REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP INC
SB-2/A, 1997-11-07
STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>
   
    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 7, 1997
    
   
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-37951
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                    U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
   
                                 PRE-EFFECTIVE
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1
                                       TO
                                   FORM SB-2
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
    
                            ------------------------
 
                          REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC.
                 (Name of small business issuer in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>                                     <C>
             PENNSYLVANIA                                6711                                 23-2486815
   (State or other jurisdiction of           (Primary Standard Industrial                  (I.R.S. Employer
    incorporation or organization)           Classification Code Number)                 Identification No.)
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>
              1608 WALNUT STREET                               1608 WALNUT STREET
       PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19103                 PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19103
                (215) 735-4422                                   (215) 735-4422
    (Address of principal place of business               (Address and telephone number
   or intended principal place of business)              of principal executive offices)
</TABLE>
 
                          ROLF A. STENSRUD, PRESIDENT
                          REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC.
                               1608 WALNUT STREET
                        PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19103
                                 (215) 735-4422
           (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
                            ------------------------
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>
         EDWARD G. FITZGERALD, ESQUIRE                     JEFFREY P. WALDRON, ESQUIRE
       CHRISTOPHER P. FLANNERY, ESQUIRE                           STEVENS & LEE
          SPECTOR GADON & ROSEN, P.C.                    ONE GLENHARDIE CORPORATE CENTER
               SEVEN PENN CENTER                               1275 DRUMMERS LANE
         1635 MARKET STREET, 7TH FLOOR                      WAYNE, PENNSYLVANIA 19087
            PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
    APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE
AFTER THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE.
                            ------------------------
 
    If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. / /
 
    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. / /
 
    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. / /
                            ------------------------
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       PROPOSED MAXIMUM
                                                                   PROPOSED MAXIMUM       AGGREGATE
     TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF SECURITIES            AMOUNT TO         OFFERING PRICE         OFFERING           AMOUNT OF
              TO BE REGISTERED                  REGISTERED(1)        PER UNIT(2)         PRICE(2)(3)       REGISTRATION FEE
<S>                                           <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Common Stock, $.01 par value................      1,150,000            $13.375           $15,381,250            $4,661
</TABLE>
 
(1) Based upon the maximum number of shares of the registrant's common stock
    that may be issued under this registration statement, including 150,000
    shares of common stock that may be issued upon exercise of the Underwriter's
    over-allotment option.
 
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee, and,
    in accordance with Rule 457(c), based on the average of the high and low
    price of the registrant's common stock reported on the Nasdaq National
    Market System on October 13, 1997.
 
(3) The Company will incur approximately $380,000 of additional costs in
    connection with the public offering for attorneys' and accountants' fees and
    expenses, registration fees, printing costs and other miscellaneous items.
                            ------------------------
 
   
    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
   
Prospectus
    
 
   
                                1,000,000 SHARES
    
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
                               ------------------
 
   
    Republic First Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") hereby offers for sale (the
"Offering") 1,000,000 shares of its common stock, par value $.01 per share (the
"Common Stock"). The Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market's
National Market System ("Nasdaq/NMS") under the symbol "FRBK." On November   ,
1997, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock was $      per share. See
"Market for Common Stock and Related Shareholder Matters--Market Information".
    
                            ------------------------
 
   
    PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON
PAGE 10.
    
 
   
    THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY ARE NOT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS OR DEPOSITS AND ARE
NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT
AGENCY.
    
                            ------------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
      EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
        COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
        ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
                   TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       UNDERWRITING            PROCEEDS TO
                                               PRICE TO PUBLIC         DISCOUNT (1)            COMPANY (2)
<S>                                         <C>                    <C>                    <C>
Per Share.................................            $                      $                      $
Total(3)..................................            $                      $                      $
</TABLE>
 
(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriter against certain
    liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933. See "Underwriting."
 
(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated to be $380,000.
 
(3) The Company has granted the Underwriter a 30-day option to purchase up to an
    additional 150,000 shares of Common Stock, on the same terms and conditions
    set forth above, to cover over-allotments. If all of such additional shares
    are purchased, the total Price to Public, Underwriting Discount and Proceeds
    to Company will be $         , $      and $         , respectively. See
    "Underwriting."
 
                         ------------------------------
 
   
    The shares of Common Stock are offered by the Underwriter, subject to prior
sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by it. The Underwriter reserves the
right to withdraw, cancel or modify such offer and to reject orders in whole or
in part. It is expected that the delivery of the shares of Common Stock will be
made on or about November   , 1997 at the office of Janney Montgomery Scott Inc.
    
 
   
                                     [LOGO]
 
               The date of this Prospectus is November   , 1997.
    
<PAGE>
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITER MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK AT
A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET. SUCH
TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED IN THE OVER-THE-COUNTER MARKET OR OTHERWISE. SUCH
STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME. SEE "UNDERWRITING."
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
   
    The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, accordingly, files
reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy statements and other
information filed with the Commission are available for inspection and copying
at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024,
Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the
Commission's Regional Offices located at Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison
Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661 and at Seven World Trade Center,
Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such documents may also be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at Judiciary Plaza,
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. In
addition, copies of such documents may be obtained through the Commission's
Internet address at http://www.sec.gov. The Common Stock is authorized for
quotation on the Nasdaq/NMS and, accordingly, such materials and other
information can also be inspected at the offices of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc., 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. The
Company has filed with the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (including the rules and regulations thereunder, the "Securities Act"),
a Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (No. 333-37951) (including all amendments
and exhibits thereto, the "Registration Statement") with respect to the
securities offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all of the
information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which are
omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission. The
Registration Statement, including any amendments and exhibits thereto, is
available for inspection and copying as set forth above. Statements contained in
this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document are not
necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such
contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement,
each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
    
 
    The Company will furnish to its shareholders annual reports containing
audited financial statements and will make available copies of quarterly reports
for the first three quarters of each fiscal year containing unaudited interim
financial information.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
   
R E P U B L I C  F I R S T  B A N C O R P
    
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BRANCH OFFICES
    
 
   
MARKET OFFICE
1515 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA
    
 
   
WALNUT OFFICE
1601 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
    
 
   
GRADUATE OFFICE
One Graduate Plaza
Graduate Hospital
1800 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, PA
    
 
   
ARDMORE OFFICE
233 East Lansdowne Avenue
Ardmore, PA
    
 
   
BALA CYNWYD OFFICE
4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
    
 
   
EAST NORRITON OFFICE
Germantown Pike & Swede Road
Norristown, PA
    
 
   
ABINGTON OFFICE
111 Old York Road
Abington, PA
Opening November, 1997
    
 
                                   [GRAPHIC]
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
    THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN INFORMATION CONTAINED ELSEWHERE IN
THIS PROSPECTUS. THIS SUMMARY IS PROVIDED FOR CONVENIENCE; IT SHOULD NOT BE
CONSIDERED COMPLETE AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE MORE
DETAILED INFORMATION CONTAINED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS. CROSS REFERENCES IN
THIS SUMMARY ARE TO CAPTIONS APPEARING IN THE BODY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. EXCEPT AS
OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS ASSUMES THE
UNDERWRITER'S OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION IS NOT EXERCISED.
 
   
                                  THE COMPANY
    
 
   
    The Company is a Pennsylvania corporation headquartered in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania and is a registered bank holding company for First Republic Bank
(the "Bank"), a Pennsylvania-chartered commercial bank. The Bank offers a full
range of commercial and retail banking services to professionals and small- to
medium-sized businesses that management believes are not being adequately served
by larger competitors in the Greater Philadelphia area. The Bank operates six
branches, including three located in Center City Philadelphia, one each in
Ardmore and East Norriton, Montgomery County and one located on City Line
Avenue, Philadelphia County. A seventh branch is scheduled to open in Abington,
Montgomery County in November 1997. In addition, the Company has a contractual
relationship with Jackson Hewitt, Inc. ("Jackson Hewitt"), one of the nation's
largest tax preparation services, to provide tax refund products to consumer
taxpayers for whom Jackson Hewitt prepares and electronically files federal
income tax returns (the "Tax Refund Program"). The Tax Refund Program enables
the Bank to provide accelerated check refunds ("ACRs") and refund anticipation
loans ("RALs") (collectively, "Tax Refund Products").
    
 
    In June 1996, Republic Bancorporation ("Republic"), parent company of
Republic Bank, merged with and into ExecuFirst Bancorp, Inc. ("ExecuFirst"),
parent company of First Executive Bank (the "Merger"). The Company and the Bank
were the surviving entities of the Merger. Republic Bank and ExecuFirst both
commenced operations in 1988. The Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System
and the Bank's deposits are insured by the Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF") of the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") to the fullest extent provided by
law.
 
    As of September 30, 1997, the Company had total deposits of $247.9 million,
loans outstanding of $184.4 million, total assets of $303.2 million and total
shareholders' equity of $21.5 million. The Company's objective is for the Bank
to become the primary alternative to the large banks that dominate the Greater
Philadelphia market. The Company's management team has developed the following
key strategic elements to achieve this objective:
 
   
        EXPANDING THE BRANCH SYSTEM. Management plans to develop a cohesive
    network of branches that will be within a ten minute drive of most of the
    major commercial centers in its marketplace. Management intends to build
    this network by opening three branches each year through 1999 that are
    strategically located in commercial corridors of suburban Philadelphia. The
    Bank intends to fund this expansion through, among other things, revenue
    generated from the Tax Refund Program.
    
 
   
        PROVIDING ATTENTIVE AND PERSONALIZED SERVICE. The Company believes that
    a very attractive niche exists serving small- to medium-sized businesses and
    professionals that are not adequately served by larger competitors. The
    Company believes this segment of the market responds very positively to the
    attentive and highly personalized service provided by the Bank. The Company
    offers a community banking alternative and tailors its product offerings to
    fill the void created as larger competitors increase the price of products
    and services and de-emphasize such products and services for small- to
    medium-sized businesses.
    
 
   
        MAINTAINING SUPERIOR OPERATING RESULTS. The Company's long-term goal is
    to maintain a return on average equity in excess of 15% while maintaining a
    15% asset growth rate. The Company expects to fund significant expansion and
    simultaneously meet its operating goals, in part, because of the income
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
    earned through the Tax Refund Program. To accomplish these goals, the Bank
    plans to maintain sufficient margins on incremental growth through efficient
    utilization and leveraging of capital.
 
        ATTRACTING AND RETAINING HIGHLY EXPERIENCED PERSONNEL. The Bank's
    executive officers and other personnel have substantial employment
    experience with larger banks in the region. When opening new branches, as in
    the case of the Abington office, the Bank screens and trains its employees
    to ensure the staff has the necessary ability and contacts in the community
    to foster rapid growth. The Company seeks to instill a sales and service
    oriented culture in its personnel in order to build customer relationships
    and maximize cross-selling opportunities. The Company offers meaningful
    sales-based incentives to all of its customer contact employees.
 
   
        CAPITALIZING ON MARKET DYNAMICS. In the past two years, banks
    controlling over 45% of the deposits in the Bank's primary market area have
    been acquired by large and super-regional bank holding companies. The
    Company believes the ensuing cultural changes in these banking institutions
    have resulted in a change in product offerings and the degree of personal
    attention provided. The Company has sought to capitalize on these changes by
    offering a community banking alternative. As a result, the Company believes
    it has a tremendous opportunity to increase its market share.
    
 
        DEVELOPING SPECIALIZED PRODUCTS. The Company has built the Tax Refund
    Program into a significant source of income. Management will continue to
    explore and develop other opportunities to provide specialized banking
    products and services that command higher profit margins.
 
Financial highlights of the Company and the Bank include the following:
 
        PROFITABILITY. The Company's banking operations are profitable and
    significant income is generated by the Tax Refund Program. Net income has
    increased $627,000, or 26.4%, to $3.0 million for the nine months ended
    September 30, 1997 from $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30,
    1996.
 
   
        RETURN ON AVERAGE EQUITY. The Company has achieved a return on average
    equity which it believes compares favorably with its peers. The return on
    average equity was 19.73% and 17.85% for the nine months ended September 30,
    1997 and the year ended December 31, 1996, respectively.
    
 
   
        LOAN QUALITY. The Company maintains a strong credit culture and
    emphasizes conservative underwriting standards. The Company's ratio of
    non-performing loans to total loans declined to 0.88% at September 30, 1997
    from 1.12% at December 31, 1996 while the allowance for loan losses as a
    percentage of non-performing loans increased to 117.24% at September 30,
    1997, from 109.02% at December 31, 1996.
    
 
   
    The principal executive offices of the Company and the Bank are located at
1608 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 and the telephone number is
(215) 735-4422.
    
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                           <C>
Common Stock offered by the Company.........  1,000,000 shares
 
Common Stock outstanding before the
Offering....................................  3,446,309 shares
 
Common Stock outstanding after the
Offering....................................  4,446,309 shares
 
Use of Proceeds.............................  The Company intends to contribute the majority
                                              of the net proceeds from the Offering to the
                                              Bank. The Bank expects to use the net proceeds
                                              to fund branch expansion and to support growth
                                              in its loan and securities portfolios. The
                                              Company intends to retain a portion of the
                                              proceeds for general corporate purposes,
                                              possible future acquisitions and capital
                                              contributions to existing and possible future
                                              subsidiaries of the Company. See "Use of
                                              Proceeds."
 
Nasdaq/NMS symbol...........................  FRBK
</TABLE>
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
                  SUMMARY SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
   
    The following are selected consolidated financial data for the Company at
and for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 and for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. The following financial data
are qualified by reference to the more detailed information contained in the
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this
Prospectus. See the Consolidated Financial Statements. The results of operations
for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 are not audited but, in
the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for
such periods have been included. The results for the nine months ended September
30, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for
the full year or for any other interim period. The data for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1996 are derived from the Company's
audited, consolidated financial statements for such periods.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           AT OR FOR THE
                                                            NINE MONTHS                AT OR FOR THE
                                                        ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                        --------------------  -------------------------------
                                                          1997       1996       1996       1995       1994
                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Total interest income.................................  $  16,808  $  11,902  $  16,903  $   9,902  $   7,241
Total interest expense................................      9,059      6,860      9,715      5,891      3,944
                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net interest income...................................      7,749      5,042      7,188      4,011      3,297
 
Provision for loan losses.............................        140         55        155        223        323
Non-interest income...................................      2,626      2,314      2,614        155      1,096
Non-interest expenses.................................      5,894      3,735      5,581      3,049      2,833
Federal income taxes..................................      1,337      1,189      1,353        291        430
                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
 
Net income(1).........................................  $   3,004  $   2,377  $   2,713  $     603  $     807
                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
 
PER SHARE DATA:
Primary earnings per share(1)(2)(3)...................  $    0.79  $    0.85  $    0.92  $    0.31  $    0.42
Fully-diluted earnings per share(1)(2)(3).............       0.78       0.83       0.88       0.31       0.42
Book value per share(3)(4)............................       6.23       5.27       5.38       4.48       3.74
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets..........................................  $ 303,166  $ 258,163  $ 273,795  $ 131,063  $ 106,203
Total loans, net......................................    184,403    158,775    170,002     85,183     71,433
Total securities......................................    101,114     78,062     80,954     38,352     28,209
Total deposits........................................    247,904    231,916    250,059    116,424     87,966
Total borrowings......................................     27,346      3,400          0      3,400      3,400
Total shareholders' equity............................     21,481     18,025     18,371      8,622      8,000
 
PERFORMANCE RATIOS:
Return on average assets(5)...........................       1.32%      1.47%      1.22%      0.50%      0.75%
Return on average shareholders' equity(5).............      19.73      22.30      17.85       7.29      10.56
Net interest margin(5)(6).............................       3.82       3.41       3.28       3.45       3.18
Total other expenses as a percentage of average
  assets..............................................       2.59       2.31       2.51       2.54       2.65
 
ASSET QUALITY RATIOS:
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans,
  net(7)..............................................       1.04%      1.26%      1.22%      0.79%      0.90%
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of
  non-performing loans(8).............................     117.24      84.13     109.02     126.63      60.52
Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans,
  net(7)(8)...........................................       0.88       1.50       1.12       0.63       1.49
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total
  assets(8)...........................................       1.18       1.07       0.81       0.63       1.01
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans,
  net(7)..............................................       0.17       0.21       0.20       0.25       0.19
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RATIOS:
Equity to assets(9)...................................       6.68%      6.59%      6.84%      6.87%      7.15%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets(10)............      10.97      10.15      10.08       8.40       9.10
Leverage ratio(11)....................................       7.25       6.68       6.65       6.58       7.55
Total capital to risk-weighted assets(10).............      11.97      12.96      11.25      12.38      13.70
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
 
   
footnotes on following page
    
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
(1) Because of the Tax Refund Program, the Company recognizes a disproportionate
    amount of its net income in the first quarter of each year.
 
(2) Based upon average shares and common share equivalents outstanding.
 
   
(3) Adjusted to reflect a 20% stock dividend paid on April 15, 1997.
    
 
(4) Based upon total shares issued and outstanding at the end of each respective
    period.
 
(5) Annualized ratios at September 30, 1997 and 1996. Because of the Tax Refund
    Program, the Company recognizes a disproportionate amount of its net income
    in the first quarter of each year. Accordingly, performance ratios for a
    full year generally will be less than annualized ratios as of any interim
    date.
 
(6) Represents net interest income as a percentage of average total
    interest-earning assets, calculated on a tax-equivalent basis.
 
   
(7) Net of unearned income.
    
 
   
(8) Non-performing loans are comprised of (i) loans which are on a nonaccrual
    basis, (ii) accruing loans that are 90 days or more past due and (iii)
    restructured loans. Non-performing assets are comprised of non-performing
    loans and foreclosed real estate (assets acquired in foreclosure).
    
 
   
(9) Based upon average daily balances for the respective periods.
    
 
   
(10) Based on Federal Reserve Board ("FRB") risk-based capital guidelines, as
    applicable to the Company. The Bank is subject to similar requirements
    imposed by the FRB.
    
 
   
(11) The leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of Tier 1 capital to average
    total assets.
    
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    WHEN USED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE WORDS OR PHRASES "WILL LIKELY RESULT,"
"ARE EXPECTED TO," "WILL CONTINUE," "IS ANTICIPATED," "ESTIMATE," "PROJECT,"
"BELIEVE" OR SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS ARE INTENDED TO IDENTIFY "FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS" WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT
OF 1995. THE COMPANY WISHES TO CAUTION READERS THAT ALL FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS ARE NECESSARILY SPECULATIVE AND NOT TO PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE ON ANY
SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, WHICH SPEAK ONLY AS OF THE DATE MADE, AND TO
ADVISE READERS THAT VARIOUS RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES, INCLUDING REGIONAL AND
NATIONAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS, CHANGES IN MARKET INTEREST RATES, CREDIT RISKS OF
LENDING ACTIVITIES, AND COMPETITIVE AND REGULATORY FACTORS, COULD AFFECT THE
COMPANY'S FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND COULD CAUSE THE COMPANY'S ACTUAL RESULTS FOR
FUTURE PERIODS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED OR PROJECTED. THE
RISKS HIGHLIGHTED HEREIN SHOULD NOT BE ASSUMED TO BE THE ONLY RISKS THAT COULD
AFFECT FUTURE PERFORMANCE OF THE COMPANY.
 
ABILITY OF THE COMPANY TO IMPLEMENT ITS GROWTH STRATEGY AND MANAGE GROWTH
 
    The Company's goal is to open three new branches per year in 1998 and 1999.
In the last year the Company has opened three new branches in areas with
significant concentrations of commercial activity as part of its growth
strategy. The Company believes it has in place the management, systems,
including data processing systems, internal controls and strong credit culture
to support continued growth and expansion. However, the Company's continued
growth and expansion depends on the ability of its officers and key employees to
manage such growth effectively, to attract and retain skilled employees and to
maintain adequate internal controls and a strong credit culture. Accordingly,
there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving its
expansion goals and the failure to do so could adversely affect the Company's
financial condition and results of operations.
 
    One result of adding new branches is an increase in non-interest expense.
These costs are associated with branch construction and renovation, increased
staffing and equipment necessary to operate new branches. Since branch expansion
is a key part of the Company's growth plans, purchasers of Common Stock should
expect non-interest expense to increase.
 
RELIANCE ON JACKSON HEWITT RELATIONSHIP
 
   
    The Bank receives substantial income each year from the Tax Refund Program
under which the Bank makes Tax Refund Products available to customers of Jackson
Hewitt. The agreement with Jackson Hewitt was recently extended through October
31, 1999, subject to automatic renewal. There is no assurance that this
agreement will be further extended. Failure to continue this program will have a
material adverse effect on the Company's income and profitability. Moreover,
revenues from the Tax Refund Program have permitted the Company to expand
aggressively while maintaining profitable operations that compare favorably with
its peers. If the Jackson Hewitt agreement were not renewed, the Company would
be unable to maintain its existing expansion strategy while simultaneously
achieving current levels of return on average equity.
    
 
ADVERSE IMPACT OF INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE POLICIES
 
    The Bank receives substantial income each year from the Tax Refund Program.
From time to time, the United States Department of the Treasury and the Internal
Revenue Service (the "IRS") initiate policy and rule changes related to the
methods of providing refunds to taxpayers. These changes and initiatives, if
any, could significantly impact the demand for these Tax Refund Products. See
"Business--Products and Services--Tax Refund Products."
 
LIMITED PUBLIC MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK
 
    The Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq/NMS. Trading volume has averaged
12,078 shares per day for the nine months ended September 30, 1997. Accordingly,
a regular and active market has not yet
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
developed. Upon completion of the Offering, the number of outstanding shares of
Common Stock will increase by at least one million shares. However, the Company
can give no assurance that an active market will develop, or such a market, if
established, can be sustained. In addition, the price of the Common Stock may
remain susceptible to short-term volatility caused by large trades. See "Market
For Common Stock and Related Shareholder Matters."
 
