
DeLawder and David C. Bowers 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 and the American Stock Exchange, and grants
unto each of 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, and hereby ratifies and
confirms all things that each of 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 January, 1998.

                                                  /s/ Howard E. LeFevre
                                                  ---------------------
                                                  Howard E. LeFevre




<PAGE>   12


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Park National Corporation, an Ohio corporation, (the
"Company"), 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 William T. McConnell, C. Daniel
DeLawder and David C. Bowers 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 and the American Stock Exchange, and grants
unto each of 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, and hereby ratifies and
confirms all things that each of 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 January, 1998.

                                                  /s/ Phillip T. Leitnaker
                                                  ------------------------
                                                  Phillip T. Leitnaker




<PAGE>   13


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Park National Corporation, an Ohio corporation, (the
"Company"), 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 William T. McConnell, C. Daniel
DeLawder and David C. Bowers 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 and the American Stock Exchange, and grants
unto each of 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, and hereby ratifies and
confirms all things that each of 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 January, 1998.

                                               /s/ James A. McElroy
                                               --------------------
                                               James A. McElroy




<PAGE>   14


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Park National Corporation, an Ohio corporation, (the
"Company"), 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 William T. McConnell, C. Daniel
DeLawder and David C. Bowers 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 and the American Stock Exchange, and grants
unto each of 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, and hereby ratifies and
confirms all things that each of 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 January, 1998.

                                            /s/ John J. O'Neill
                                            -------------------
                                            John J. O'Neill




<PAGE>   15


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Park National Corporation, an Ohio corporation, (the
"Company"), 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 William T. McConnell, C. Daniel
DeLawder and David C. Bowers 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 and the American Stock Exchange, and grants
unto each of 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, and hereby ratifies and
confirms all things that each of 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 January, 1998.

                                                 /s/ William A. Phillips
                                                 -----------------------
                                                 William A. Phillips




<PAGE>   16


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Park National Corporation, an Ohio corporation, (the
"Company"), 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 William T. McConnell, C. Daniel
DeLawder and David C. Bowers 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 and the American Stock Exchange, and grants
unto each of 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, and hereby ratifies and
confirms all things that each of 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 January, 1998.

                                              /s/ J. Gilbert Reese
                                              --------------------
                                              J. Gilbert Reese




<PAGE>   17


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Park National Corporation, an Ohio corporation, (the
"Company"), 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 William T. McConnell, C. Daniel
DeLawder and David C. Bowers 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 and the American Stock Exchange, and grants
unto each of 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, and hereby ratifies and
confirms all things that each of 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 January, 1998.

                                            /s/ Rick R. Taylor
                                            ------------------
                                            Rick R. Taylor




<PAGE>   18


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


                  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer
and/or director of Park National Corporation, an Ohio corporation, (the
"Company"), 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 William T. McConnell, C. Daniel
DeLawder and David C. Bowers 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 and the American Stock Exchange, and grants
unto each of 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, and hereby ratifies and
confirms all things that each of 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 January, 1998.

                                            /s/ John L. Warner
                                            ------------------
                                            John L. Warner


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 9
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                          93,585
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                               0
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                                     0
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                     0
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                    532,922
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                           7,808
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                             8,156
<LOANS>                                      1,591,927
<ALLOWANCE>                                     35,595
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,288,383
<DEPOSITS>                                   1,854,964
<SHORT-TERM>                                   151,624
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                             28,810
<LONG-TERM>                                     30,868
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        68,275
<OTHER-SE>                                     153,842
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>               2,288,383
<INTEREST-LOAN>                                142,722
<INTEREST-INVEST>                               37,328
<INTEREST-OTHER>                                   461
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                               180,511
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                              66,449
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              77,033
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                          103,478
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                    6,999
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                                 (7)
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                                 62,408
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 54,550
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                      37,693
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    37,693
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     4.02
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     4.00
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                    5.07
<LOANS-NON>                                      2,060
<LOANS-PAST>                                     2,512
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                 1,642
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                      0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                                32,347
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                    6,271
<RECOVERIES>                                     2,520
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                               35,595
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                            35,595
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                  0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                              0
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1
                                                                      Exhibit 99

                            CROWE CHIZEK LETTERHEAD

Board of Directors and Shareholders
First-Knox Banc Corp.
Mount Vernon, Ohio


We have audited the consolidated balance sheet of First-Knox Banc Corp. as of
December 31, 1996, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in
shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period
ended December 31, 1996. These 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 First-Knox Banc
Corp. as of December 31, 1996, and the results of its operations and cash flows
for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.


                                       /S/ CROWE, CHIZEK AND COMPANY LLP

                                       Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP

Columbus, Ohio
January 22, 1997


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