COMPETITION
 
    The Bank faces significant competition from many other banks, savings
institutions and other financial institutions that have branch offices or
otherwise operate in the Bank's market area, as well as many other companies now
offering a variety of financial services. Many of these competitors have
substantially greater financial resources than the Bank including a larger
capital base that allows them to attract customers seeking larger loans than the
Bank is able to make. The market for Tax Refund Products is relatively new and
the Company expects the market for Tax Refund Products to become more
competitive. Such competition may adversely affect the Bank's market share and
profit margins for Tax Refund Products. See "Business--Competition."
 
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND RELATED UNCERTAINTIES
 
   
    Commercial banking is affected, directly and indirectly, by local, domestic
and international economic and political conditions, and by government monetary
and fiscal policies. Conditions such as inflation, recession, unemployment,
volatile interest rates, tight money supply, scarce natural resources, real
estate values, international conflicts and other factors beyond the control of
the Company and the Bank may adversely affect the potential profitability of the
Company and the Bank. Management does not expect any one particular factor to
affect the Bank's results of operations. However, a continued downtrend in
several areas, such as real estate, construction and consumer spending, could
have an adverse impact on the Bank's ability to maintain or increase
profitability.
    
 
FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
    The operations of the Company and the Bank are heavily regulated and will be
affected by present and future legislation and by the policies established from
time to time by various federal and state regulatory authorities. In particular,
the monetary policies of the FRB have had a significant effect on the operating
results of banks in the past, and are expected to continue to do so in the
future. See "Business-- Supervision and Regulation."
 
RELIANCE ON EXISTING MANAGEMENT
 
    The operations of the Company to date have been largely dependent on
existing management. The loss to the Company of one or more of its existing
executive officers could have a material adverse effect on its business and
results of operations. The Company has entered into employment agreements with
the executive officers of the Company and the Bank. See "Management--Executive
Officers," "--Employment Agreements."
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
   
    The net proceeds from the sale of Common Stock offered hereby are estimated
to be $          million after deduction of the underwriting discount and
estimated expenses ($          million if the Underwriter's over-allotment
option is exercised in full). The Company intends to contribute the majority of
the net proceeds to the Bank. The Bank expects the proceeds to be used to fund
branch expansion and support growth in its loan and securities portfolios. The
Company intends to retain a portion of the proceeds for general corporate
purposes including, but not limited to, possible future acquisitions and capital
contributions to existing and possible future subsidiaries of the Company. The
Company presently has no agreements regarding future acquisitions. The precise
amounts and timing of the application of cash proceeds will depend, among other
things, upon the funding requirements of the Bank and the availability of other
funds. Pending application, the Company expects to invest the net proceeds in
short-term government or investment grade obligations.
    
 
            MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
 
MARKET INFORMATION
 
   
    Shares of the Common Stock are traded in the over-the-counter market and are
quoted on the Nasdaq/NMS under the symbol "FRBK." The Common Stock began trading
on Nasdaq/NMS on December 4, 1996. Prior to that date, the Common Stock was
quoted on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market. The table below presents the range of high
and low trade prices reported for the Common Stock on Nasdaq/NMS or on the
Nasdaq SmallCap Market, as the case may be, for the periods indicated. Market
quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown, or
commission, and may not necessarily reflect actual transactions. All price
information in the following table has been adjusted retroactively to reflect a
20% stock dividend paid on April 15, 1997. As of September 30, 1997, there were
297 holders of record of the Common Stock. On November   , 1997, the closing
price of a share of Common Stock on the Nasdaq/NMS was $      . For periods
prior to the Merger, the prices disclosed in the table are those of ExecuFirst.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR         QUARTER      HIGH        LOW
- ---------  -----------  ---------  ---------
<S>        <C>          <C>        <C>
     1997      4th(1)   $   13.75  $   11.00
                  3rd       11.75      10.63
                  2nd       12.00       8.50
                  1st       10.25       7.80
 
     1996         4th        8.90       6.25
                  3rd        6.98       4.66
                  2nd        6.15       4.69
                  1st        5.42       3.75
 
     1995         4th        5.41       3.54
                  3rd        4.58       2.92
                  2nd        3.54       2.92
                  1st        3.23       2.50
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
   
(1) For the partial quarter until November   , 1997.
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
DIVIDEND POLICY
 
   
    The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock. At the
present time, the Company does not foresee paying cash dividends to shareholders
and intends to retain all earnings to fund the growth of the Company and the
Bank. The Company paid a 20% stock dividend on April 15, 1997. The payment of
dividends in the future, if any, will depend upon earnings, capital levels, cash
requirements, the financial condition of the Company and the Bank, applicable
government regulations and policies and other factors deemed relevant by the
Company's Board of Directors, including the amount of cash dividends payable to
the Company by the Bank. The principal source of income and cash flow for the
Company, including cash flow to pay cash dividends on the Common Stock, is
dividends from the Bank. Various federal and state laws, regulations and
policies limit the ability of the Bank to pay cash dividends to the Company. For
certain limitations on the Bank's ability to pay cash dividends to the Company,
see "Business--Supervision and Regulation."
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
   
    The following tables present the consolidated capitalization and certain
capital ratios of the Company at September 30, 1997 and as adjusted as of such
date to give effect to the issuance and sale of the shares of Common Stock
offered hereby (after giving effect to the estimated underwriting discount, the
payment of estimated issuance expenses and assuming no exercise of the
Underwriter's over-allotment option) at an assumed public offering price of
$12.00 per share. This table should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated
Financial Statements and the Notes thereto set forth elsewhere herein.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                                                                           ------------------------
                                                                                           HISTORICAL   AS ADJUSTED
                                                                                           -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                        <C>          <C>
                                                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
Long-term borrowings.....................................................................   $   5,600    $   5,600
                                                                                           -----------  -----------
Shareholders' equity:
  Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; 20,000,000 shares authorized, 3,446,309 shares
    issued and outstanding on September 30, 1997; 4,446,309 shares as adjusted...........          34           44
  Additional paid-in capital.............................................................      13,793       24,683
  Retained earnings (less unrealized depreciation on securities available for sale)......       7,654        7,654
                                                                                           -----------  -----------
Total shareholders' equity...............................................................   $  21,481    $  32,381
                                                                                           -----------  -----------
Total long-term debt and shareholders' equity............................................   $  27,081    $  37,981
                                                                                           -----------  -----------
                                                                                           -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    CAPITAL RATIOS
                                                                -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>                  <C>              <C>
                                                                                                           MINIMUM
                                                                     ACTUAL AT                           REGULATORY
                                                                SEPTEMBER 30, 1997   AS ADJUSTED(1)    REQUIREMENT(2)
                                                                -------------------  ---------------  -----------------
Capital Ratios:
  Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets......................           10.97%             16.03%(3)          4.00%(3)
  Total capital to risk-weighted assets.......................           11.97              17.00(3)           8.00(3)
  Leverage ratio(4)(5)........................................            7.25              10.56              5.00
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Assumes that the Company's total assets will increase by the amount of the
    estimated net proceeds from the issuance and sale of the Common Stock
    offered hereby.
 
(2) Based on the risk-based capital guidelines of the FRB, a bank holding
    company, such as the Company, is required to maintain a Tier 1 capital to
    risk-weighted assets ratio of 4.00% and a total capital to risk-weighted
    assets ratio of 8.00%. The Bank is subject to similar capital requirements
    also adopted by the FRB. At September 30, 1997, the Company and the Bank
    each exceeded their respective regulatory requirements. See
    "Business--Supervision and Regulation."
 
(3) Assumes a risk-weighting factor of 64% (the average risk-weighting factor
    for the Company's total assets at September 30, 1997) for the net proceeds
    from the issuance and sale of the Common Stock offered hereby. See
    "Business--Supervision and Regulation" for a discussion of risk-based
    capital guidelines and the FRB's minimum leverage ratio requirement.
 
(4) The leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of Tier 1 capital to average
    total assets.
 
(5) Based on the FRB's guidelines, a bank holding company, such as the Company,
    generally is required to maintain a leverage ratio of 3% plus an additional
    amount of at least 100 to 200 basis points.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
OVERVIEW
 
   
    On June 7, 1996 Republic, parent company of Republic Bank, merged with and
into ExecuFirst, parent company of First Executive Bank. In the Merger,
ExecuFirst issued 1,604,411 shares (56% of the combined total) of its common
stock to Republic's shareholders. Effective upon the Merger, ExecuFirst changed
its name to First Republic Bancorp, Inc. The Company subsequently changed its
name to Republic First Bancorp, Inc. Upon completion of the Merger, Republic's
shareholders owned a majority of the outstanding shares of the consolidated
company's stock. As a result, the transaction was accounted for as a reverse
acquisition of ExecuFirst by Republic solely for accounting and financial
reporting purposes. The operations of ExecuFirst have been included in the
Company's financial statements since the date of the Merger. Therefore, the
Consolidated Financial Statements for the periods prior to 1996 are those of
Republic only, and may not be comparable to the Consolidated Financial
Statements for 1996 and 1997. Historical shareholders' equity of Republic prior
to the Merger has been retroactively restated for the equivalent number of
shares received in the Merger after giving effect to the differences in par
value of the respective stock of each company.
    
 
   
    Republic Bank and First Executive Bank each opened in 1988, with similar
marketing strategies. At the signing of the merger agreement, each had assets of
approximately $130 million. Republic Bank had two offices in Center City
Philadelphia and an office in Ardmore, Montgomery County and First Executive
Bank had two offices in Center City Philadelphia. After the Merger, the Bank
initiated a more aggressive branch expansion and marketing program targeting
customers of larger financial institutions that were recently acquired. The Bank
opened branches on City Line Avenue, Philadelphia and in East Norriton,
Montgomery County in the first half of 1997. Additionally, the Bank will open a
seventh branch office in Abington, Montgomery County in November 1997. The Bank
has formed a planning committee to evaluate prospective locations for new
branches which meet the committee's criteria. The planning committee currently
has 15 sites under review.
    
 
   
    Future growth plans include the opening of three new branch offices per year
in 1998 and 1999. Management's goal in establishing these new branches is to
achieve deposits at each branch of at least $35.0 million in three years or
less. The Company's net income historically has been affected by new branch
openings because the Company incurs incremental non-interest expense when
opening a new branch office. Because the Company is substantially larger in 1997
than it was when it previously opened branches in 1992 and 1995, management
expects that the incremental non-interest expense resulting from such openings
as a percentage of net income will be substantially less in 1997 and future
years than it was in the past.
    
 
   
    The Company's Tax Refund Program is a significant component of the Company's
net income and provides capital to support the Bank's rapid branch expansion.
The Tax Refund Program generated $2.2 million and $2.1 million in revenue during
1997 and 1996, respectively. The Tax Refund Program earnings are realized
primarily in the first quarter of the year. These pretax earnings constituted
approximately 70% and 75% of the Company's first quarter 1997 and 1996 pretax
earnings, respectively, and 51.2% of the Company's pretax earnings for the year
ended December 31, 1996. Revenue generated by the Tax Refund Program accounted
for 11.5% and 14.6% of total revenues for the nine months ended September 30,
1997 and 1996, respectively. Management has been encouraged by the success of
the Tax Refund Program and looks forward to continuing participation in the
future. The Company recently signed an extension (with automatic renewals) of
the Tax Refund Program agreement with its partner, Jackson Hewitt, ensuring the
Company's participation through the April 1999 tax season. See "Risk
Factors--Reliance on Jackson Hewitt Relationship."
    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
   
    The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations of the Company should be read in conjunction with the Company's
Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto, included elsewhere
herein.
    
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND 1996
 
OVERVIEW
 
    The Company's net income increased $627,000, or 26.4%, to $3.0 million for
the nine months ended September 30, 1997, from $2.4 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1996. The earnings increased primarily due to an increase in
net interest income. Although net income for the comparative periods increased,
primary and fully-diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September
30, 1997 were $0.79 and $0.78 compared to $0.85 and $0.83, respectively, for the
nine months ended September 30, 1996, due to the Merger which resulted in a
materially greater number of average shares outstanding for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997.
 
ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME
 
   
    Historically, the Company's earnings have depended primarily upon the Bank's
net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on
interest-earning assets and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net
interest income is affected by changes in the mix of the volume and rates of
interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The following table
provides an analysis of net interest income on an annualized tax-equivalent
basis, setting forth for the periods (i) average assets, liabilities, and
shareholders' equity, (ii) interest income earned on interest-earnings assets
and interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities, (iii) average yields
earned on interest-earning assets and average rates paid on interest-bearing
liabilities, and (iv) the Bank's net interest margin (net interest income as a
percentage of average total interest-earning assets). All averages are computed
based on daily balances. Nonaccrual loans are included in average loans
receivable.
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                            --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            1997                                  1996
                                            ------------------------------------  ------------------------------------
                                                         INTEREST                              INTEREST
                                             AVERAGE      INCOME/      YIELD/      AVERAGE      INCOME/      YIELD/
                                             BALANCE    EXPENSE(1)     RATE(2)     BALANCE    EXPENSE(1)     RATE(2)
                                            ----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
                                                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Interest-earning assets:
 Federal funds sold.......................  $    7,514   $     300         5.34%  $   31,741   $   1,195         5.03%
 Securities...............................      84,048       4,192         6.65       53,471       2,462         6.14
 Loans receivable.........................     180,019      12,316         9.15      112,735       8,245         9.78
                                            ----------  -----------       -----   ----------  -----------       -----
 Total interest-earning assets............     271,581      16,808         8.28      197,947      11,902         8.04
Other assets..............................      32,318                                17,799
                                            ----------                            ----------
Total assets..............................  $  303,899                            $  215,746
                                            ----------                            ----------
                                            ----------                            ----------
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 Demand deposits, non-interest bearing....  $   52,502   $      --          N/A   $   32,104   $      --          N/A
 Demand deposits, interest-bearing........       8,525         159         2.49%       4,327          82         2.53%
 Money market and savings deposits........      28,761         692         3.21       15,961         467         3.90
 Time deposits............................     173,690       7,587         5.84      138,437       6,101         5.89
                                            ----------  -----------       -----   ----------  -----------       -----
 Total deposits...........................     263,478       8,438         4.28      190,829       6,650         5.60
 Total interest-bearing deposits..........     210,976       8,438         5.35      158,725       6,650         5.60
 Other borrowed funds.....................      13,665         621         6.08        3,400         210         8.26
                                            ----------  -----------       -----   ----------  -----------       -----
 Total interest-bearing liabilities.......     224,641       9,059         5.39      162,125       6,860         5.66
                                            ----------  -----------       -----   ----------  -----------       -----
Other liabilities.........................       6,459                                 7,302
Shareholders' equity......................      20,297                                14,215
                                            ----------                            ----------
Total liabilities and shareholders'
  equity..................................  $  303,899                            $  215,746
                                            ----------                            ----------
                                            ----------                            ----------
Net interest income.......................               $   7,749                             $   5,042
                                                        -----------                           -----------
                                                        -----------                           -----------
Net interest spread.......................                                 3.90%                                 3.32%
                                                                          -----                                 -----
                                                                          -----                                 -----
Net interest margin(3)....................                                 3.82                                  3.41
                                                                          -----                                 -----
                                                                          -----                                 -----
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
(1) Includes loan fee income.
 
(2) Yields on investments are calculated based on amortized costs; all yields
    are annualized.
 
(3) Represents the difference between interest earned and interest paid, divided
    by average total interest earning assets.
 
RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME
 
    Net interest income may also be analyzed by segregating the volume and rate
components of interest income and interest expense. The following table sets
forth an analysis of volume and rate changes in net interest income for the
periods indicated. For purposes of this table, changes in interest income and
interest expense are allocated to volume and rate categories based upon the
respective percentage changes in average balances and average rates.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                  -----------------------------------
                                                                                             1997 VS. 1996
                                                                                  -----------------------------------
                                                                                             CHANGE DUE TO
                                                                                  -----------------------------------
                                                                                   AVERAGE     AVERAGE     INCREASE
                                                                                   VOLUME       RATE      (DECREASE)
                                                                                  ---------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                               <C>        <C>          <C>
                                                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
Interest earned on:
  Federal funds sold............................................................  $    (984)  $      89    $    (895)
  Securities....................................................................      1,448         282        1,730
  Loans receivable..............................................................      4,800        (729)       4,071
                                                                                  ---------       -----   -----------
Total interest income...........................................................      5,264        (358)       4,906
Interest paid on:
  Demand deposits, money market and savings deposits............................        426        (124)         302
  Time deposits.................................................................      1,557         (71)       1,486
  Other borrowed funds..........................................................        501         (90)         411
                                                                                  ---------       -----   -----------
Total interest expense..........................................................      2,484        (285)       2,199
                                                                                  ---------       -----   -----------
  Net interest income...........................................................  $   2,780   $     (73)   $   2,707
                                                                                  ---------       -----   -----------
                                                                                  ---------       -----   -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    The Company's net interest margin increased 41 basis points to 3.82% for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997 from 3.41% for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the
average volume of interest-earning assets. The average yield on interest-earning
assets increased 24 basis points to 8.28% for the nine months ended September
30, 1997 from 8.04% for the nine months ended September 30, 1996. The average
rate on interest-bearing liabilities decreased by 27 basis points to 5.39% for
the nine months ended September 30, 1997 from 5.66% for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996.
    
 
   
    The Company's net interest income increased $2.7 million, or 53.7%, to $7.7
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 from $5.0 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1996. The increase in net interest income was
primarily due to an increase in average interest-earning assets due, in part, to
the Merger and also as a result of increased business development. The Company's
total interest income increased $4.9 million, or 41.2%, to $16.8 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997 from $11.9 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1996. Interest and fees on loans increased $4.1 million, or
49.4%, to $12.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 from $8.2
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, largely as a result of an
increase in average loan balances of $67.3 million, or 59.7%, to $180.0 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 from $112.7 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996. The yield on the loan portfolio declined 63
basis points to 9.15% for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 from 9.78%
for the nine months ended September 30, 1996. This decrease was due primarily to
the change in the composition of the loan portfolio and a higher level of
non-accrual loans, both as a result of the Merger, as well as more competitive
pricing for commercial loan products. Also contributing to the increase in total
interest income was an increase in interest and dividend income on securities of
$1.7 million, or 70.3%, to $4.2 million for the nine months ended September 30,
1997 from $2.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996. This
increase in investment income was the result of a combination of an increase in
the average balance of securities owned of $30.5 million, or 57.0%, to $84.0
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 from $53.5 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1996, and an increase in yield on the average
balance in securities held to 6.65% for the nine months ended September 30, 1997
from 6.14% for the nine months ended September 30, 1996.
    
 
    The increase in the average balance of securities is the result of leveraged
funding programs employed by the Company that use Federal Home Loan Bank
("FHLB") advances to fund securities purchases. The purpose of these programs is
to target growth in net interest income while managing liquidity, credit,
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
market and interest rate risk. From time to time, a specific leveraged funding
program may attempt to achieve current earnings benefits by funding security
portfolio increases partially with short-term FHLB advances with the expectation
that future growth in deposits will replace the FHLB advances at maturity.
 
    The increase in average yield on interest-earning assets was largely the
result of the Company's strategy to reduce its investment in overnight funds,
better utilize its borrowing capacity with FHLB advances, and minimize lower
yield assets needed for short-term liquidity needs.
 
    The Company's total interest expense increased $2.2 million, or 32.1%, to
$9.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 from $6.9 million for
the nine months ended September 30, 1996. This increase was due to an increase
in the volume of average interest-bearing liabilities of $62.5 million, or
38.6%, to $224.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 from
$162.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996. The average rate
paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased 27 basis points to 5.39% for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997 from 5.66% for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 due to an decrease in money market and time deposits.
 
    Interest expense on certificates of deposit increased $1.5 million, or
24.4%, to $7.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 from $6.1
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996. This increase was due to
an increase in the average volume of certificates of deposit in the amount of
$35.3 million, or 25.5%, to $173.7 million for the nine months ended September
30, 1997 from $138.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996,
partially offset by decreases in the average interest rates to 5.84% from 5.89%,
for the comparative periods.
 
   
    Interest expense on FHLB advances was $621,000 for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997. The Company had no FHLB advances for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996. In 1997, $13.7 million of FHLB advances funded purchases of
securities and origination of loans as part of an ongoing leveraged funding
program designed to increase earnings while also managing interest rate risk and
liquidity. Additionally, the Company utilized FHLB borrowings to fund the Tax
Refund Program in 1997. The Company used brokered certificates of deposit to
fund the Tax Refund Program in 1996. The Company incurred no interest expense on
subordinated debt in the nine months ended September 30, 1997 compared to
$210,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 1996 as this debt was retired
during the fourth quarter of 1996.
    
 
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
 
   
    The provision for loan losses is charged to operations to bring the total
allowance for loan losses to a level considered appropriate by management. The
level of the allowance for loan losses is determined by management based upon
its evaluation of the known as well as inherent risks within the Bank's loan
portfolio. Management's periodic evaluation is based upon an examinaiton of the
portfolio, past loss experience, current economic conditions, the results of the
most recent regulatory examinations and other relevant factors. The provision
for loan losses increased $85,000, or 154%, to $140,000 for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997 from $55,000 for the nine months ended September 30,
1996. Non-performing assets were 1.18% of total assets at September 30, 1997,
compared to 0.81% at December 31, 1996. Delinquencies were 0.36% of total loans
at September 30, 1997, compared to 0.75% at December 31, 1996.
    
 
NON-INTEREST INCOME
 
    Total other income increased $312,000, or 13.5%, to $2.6 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997 from $2.3 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996. The increase was due primarily to a $159,000 increase in Tax
Refund Program income associated with an increase in Tax Refund Product sales in
the 1997 tax return season compared to the 1996 tax return season. Additionally,
Bank service fees increased $117,000 due to the increase in deposit account
activity on higher average levels of deposit balances as a result of the Merger.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
NON-INTEREST EXPENSES
 
   
    Total other expenses increased $2.2 million, or 58.9%, to $5.9 million for
the nine months ended September 30, 1997 from $3.7 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1996. Salaries and benefits increased $1.1 million, or
57.5%, to $3.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 from $2.0
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996. The increase was due
primarily to an increase in staff as a result of the Merger as well as increases
associated with the expansion of the branches and business development staff.
Occupancy and equipment expenses increased $228,000, or 35.7%, to $867,000 for
the nine months ended September 30, 1997 from $639,000 for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 as a result of opening additional branch offices. Other
operating expenses increased $806,000, or 70.8%, to $2.0 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997 from $1.1 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996. Other operating expenses encompass all expenses not
otherwise categorized, and include items such as data processing costs,
professional fees, advertising costs, printing and supplies, insurance and other
miscellaneous expenses. The primary reason for increases in other operating
expenses was the growth of the Bank associated with the Merger and increased
expenses related to the opening of new branch offices.
    
 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
 
   
    The provision for income taxes increased $148,000, or 12.4%, to $1.3 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 from $1.2 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996. The increase of $148,000 results from the
increase in pre-tax income from 1996 to 1997.
    
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
OVERVIEW
 
   
    For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Company reported net income of
$2.7 million, or $0.92 in primary earnings per share and $0.88 in fully-diluted
earnings per share, compared to net income of $603,000, or $0.31 in primary
earnings per share and $0.31 in fully-diluted earnings per share, for the year
ended December 31, 1995. The increase in the Company's results during 1996 was
primarily the result of the Merger and the Bank's participation in the Tax
Refund Program, which generated $2.1 million in revenues during the year ended
December 31, 1996. The Bank did not participate in the Tax Refund Program during
1995 due to the uncertain impact of IRS policy changes. Net interest income
increased $3.2 million, or 79.2%, to $7.2 million for the year ended December
31, 1996 from $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1995. This increase
was primarily due to the increase in interest-earning assets as a result of the
Merger.
    
 
ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME
 
    The following table provides an analysis of net interest income on an
annualized tax-equivalent basis, setting forth for the periods (i) average
assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity, (ii) interest income earned on
interest-earnings assets and interest expense paid on interest-bearing
liabilities, (iii) average yields earned on interest-earning assets and average
rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, and (iv) the Bank's net interest
margin (net interest income as a percentage of average total interest-earning
assets).
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
All averages are computed based on daily balances. Nonaccrual loans are included
in average loans receivable.
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               1996                                  1995                             1994
                                -----------------------------------  -------------------------------------  ------------------------
                                            INTEREST                              INTEREST                               INTEREST
                                 AVERAGE     INCOME/      YIELD/      AVERAGE      INCOME/       YIELD/      AVERAGE      INCOME/
                                 BALANCE   EXPENSE(1)     RATE(2)     BALANCE    EXPENSE(1)      RATE(2)     BALANCE    EXPENSE(1)
                                ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -------------  -----------  ---------  -------------
<S>                             <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>            <C>          <C>        <C>
                                                                       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Interest-earning assets:
  Federal funds sold..........  $  26,488   $   1,346         5.08%  $   2,953    $     176          5.96%  $   7,465    $     278
  Securities..................     60,389       3,759         6.23      34,687        2,016          5.81      26,263        1,442
  Loans receivable............    132,294      11,798         8.92      78,489        7,710          9.82      69,838        5,521
                                ---------  -----------         ---   ---------       ------           ---   ---------       ------
  Total interest-earning
    assets....................    219,171      16,903         7.71     116,129        9,902          8.53     103,566        7,241
Other assets..................      3,029                                4,139                                  3,335
                                ---------                            ---------                              ---------
Total assets..................  $ 222,200                            $ 120,268                              $ 106,901
                                ---------                            ---------                              ---------
                                ---------                            ---------                              ---------
Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Demand deposits,
    non-interest bearing......  $  23,909                            $   8,939                              $   5,837
  Demand deposits, interest-
    bearing...................      5,623         140         2.49%      1,320           33          2.50%      1,423           34
  Money market and savings
    deposits..................     21,594         674         3.12      14,063          516          3.67      18,856          627
  Time deposits...............    148,834       8,663         5.82      81,404        5,004          6.15      68,152        3,003
                                ---------  -----------         ---   ---------       ------           ---   ---------       ------
  Total deposits(3)...........    199,960       9,477         4.73     105,726        5,553          5.25      94,268        3,664
                                ---------  -----------         ---   ---------       ------           ---   ---------       ------
  Total interest-bearing
    deposits..................    176,051       9,477         5.38      96,787        5,553          5.74      88,431        3,664
  Other borrowed funds........      2,920         238         8.15       4,431          338          7.63       3,691          280
  Total interest-bearing
    liabilities...............    202,880       9,715         4.79     110,157        5,891          5.35      97,959        3,944
                                ---------  -----------         ---   ---------       ------           ---   ---------       ------
Other liabilities.............      4,124                                1,844                                  1,298
Shareholders' equity..........     15,196                                8,267                                  7,642
                                ---------                            ---------                              ---------
Total liabilities and
  shareholders' equity........  $ 222,200                            $ 120,268                              $ 106,899
                                ---------                            ---------                              ---------
                                ---------                            ---------                              ---------
Net interest income...........              $   7,188                             $   4,011                              $   3,297
                                           -----------                               ------                                 ------
                                           -----------                               ------                                 ------
Net interest spread...........                                2.92%                                  3.18%
                                                               ---                                    ---
                                                               ---                                    ---
Net interest margin(4)........                                3.28                                   3.45
                                                               ---                                    ---
                                                               ---                                    ---
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                  YIELD/
                                  RATE(2)
                                -----------
<S>                             <C>
 
Interest-earning assets:
  Federal funds sold..........        3.72%
  Securities..................        5.49
  Loans receivable............        7.91
                                       ---
  Total interest-earning
    assets....................        6.99
Other assets..................
 
Total assets..................
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Demand deposits,
    non-interest bearing......
  Demand deposits, interest-
    bearing...................        2.39%
  Money market and savings
    deposits..................        3.33
  Time deposits...............        4.41
                                       ---
  Total deposits(3)...........        3.89
                                       ---
  Total interest-bearing
    deposits..................        4.14
  Other borrowed funds........        7.60
  Total interest-bearing
    liabilities...............        4.03
                                       ---
Other liabilities.............
Shareholders' equity..........
 
Total liabilities and
  shareholders' equity........
 
Net interest income...........
 
Net interest spread...........        2.96%
                                       ---
                                       ---
Net interest margin(4)........        3.18
                                       ---
                                       ---
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
 
(1) Includes loan fee income.
 
(2) Yields on investments are calculated based on amortized costs; all yields
    are annualized.
 
   
(3) Excludes borrowed funds.
    
 
   
(4) Represents the difference between interest earned and interest paid, divided
    by average total interest earning assets.
    
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME
 
    Net interest income may also be analyzed by segregating the volume and rate
components of interest income and interest expense. The following table sets
forth an analysis of volume and rate changes in net interest income for the
periods indicated. For purposes of this table, changes in interest income and
interest expense are allocated to volume and rate categories based upon the
respective percentage changes in average balances and average rates.
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1996 VS. 1995                      1995 VS. 1994
                                                  ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                            CHANGE DUE TO                      CHANGE DUE TO
                                                  ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                   AVERAGE    AVERAGE    INCREASE     AVERAGE    AVERAGE    INCREASE
                                                   VOLUME      RATE     (DECREASE)    VOLUME      RATE     (DECREASE)
                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                               <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>
Interest earned on:
  Federal funds sold............................  $   1,170  $   1,200   $     (30)  $    (220) $     118   $    (102)
  Securities....................................      1,743      1,585         158         510         65         575
  Loans receivable..............................      4,088      4,865        (777)        741      1,448       2,189
                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Total interest income...........................      7,001      7,650        (649)      1,031      1,631       2,662
Interest paid on:
  Demand deposits, money market and savings
    deposits....................................        265        352         (87)       (124)        11        (113)
  Time deposits.................................      3,659      3,942        (283)        660      1,342       2,002
Other borrowed funds............................       (100)      (100)         --          56          1          57
                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------
  Total interest expense........................      3,824      4,194        (370)        592      1,354       1,946
                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------
  Net interest income...........................  $   3,177  $   3,456   $    (279)  $     439  $     277   $     716
                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
    The Company's total interest income increased $7.0 million, or 70.7%, to
$16.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $9.9 million for the
year ended December 31, 1995. The average balance of interest-earning assets
increased $103.1 million, or 88.7%, to $219.2 million for the year ended
December 31, 1996 from $116.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1995. The
yield on interest-earning assets decreased 82 basis points to 7.71% for the year
ended December 31, 1996 from 8.53% for the year ended December 31, 1995. Total
interest expense increased $3.8 million, or 64.9%, to $9.7 million for the year
ended December 31, 1996 from $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1995.
The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased $92.7 million, or
84.2%, to $202.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $110.2
million for the year ended December 31, 1995. The average rate on
interest-bearing liabilities decreased 56 basis points to 4.79% for the year
ended December 31, 1996 from 5.35% for the year ended December 31, 1995. The
increases in interest income and interest expense were principally the result of
a higher volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities in
1996 as a result of the Merger. The ratio of interest expense to interest income
was 57.5% for the year ended December 31, 1996 compared to a ratio of 59.5% for
the year ended December 31, 1995. The Merger was also primarily responsible for
the changes in average rate in 1996 as compared to 1995.
 
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
 
    The provision for loan losses is charged to operations to bring the total
allowance for loan losses to a level considered appropriate by management. The
level of the allowance for loan losses is determined by management based upon
its evaluation of the known as well as inherent risks within the Bank's loan
portfolio. Management's periodic evaluation is based upon an examination of the
portfolio, past loss experience, current economic conditions, the results of the
most recent regulatory examinations and other relevant factors. The provision
for loan losses decreased $68,000, or 30%, to $155,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1996 from $223,000 for the year ended December 31, 1995.
Non-performing assets were
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
0.81% of total assets at December 31, 1996, compared to 0.63% at December 31,
1995. Delinquencies were 1.78% of total loans at December 31, 1996, compared to
0.86% at December 31, 1995.
 
NON-INTEREST INCOME
 
   
    Non-interest income increased $2.5 million to $2.6 million for the year
ended December 31, 1996 from $155,000 for the year ended December 31, 1995.
Non-interest income as a percentage of gross revenues was 13.4% and 1.5% for the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. This increase was due to
the Bank's participation in the Tax Refund Program in 1996. The Bank did not
participate in the Tax Refund program during 1995.
    
 
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
 
    Salaries and employee benefits increased $1.3 million, or 80.4%, to $2.9
million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $1.6 million for the year
ended December 31, 1995. This increase was the result of additions in staffing
due to the Merger, as well as non-recurring severance costs.
 
    Occupancy and equipment expenses increased $337,000, or 59.7%, to $901,000
for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $564,000 for the year ended December
31, 1995. These expenses were comprised mainly of rental, equipment and
maintenance expense. Professional fees declined $45,000, or 13.8%, to $282,000
for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $327,000 for the year ended December
31, 1995 as the result of management's efforts to reduce the use of outside
consultants.
 
   
    Other expenses increased $960,000, or 169.6%, to $1.5 million for the year
ended December 31, 1996 from $566,000 for the year ended December 31, 1995.
Major components of this category included advertising, insurance other than
premises, and general/administrative expenses. The year-to-year increase of
$960,000 is attributable to increased operating costs resulting from the Merger
and the increased size of the Company.
    
 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
 
    The provision for income taxes increased $1.1 million to $1.4 million for
the year ended December 31, 1996 from $291,000 for the year ended December 31,
1995. The effective tax rate was 33.2% for the year ended December 31, 1996
compared to 32.6% for the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 COMPARED TO DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
    Total assets increased $29.4 million, or 10.7%, to $303.2 million at
September 30, 1997 from $273.8 million at December 31, 1996. The increase in
assets was the result of higher levels of loans and securities, which were
funded by the net increase in borrowings in the nine months ended September 30,
1997. Net loans increased $14.4 million, or 8.5%, to $184.4 million at September
30, 1997 from $170.0 million at December 31, 1996. Securities increased $20.2
million, or 24.9%, to $101.1 million at September 30, 1997 from $81.0 million at
December 31, 1996. The increase was due primarily to the purchase of $20.0
million in securities as part of the Company's leveraged funding strategy which
is intended to increase earnings.
 
    Cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits, which are held at the
Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, and federal funds sold are all liquid
funds. The aggregate amount in these three categories decreased by $8.2 million,
or 52.9%, to $7.3 million at September 30, 1997 from $15.5 million at December
31, 1996 because the Company redeployed these funds into higher yielding loans
and securities. This redeployment of liquid assets was done in anticipation of
the utilization of the Company's borrowing capacity with the FHLB.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
    Bank premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, increased $1.2
million, or 170.9.%, to $1.9 million at September 30, 1997 from $711,000 at
December 31, 1996. The increase was attributable mainly to the construction of
the Bank's new branch offices.
 
   
    Total liabilities increased $26.3 million, or 10.3%, to $281.7 million at
September 30, 1997 from $255.4 million at December 31, 1996. During the nine
months ended September 30, 1997, deposits, the Company's primary source of
funds, decreased $2.2 million, or 0.9%, to $247.9 million at September 30, 1997
from $250.1 million at December 31, 1996. The aggregate of transaction accounts,
which include demand, money market and savings accounts, decreased $2.0 million,
or 2.9%, to $68.0 million at September 30, 1997 from $70.0 million at December
31, 1996. Certificates of deposit declined $157,000, or 0.1%, to $179.8 million
at September 30, 1997 from $180 million at December 31, 1996. During the first
quarter of 1997 higher costing certificates of deposit were allowed to run-off
in favor of lower cost borrowings at the FHLB. This run-off was later partially
replaced by the growth in deposits from the new branches.
    
 
   
    FHLB borrowings were $27.3 million at September 30, 1997. There were no FHLB
borrowings at December 31, 1996. The increase was primarily the result of the
Company's leveraged funding strategy of utilizing short-term and long-term FHLB
advances to purchase investment securities and to fund new loan originations.
    
 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED TO DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
   
    The Company's total assets increased $142.7 million, or 108.8%, to $273.8
million at December 31, 1996 from $131.1 million at December 31, 1995. This
increase was primarily due to the Merger. The Company's asset mix remained
relatively stable. Net loans receivable increased $84.8 million, or 99.5%, to
$170.0 million at December 31, 1996 from $85.2 million at December 31, 1995. Net
loans represented 62.1% and 65.0% of total assets at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. Total investment securities increased $42.6 million, or 111.1%, to
$81.0 million at December 31, 1996 from $38.4 million at December 31, 1995.
Investment securities represented 29.6% and 29.3% of total assets at December
31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Total deposits increased $133.6 million, or
114.8%, to $250.1 million at December 31, 1996 from $116.4 million at December
31, 1995. Loans receivable generally represent the highest earning assets of a
bank's portfolio. The ratio of loans receivable to total deposits was
approximately 68.0% at December 31, 1996 compared to approximately 73.2% at
December 31, 1995.
    
 
INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT
 
    Interest rate risk management involves managing the extent to which
interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities are matched. The
Bank typically defines interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive
liabilities as those that reprice within one year or less. Maintaining an
appropriate match is a method of avoiding wide fluctuations in net interest
margin during periods of changing interest rates.
 
    The difference between interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive
liabilities is known as the "interest-sensitivity gap" ("GAP"). A positive GAP
occurs when interest-sensitive assets exceed interest-sensitive liabilities
repricing in the same time periods, and a negative GAP occurs when
interest-sensitive liabilities exceed interest-sensitive assets repricing in the
same time periods. A negative GAP ratio suggests that a financial institution
may be better positioned to take advantage of declining interest rates rather
than increasing interest rates, and a positive GAP ratio suggests the converse.
 
   
    Shortcomings are inherent in a simplified and static GAP analysis that may
result in an institution with a negative GAP having interest rate behavior
associated with an asset-sensitive balance sheet. For example, although certain
assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods to repricing, they
may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Furthermore,
repricing characteristics of certain assets and liabilities may vary
substantially within a given time period. In the event of a change in interest
rates, prepayment and early withdrawal levels could also deviate significantly
from those assumed in calculating GAP in the manner presented in the table
below.
    
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
    The Bank attempts to manage its assets and liabilities in a manner that
stabilizes net interest income under a broad range of interest rate
environments. Adjustments to the mix of assets and liabilities are made
periodically in an effort to provide dependable and steady growth in net
interest income regardless of the behavior of interest rates.
 
    The following table presents a summary of the Bank's interest rate
sensitivity GAP at September 30, 1997. For purposes of this table, the Bank has
used assumptions based on industry data and historical experience to calculate
the expected maturity of loans because, statistically, certain categories of
loans are prepaid before their maturity date, even without regard to interest
rate fluctuations. Additionally certain prepayment assumptions were made with
regard to investment securities based upon the expected prepayment of the
underlying collateral of the mortgage backed securities.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             0-90       91-180     181-365       1-5
                                             DAYS        DAYS        DAYS       YEARS     OVER 5 YRS    TOTAL
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
                                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Interest sensitive assets:
Securities..............................  $   33,365  $    6,903  $    6,427  $   24,765  $   31,712  $  103,172
Loans receivable........................      84,136       6,833      14,831      54,036      26,498     186,334
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Total...................................     117,501      13,736      21,258      78,801      58,210     289,506
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
Cumulative total........................  $  117,501  $  131,237  $  152,495  $  231,296  $  289,506
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
Interest sensitive liabilities:
Demand interest-bearing(1)..............  $    4,117  $       --  $       --  $    2,058  $    2,058  $    8,233
Savings accounts(1).....................       1,034          --          --          --       1,033       2,067
Money market accounts(1)................      11,887          --          --       5,943       5,943      23,773
FHLB borrowings.........................      18,621       1,325       1,800       5,600          --      27,346
Time deposits...........................      40,503      23,327      63,840      52,195           5     179,870
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
Total...................................      76,162      24,652      65,640      65,796       9,039     241,289
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
Cumulative total........................  $   76,162  $  100,814  $  166,454  $  232,250  $  241,289
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
Interest rate sensitivity GAP...........  $   41,339  $  (10,916) $  (44,382) $   13,005  $   49,171  $   48,217
 
Cumulative GAP..........................  $   41,339  $   30,423  $  (13,959) $     (954) $   48,217
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
Interest sensitive assets/
 interest sensitive liabilities.........         1.5x        1.3x        0.9x        1.0x        1.2x
 
Cumulative GAP/
 total earning assets...................        14.3%       10.5%       -4.8%       -0.3%       16.7%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
   
(1) For interest rate sensitivity purposes 50% of these deposits are assumed to
    reprice within one year.
    
 
CAPITAL
 
    The Company's Tier l capital to risk-weighted assets ratio was 10.97% at
September 30, 1997 compared to 10.08% at December 31, 1996. These ratios
exceeded the Tier 1 regulatory capital requirement of 4.00%. The Company's total
capital to risk-weighted assets ratio was 11.97% at September 30, 1997 compared
to 11.25% at December 31, 1996. These ratios exceeded the total risk-based
capital regulatory requirement of 8.00%. The Company's leverage ratio was 7.25%
at September 30, 1997,
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
compared to 6.65% at December 31, 1996. The increase in the Company's leverage
ratio was due to the Company's higher level of earnings in the nine months ended
September 30, 1997. The Company remains categorized as "well capitalized" under
applicable Federal regulations. The Bank is subject to similar capital
requirements adopted by the FRB. At September 30, 1997, the Bank's capital
exceeded all regulatory requirements and the Bank remains categorized as "well
capitalized" under applicable federal regulations.
 
LIQUIDITY
 
    Financial institutions must maintain liquidity to meet day-to-day
requirements of depositors and borrowers, take advantage of market
opportunities, and provide a cushion against unforeseen needs. Liquidity needs
can be met by either reducing assets or increasing liabilities. Sources of asset
liquidity are provided by cash and amounts due from banks, interest-bearing
deposits with banks, and federal funds sold.
 
    The Company's liquid assets totaled $7.3 million at September 30, 1997
compared to $15.5 million at December 31, 1996. Maturing and repaying loans are
another source of asset liquidity. At September 30, 1997, the Bank estimated
that an additional $15.8 million of loans will mature or repay in the next six-
month period ended March 31, 1998.
 
    Liability liquidity can be met by attracting deposits with competitive
rates, buying federal funds or utilizing the facilities of the Federal Reserve
System or the Federal Home Loan Bank System. The Bank utilizes a variety of
these methods of liability liquidity. At September 30, 1997, the Bank had $70
million in unused lines of credit available to it under informal arrangements
with correspondent banks compared to $99 million at December 31, 1996. These
lines of credit enable the Bank to purchase funds for short-term needs at
current market rates.
 
   
    Liquidity can be further analyzed by reference to the Unaudited Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows. Net cash provided by operating activities during the
nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 was $4.4 million and $3.1 million,
respectively. The decrease from the nine months ended September 30, 1997 to the
nine months ended September 30, 1996 was due primarily to an increase in other
assets. The Company's cash flows from financing activities increased $20.9
million to $25.1 million at September 30, 1997 from $4.2 million at September
30, 1996 due primarily to the repayment of other borrowed funds and long-term
debt. The Company utilized $37.8 million in cash for investing activities
through September 30, 1997 versus $2.4 million provided through September 30,
1996. The increase in cash used in investing activities was primarily due to an
increase in loans outstanding and investment securities in the amount of $14.4
million and $20.2 million, respectively, at September 30, 1997. The changes in
cash flows resulted in a net decrease of internally generated cash of $8.2
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 compared to a net increase
of $9.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996.
    
 
    At September 30, 1997, the Company had outstanding commitments (including
unused lines of credit and letters of credit) of $16.7 million. Certificates of
deposit which are scheduled to mature within one year totaled $127.7 million at
September 30, 1997, and borrowings that are scheduled to mature within the same
period amounted to $21.7 million. The Company anticipates that it will have
sufficient funds available to meet its current commitments.
 
    As of September 30, 1997, capital expenditures that were anticipated for the
remainder of 1997 included approximately $400,000 required to complete the site
improvements and construction of a full-service branch in Abington, Montgomery
County. These cost estimates also include furniture, fixtures and equipment
costs necessary to operate this office.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
 
    The majority of assets and liabilities of a financial institution are
monetary in nature. Therefore, a financial institution differs greatly from most
commercial and industrial companies that have significant investments in fixed
assets or inventories. Management believes that the most significant impact of
inflation on financial results is the Company's ability to react to changes in
interest rates. As discussed previously, management attempts to maintain an
essentially balanced position between rate sensitive assets and liabilities over
a one year time horizon in order to protect net interest income from being
affected by wide interest rate fluctuations.
 
NEW FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS
 
   
    In 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards (hereafter, a "Statement") No. 122,
"Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights," which amends Statement No. 65,
"Accounting for Certain Mortgage Banking Activities." This Statement applies to
all mortgage banking activities in which a mortgage loan is originated or
purchased and then sold or securitized with the right to service the loan
retained by the seller. The total cost of the mortgage loan is allocated between
the mortgage servicing rights and the mortgage loan based on their relative fair
values. The mortgage servicing rights are capitalized as assets and amortized
over the period of estimated net servicing income. Additionally, these servicing
rights are subject to an impairment analysis based on their fair value in future
periods. This Statement was effective for transactions in which mortgage loans
are sold or securitized beginning January 1, 1996. For the year ended December
31, 1996 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, the impact of this
Statement on the Company was immaterial.
    
 
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
    In 1996, the Company adopted Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-based
Compensation." This Statement provides the Company with a choice of how to
account for the issuance of stock options and other stock grants. This Statement
encourages companies to account for stock options at their fair value and
recognize the expense as compensation over the service period, but also permits
companies to follow existing accounting rules under Accounting Principles Board
("APB") Opinion No. 25. Companies electing to follow APB Opinion No. 25 rules
are required to disclose pro forma net income and earnings per share information
as if the new fair value approach had been adopted. The Company is continuing to
follow existing accounting rules under APB Opinion No. 25 for options granted,
with pro forma disclosure in the footnotes to the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements.
 
EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
   
    In February 1997 the FASB issued SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share." This
Statement establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings per share
("EPS") and applies to entities with publicly held common stock or potential
common stock. This Statement simplifies the standards for computing EPS
previously found in APB Opinion No. 15, "Earnings per Share," and makes them
comparable to international EPS standards. It replaces the presentation of
primary EPS with a presentation of basic EPS. It also requires dual presentation
of basic and diluted EPS on the face of the income statement for all entities
with complex capital structures and requires a reconciliation of the numerator
and denominator of the basic EPS computation to the numerator and denominator of
the diluted EPS computation. This Statement requires restatement of all prior
period EPS data presented upon adoption.
    
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
   
    The pro forma effect of Statement No. 128 on EPS of the Company is shown in
the following table:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         FOR THE NINE MONTHS
                                                                                ENDED                FOR THE YEAR ENDED
                                                                            SEPTEMBER 30,               DECEMBER 31,
                                                                         --------------------  -------------------------------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                           1997       1996       1996       1995       1994
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
HISTORICAL EPS(1)
  Primary..............................................................  $    0.79  $    0.85  $    0.92  $    0.31  $    0.42
  Fully-diluted........................................................       0.78       0.83       0.88       0.31       0.42
PRO FORMA EPS(1)
  Basic................................................................  $    0.87  $    0.92  $    0.97  $    0.31  $    0.42
  Diluted..............................................................       0.79       0.88       0.92       0.31       0.42
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
   
(1) Adjusted to reflect a 20% stock dividend paid on April 15, 1997.
    
 
REPORTING COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
    In June 1997, the FASB issued Statement No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income." This Statement establishes standards for the reporting and display of
comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general-purpose
financial statements. Statement No. 130 requires that all items that are
required to be recognized as components of comprehensive income be reported in a
financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other
financial statements. This Statement does not require a specific format for that
financial statement but requires that an enterprise display an amount
representing total comprehensive income for the period in that financial
statement. Statement No. 130 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1997. The impact of this Statement on the Company would be to
require additional disclosures in the Company's financial statements.
 
OPERATING SEGMENT DISCLOSURE
 
   
    In June 1997, the FASB issued Statement No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments
of an Enterprise and Related Information." Statement No. 131 establishes
standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about
operating segments in annual financial statements and requires that those
enterprises report selected information about operating segments in interim
financial reports issued to shareholders. It also establishes standards for
related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major
customers. Statement No. 131 is effective for periods beginning after December
15, 1997. The impact, if any, of this Statement on the Company would be to
require additional disclosures in the Company's financial statements.
    
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
   
    The Company is a Pennsylvania corporation headquartered in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania and is a registered bank holding company for the Bank, a
Pennsylvania-chartered commercial bank, which is the Company's wholly-owned
subsidiary. The Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System and the Bank's
deposits are insured by the FDIC to the fullest extent provided by law. The
Company was the surviving corporation in the Merger, and the Bank was the
surviving bank in the merger of Republic Bank with and into First Executive
Bank, each of which was completed in June 1996. The Bank serves the Greater
Philadelphia area and is the third largest bank headquartered in Philadelphia.
The Bank presently conducts banking activities through its six branches,
including three located in Center City Philadelphia and one each in Ardmore and
East Norriton, Montgomery County and one located on City Line Avenue,
Philadelphia County. A seventh branch is scheduled to open in Abington,
Montgomery County in November 1997. At September 30, 1997, the Company had total
consolidated assets, deposits, net loans and shareholders' equity of $303.2
million, $247.9 million, $184.4 million and $21.4 million, respectively.
    
 
   
    The Bank is engaged in the Tax Refund Program through a contractual
relationship with Jackson Hewitt to provide Tax Refund Products to Jackson
Hewitt customers. Through the Tax Refund Program, the Bank offers Tax Refund
Products to qualifying Jackson Hewitt customers, which provides the Bank with
significant interest and fee income.
    
 
MARKET OVERVIEW
 
    The Bank's primary market service area consists of the Greater Philadelphia
region, including Center City Philadelphia and the northern and western suburban
communities located principally in Montgomery County. To a lesser extent, the
Bank also serves the surrounding counties of Bucks, Chester and Delaware in
Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and northern Delaware.
 
    As of June 30, 1996, there were 37 different banking institutions operating
approximately 330 branch offices and having total deposits of approximately
$24.0 billion in Philadelphia. The four largest of these institutions with
respect to total deposits operated over 63% of the area's branch offices and had
approximately 78% of the area's deposits. The Bank had the 12th largest deposit
market share in the City of Philadelphia as of June 30, 1996, with deposits of
$223.9 million.
 
   
    The Bank is a leading provider of Tax Refund Products. There are a limited
number of banks that provide this service nationwide. Management believes that
the demand for Tax Refund Products will grow as a result of the IRS' intention
to encourage electronic filing of tax returns and the increasing complexity of
tax forms. The Bank generates significant revenue from the Tax Refund Program.
Recently, the Company and Jackson Hewitt extended the Tax Refund Program through
October 31, 1999, subject to automatic renewal provisions. See "--Products and
Services--Tax Refund Products."
    
 
OPERATING STRATEGY
 
    The Company's objective is for the Bank to become the primary alternative to
the large banks that dominate the Greater Philadelphia market. The Company's
management team has developed a business strategy consisting of the following
key elements to achieve this objective:
 
    EXPANDING THE BRANCH SYSTEM.  Management plans to develop a cohesive network
of branches that will be within a ten minute drive of most of the major
commercial centers in its marketplace. Management intends to build this network
by opening three branches each year through 1999 that are strategically located
in commercial corridors of suburban Philadelphia. The Bank's Abington branch,
scheduled to open in November 1997, is a prime example of this strategy. This
branch is located in a major suburban commercial center and is easily accessible
from a major local traffic artery. The branch manager has significant banking
experience and contacts in the targeted community. The efforts of this manager
will be
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
   
supported by marketing assistance from loan officers assigned to that community.
In addition, the Company will consider acquisition opportunities that will
enhance earnings and growth capabilities. The Company expects to fund this
expansion through, among other things, revenue generated from the Tax Refund
Program. See "Risk Factors--Reliance on Jackson Hewitt Relationship."
    
 
    PROVIDING ATTENTIVE AND PERSONALIZED SERVICE.  The Company believes that a
very attractive niche exists serving small- to medium-sized business customers
not adequately served by the larger competitors. The Company believes this
segment of the market responds very positively to the attentive and highly
personalized service provided by the Bank. The Bank offers individuals and
small- to medium-sized businesses a wide array of banking products, informed and
friendly service, extended operating hours, consistently applied credit
policies, and local, timely decision making. The banking industry is
experiencing a period of rapid consolidation and many local branches have been
acquired by large out-of-market institutions. The ensuing changes in these
banking institutions have resulted in a change in their product offerings and
the degree of personal attention they provide to their customers. The Company
has capitalized on these dynamics by offering a community banking alternative
and tailoring its product offering to fill voids created as larger competitors
increase the price of products and services or de-emphasize such products and
services.
 
   
    MAINTAINING SUPERIOR OPERATING RESULTS.  The Company's long-term goal is to
maintain a return on average equity in excess of 15% while maintaining a 15%
asset growth rate. The Company expects to fund significant expansion and
simultaneously meet its operating goals, in part, because of the income earned
through the Tax Refund Program. To accomplish these goals the strategy is for
the Bank to maintain sufficient margins on incremental growth through efficient
utilization and leveraging of capital.
    
 
    ATTRACTING AND RETAINING HIGHLY EXPERIENCED PERSONNEL.  The Bank's executive
officers and other personnel have substantial employment experience with larger
banks in the region. When opening new branches, as in the case of the Abington
office, the Bank extensively screens and trains its employees to ensure the
staff has the necessary ability and contacts in the community to foster rapid
growth. The Company seeks to instill a sales and service oriented culture in its
personnel in order to build customer relationships and maximize cross-selling
opportunities. The Company offers meaningful sales-based incentives to all its
customer contact employees.
 
   
    CAPITALIZING ON MARKET DYNAMICS.  In the past two years, banks controlling
over 45% of the deposits in the Bank's primary market areas have been acquired
by large and super-regional bank holding companies. The ensuing cultural changes
in these banking institutions have resulted in a change in their product
offerings and the degree of personal attention they provide. The Company has
sought to capitalize on these changes by offering a community banking
alternative. As a result, the Company believes it has a tremendous opportunity
to increase its market share.
    
 
    DEVELOPING SPECIALIZED PRODUCTS.  The Company has built the Tax Refund
Program into a significant source of income. Management will continue to explore
and develop other opportunities to provide specialized banking products and
services that command higher profit margins.
 
   
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
    
 
   
    TRADITIONAL BANKING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.  The Bank offers a range of
commercial and retail banking services to its customers, including commercial
loans, commercial loans secured by real estate, personal and business checking
and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, residential mortgages and
consumer loans. The Bank's commercial loan customers typically borrow between
$250,000 and $750,000. The Bank attempts to offer a high level of personalized
service to both its commercial and consumer customers. In addition, the Bank
provides travelers' checks, money orders and other typical banking services. The
Bank is a member of the MAC and PLUS networks in order to provide customers with
access to automated
    
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
   
teller machines worldwide. The Bank makes credit cards available to its
customers through correspondent banking institutions.
    
 
   
    TAX REFUND PRODUCTS.  The Bank is engaged in the Tax Refund Program through
a contractual relationship with Jackson Hewitt. Through the Tax Refund Program,
the Bank provides Tax Refund Products to qualifying Jackson Hewitt customers.
The Tax Refund Products, ACRs and RALs, enable taxpayers to receive tax refunds
faster than if they filed their tax returns by mail. An ACR enables a taxpayer
to have a refund directly deposited into a bank account, established by the Bank
solely for this purpose, within two to three weeks after filing a tax return. A
RAL is a recourse loan secured by the taxpayer's federal income tax refund and
is made within one or two days after filing a tax return. During the 1997 tax
season, the Bank provided approximately 234,000 ACRs and 103,000 RALs to Jackson
Hewitt customers.
    
 
    The Bank receives a processing fee for each ACR and RAL it provides. When
the Bank provides a RAL, it receives an additional fee that is equal to 4% of
the RAL. If the IRS does not deposit the expected refund into the bank account
established for its receipt because, among other reasons, the taxpayer owes back
taxes, the amount due under a RAL will not be paid without instituting
individual collection actions against the taxpayer. The risk of RAL default in
excess of 4% is apportioned between the Bank and Jackson Hewitt on a 35%/65%
basis, respectively. The default rate did not exceed 4% in 1997 or 1996.
 
   
    The Bank participated in the Tax Refund Program in 1997 and 1996, but did
not participate in 1995 due to a significant change by the IRS in the
administration of the electronic filing and refund program, which was
subsequently changed the following year. The Tax Refund Program generated $2.2
million and $2.1 million in revenue during 1997 and 1996, respectively. The Tax
Refund Program earnings are realized primarily in the first quarter of the year.
These pretax earnings constituted approximately 70% and 75% of the Company's
first quarter 1997 and 1996 pretax earnings, respectively, and 51.2% of the
Company's pretax earnings for the year ended December 31, 1996. Revenue
generated by the Tax Refund Program accounted for 11.5% and 14.6% of total
revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. See
"Risk Factors--Reliance on Jackson Hewitt Relationship."
    
 
    The Bank has adopted stringent underwriting standards, instituted
independent credit checks, set loan limits based on past history and increased
pricing to reflect the risk associated with RALs. In addition, the Bank
participates in cross-collection arrangements with other RAL lenders. Under
these arrangements, the banks share information regarding the identity of, and
amounts payable by, delinquent RAL borrowers. By sharing this information the
banks are able to identify these individuals in later tax seasons should they
obtain a RAL from a tax preparation company. RAL borrowers are advised in
advance that should they become identified as owing any portion of a RAL from a
prior tax season, any tax refunds attributable to such borrower will be offset
first against the prior debt.
 
BRANCH EXPANSION PLANS AND GROWTH STRATEGY
 
   
    The Company plans to achieve growth and market penetration by expanding the
Bank's branch network into markets with a significant number of commercial
businesses. The Bank has an aggressive branch expansion plan and expects to open
three branches per year in 1998 and 1999 and is currently considering 15 sites
as possible locations for new branches. Management's goal when establishing a
new branch is to achieve deposits of at least $35.0 million in three years or
less. The Bank opened its Ardmore, City Line Avenue and East Norriton branches
in November 1995, March 1997 and May 1997, respectively. As of September 30,
1997, these branches had $21.0 million, $5.5 million and $4.5 million in
deposits, respectively. The Bank will open its seventh branch office in
Abington, Montgomery County in November 1997.
    
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
LOAN PORTFOLIO
 
   
    The Company's loan portfolio consists of commercial loans, commercial real
estate loans, commercial loans secured by one-to-four family residential
property, as well as residential, home equity loans and consumer loans.
Commercial loans are primarily term loans made to small- to medium-sized
businesses and professionals for working capital purposes. The majority of these
commercial loans are collateralized by real estate and further secured by other
collateral and personal guarantees. The Bank's commercial loans average from
$250,000 to $750,000 in amount.
    
 
   
    The Company's net loans increased $14.4 million, or 8.5%, to $184.4 million
at September 30, 1997 from $170.0 million at December 31, 1996, which were
funded by an increase in borrowings.
    
 
    The following table sets forth the Company's gross loans by major categories
for the periods indicated:
 
LOAN PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            AT SEPTEMBER 30,                         AT DECEMBER 31,
                                         -----------------------  ------------------------------------------------------
                                            1997        1996         1996       1995       1994       1993       1992
                                         ----------  -----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                      <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
Commercial:
  Real estate secured..................  $   68,794  $    59,169  $   62,016  $  34,353  $  22,979  $  16,160  $  12,623
  Non-real estate secured/ unsecured...      37,778       42,458      45,007     23,183     27,429     29,653     33,669
                                         ----------  -----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Total commercial...................     106,572      101,627     107,023     57,536     50,408     45,813     46,292
Residential real estate................      73,582       54,604      61,240     26,781     20,493     16,279     12,502
Consumer and other.....................       6,180        4,569       3,831      1,546      1,182        829        994
                                         ----------  -----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Total loans........................  $  186,334  $   160,800  $  172,094  $  85,863  $  72,083  $  62,921  $  59,793
                                         ----------  -----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                         ----------  -----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
LOAN MATURITY AND INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY
 
    The amount of loans outstanding by category as of the dates indicated, which
are due in (i) one year or less, (ii) more than one year through five years and
(iii) over five years, is shown in the following table. Loan balances are also
categorized according to their sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1997                      AT DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                         ----------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------
                                                       MORE THAN                                       MORE THAN
                                                       ONE YEAR                                        ONE YEAR
                                                        THROUGH      OVER                               THROUGH      OVER
                                          ONE YEAR       FIVE        FIVE       TOTAL     ONE YEAR       FIVE        FIVE
                                           OR LESS       YEARS       YEARS      LOANS      OR LESS       YEARS       YEARS
                                         -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                                       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Commercial.............................   $  12,735    $  65,674   $  28,163  $ 106,572   $  20,028    $  62,254   $  24,741
Residential real estate................       4,843       36,295      32,444     73,582       7,562       34,179      19,499
Consumer and other.....................         359        2,356       3,465      6,180         607        1,946       1,278
                                         -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------
    Total..............................   $  17,937    $ 104,325   $  64,072  $ 186,334   $  28,197    $  98,379   $  45,518
                                         -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------
                                         -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------
 
Loans with fixed rate..................   $  10,873    $  72,451   $  27,853  $ 111,177   $   9,163    $  58,761   $  21,257
Loans with floating rate...............       7,064       31,874      36,219     75,157      19,034       39,618      24,261
                                         -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------
    Total..............................   $  17,937    $ 104,325   $  64,072  $ 186,334   $  28,197    $  98,379   $  45,518
                                         -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------
                                         -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------
Percent composition by maturity........        9.63%       55.99%      34.38%    100.00%      16.38%       57.10%      26.45%
Fixed rate loans as a percentage of
  total loans maturing.................       60.62        69.45       43.47      59.67       32.50        59.73       46.70
Floating rate loans as a percentage of
  total loans maturing.................       39.38        30.55       56.53      40.33       67.50        40.27       53.30
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                           TOTAL
                                           LOANS
                                         ---------
<S>                                      <C>
 
Commercial.............................  $ 107,023
Residential real estate................     61,240
Consumer and other.....................      3,831
                                         ---------
    Total..............................  $ 172,094
                                         ---------
                                         ---------
Loans with fixed rate..................  $  89,181
Loans with floating rate...............     82,913
                                         ---------
    Total..............................  $ 172,094
                                         ---------
                                         ---------
Percent composition by maturity........     100.00%
Fixed rate loans as a percentage of
  total loans maturing.................      51.82
Floating rate loans as a percentage of
  total loans maturing.................      48.18
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
    In the ordinary course of business, loans maturing within one year may be
renewed, in whole or in part, as to principal amount, at interest rates
prevailing at the date of renewal.
 
    At September 30, 1997, 59.67% of total loans were fixed rate compared to
51.82% at December 31, 1996. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis Of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations-- Interest Rate Risk Management."
 
CREDIT QUALITY
 
    The Bank's written lending policies require underwriting, loan documentation
and credit analysis standards to be met prior to funding. In addition, a senior
loan officer reviews all loan applications. The Board of Directors reviews the
status of loans monthly to ensure that proper standards are maintained.
 
    Loans, including impaired loans, are generally classified as nonaccrual if
they are past due as to maturity or payment or principal or interest for a
period of more than 90 days, unless such loans are well-secured and in the
process of collection. Loans that are on a current payment status or past due
less than 90 days may also be classified as nonaccrual if repayment in full of
principal and/or interest is in doubt.
 
    Loans may be returned to accrual status when all principal and interest
amounts contractually due are reasonably assured of repayment within an
acceptable period of time, and there is a sustained period of repayment
performance (generally a minimum of six months) by the borrower, in accordance
with the contractual terms of interest and principal.
 
    While a loan is classified as nonaccrual or as an impaired loan and the
future collectability of the recorded loan balance is doubtful, collections of
interest and principal are generally applied as a reduction to principal
outstanding. When the future collectability of the recorded loan balance is
expected, interest income may be recognized on a cash basis. In the case where a
nonaccrual loan had been partially charged off, recognition of interest on a
cash basis is limited to that which would have been recognized on the recorded
loan balance at the contractual interest rate. Cash interest receipts in excess
of that amount are recorded as recoveries to the allowance for loan losses until
prior charge-offs have been fully recovered.
 
    The following summary shows information concerning loan delinquency and
other non-performing assets at the dates indicated.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   AT SEPTEMBER 30,                       AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                 --------------------  -----------------------------------------------------
                                                   1997       1996       1996       1995       1994       1993       1992
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                              <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Loans accruing, but past due 90 days or more...  $     284  $     436  $      27  $      11  $     196  $     256  $     441
Nonaccrual loans...............................      1,363      1,971      1,892        526        878        274         --
Total non-performing loans.....................      1,647      2,407      1,919        537      1,074        530        441
Foreclosed real estate.........................      1,944        364        295        295         --         --         --
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Total non-performing assets(1).............  $   3,591  $   2,771  $   2,214  $     832  $   1,074  $     530  $     441
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Non-performing loans as a percentage of total
  loans, net of unearned income(1).............       0.88%      1.50%      1.12%      0.63%      1.49%      0.84%      0.74%
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total
  assets.......................................       1.18       1.07       0.81       0.63       1.01       0.52       0.54
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Non-performing loans are comprised of (i) loans that are on a nonaccrual
    basis, (ii) accruing loans that are 90 days or more past due and (iii)
    restructured loans. Non-performing assets are composed of non-performing
    loans and foreclosed real estate (assets acquired in foreclosure).
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
   
    The following summary shows the impact on interest income of nonaccrual
loans for the periods indicated:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             FOR THE NINE MONTHS
                                             ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,              FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                            ---------------------  ------------------------------------------------------
                                               1997       1996        1996       1995       1994       1993       1992
                                            ----------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Interest income that would have been
  recorded had the loans been in
  accordance with their original terms....  $  212,400  $  54,900  $  135,100  $  48,000  $  26,000  $  12,000  $   7,000
Interest income included in net income....          --         --      60,000         --     75,000         --         --
</TABLE>
    
 
    At September 30, 1997, the Company had no foreign loans and no loan
concentrations exceeding 10% of total loans except for credits extended to real
estate agents and managers in the aggregate amount of $37.5 million, which
represented 20% of gross loans receivable. Loan concentrations are considered to
exist when there are amounts loaned to a multiple number of borrowers engaged in
similar activities that would cause them to be similarly impacted by economic or
other conditions.
 
    Foreclosed real estate is initially recorded at fair value, net of estimated
selling costs at the date of foreclosure, thereby establishing a new cost basis.
After foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the
assets are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated costs to
sell. Revenues and expenses from operations and changes in the valuation
allowance are included in other expenses.
 
    Potential problem loans consist of loans that are included in performing
loans, but for which potential credit problems of the borrowers have caused
management to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to
continue to comply with present repayment terms. At September 30, 1997, all
identified potential problem loans are included in the preceding table.
 
    The Bank had no credit exposure to "highly leveraged transactions" at
September 30, 1997, as defined by the FRB.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
 
   
    A detailed analysis of the Company's allowance for loan losses for the nine
month periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 and for each of the years in the
five year period ended December 31, 1996 is as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               FOR THE NINE MONTHS
                                                      ENDED
                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,                   FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                              ----------------------  --------------------------------------------------------
                                                 1997        1996        1996       1995       1994        1993        1992
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                           <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
                                                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Balance at beginning of period..............  $    2,092  $      680  $      680  $     650  $     460  $      340  $      355
Charge-offs:
  Commercial................................         332         238         293        162        136          64          75
  Real estate...............................          --          --          --         50         --
  Consumer..................................          44          33          98         --          8          23           2
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------
    Total charge-offs.......................         376         271         391        212        144          87          77
Recoveries:
  Commercial................................          69          19         101         16          6          --          --
  Real estate...............................          --          --          --          2         --          --          --
  Consumer..................................           6          14          19          1          5
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------
    Total recoveries........................          75          33         120         19         11          --          --
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------
Net charge-offs.............................         301         238         271        193        133          87          77
Acquisition of ExecuFirst...................          --       1,528       1,528         --         --          --          --
Provision for loan losses...................         140          55         155        223        323         207          62
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------
  Balance at end of period..................  $    1,931  $    2,025  $    2,092  $     680  $     650  $      460  $      340
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------
  Average loans outstanding(1)..............  $  180,019  $  112,735  $  132,294  $  78,489  $  69,838  $   62,489  $   58,173
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------
As a percent of average loans(1):
  Net charge-offs...........................        0.17%       0.21%       0.20%      0.25%      0.19%       0.14%       0.13%
  Provision for loan losses.................        0.07        0.05        0.12       0.28       0.46        0.33        0.11
  Allowance for loan losses.................        1.07        1.80        1.58       0.87       0.93        0.74        0.58
Allowance for possible loan losses to:
  Total loans, net of unearned income.......        1.04%       1.26%       1.22%      0.79%      0.90%       0.73%       0.57%
  Total non-performing loans................      117.24       84.13      109.02     126.63      60.52       86.79       77.10
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
(1)  Includes nonaccruing loans.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
   
    Management makes a monthly determination as to an appropriate provision from
earnings necessary to maintain an allowance for loan losses that is adequate for
potential yet undetermined losses. The Company's Board of Directors periodically
reviews the status of all nonaccrual and impaired loans, loans criticized by the
Bank's regulators and internal loan review officer, who reviews both the loan
portfolio and the overall adequacy of the loan loss reserve. During the review
of the loan loss reserve, the Board of Directors considers specific loans, pools
of similar loans, historical charge-off activity, and a supplemental reserve
allocation as a measure of conservatism for any unforeseen loan loss reserve
requirements. The sum of these components is compared to the loan loss reserve
balance. Any additions deemed necessary to the loan loss reserve balance are
charged to operating expenses.
    
 
    The unallocated allowance decreased $405,000, or 80.4%, to $99,000 at
September 30, 1997 from $504,000 at September 30, 1996, primarily as the result
of a decline in non-performing loans.
 
    The Company has an existing loan review program which monitors the loan
portfolio on an ongoing basis. Loan review is conducted by a loan review officer
and is reported quarterly to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors
reviews the finding of the loan review program on a monthly basis. Based on the
recommendations of this program, past performance of the Bank's loan portfolio
and general economic conditions, management believes that the reserve for loan
losses is reasonable and would be adequate to absorb potential losses related to
problem assets.
 
    Determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses at any
given date is difficult, particularly in a continually changing economy. In
management's opinion, the allowance for loan losses was adequate at September
30, 1997. However, there can be no assurance that, if asset quality deteriorates
in future periods, additions to the allowance for loan losses will not be
required.
 
    The Bank's management is unable to determine in what loan category future
charge-offs and recoveries may occur. The following schedule sets forth the
allocation of the allowance for loan losses among various categories. At
September 30, 1997, approximately 59.0% of the allowance for loan losses is
allocated to general risk to protect the Bank against potential yet undetermined
losses. The allocation is based upon historical experience. The entire allowance
for loan losses is available to absorb future loan losses in any loan category.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     AT SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                      ----------------------------------------------
                                                                               1997                    1996
                                                                      ----------------------  ----------------------
                                                                                 PERCENTAGE              PERCENTAGE
                                                                                  OF LOANS                OF LOANS
                                                                                   IN EACH                 IN EACH
                                                                                  CATEGORY                CATEGORY
                                                                       AMOUNT    TO LOANS(1)   AMOUNT    TO LOANS(1)
                                                                      ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
                                                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Allocation of allowance for loan losses:
  Commercial........................................................  $   1,699       57.19%  $   1,378       63.20%
  Residential real estate...........................................         20       39.49          23       33.96
  Consumer and other................................................        113        3.32         120        2.84
  Unallocated.......................................................         99                     504
                                                                      ---------               ---------
    Total...........................................................  $   1,931               $   2,025
                                                                      ---------               ---------
                                                                      ---------               ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    AT DECEMBER 31,
                     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                1996                        1995                        1994                        1993
                     --------------------------  --------------------------  --------------------------  --------------------------
                                     PERCENT                     PERCENT                     PERCENT                     PERCENT
                                    OF LOANS                    OF LOANS                    OF LOANS                    OF LOANS
                                     IN EACH                     IN EACH                     IN EACH                     IN EACH
                                    CATEGORY                    CATEGORY                    CATEGORY                    CATEGORY
                       AMOUNT      TO LOANS(1)     AMOUNT      TO LOANS(1)     AMOUNT      TO LOANS(1)     AMOUNT      TO LOANS(1)
                     -----------  -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                  <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
                                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Allocation of
  allowance for
  loan losses:
  Commercial.......   $   1,573         62.19%    $     161         67.01%    $     146         69.93%    $     203         66.34%
  Residential real
    estate.........          21         35.59            40         31.19            44         28.43           103         33.66
  Consumer and
    other..........          90          2.22             9          1.80             8          1.64            --            --
  Unallocated......         408                         470                         452                         154
                     -----------                      -----                       -----                       -----
    Total..........   $   2,092                   $     680                   $     650                   $     460
                     -----------                      -----                       -----                       -----
                     -----------                      -----                       -----                       -----
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                1992
                     --------------------------
                                     PERCENT
                                    OF LOANS
                                     IN EACH
                                    CATEGORY
                       AMOUNT      TO LOANS(1)
                     -----------  -------------
<S>                  <C>          <C>
 
Allocation of
  allowance for
  loan losses:
  Commercial.......   $      76         45.78%
  Residential real
    estate.........          90         54.22
  Consumer and
    other..........          --            --
  Unallocated......         174
                          -----
    Total..........   $     340
                          -----
                          -----
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
(1) Loans net of unearned income.
 
SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
 
    The Company's securities portfolio is intended to provide liquidity, reduce
interest rate risk and contribute to earnings while exposing the Company to
reduced credit risk. As a result of the Merger, the securities portfolio has
grown substantially. The securities portfolio has also grown through the use of
leverage provided by FHLB advances.
 
    A summary of securities available for sale and securities held to maturity
at September 30, 1997 and 1996 and at December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 follows.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     SECURITIES                 SECURITIES
                                                                 AVAILABLE FOR SALE         AVAILABLE FOR SALE
                                                                  AT SEPTEMBER 30,            AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                --------------------  -------------------------------
                                                                  1997       1996       1996       1995       1994
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
U.S. Treasury.................................................  $      --  $   1,499  $     998  $      --  $      --
U.S. Government Agencies......................................      3,159      6,135      4,128      4,320         --
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities (1)...............         --         --         --         --         --
Other securities (2)..........................................         --         --         --         --         --
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Total amortized cost of securities............................  $   3,159  $   7,634  $   5,896  $   4,320  $      --
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Total fair value of securities................................  $   3,162  $   7,627  $   5,900  $   4,348  $      --
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     SECURITIES                 SECURITIES
                                                                  HELD TO MATURITY           HELD TO MATURITY
                                                                  AT SEPTEMBER 30,            AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                --------------------  -------------------------------
                                                                  1997       1996       1996       1995       1994
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
U.S. Treasury.................................................  $      --  $      --  $      --  $   1,002  $   2,016
U.S. Government Agencies......................................     30,792     33,138     49,214      7,002         --
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities (1)...............     63,323     35,263     23,682     25,215     25,402
Other securities (2)..........................................      3,837      2,034      2,158        785        791
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Total amortized cost of securities............................  $  97,952  $  70,435  $  75,054  $  34,004  $  28,209
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Total fair value of securities................................  $  98,536  $  70,206  $  75,307  $  33,846  $  26,481
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
 
(1) All of these obligations consist of U.S. Government Agency issued
    securities.
 
(2) Comprised mostly of FHLB stock and Federal Reserve Bank stock.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
    The following table presents the maturity distribution and weighted average
yield of the securities portfolio of the Company at September 30, 1997 and
December 31, 1996.
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                        ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                      AFTER 10
                                                                                               AFTER 5 YEARS BUT      YEARS OR
                                                                      AFTER 1 YEAR BUT                                   NO
                                             WITHIN 1 YEAR             WITHIN 5 YEARS           WITHIN 10 YEARS       MATURITY
                                        ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ---------
                                          AMOUNT        YIELD       AMOUNT        YIELD       AMOUNT        YIELD      AMOUNT
                                        -----------     -----     -----------     -----     -----------     -----     ---------
<S>                                     <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Amortized cost:
U.S. Treasury.........................   $      --           --%   $      --           --%   $      --           --%  $      --
U.S. Government Agencies..............          --           --           --           --        2,276         6.91         886
Mortgage-backed securities............          --           --           --           --           --           --          --
Other securities......................          --           --           --           --           --           --          --
                                                                                       --
                                        -----------         ---          ---                -----------         ---   ---------
Total securities available for sale...   $      --           --%   $      --           --%   $   2,276         6.91%  $     886
                                                                                       --
                                                                                       --
                                        -----------         ---          ---                -----------         ---   ---------
                                        -----------         ---          ---                -----------         ---   ---------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                              TOTAL
                                                     ------------------------
                                           YIELD       AMOUNT        YIELD
                                           -----     -----------     -----
<S>                                     <C>          <C>          <C>
 
Amortized cost:
U.S. Treasury.........................          --%   $      --           --%
U.S. Government Agencies..............        7.35        3,162         7.03
Mortgage-backed securities............          --           --           --
Other securities......................          --           --           --
 
                                               ---   -----------         ---
Total securities available for sale...        7.35%   $   3,162         7.03%
 
                                               ---   -----------         ---
                                               ---   -----------         ---
</TABLE>
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                        ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                      AFTER 10
                                                                                               AFTER 5 YEARS BUT      YEARS OR
                                                                      AFTER 1 YEAR BUT                                   NO
                                             WITHIN 1 YEAR             WITHIN 5 YEARS           WITHIN 10 YEARS       MATURITY
                                        ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ---------
                                          AMOUNT        YIELD       AMOUNT        YIELD       AMOUNT        YIELD      AMOUNT
                                        -----------     -----     -----------     -----     -----------     -----     ---------
<S>                                     <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Amortized cost:
U.S. Treasury.........................   $   1,001         5.88%   $      --           --%   $      --           --%  $      --
U.S. Government Agencies..............         500         4.53           --           --        2,570         7.15       1,061
Mortgage-backed securities............          --           --           --           --           --           --         768
Other securities......................          --           --           --           --           --           --          --
                                                                                       --
                                        -----------         ---          ---                -----------         ---   ---------
Total securities available for sale...   $   1,501         5.43%   $      --           --%   $   2,570         7.15%  $   1,829
                                                                                       --
                                                                                       --
                                        -----------         ---          ---                -----------         ---   ---------
                                        -----------         ---          ---                -----------         ---   ---------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                              TOTAL
                                                     ------------------------
                                           YIELD       AMOUNT        YIELD
                                           -----     -----------     -----
<S>                                     <C>          <C>          <C>
 
Amortized cost:
U.S. Treasury.........................          --%   $   1,001         5.88%
U.S. Government Agencies..............        7.08        4,131         6.81
Mortgage-backed securities............        5.53          768         5.53
Other securities......................          --           --           --
 
                                               ---   -----------         ---
Total securities available for sale...        6.43%   $   5,900         6.49%
 
                                               ---   -----------         ---
                                               ---   -----------         ---
</TABLE>
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              HELD TO MATURITY AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                  AFTER 10
                                                                                                                  YEARS OR
                                                                     AFTER 1 YEAR BUT       AFTER 5 YEARS BUT        NO
                                             WITHIN 1 YEAR            WITHIN 5 YEARS         WITHIN 10 YEARS      MATURITY
                                        ------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------
                                          AMOUNT        YIELD      AMOUNT       YIELD      AMOUNT       YIELD      AMOUNT
                                        -----------     -----     ---------     -----     ---------     -----     ---------
<S>                                     <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
                                                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Amortized cost:
U.S. Treasury.........................   $      --           --%  $      --          --%  $      --          --%  $      --
U.S. Government Agencies..............          --           --       7,398        6.96      19,317        7.31       4,077
Mortgage-backed securities............          --           --       2,506        5.61       9,093        6.80      51,724
Other securities......................          --           --         805        6.81         100        7.50       2,932
                                        -----------         ---   ---------         ---   ---------         ---   ---------
Total securities held to maturity.....          --           --%  $  10,709        6.63%  $  28,510        7.15%  $  58,733
                                        -----------         ---   ---------         ---   ---------         ---   ---------
                                        -----------         ---   ---------         ---   ---------         ---   ---------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                             TOTAL
                                                     ----------------------
                                           YIELD      AMOUNT       YIELD
                                           -----     ---------     -----
<S>                                     <C>          <C>        <C>
 
Amortized cost:
U.S. Treasury.........................          --%  $      --          --%
U.S. Government Agencies..............        7.78      30,792        7.29
Mortgage-backed securities............        6.56      63,323        6.36
Other securities......................        5.99       3,837        6.20
                                               ---   ---------         ---
Total securities held to maturity.....        6.62%  $  97,952        6.78%
                                               ---   ---------         ---
                                               ---   ---------         ---
</TABLE>
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              HELD TO MATURITY AT DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                        ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                AFTER 10
                                                                                                                YEARS OR
                                                                   AFTER 1 YEAR BUT       AFTER 5 YEARS BUT        NO
                                            WITHIN 1 YEAR           WITHIN 5 YEARS         WITHIN 10 YEARS      MATURITY
                                        ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------
                                          AMOUNT       YIELD     AMOUNT       YIELD      AMOUNT       YIELD      AMOUNT
                                        -----------  ---------  ---------     -----     ---------     -----     ---------
<S>                                     <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
                                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Amortized cost:
U.S. Treasury.........................   $      --          --% $      --          --%  $      --          --%  $      --
U.S. Government Agencies..............          --          --     15,986        6.68      33,228        7.35          --
Mortgage-backed securities............          --          --         --          --          --          --      23,682
Other securities......................          --          --         --          --          --          --       2,158
                                        -----------  ---------  ---------         ---   ---------         ---   ---------
Total securities held to maturity.....   $      --          --% $  15,986        6.68%  $  33,228        7.35%  $  25,840
                                        -----------  ---------  ---------         ---   ---------         ---   ---------
                                        -----------  ---------  ---------         ---   ---------         ---   ---------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                             TOTAL
                                                     ----------------------
                                           YIELD      AMOUNT       YIELD
                                           -----     ---------     -----
<S>                                     <C>          <C>        <C>
 
Amortized cost:
U.S. Treasury.........................          --%  $      --          --%
U.S. Government Agencies..............          --      49,214        7.13
Mortgage-backed securities............        5.14      23,682        5.14
Other securities......................        6.00       2,158        6.00
                                               ---   ---------         ---
Total securities held to maturity.....        5.21%  $  75,054        6.75%
                                               ---   ---------         ---
                                               ---   ---------         ---
</TABLE>
    
 
DEPOSIT STRUCTURE
 
    Of the total daily average deposits of approximately $263.5 million held by
the Bank during the nine months ended September 30, 1997, approximately $52.5
million, or 19.9%, represented non-interest bearing deposits, compared to
approximately $32.1 million, or 16.8%, of approximately $190.8 million total
daily average deposits during 1996. Total deposits at September 30, 1997
consisted of approximately $34.0
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
million in non-interest-bearing demand deposits, approximately $8.2 million in
interest-bearing demand deposits, approximately $25.8 million in savings
deposits and money market accounts, approximately $152.9 million in time
deposits under $100,000, and approximately $26.9 million in time deposits
greater than $100,000. In general, the Bank pays higher interest rates on time
deposits over $100,000 in principal amount. Due to the nature of time deposits
and changes in the interest rate market generally, it should be expected that
the Bank's deposit liabilities may fluctuate from period-to-period.
 
    The following table is a distribution of the average balances of the Bank's
deposits and the average rates paid thereon, for the nine month periods ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996 and the three years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
and 1994.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  FOR THE NINE MONTHS
                                  ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,                              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                       ------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------------
                               1997                  1996                  1996                  1995                  1994
                       --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------
                        AVERAGE               AVERAGE               AVERAGE               AVERAGE               AVERAGE
                        BALANCE     RATE      BALANCE     RATE      BALANCE     RATE      BALANCE     RATE      BALANCE     RATE
                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                    <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Money market and
  savings deposits...  $  28,761       3.21% $  15,961       3.90% $  21,594       3.12% $  14,063       3.67% $  18,856       3.33%
Time deposits........    173,690       5.82    138,437       5.89    148,834       5.82     81,404       6.15     68,152       4.41
Demand deposits,
  interest-bearing...      8,525       2.49      4,327       2.53      5,623       2.49      1,320       2.50      1,423       2.39
                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Total interest-
  bearing deposits...  $ 210,976       5.33% $ 158,725       5.60% $ 176,051       5.38% $  96,787       5.74% $  88,431       4.14%
                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
    The following is a breakdown, by maturities, of the Company's time
certificates of deposit issued in denominations of $100,000 or more as of
September 30, 1997 and 1996 and December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 CERTIFICATES OF $100,000 OR MORE
                                                       -----------------------------------------------------
                                                         AT SEPTEMBER 30,            AT DECEMBER 31.
                                                       --------------------  -------------------------------
                                                         1997       1996       1996       1995       1994
                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                    <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                          (IN THOUSANDS)
Maturing in:
  Three months or less...............................  $   4,204  $  12,930  $  10,654  $   1,700  $   5,850
  Over three months through six months...............      5,722      5,305      4,381        983      1,825
  Over six months through twelve months..............      8,259      7,262      6,120      1,358      2,809
  Over twelve months.................................      8,738      7,730      8,072      4,029         --
                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Total............................................  $  26,923  $  33,227  $  29,227  $   8,070  $  10,484
                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
BORROWINGS
 
    The Company has two lines of credit totaling $7.0 million available for the
purchase of federal funds from corresponding banks. In addition, the Company has
a collateralized line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh
with a maximum borrowing capacity of $102.0 million. This maximum borrowing
capacity is subject to change on a quarterly basis. As of September 30, 1997,
there were $27.3 million of borrowings outstanding.
 
COMPETITION
 
    The Bank faces significant competition from other commercial banks, savings
banks, savings and loan associations and several other financial or investment
service institutions in the communities it serves. Several of these institutions
are affiliated with major banking and financial institutions that are
substantially larger and have greater financial resources than the Company and
the Bank. As the financial services industry continues to consolidate,
competition affecting the Bank may increase. For most of the services
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
that the Bank performs there is also competition from credit unions and issuers
of commercial paper and money market funds. Such institutions, as well as
brokerage firms, consumer finance companies, insurance companies and pension
trusts, are important competitors for various types of financial services.
 
PROPERTY
 
   
    The Company leases approximately 18,000 square feet on the tenth and
eleventh floors of 1608 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The space is
occupied by both the Company and the Bank and is used for executive offices,
Bank operations and commercial lending. A new lease was signed effective
February 1, 1997 with a term of 10 and one-half years with annual rent expense
of $84,217, payable monthly. In addition to the base rent and building operation
expenses, the Company is required to pay all real estate taxes, assessments, and
sewer costs, water charges, excess levies, license and permit fees under its
lease and to maintain insurance on the premises. Pursuant to the terms of its
lease, the Company has a right of first refusal to purchase the leased premises.
Management believes that its present space is adequate, but that future staffing
needs may require the Bank to secure additional space and the Bank is presently
exploring several options in this area.
    
 
   
    The Bank also occupies under lease approximately 3,600 square feet on the
ground floor and 2,900 square feet in the mezzanine at the northwest corner of
Three Penn Center at 1515 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This space
contains a banking floor, lobby and operations center. The initial term expires
on March 31, 1998 and contains three options to renew, the first for a
three-year period and the second and third for five years each at the then
prevailing market rates. The annual rent for such location for 1996 was $28,082,
payable monthly.
    
 
   
    The Bank leases approximately 1,743 square feet on the ground floor at 1601
Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This space contains a banking area
and safe. The initial 10 year term of the lease expires July 2006 and contains
one renewal option of five years. The annual rent for such location for 1996 was
$42,600, payable monthly.
    
 
   
    The Bank leases approximately 780 square feet in the lower level of Pepper
Pavilion at Graduate Hospital, 19th and Lombard Streets, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. The space contains a banking area, lobby, office and safe. The
initial five-year term on such lease expired June 30, 1997, and the Company
exercised its renewal option for five years. The annual rent for such location
for 1996 was $26,000, payable monthly.
    
 
   
    The Bank leases approximately 798 square feet on the ground floor and 903
square feet on the 2nd floor at 233 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore,
Pennsylvania. The space contains a banking area and business development office.
The initial five-year term of the lease expires in September 2000. The annual
rent for such location for 1996 was $38,694, payable monthly.
    
 
   
    The Bank leases an approximately 2,200 square foot building at 4190 City
Line Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The space contains a retail banking
facility. The initial 10 year term of the lease expires January 2007. The annual
rent for such location for 1996 was $55,000, payable monthly.
    
 
   
    The Bank leases an approximately 4,500 square foot building at 75 East
Germantown Avenue, East Norriton, Pennsylvania. The space contains a banking
area and business development office. The initial 10 year term of the lease
expires in December 2006. The annual rent for 1997 is $66,000, payable monthly.
    
 
   
    The Bank purchased an approximately 2,800 square foot facility for its
future Abington, Montgomery County location at 1480 York Road, Abington,
Pennsylvania. It is expected to house the branch facility and a possible loan
administration office.
    
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
    The Bank, along with a number of other financial institutions, has recently
been made a party to a lawsuit brought by a New Jersey bank claiming damages of
approximately $200,000 arising out of a series of mortgage loans made to a
borrower who apparently procured one or more of these loans fraudulently. The
Bank does not believe it has any liability arising from this transaction and
intends to vigorously defend this claim.
 
    The Company and the Bank are from time to time a party (plaintiff or
defendant) to lawsuits that are in the normal course of business. While any
litigation involves an element of uncertainty, management, after reviewing
pending actions with its legal counsel, is of the opinion that the liability of
the Company and the Bank, if any, resulting from such actions will not have a
material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the
Company and the Bank.
 
SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
 
    Various requirements and restrictions under the laws of the United States
and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania affect the Company and the Bank.
 
GENERAL
 
    The Company is a bank holding company subject to supervision and regulation
by the FRB under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. As a bank
holding company, the Company's activities and those of its subsidiary are
limited to the business of banking and activities closely related or incidental
to banking, and the Company may not directly or indirectly acquire the ownership
or control of more than 5% of any class of voting shares or substantially all of
the assets of any company, including a bank, without the prior approval of the
FRB.
 
    The Bank is subject to supervision and examination by applicable federal and
state banking agencies. The Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System, and
therefore, subject to the regulations of the FRB. The Bank is also a
Pennsylvania-chartered bank subject to supervision and regulation by the
Pennsylvania Department of Banking.
 
    In addition, because the FDIC insures the deposits of the Bank, the Bank is
subject to regulation by the FDIC. The Bank is also subject to requirements and
restrictions under federal and state law, including requirements to maintain
reserves against deposits, restrictions on the types and amounts of loans that
may be granted and the interest that may be charged thereon, and limitations on
the types of investments that may be made and the types of services that may be
offered. Various consumer laws and regulations also affect the operations of the
Bank. In addition to the impact of regulation, commercial banks are affected
significantly by the actions of the FRB in attempting to control the money
supply and credit availability in order to influence the economy.
 
HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE
 
    The Bank is subject to restrictions under federal law which limit its
ability to transfer funds to the Company, whether in the form of loans, other
extensions of credit, investments or asset purchases. Such transfers by the Bank
to the Company are generally limited in amount to 10% of the Bank's capital and
surplus. Furthermore, such loans and extensions of credit are required to be
secured in specific amounts, and all transactions are required to be on an arm's
length basis. The Bank has never made any loan or extension of credit to the
Company nor has it purchased any assets from the Company.
 
    Under FRB policy, the Company is expected to act as a source of financial
strength to the Bank and to commit resources to support the Bank, i.e., to
downstream funds to the Bank. This support may be required at times when, absent
such policy, the Company might not otherwise provide such support. Any capital
loans by the Company to the Bank are subordinate in right of payment to deposits
and to certain
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
other indebtedness of the Bank. In the event of the Company's bankruptcy, any
commitment by the Company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the
capital of the Bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a
priority of payment.
 
REGULATORY RESTRICTIONS ON DIVIDENDS
 
    Dividend payments by the Bank to the Company are subject to the Pennsylvania
Banking Code of 1965 (the "Banking Code"), the Federal Reserve Act, and the
Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the "FDIA"). Under the Banking Code, no dividends
may be paid except from "accumulated net earnings" (generally, undivided
profits). Under the FRB's regulations, the Bank cannot pay dividends that exceed
its net income from the current year and the preceding two years. Under the
FDIA, an insured bank may pay no dividends if the bank is in arrears in the
payment of any insurance assessment due to the FDIC. Under current banking laws,
the Bank would be limited to $2.9 million of dividends in 1997 plus an
additional amount equal to the Bank's net profit for 1997, up to the date of any
such dividend declaration.
 
    State and federal regulatory authorities have adopted standards for the
maintenance of adequate levels of capital by banks. Adherence to such standards
further limits the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to the Company.
 
    Other regulatory requirements and policies may also affect the payment of
dividends to the Company by the Bank. If, in the opinion of the FRB, the Bank is
engaged in, or is about to engage in, an unsafe or unsound practice (which,
depending on the financial condition of the Bank, could include the payment of
dividends), the FRB may require, after notice and hearing, that the Bank cease
and desist from such practice. The FRB has formal and informal policies
providing that insured banks and bank holding companies should generally pay
dividends only out of current operating earnings.
 
FDIC INSURANCE ASSESSMENTS
 
    The FDIC has implemented a risk-related premium schedule for all insured
depository institutions that results in the assessment of premiums based on
capital and supervisory measures.
 
   
    Under the risk-related premium schedule, the FDIC, on a semiannual basis,
assigns each institution to one of three capital groups (well capitalized,
adequately capitalized or under capitalized) and further assigns such
institution to one of three subgroups within a capital group corresponding to
the FDIC's judgment of the institution's strength based on supervisory
evaluations, including examination reports, statistical analysis and other
information relevant to gauging the risk posed by the institution. Only
institutions with a total capital to risk-adjusted assets ratio of 10.00% or
greater, a Tier 1 capital to risk-adjusted assets ratio of 6.0% or greater and a
Tier 1 leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater, are assigned to the well capitalized
group.
    
 
   
    Over the last two years, FDIC insurance assessments have seen several
changes for both BIF and SAIF institutions. The most recent change occurred on
March 31, 1996, when the President signed into law a bill designed to remedy the
disparity between BIF and SAIF deposit premiums. The first part of the bill
called for the SAIF to be capitalized by a one-time assessment on all SAIF
insured deposits held as of September 30, 1995. This assessment, which was 65.7
cents per $100 in deposits, raised $4.7 billion to bring the SAIF up to its
required 1.25 reserve ratio. This special assessment, paid on November 30, 1996,
had no effect on the Bank. The second part of the bill remedied the future
anticipated shortfall with respect to the payment of FICO interest. For 1997
through 1999, the banking industry will help pay the FICO interest payments at
an assessment rate that is one-fifth the rate paid by thrifts. The FICO
assessment on BIF insured deposits is 1.29 cents per $100 in deposits; for SAIF
insured deposits it is 6.44 cents per $100 in deposits. Beginning January 1,
2000, the FICO interest payments will be paid pro-rata by banks and thrifts
based on deposits. At December 31, 1996, the Company estimated the FICO interest
assessment to be $30,000 for 1997. For the nine month period ended September 30,
1997, the Company paid FICO expenses of approximately $17,000. The Bank has not
been required to pay any FDIC insurance assessments since
    
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
the fourth quarter of 1996 because BIF has met its statutorily required ratios
and the Bank is categorized as "well capitalized."
 
CAPITAL ADEQUACY
 
    The FRB adopted risk-based capital guidelines for bank holding companies,
such as the Company. The required minimum ratio of total capital to
risk-weighted assets (including off-balance sheet activities, such as standby
letters of credit) is 8.0%. At least half of the total capital is required to be
Tier 1 capital, consisting principally of common shareholders' equity,
noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and minority interests in the equity
accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less goodwill. The remainder, Tier 2
capital, may consist of a limited amount of subordinated debt and
intermediate-term preferred stock, certain hybrid capital instruments and other
debt securities, perpetual preferred stock, and a limited amount of the general
loan loss allowance.
 
    In addition to the risk-based capital guidelines, the FRB established
minimum leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital to average total assets) guidelines for
bank holding companies. These guidelines provide for a minimum leverage ratio of
3% for those bank holding companies that have the highest regulatory examination
ratings and are not contemplating or experiencing significant growth or
expansion. All other bank holding companies are required to maintain a leverage
ratio of at least 1% to 2% above the 3% stated minimum. The Company is in
compliance with these guidelines. The FRB subjects the Bank to similar capital
requirements.
 
    The risk-based capital standards are required to take adequate account of
interest rate risk, concentration of credit risk and the risks of
non-traditional activities.
 
INTERSTATE BANKING
 
    The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the
"Interstate Banking Law"), amended various federal banking laws to provide for
nationwide interstate banking, interstate bank mergers and interstate branching.
The interstate banking provisions allow for the acquisition by a bank holding
company of a bank located in another state.
 
    Interstate bank mergers and branch purchase and assumption transactions were
allowed effective September 1, 1997; however, states may "opt-out" of the merger
and purchase and assumption provisions by enacting a law that specifically
prohibits such interstate transactions. States could, in the alternative, enact
legislation to allow interstate merger and purchase and assumption transactions
prior to September 1, 1997. States could also enact legislation to allow for de
novo interstate branching by out of state banks. In July 1995, Pennsylvania
adopted "opt-in" legislation which allows such transactions.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
    The following sets forth information concerning the Company's executive
officers.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                                                       AGE                              TITLE
- -----------------------------------------------------      ---      -----------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>
Rolf A. Stensrud.....................................          59   Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of
                                                                    the Company and the Bank
 
George S. Rapp.......................................          45   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and
                                                                    Administrative Officer of the Company and the Bank
 
Kevin J. Gallagher...................................          40   Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of
                                                                    the Bank
 
Jerome D. McTiernan..................................          53   Executive Vice President of the Bank
</TABLE>
 
    The executive officers serve at the discretion of the Company's Board of
Directors.
 
    ROLF A. STENSRUD has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company and the Bank since March 1, 1997. From June 1996 to February 1997, he
was Executive Vice president and Chief Operating Officer of the Company and
President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Bank. Prior to the Merger, he
served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Republic
Bancorporation and Republic Bank since 1995 and 1988, respectively.
 
   
    GEORGE S. RAPP has been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and
Administrative Officer of the Company and the Bank since March 1, 1997. From the
Merger in June 1996 until February 1997, he served as Executive Vice President
and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank. From February 1995 until the Merger, he
served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ExecuFirst and
First Executive Bank. Prior to joining ExecuFirst, he served two years as
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Old York Road Bancorp.
    
 
    KEVIN J. GALLAGHER has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Lending
Officer of the Bank since the Merger. From 1993 to 1996, he served as Executive
Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Republic Bank. He served as Senior
Vice President of Republic Bank from 1992 to 1993, and as a Vice President of
Republic Bank from 1988 to 1992.
 
    JEROME D. MCTIERNAN has served as Executive Vice President of the Bank since
the Merger. From April 1992 to 1996, he served as Executive Vice President of
Republic Bank. From 1988 to 1992, he was a Senior Vice President of Republic
Bank.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
    The following table sets forth information regarding the members of the
Company's Board of Directors.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS
                                                                DIRECTOR                 AND POSITION HELD WITH
NAME                                                  AGE         SINCE                 THE COMPANY AND THE BANK
- ------------------------------------------------      ---      -----------  ------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>          <C>          <C>
Harry D. Madonna, Esquire ......................          55         1988   Chairman of the Board of the Company and the
                                                                            Bank; Partner, Blank, Rome, Comisky & McCauley,
                                                                            1977 to present
Michael J. Bradley..............................          53         1988   Vice Chairman of the Board of the Company and
                                                                            the Bank; formerly Executive Vice President,
                                                                            Acute and Ambulatory Services, Mercy Health
                                                                            Corporation of Southeastern Pennsylvania, 1995
                                                                            to 1997; Principal, Paragon Management Group,
                                                                            Inc. (management consulting), 1991 to present
Kenneth Adelberg................................          45         1988   Director of the Company and the Bank; President
                                                                            of The Hifi House Group of Companies (audio and
                                                                            video electronics), 1976 to present
William W. Batoff...............................          62         1988   Director of the Company and the Bank; President,
                                                                            Pioneer of Philadelphia Title Insurance Company,
                                                                            1973 to 1993; Managing Director, William W.
                                                                            Batoff Associates (government relations
                                                                            consulting firm), 1996 to the present; Senior
                                                                            Consultant, Cassidy & Associates (government
                                                                            relations consulting firm), 1992 to 1996;
                                                                            President, Acquire Investments, Inc. (business
                                                                            and financial consulting firm), 1972 to present;
                                                                            Sole Proprietor, Batoff Enterprise Real Estate
                                                                            (real estate brokerage and management), 1975 to
                                                                            present
Daniel S. Berman................................          36         1988   Director of the Company and the Bank; President,
                                                                            Berman Development Corporation (real estate
                                                                            development), 1990 to present
John F. D'Aprix.................................          55         1991   Director of the Company and the Bank; formerly
                                                                            President, Pennsylvania College of Podiatric
                                                                            Medicine, March 1995 to May 1997; Chairman and
                                                                            CEO of HouseCare America, Inc. (managed house
                                                                            care), 1993 to present; Chairman Artran Scanning
                                                                            Technology (imaging services), October, 1991 to
                                                                            December, 1992
Sheldon E. Goldberg.............................          66         1989   Director of the Company and the Bank; Partner,
                                                                            Investment Advisor, Cumberland Advisors,
                                                                            Vineland, NJ (investment advisers), 1973 to
                                                                            present; President, Cumberland Brokerage Corp.,
                                                                            1990 to present; Chairman, National CD Sales,
                                                                            1993 to present; Chairman, Matterhorn Asset
                                                                            Management Corp., 1996 to present
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS
                                                                DIRECTOR                 AND POSITION HELD WITH
NAME                                                  AGE         SINCE                 THE COMPANY AND THE BANK
- ------------------------------------------------      ---      -----------  ------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>          <C>          <C>
Gerald Levinson.................................          66         1989   Director of the Company and the Bank;
                                                                            Independent Financial Consultant, July 1985 to
                                                                            present; Director; The Lannett Company (public
                                                                            pharmaceutical company), 1979 to January 1997
Eustace W. Mita.................................          43         1988   Director of the Company and the Bank; Chief
                                                                            Operating Officer , HAC Group, Inc. (training
                                                                            consulting), 1989 to present
Neal I. Rodin...................................          51         1988   Director of the Company and the Bank; President,
                                                                            The Rodin Group (international real estate
                                                                            investment); President, IFC (international
                                                                            financing and investing), 1975 to present
James E. Schleif................................          55         1993   Director of the Company and the Bank; Executive
                                                                            Vice President, Administration and Finance,
                                                                            Mercy Health System of Southeastern Pennsylvania
                                                                            (health care organization), 1978 to present
Zeev Shenkman...................................          45         1997   Director of the Company and the Bank; Private
                                                                            investor, formerly Executive Vice President and
                                                                            Chief Financial Officer of Global Sports, Inc.
                                                                            June 1996 to May 1997; Executive Vice President
                                                                            and Chief Financial Officer of Today's Man, Inc.
                                                                            1984 to 1995. Former director of ExecuFirst
                                                                            Bancorp
Steven J. Shotz.................................          52         1988   Director of the Company and the Bank; President
                                                                            of Quantum Group, Inc. (venture capital group),
                                                                            1995 to present; President and Chief Executive
                                                                            Officer, Shotz, Miller, Glusman, Footer &
                                                                            Magarick, P.C. (accounting firm), 1980 to 1994
Rolf A. Stensrud................................          59         1988   Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
                                                                            of the Company and the Bank; former President
                                                                            and Chief Executive Officer of Republic
                                                                            Bancorporation and Republic Bank
Harris Wildstein, Esquire.......................          51         1988   Director of the Company and the Bank; President
                                                                            of R&S Imports, Ltd. and
                                                                            Vice President of HVW, Inc. (auto dealerships),
                                                                            1977 to present
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
         SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
    The following table sets forth, as of September 30, 1997, the amount and
percentage of Common Stock owned by each person who is known to the Company to
own more than five percent (5%) of the Common Stock, each director, each named
executive officer, and all directors and executive officers of the Company as a
group.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      AMOUNT AND NATURE
                                                                        OF BENEFICIAL           PERCENT
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER(1)                                            OWNERSHIP(2)(3)         OF CLASS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------  ---------------------------  -----------
<S>                                                              <C>                          <C>
Directors:
Kenneth Adelberg (4)(5)........................................               80,665                2.32%
William W. Batoff(4)(6)........................................               46,587                1.34
Daniel S. Berman(7)(8).........................................               29,890                0.86
Michael J Bradley(9)(10).......................................               53,000                1.53
John F. D'Aprix(7).............................................                9,600                0.28
Sheldon Goldberg(4)(11)........................................               54,900                1.58
Gerald Levinson(9).............................................                9,602                0.28
Harry D. Madonna, Esquire(9)(12)...............................              250,829                6.97
Eustace W. Mita(7)(13).........................................               58,713                1.69
Neal Rodin (9) (14)............................................               95,431                2.75
James E. Schleif(7)............................................               25,000                0.73
Zeev Shenkman(4)...............................................              141,012                4.09
Steven J. Shotz(9)(15).........................................              143,434                4.05
Rolf A. Stensrud(4)(16)........................................               70,006                2.00
Harris Wildstein, Esquire(7)(17)...............................              218,802                6.24
 
Other Named Executive Officers:
George S. Rapp(18).............................................                7,200                0.21
Kevin J. Gallagher(19).........................................               18,733                0.54
Jerome D. McTiernan(20)........................................               12,048                0.35
 
All directors and executive officers as a group (18
  persons)(21).................................................            1,325,434               33.08%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner is c/o
    Republic First Bancorp, Inc., 1608 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
 
(2) The securities "beneficially owned" by an individual are determined in
    accordance with the definitions of "beneficial ownership" set forth in the
    General Rules and Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and
    may include securities owned by or for the individual's spouse and minor
    children and any other relative who has the same home, as well as securities
    to which the individual has or shares voting or investment power or has the
    right to acquire beneficial ownership within sixty (60) days after September
    30, 1997. Beneficial ownership may be disclaimed as to certain of the
    securities.
 
(3) Information furnished by the directors, executive officers, and the Company.
 
(4) A Class I director whose term expires in 1999.
 
(5) Includes 25,264 shares of Common Stock subject to options granted to Mr.
    Adelberg which are currently exercisable.
 
(6) Includes 19,253 shares of Common Stock subject to options granted to Mr.
    Batoff which are currently exercisable.
 
(7) A Class II director whose term expires in 2000.
 
   
(8) Includes 25,264 shares of Common Stock subject to options granted to Mr.
    Berman which are currently exercisable.
    
 
   
(9) A Class III director whose term expires in 1998.
    
 
   
(10) Includes 18,000 shares of Common Stock subject to options granted to Mr.
    Bradley which are currently exercisable.
    
 
   
(11) Includes 18,000 shares of Common Stock subject to options granted to Mr.
    Goldberg which are currently exercisable.
    
 
   
(12) Includes 154,969 shares of Common Stock subject to options granted to Mr.
    Madonna which are currently exercisable.
    
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
   
(13) Includes 28,879 shares of Common Stock subject to options granted to Mr.
    Mita which are currently exercisable.
    
 
   
(14) Includes 28,879 shares of Common Stock subject to options granted to Mr.
    Rodin which are currently exercisable.
    
 
   
(15) Includes 91,318 shares of Common Stock subject to options granted to Mr.
    Shotz which are currently exercisable.
    
 
   
(16) Includes 57,758 shares of Common Stock subject to options granted to Mr.
    Stensrud which are currently exercisable.
    
 
   
(17) Includes 61,319 shares of Common Stock subject to options granted to Mr.
    Wildstein which are currently exercisable.
    
 
   
(18) Includes 6,000 shares of Common Stock subject to options granted to Mr.
    Rapp which are currently exercisable.
    
 
   
(19) Includes 15,624 shares of Common Stock subject to options granted to Mr.
    Gallagher which are currently exercisable.
    
 
   
(20) Includes 9,624 shares of Common Stock subject to options granted to Mr.
    McTiernan which are currently exercisable.
    
 
   
(21) The percent of class assumes all exercisable options issued to the
    executive officers and non-employee directors have been exercised and,
    therefore, on a pro forma basis, 4,006,460 shares of Common Stock would be
    outstanding.
    
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
                             EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
    Set forth below is information concerning the annual compensation for
services in all capacities to the Company and the Bank for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 of each person who, during 1996, served
as (i) the chief executive officer of the Company or (ii) an executive officer
of the Company and the Bank to the extent such executive officers' total annual
salary and bonus exceeded $100,000. There were no other executive officers for
whom disclosure would have been provided but for the fact that such individuals
were not serving at the end of the 1996 fiscal year.
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
                                                                                       ---------------------------------------
                                                                                                 AWARDS
                                                     ANNUAL COMPENSATION               --------------------------
                                        ---------------------------------------------                 SECURITIES     PAYOUTS
                                                                             OTHER      RESTRICTED      UNDER-     -----------
                                                                            ANNUAL         STOCK         LYING        LTIP
                                                     SALARY      BONUS      COMPEN-      AWARD(S)      OPTIONS/      PAYOUTS
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION               YEAR        ($)         ($)       SATION          ($)         SARS(#)         $
- --------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ---------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                     <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
Zvi H. Muscal (1).....................       1996  $  220,000  $       0   $   9,000     $       0             0    $       0
  Former Chief Executive Officer of          1995     220,000          0      15,000             0        12,000            0
  the Company and the Bank                   1994     220,000     35,000      15,000             0        12,000            0
 
Rolf A. Stensrud......................       1996     175,000     50,000           0             0             0            0
  President and Chief Executive              1995     165,000     50,000           0             0             0            0
  Officer of the Company and the Bank        1994     155,000          0      17,615             0        23,827            0
 
George S. Rapp........................       1996     105,000     15,000           0             0         6,000            0
  Executive Vice President and Chief         1995     105,000          0           0             0             0            0
  Financial Officer of the Company and       1994         N/A        N/A         N/A           N/A           N/A          N/A
  the Bank
 
Kevin J. Gallagher....................       1996     105,000     31,069           0             0         6,000            0
  Executive Vice President and Chief         1995      95,000          0           0             0             0            0
  Lending Officer of the Bank                1994      85,000          0           0             0             0            0
 
Jerome D. McTiernan...................       1996      95,000     10,000           0             0             0            0
  Executive Vice President of the Bank       1995      90,000          0           0             0             0            0
                                             1994      85,000          0           0             0             0            0
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                           ALL
                                          OTHER
                                         COMPEN-
                                         SATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION                ($)
- --------------------------------------  ---------
<S>                                     <C>
Zvi H. Muscal (1).....................  $  16,036(2)
  Former Chief Executive Officer of        16,036
  the Company and the Bank                 16,036
Rolf A. Stensrud......................      8,950(2)
  President and Chief Executive                 0
  Officer of the Company and the Bank           0
George S. Rapp........................          0
  Executive Vice President and Chief            0
  Financial Officer of the Company and        N/A
  the Bank
Kevin J. Gallagher....................          0
  Executive Vice President and Chief            0
  Lending Officer of the Bank                   0
Jerome D. McTiernan...................          0
  Executive Vice President of the Bank          0
                                                0
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Mr. Zvi H. Muscal resigned his position as Chief Executive Officer of the
    Company and the Bank effective February 28, 1997.
 
(2) Represent payments made to long term retirement plans established for the
    benefit of the named executive.
 
                       OPTIONS GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
    The following table sets forth certain information concerning stock options
granted during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 for the named executives.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          NUMBER OF
                                         SECURITIES            PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL        EXERCISE OR
                                     UNDERLYING OPTIONS          OPTIONS GRANTED          BASE PRICE
NAME                                     GRANTED (#)       TO EMPLOYEES IN FISCAL YEAR     ($/SHARE)    EXPIRATION DATE
- -----------------------------------  -------------------  -----------------------------  -------------  ----------------
<S>                                  <C>                  <C>                            <C>            <C>
Zvi H. Muscal......................               0                         0                     --                  --
Rolf A. Stensrud...................               0                         0                     --                  --
Jerome D. McTiernan................               0                         0                     --                  --
George S. Rapp.....................           6,000                       2.7%             $    6.49        October 2006
Kevin J. Gallagher.................           6,000                       2.7                   6.49        October 2006
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
    The following table sets forth information concerning the exercise of
options to purchase Common Stock by the named executive officers during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 as well as the number of securities
underlying unexercised options and the potential value of unexercised options as
of December 31, 1996.
 
              AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR
                       AND FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                       UNDERLYING NUMBER OF SECURITIES          IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
                            SHARES(#) ACQUIRED         OPTIONS AT FISCAL YEAR-END (#)          AT FISCAL YEAR-END($)
NAME                            ON EXERCISE               EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE          EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE(1)
- -------------------------  ---------------------  -----------------------------------------  --------------------------
<S>                        <C>                    <C>                                        <C>
Zvi H. Muscal............                0                          60,000/0                          $300,930/$0
Rolf A. Stensrud.........                0                          48,132/0                           302,871/0
Jerome D. McTiernan......                0                           8,020/0                            50,465/0
George S. Rapp...........                0                           6,000/0                            11,237/0
Kevin J. Gallagher.......                0                          13,020/0                            61,702/0
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) "In-the-money options" are stock options with respect to which the market
    value of the underlying shares of Common Stock exceeded the exercise price
    at December 31, 1996. The value of such options is determined by subtracting
    the aggregate exercise price for such options from the aggregate fair market
    value of the underlying shares of Common Stock on December 31, 1996.
 
COMPENSATION PAID TO DIRECTORS
 
   
    Each director of the Company also serves as a director of the Bank. The
Company's director compensation plan throughout 1996 provided that each director
would receive $500 for each Board meeting and $250 for each Committee meeting
attended. Pursuant to such plan, a total of $92,950 in director fees was accrued
and a total of $83,200 was paid for services rendered during 1996. No director
received more than $12,400 in 1996. In addition, in connection with the Merger,
Republic directors were granted options to purchase Common Stock as follows: Mr.
Madonna, 102,022 options; Mr. Bradley, 18,000 options; Mr. Adelberg, 1,200
options; Mr. Berman, 1,000 options; Mr. Goldberg, 18,000 options, Mr. Shotz,
48,000 options; and Mr. Wildstein, 18,000 options. Mr. Madonna's options have an
exercise price of $4.94 per share and the other listed options have an exercise
price of $6.49 per share.
    
 
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
   
    Mr. Rolf A. Stensrud currently serves as President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company and the Bank under the terms and conditions of an
employment agreement with the Company and the Bank (the "Stensrud Agreement").
The Stensrud Agreement provides for an initial term of three years expiring in
June, 1999 and will automatically renew for successive one-year terms until
terminated by the parties. Under the Stensrud Agreement, Mr. Stensrud receives
an annual base salary of $175,000 per year. In addition, Mr. Stensrud is
entitled to: (i) reimbursement for entertainment and travel expenses in
connection with his duties, including expenses for one lunch club and annual
dues for one golf club; (ii) participate in any bonus, stock purchase or grant,
stock option, deferred compensation or other compensation plans maintained by
the Bank or the Company for its senior executives; (iii) receive such basic
medical, hospitalization and major medical insurance coverage for himself and
his dependents as the Bank or the Company maintains for its executives; and (iv)
use of an automobile provided by the Bank. If Mr. Stensrud's employment is
terminated for reasons other than for engaging in conduct detrimental to the
Bank, Mr. Stensrud will be entitled to receive his salary and benefits for
certain specified periods of time. The Stensrud Agreement provides for the
non-disclosure by Mr. Stensrud of confidential information acquired by him in
the context of his employment.
    
 
    George S. Rapp currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial and Administrative Officer of the Company and the Bank under the terms
of an employment agreement (the "Rapp Agreement"). The Rapp Agreement provides
that Mr. Rapp is employed as Executive Vice President and
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of the Company and the Bank at an
annual base salary of $112,500, which may not be terminated by the Company and
the Bank prior to March 31, 1998. Thereafter, the Company and the Bank may
terminate the Rapp Agreement on one year's notice, and Mr. Rapp may terminate
this Agreement upon 30 days' notice. Mr. Rapp is also eligible to receive an
annual bonus at the discretion of the Board of Directors and to participate in
any executive or employee stock option, bonus or other compensation plan and all
other employee benefit plans. The Company provides Mr. Rapp with an automobile
allowance and the reimbursement of certain expenses related to the use of such
automobile in connection with his employment.
 
    Kevin J. Gallagher currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief
Lending Officer of the Bank under the terms of an employment agreement (the
"Gallagher Agreement"). The Gallagher Agreement has a one-year term at an annual
base salary of $112,500. The term of the Agreement will be automatically
extended for successive one-year periods unless terminated by either party upon
90 days written notice prior to the end of any such year. Mr. Gallagher is also
eligible to receive an annual bonus at the discretion of the Board of Directors
and to participate in the Company's Stock Option Plan and all other employee
benefit plans. The Company provides Mr. Gallagher with an automobile allowance
and the reimbursement of certain expenses related to the use of such automobile
in connection with his employment.
 
   
    Jerome D. McTiernan currently serves as Executive Vice President of the Bank
under the terms of an employment agreement (the "McTiernan Agreement"). The
McTiernan Agreement provides that Mr. McTiernan is employed as Executive Vice
President at an annual base salary of $100,000, until terminated by the Bank or
Mr. McTiernan. The Agreement may be terminated by the Bank on twelve months'
written notice or by Mr. McTiernan on 30 days' notice. Mr. McTiernan is also
eligible to receive an annual bonus at the discretion of the Board of Directors
and to participate in the Company's Stock Option Plan and all other employee
benefit plans. The Company maintains a life insurance policy for the benefit of
Mr. McTiernan's designated beneficiaries and provides him with use of an
automobile and the reimbursement of certain expenses related to the use of such
automobile in connection with his employment.
    
 
                 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
   
    Certain directors and executive officers of the Company and/or their
affiliates have loans outstanding from the Bank totaling in the aggregate $7.3
million. All such loans were made in the ordinary course of the Bank's business,
were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and
collateral, as those prevailing at the time for the comparable transactions with
unrelated persons and, in the opinion of management, do not involve more than
the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.
    
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
 
    The following is a summary of the material provisions of the Company's
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. This summary does not purport to be
complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such instruments, each
of which is an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus
forms a part.
 
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK
 
   
    The Company has 20,000,000 authorized shares of Common Stock and 10,000,000
authorized shares of preferred stock. As of September 30, 1997, 3,446,309 shares
of Common Stock were outstanding and no shares of preferred stock were
outstanding.
    
 
    Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of
record on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of shareholders. Each
share of Common Stock is entitled to share, pro rata, in dividends and in the
Company's assets in the event of dissolution or liquidation of the Company.
Holders of shares of Common Stock do not possess any preemptive rights and are
not entitled to cumulate
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
   
votes in elections of directors. The outstanding shares of Common Stock are
fully paid and nonassessable. No option, warrant, privilege or right has been
issued or is outstanding other than the options granted under the Company's
stock option plans. See "Executive Compensation" and "Compensation Paid to
Directors."
    
 
SPECIAL CHARTER AND PENNSYLVANIA CORPORATE LAW PROVISIONS
 
   
    The Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws contain certain
provisions that may have the effect of deterring or discouraging, among other
things, a nonnegotiated tender or exchange offer for the Common Stock, a proxy
contest for control of the Company, the assumption of control of the Company by
a holder of a large block of the Common Stock and the removal of the Company's
management. These provisions: (1) divide the Board of Directors into three
classes serving staggered three-year terms; (2) require that shares with at
least 75% of total voting power approve any merger or consolidation, with or
into a related person (a person or entity who, together with any affiliates or
associates, owns 10% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Company,
except as otherwise permitted in the Company's Articles of Incorporation) or any
sale, lease, exchange transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all
of the assets of the Company to a related person (collectively a "Business
Combination") and other similar transactions; (3) terminate all voting rights of
any shareholder who acquires or owns more than 10% of the Common Stock unless
waived by the Board of Directors; (4) require that shares with at least 60% of
total voting power approve any amendment of those provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation pertaining to the election of directors, shareholder approval of a
Business Combination and termination of voting rights for shareholders who own
more than 10% of Common Stock; (5) permit the Board of Directors to oppose a
tender offer or other offer for the Company's securities on the basis of factors
other than the economic benefit to shareholders; (6) eliminate cumulative voting
in elections of directors; (7) require that shares with at least 75% of total
voting power approve any substantive amendment of the Bylaws; and (8) require
advance notice of nominations for the election of directors.
    
 
    The Company is subject to provisions of the Pennsylvania Business
Corporation Law (the "BCL") which are triggered, in general, if any person or
group acquires, or discloses an intent to acquire, 20% or more of the voting
power of a covered corporation, other than pursuant to a registered firm
commitment underwriting or, in certain cases, pursuant to the approving vote of
the board of directors. The relevant provisions are contained in Subchapters
25E-H of the BCL.
 
    Subchapter 25E of the BCL (relating to control transactions) provides that
if any person or group acquires 20% or more of the voting power of a covered
corporation, the remaining shareholders may demand from such person or group the
fair value of their shares, including a proportionate amount of any control
premium.
 
    Subchapter 25F of the BCL (relating to business combinations) delays for
five years and imposes conditions upon "business combinations" between an
"interested shareholder" and the corporation. The term "business combination" is
defined broadly to include various transactions utilizing a corporation's assets
for purchase price amortization or refinancing purposes. For this purpose, an
"interested shareholder" is defined generally as the beneficial owner of at
least 20% of a corporation's voting shares.
 
    Subchapter 25G of the BCL (relating to control share acquisitions) prevents
a person who has acquired 20% or more of the voting power of a covered
corporation from voting such shares unless the "disinterested" shareholders
approve such voting rights. Failure to obtain such approval exposes the owner to
the risk of a forced sale of the shares to the issuer. Even if shareholder
approval is obtained, the corporation is also subject to Subchapters 25I and J
of the BCL. Subchapter 25I provides for a minimum severance payment to certain
employees terminated within two years of the approval. Subchapter 25J prohibits
the abrogation of certain labor contracts prior to their stated date of
expiration.
 
    Subchapter 25H of the BCL (relating to disgorgement) applies in the event
that (i) any person or group publicly discloses that the person or group may
acquire control of the corporation or (ii) a person or group acquires (or
publicly discloses an offer or intent to acquire) 20% or more of the voting
power of the Company and, in either case, sells shares within 18 months
thereafter. Any profits from sales of equity
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
securities of the corporation by the person or group during the 18-month period
belong to the corporation if the securities that were sold were acquired during
the 18-month period or within 24 months prior thereto.
 
    Subchapters 25E-H of the BCL contain a wide variety of transnational and
status exemptions, exclusions and safe harbors. The Company is subject to the
provisions of Subchapters 25E through H.
 
    In addition, the fiduciary duty standards applicable to the Board of
Directors under the BCL may have the effect of deterring or discouraging, among
other things, a nonnegotiated tender or exchange offer for the Common Stock, a
proxy contest for control of the Company, the assumption of control of the
Company by a holder of a large block of Common Stock and the removal of the
Company's management.
 
    To the extent applicable to the Company at the present time, this
legislation generally (1) expands the factors and groups (including
shareholders) that the Board of Directors can consider in determining whether a
certain action is in the best interests of the Company; (2) provides that the
Board need not consider the interests of any particular group as dominant or
controlling; (3) provides that directors, in order to satisfy the presumption
that they have acted in the best interests of the Company, need not satisfy any
greater obligation or higher burden of proof with respect to actions relating to
an acquisition or potential acquisition of control; (4) provides that actions
relating to acquisitions of control that are approved by a majority of
"disinterested directors" are presumed to satisfy the directors' standard of
care unless it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that the directors did
not assent to such action in good faith after reasonable investigation; and (5)
provides that the fiduciary duty of directors is solely to the Company and may
be enforced by the Company or by a shareholder in a derivative action, but not
by a shareholder directly. One of the effects of these fiduciary duty provisions
may be to make it more difficult for a shareholder to successfully challenge the
actions of the Board of Directors in a potential change in control context.
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
    Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Underwriting Agreement
(the form of which is filed as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement of which
this Prospectus is a part), the Company has agreed to sell to Janney Montgomery
Scott Inc. (the "Underwriter"), and the Underwriter has agreed to purchase from
the Company, 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock.
 
    In the Underwriting Agreement, the Underwriter has agreed, subject to the
terms and conditions set forth therein, to purchase all the shares of the Common
Stock offered hereby (other than those subject to the over-allotment option
described below) if any shares are purchased. The Underwriter has advised the
Company that it initially plans to offer the shares of Common Stock to the
public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus and to certain dealers at such price less a concession not in excess
of $         per share. The Underwriter may allow and such dealers may reallow a
concession not in excess of $         per share to other dealers. After the
Offering, the public offering price and the concessions to selected dealers may
be changed.
 
    The Company has granted the Underwriter an option, exercisable within 30
days of the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to 150,000 additional shares
of Common Stock from the Company at the same price per share as the initial
1,000,000 shares of Common Stock to be purchased by the Underwriter. The
Underwriter may exercise such option only to cover over-allotments in the sale
of the shares of Common Stock that the Underwriter has agreed to purchase.
 
    The Company and its directors and executive officers have agreed that they
will not, with certain exceptions, publicly sell or otherwise dispose of any
shares of Common Stock, except the shares of the Common Stock offered hereby,
for 180 days from the date of this Prospectus without the prior written consent
of the Underwriter.
 
   
    The Underwriting Agreement provides that the Company will indemnify the
Underwriter against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act, or contribute to payments the Underwriter may be required to
make in respect thereof. The Underwriting Agreement also provides for the
payment
    
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
   
of a $100,000 nonaccountable expense allowance to the Underwriter to cover
expenses incurred by the Underwriter in connection with the Offering.
    
 
    The public offering price of the Common Stock offered hereby was determined
by negotiation between the Company and the Underwriter. Among the factors
considered in determining the public offering price, in addition to the lack of
a regular and active market for the Common Stock, are certain financial
information of the Company, an assessment of the Company's prospects and factors
relating to the market value of the Company and other publicly traded financial
institutions.
 
                                INDEMNIFICATION
 
    Pennsylvania law provides that a Pennsylvania corporation may indemnify
directors, officers, employees and agents of the corporation against liabilities
they may incur in such capacities for any action taken or any failure to act,
whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify the person
under any provision of law, unless such action or failure to act is determined
by a court to have constituted recklessness or willful misconduct. Pennsylvania
law also permits the adoption of a Bylaw amendment, approved by shareholders,
providing for the elimination of a director's liability for monetary damages for
any action taken or any failure to take any action unless (1) the director has
breached or failed to perform the duties of his office and (2) the breach or
failure to perform constitutes self-dealing, willful misconduct or recklessness.
 
    The Bylaws of the Company provide for (1) indemnification of directors,
officers, employees and agents of the registrant and its subsidiaries and (2)
the elimination of a director's liability for monetary damages, to the fullest
extent permitted by Pennsylvania law.
 
    Directors and officers also are insured against certain liabilities for
their actions, as such, by an insurance policy obtained by the Company.
 
    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to the directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been
advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
   
    Spector Gadon & Rosen, P.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will pass upon the
validity of the shares offered hereby for the Company. Stevens & Lee, Wayne,
Pennsylvania, will pass upon certain legal matters for the Underwriter.
    
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The consolidated financial statements appearing in this Prospectus for the
year ended December 31, 1996 have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.,
independent accountants as indicated in their reports appearing elsewhere
herein, and are included in reliance upon such reports and given upon the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
    The consolidated financial statements appearing in this Prospectus for the
year ended December 31, 1995 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors as stated in their report appearing herein, and have been
so included in reliance upon the report of such firm and given upon their
authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       OF
                          REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC.
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND FIRST REPUBLIC BANK:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                    <C>
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
  Consolidated Balance Sheets--As of September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996........  F-2
  Consolidated Statements of Income--For the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and
    1996.............................................................................  F-3
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--For the nine months ended September 30, 1997
    and 1996.........................................................................  F-4
  Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity--For the nine months ended September
    30, 1997.........................................................................  F-5
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.........................................  F-6
Financial Statements (Audited)
  Independent Auditors' Report.......................................................  F-9
  Independent Auditors' Report.......................................................  F-10
  Consolidated Balance Sheets--As of December 31, 1996 and 1995......................  F-11
  Consolidated Statements of Income--For the years ended December 31, 1996 and
    1995.............................................................................  F-12
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--For the years ended December 31, 1996 and
    1995.............................................................................  F-13
  Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity--For the years ended December 31,
    1996 and 1995....................................................................  F-14
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.........................................  F-15
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
   
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             SEPTEMBER 30, 1997  DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                                             ------------------  -----------------
<S>                                                                          <C>                 <C>
                                                                                (UNAUDITED)
ASSETS:
Cash and due from banks....................................................   $      5,237,000    $     7,716,000
Interest--bearing deposits with banks......................................          2,058,000            665,000
Federal funds sold.........................................................                  0          7,115,000
                                                                             ------------------  -----------------
  Total cash and cash equivalents..........................................          7,295,000         15,496,000
 
Securities available for sale, at fair value...............................          3,162,000          5,900,000
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (Fair value of $98,536,000
  and $75,307,000).........................................................         97,952,000         75,054,000
 
Loans receivable, net......................................................        184,403,000        170,002,000
Premises and equipment, net................................................          1,926,000            711,000
Real estate owned, net.....................................................          1,944,000            295,000
Accrued income and other assets............................................          6,484,000          6,337,000
                                                                             ------------------  -----------------
 
Total Assets...............................................................   $    303,166,000    $   273,795,000
                                                                             ------------------  -----------------
                                                                             ------------------  -----------------
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 
LIABILITIES:
 
Deposits:
Demand--non-interest-bearing...............................................   $     33,961,000    $    32,611,000
Demand--interest-bearing...................................................          8,233,000         10,181,000
Money market and savings...................................................         25,840,000         27,240,000
Time.......................................................................        152,947,000        150,800,000
Time over $100,000.........................................................         26,923,000         29,227,000
                                                                             ------------------  -----------------
  Total Deposits...........................................................        247,904,000        250,059,000
 
Other Borrowings...........................................................         27,346,000                  0
Accrued expenses and other liabilities.....................................          6,435,000          5,365,000
                                                                             ------------------  -----------------
 
Total Liabilities..........................................................        281,685,000        255,424,000
                                                                             ------------------  -----------------
 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 20,000,000 shares authorized;
  shares issued and outstanding 3,446,309 and 3,417,509 as of September 30,
  1997 and December 31, 1996 respectively..................................             34,000             34,000
 
Additional paid in capital.................................................         13,793,000         13,687,000
Retained earnings..........................................................          7,651,000          4,647,000
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net of deferred taxes....              3,000              3,000
                                                                             ------------------  -----------------
Total Shareholders' Equity.................................................         21,481,000         18,371,000
                                                                             ------------------  -----------------
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity.................................   $    303,166,000    $   273,795,000
                                                                             ------------------  -----------------
                                                                             ------------------  -----------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                (See notes to consolidated financial statements)
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
   
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
    
 
   
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    
 
                      FOR THE PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               QUARTER TO DATE            NINE MONTHS TO DATE
                                                          --------------------------  ---------------------------
                                                              1997          1996          1997           1996
                                                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
<S>                                                       <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>
INTEREST INCOME:
  Interest and fees on loans............................  $  4,364,000  $  3,693,000  $  12,316,000  $  8,245,000
  Interest on federal funds sold........................        10,000        66,000        300,000     1,195,000
  Interest on investments...............................     1,565,000     1,213,000      4,192,000     2,462,000
                                                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
  Total Interest Income.................................     5,939,000     4,972,000     16,808,000    11,902,000
                                                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
INTEREST EXPENSE:
  Demand--interest-bearing..............................        49,000        50,000        159,000        82,000
  Money market and savings..............................       233,000       209,000        692,000       467,000
  Time..................................................     2,285,000     1,960,000      6,373,000     4,908,000
  Time over $100,000....................................       390,000       398,000      1,214,000     1,193,000
  Subordinated Debt.....................................             0        70,000              0       210,000
  Other Borrowings......................................       373,000             0        621,000             0
                                                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
Total Interest Expense..................................     3,330,000     2,687,000      9,059,000     6,860,000
                                                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
Net interest income.....................................     2,609,000     2,285,000      7,749,000     5,042,000
Provision for loan losses...............................        30,000        30,000        140,000        55,000
                                                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
Net interest income after provision for loan losses.....     2,579,000     2,255,000      7,609,000     4,987,000
                                                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
NON-INTEREST INCOME:
  Service fees..........................................       129,000       115,000        291,000       174,000
  Tax refund program revenue............................         5,000             0      2,239,000     2,080,000
  Other income..........................................        18,000        51,000         96,000        60,000
                                                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
                                                               152,000       166,000      2,626,000     2,314,000
                                                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
NON-INTEREST EXPENSES:
  Salaries and Benefits.................................     1,056,000       845,000      3,083,000     1,958,000
  Occupancy/Equipment...................................       315,000       281,000        867,000       639,000
  Other expenses........................................       561,000       571,000      1,944,000     1,138,000
                                                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
                                                             1,932,000     1,697,000      5,894,000     3,735,000
                                                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
Income before income taxes..............................       799,000       724,000      4,341,000     3,566,000
                                                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
Provision for income taxes..............................       274,000       224,000      1,337,000     1,189,000
                                                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
NET INCOME..............................................  $    525,000  $    500,000  $   3,004,000  $  2,377,000
                                                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
                                                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
NET INCOME PER SHARE:
  Primary...............................................  $       0.14  $       0.14  $        0.79  $       0.85
  Fully diluted.........................................  $       0.14  $       0.13  $        0.78  $       0.83
                                                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES AND CSE OUTSTANDING:
  Primary...............................................     3,846,497     3,663,111      3,815,186     2,791,819
  Fully diluted.........................................     3,858,398     3,730,890      3,855,189     2,867,286
                                                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                (See notes to consolidated financial statements)
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
   
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
    
 
   
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    
 
                    FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         1997            1996
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>             <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income......................................................................  $    3,004,000  $    2,377,000
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
    activities:
    Provision for loan losses.....................................................         140,000          55,000
    Write down of other real estate owned.........................................          70,000
    Depreciation and amortization.................................................         302,000         183,000
    (Increase) decrease in accrued income and other assets........................        (147,000)        663,000
     Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities................       1,070,000        (153,000)
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
  Net cash provided by operating activities.......................................       4,439,000       3,125,000
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Purchase of securities:
    Available for sale............................................................      (1,950,000)              0
    Held to Maturity..............................................................     (37,386,000)    (26,901,000)
  Proceeds from principal receipts, sales, and maturities of securities...........      19,074,000      17,684,000
  Net (increase) in loans.........................................................     (14,715,000)       (372,000)
  Cash Proceeds from acquisitions.................................................               0      12,155,000
  Purchase of other real estate owned.............................................      (1,406,000)              0
  Premises and equipment expenditures.............................................      (1,448,000)       (137,000)
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
  Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities.............................     (37,831,000)      2,429,000
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Net (decrease) in demand, money market, and savings deposits....................      (1,998,000)     (4,589,000)
  Net increase in borrowed funds..................................................      27,346,000               0
  Net increase (decrease) in time deposits........................................        (157,000)      8,823,000
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
  Net cash provided by financing activities.......................................      25,191,000       4,234,000
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents..................................      (8,201,000)      9,788,000
 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period....................................      15,496,000       3,856,000
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period..........................................  $    7,295,000  $   13,644,000
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
Supplemental disclosure:
  Interest paid...................................................................  $    8,699,000  $    6,327,000
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
Non-cash transactions:
  Net transfers to real estate owned from loans...................................  $      539,000               0
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
  Changes in unrealized gain on securities available for sale.....................               0  ($      26,000)
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
                (See notes to consolidated financial statements)
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN
 
                              SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
                FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND
 
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        UNREALIZED
                                                                                          GAIN ON
                                                            ADDITIONAL                  SECURITIES       TOTAL
                                                 COMMON       PAID IN       RETAINED     AVAILABLE   SHAREHOLDERS'
                                                  STOCK       CAPITAL       EARNINGS     FOR SALE       EQUITY
                                                ---------  -------------  ------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
Balance December 31, 1995.....................     22,000  $   6,647,000     1,934,000   $  19,000   $   8,622,000
Acquisition of Execufirst Bancorp, Inc........     12,000      7,040,000             0           0       7,052,000
Net income for the year.......................          0              0     2,713,000           0       2,713,000
Change in unrealized gain on securities
  available for sale..........................          0              0             0     (16,000)        (16,000)
Balance December 31, 1996.....................     34,000     13,687,000     4,647,000       3,000      18,371,000
                                                ---------  -------------  ------------  -----------  -------------
Net Income For the Period.....................          0              0     3,004,000           0       3,004,000
Stock options exercised.......................                   106,000             0           0         106,000
                                                ---------  -------------  ------------  -----------  -------------
Balance September 30, 1997....................  $  34,000  $  13,793,000     7,651,000   $   3,000   $  21,481,000
                                                ---------  -------------  ------------  -----------  -------------
                                                ---------  -------------  ------------  -----------  -------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                (See notes to consolidated financial statements)
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                          REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   
1. ORGANIZATION
    
 
    In the opinion of Republic First Bancorp, Inc. ("the Company"), the
accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all adjustments (including
normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position as
of September 30, 1997, the results of operations for the three and nine months
ended, September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the cash flows for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996. The interim results of operations may not be
indicative of the results of operations for the full year. The accompanying
unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's
audited financial statements, and the notes thereto, included in the Company's
1996 annual report.
 
    The Company is a one-bank holding company organized and incorporated under
the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Its solely-owned subsidiary, First
Republic Bank (the "Bank"), offers a variety of banking services to individuals
and businesses throughout the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey area through
its offices and branches in Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties.
 
   
    On June 7, 1996 Republic Bancorporation ("Republic"), parent company of
Republic Bank, its sole subsidiary, merged with and into ExecuFirst Bancorp,
Inc., ("ExecuFirst") parent company of First Executive Bank, its sole
subsidiary. Republic exchanged all of its common stock, for approximately
1,604,411 shares (approximately 56% of the combined total) of ExecuFirst's
common stock. Effective upon the merger, ExecuFirst changed its name to First
Republic Bancorp, Inc. The Company subsequently changed its name to Republic
First Bancorp, Inc. Upon completion of the merger, Republic's shareholders owned
a majority of the outstanding shares of the consolidated Company's stock. As a
result, the transaction was accounted for as a reverse acquisition of ExecuFirst
by Republic solely for accounting and financial reporting purposes. Therefore,
Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for
the nine months and three months ended September 30, 1996 are those of Republic
from the date of the merger through September 30, 1996 and may not be comparable
to the current year Consolidated Statements. The operations of ExecuFirst have
been included in the Company's financial statements since the date of
acquisition. Historical shareholders' equity and earnings per share of Republic
prior to the merger have been retroactively restated (a recapitalization) for
the equivalent number of shares received in the merger after giving effect to
any differences in par value of the respective stock of ExecuFirst and Republic.
    
 
    The September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996 Consolidated Balance Sheets
include the effect of the merger on a purchase accounting basis based on the
fair market value of ExecuFirst's common stock at a price of $5.75 per share,
the estimated market value of the stock for a reasonable period before and after
November 17, 1995, the announcement date of the merger. The purchase price
calculated for accounting purposes amounted to $7,052,000, which is the result
of multiplying the $5.75 per share market value of ExecuFirst by the outstanding
share of ExecuFirst of approximately 1,226,000 (prior to subsequent dividends)
at the announcement date of the merger, plus acquisition expenses incurred by
Republic, as a result of the merger, in the amount of $1,193,000.
 
    The purchase price has been allocated to the respective assets acquired and
the liabilities based on their estimated fair market values, net of applicable
income tax effects. Negative goodwill in the amount of $1,045,000 was generated
for purchase accounting purposes and was applied against (i) bank premises and
equipment in the amount of $276,000, (ii) other real estate owned in the net
amount of $84,000, and (iii) the net deferred tax asset in the amount of
$685,000. No negative goodwill remains after application to these non-current
assets.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                          REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
2. RECLASSIFICATIONS:
 
    Certain items in the 1996 financial statements were reclassified to conform
to 1997 presentation format.
 
   
    Additionally, the Company declared a six for five stock split effected in
the form of a dividend on March 4, 1997 for all shareholders of record of the
Company on that date. Average common shares and common share equivalents, and
all other share presentations have been retroactively restated as if the
dividend was declared at the beginning of each respective period presented
herein.
    
 
3. EARNINGS PER SHARE:
 
    Earnings per common share, and common equivalent shares, are based on the
weighted average number of common shares and common equivalent shares
outstanding during the periods. Stock options are included as share equivalents
when dilutive. These common stock equivalents had a dilutive effect for the nine
months and three months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996.
 
    In February 1997 the FASB issued SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share." This
Statement establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings per share
(EPS) and applies to entities with publicly held common stock or potential
common stock. This Statement simplifies the standards for computing earnings per
share previously found in APB Opinion No. 15, Earnings Per Share, and makes them
comparable to international EPS standards. It replaces the presentation of
primary EPS with a presentation of basic EPS. It also requires dual presentation
of basic and diluted EPS on the face of the income statement for all entities
with complex capital structures and requires a reconciliation of the numerator
and denominator of the basic EPS computation to the numerator and denominator of
the diluted EPS computation. This Statement requires restatement of all prior
period EPS data presented upon adoption. Had the Company adopted SFAS No. 128 as
of September 30, 1997, pro forma basic earnings per share would have been $0.14
and $0.15 for the three months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively,
and $0.87 and $0.92 for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
 
4. INVESTMENT SECURITIES:
 
    The Company classifies certain investments under one of the following
categories: "held-to- maturity" which is accounted for at historical cost,
adjusted for accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums;
"available-for-sale" which is accounted for at fair market value, with
unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of shareholders'
equity; or "trading" which is accounted for at fair market value, with
unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of net income. The Bank does
not hold "trading" securities.
 
    At September 30, 1997, the Bank had identified certain investment securities
that are being held for indefinite periods of time, including securities that
will be used as part of the Bank's asset/liability management strategy and that
may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, prepayments and similar
factors. These securities are classified as available-for-sale and are intended
to increase the flexibility of the Bank's asset/liability management.
Available-for-sale securities consist of US Government Agency securities and
other investments. The book and market values of securities available-for-sale
was $3,159,000 and $3,162,000 respectively, as of September 30, 1997. The net
unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale, as of this date, was $3,000.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                          REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
    The following table represents the carrying and estimated fair values of
Investment Securities at September 30, 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     GROSS         GROSS
                                                                     AMORTIZED    UNREALIZED    UNREALIZED
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE ($000)                                              COST          GAIN          LOSS      FAIR VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                 <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
US Government Agencies............................................   $   3,159     $       7     $      (4)   $   3,162
Other.............................................................          --            --            --           --
                                                                    -----------        -----         -----   -----------
TOTAL AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE..........................................   $   3,159     $       7     $      (4)   $   3,162
                                                                    -----------        -----         -----   -----------
                                                                    -----------        -----         -----   -----------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     GROSS         GROSS
                                                                     AMORTIZED    UNREALIZED    UNREALIZED
HELD-TO-MATURITY ($000)                                                COST          GAIN          LOSS      FAIR VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                 <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
Mortgage-backed Securities........................................   $  30,792     $      26     $     (52)   $  30,766
US Government Agencies............................................      63,323           846          (236)      63,933
Other.............................................................       3,837            --            --        3,837
                                                                    -----------        -----         -----   -----------
TOTAL HELD-TO-MATURITY............................................   $  97,952     $     872     $    (288)   $  98,536
                                                                    -----------        -----         -----   -----------
                                                                    -----------        -----         -----   -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors
 
of First Republic Bancorp, Inc.
 
    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of First
Republic Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary as of December 31, 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash
flows for the year then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.
 
    We conducted our audit 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all materials respects, the consolidated financial position
of First Republic Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary as of December 31, 1996 and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then
ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
2400 Eleven Penn Center
 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
 
   
January 30, 1997 (except as to the
information in Note 17 for
which the date is March 4, 1997)
    
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
To the Board of Directors of
 
Republic Bancorporation, Inc.:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Republic
Bancorporation, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Bank") as of December 31, 1995, and
the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash
flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1995. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Bank'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, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Bank at December 31, 1995, and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years
in the period ended December 31, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
          [LOGO]
 
March 1, 1996
 
(Except Note 1 related to the merger
 
which is dated June 7, 1996 and except
 
Note 17 relating to the stock split effected
 
in the form of a dividend which is dated
 
March 4, 1997)
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS:
                                                                            1996       1995
                                                                          ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                       <C>        <C>
Cash and due from banks.................................................  $   7,716  $   2,884
Interest-bearing deposits with banks....................................        665         39
Federal funds sold......................................................      7,115        933
                                                                          ---------  ---------
    Total cash and cash equivalents.....................................     15,496      3,856
Securities available for sale, at fair value............................      5,900      4,348
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost..........................     75,054     34,004
Loans receivable, net...................................................    170,002     85,183
Premises and equipment, net.............................................        711        321
Real estate owned, net..................................................        295        295
Accrued income and other assets.........................................      6,337      3,056
                                                                          ---------  ---------
    Total Assets........................................................  $ 273,795  $ 131,063
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                          ---------  ---------
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 
Liabilities:
Deposits:
Demand--non-interest-bearing............................................  $  32,611  $  12,570
Demand--interest-bearing................................................     10,181      1,429
Money market and savings................................................     27,240     11,598
Time....................................................................    150,800     82,757
Time over $100,000......................................................     29,227      8,070
                                                                          ---------  ---------
    Total Deposits......................................................    250,059    116,424
Subordinated debt.......................................................          0      3,400
Accrued expenses and other liabilities..................................      5,365      2,617
                                                                          ---------  ---------
    Total Liabilities...................................................    255,424    122,441
                                                                          ---------  ---------
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 20,000,000 shares authorized;
  shares issued and outstanding 3,417,509 and 1,925,293 as of December
  31, 1996 and 1995 respectively........................................         34         22
Additional paid in capital..............................................     13,687      6,647
Retained earnings.......................................................      4,647      1,934
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net of deferred
  taxes.................................................................          3         19
                                                                          ---------  ---------
    Total Shareholders' Equity..........................................     18,371      8,622
                                                                          ---------  ---------
      Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity........................  $ 273,795  $ 131,063
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                          ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
                (See notes to consolidated financial statements)
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSAND, EXCEPT FOR PERSHARE DATA)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                1996        1995        1994
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                          <C>         <C>         <C>
Interest Income
  Interest and fees on loans...............................................  $   11,798  $    7,710  $    5,521
  Interest on federal funds sold...........................................       1,346         176         278
  Interest on deposits in banks............................................          20           0           0
  Interest on investments..................................................       3,739       2,016       1,442
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                                 16,903       9,902       7,241
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ----------
Interest Expense:
  Demand - Interest bearing................................................         140          33          30
  Money market and savings.................................................         674         516         637
  Time.....................................................................       7,069       4,485       2,398
  Time over $100,000.......................................................       1,594         519         599
  Other borrowings.........................................................           0          62          25
  Subordinated debt........................................................         238         276         255
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                                  9,715       5,891       3,944
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ----------
Net interest income........................................................       7,188       4,011       3,297
Provision for possible loan losses.........................................         155         223         323
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ----------
Net interest income after provision for
  possible loan losses.....................................................       7,033       3,788       2,974
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ----------
Non-interest income:
  Service fees.............................................................         170         155         219
  Refant program revenue...................................................       2,080           0         877
  Other income.............................................................         364           0           0
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                                  2,614         155       1,096
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ----------
Non-interest expenses:
  Salaries and employee benefits...........................................       2,872       1,592       1,284
  Occupancy expenses.......................................................         696         470         425
  Professional fees........................................................         282         327         354
  Equipment................................................................         205          94          96
  Other operating expenses.................................................       1,526         566         674
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                                  5,581       3,049       2,833
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ----------
Income before income taxes.................................................       4,066         894       1,237
Provision for income taxes.................................................       1,353         291         430
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ----------
Net income.................................................................  $    2,713  $      603  $      807
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ----------
Earnings per common share:
  Primary..................................................................  $     0.92  $     0.31  $     0.42
  Fully diluted............................................................  $     0.88  $     0.31  $     0.42
Weighted average common shares outstanding
  and common stock equivalents
  Primary..................................................................   2,961,225   1,925,293   1,925,293
  Fully diluted............................................................   3,164,944   1,925,293   1,925,293
</TABLE>
    
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements)
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  1996         1995        1994
                                                                               -----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                            <C>          <C>         <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income.................................................................  $     2,713  $      603  $      807
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
    activities:
  Provision for possible loan losses.........................................          155         223         323
  Depreciation and amortization..............................................           62          89          82
  Amortization of securities.................................................          131          57          28
  Realized gain on sale of real estate owned.................................          (18)          0           0
  Decrease (increase) in accrued income and other assets.....................          824        (697)       (349)
  Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities..............          693       1,354        (344)
                                                                               -----------  ----------  ----------
  Net cash provided by operating activities..................................        4,560       1,629         547
                                                                               -----------  ----------  ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Acquisition of ExecuFirst Bancorp, Inc.....................................       11,952           0           0
  Purchase of securities:
    Available for sale.......................................................       (1,000)     (4,022)          0
    Held to maturity.........................................................      (24,650)     (6,330)     (2,141)
  Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities:
    Available for sale.......................................................        1,500           0           0
    Held to maturity.........................................................        5,500           0           0
  Principal collected on MBS's and CMO's:
    Available for sale.......................................................          691           0           0
    Held to maturity.........................................................        6,517         180         383
  Net increase in loans......................................................      (11,937)    (14,043)     (9,295)
  Proceeds from the sale of real estate owned................................           86           0           0
  Premises and equipment expenditures........................................         (556)       (401)        (73)
                                                                               -----------  ----------  ----------
  Net cash used in investing activities......................................      (11,897)    (24,616)    (11,126)
                                                                               -----------  ----------  ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Net increase in demand and money market....................................        7,628       5,570       2,266
  Net increase (decrease) in time deposits...................................       14,749      22,888      (3,284)
  Issuance (redemption of) subordinated debt.................................       (3,400)          0       3,400
  Net increase (decrease) in borrowed funds..................................            0      (5,583)      1,583
                                                                               -----------  ----------  ----------
  Net cash provided by financing activities..................................       18,977      22,875       3,965
                                                                               -----------  ----------  ----------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.............................       11,640        (112)     (6,614)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period...............................        3,856       3,968      10,582
                                                                               -----------  ----------  ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period.....................................       15,496       3,856       3,968
Supplemental disclosures:
  Interest paid..............................................................        8,409       4,571       3,890
  Income taxes paid..........................................................        1,105         290         443
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
  Acquisition of ExecuFirst Bancorp, Inc.:
    FMV of assets acquired...................................................     (108,415)          0           0
    FMV of liabilities assumed...............................................      113,315           0           0
    Stock issued.............................................................        7,052           0           0
                                                                               -----------  ----------  ----------
    Total cash received, net of merger related costs.........................       11,952           0           0
                                                                               -----------  ----------  ----------
  Non-monetary transfers from loans to real estate owned.....................  $        68  $       70  $        0
</TABLE>
    
 
                (See notes to consolidated financial statements)
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN
                              SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 UNREALIZED
                                                                                                    GAIN
                                                                     ADDITIONAL                 ON SECURITIES       TOTAL
                                                         COMMON        PAID IN     RETAINED       AVAILABLE     SHAREHOLDERS'
                                                          STOCK        CAPITAL     EARNINGS       FOR SALE         EQUITY
                                                      -------------  -----------  -----------  ---------------  -------------
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>              <C>
Balance January 1, 1994.............................    $      22     $   6,647    $     524      $       0      $     7,193
Net income for the year.............................            0             0          807              0              807
                                                              ---    -----------  -----------           ---     -------------
Balance December 31, 1994...........................           22         6,647        1,331              0            8,000
Net income for the year.............................            0             0          603              0              603
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale....            0             0            0             19               19
                                                              ---    -----------  -----------           ---     -------------
Balance December 31, 1995...........................           22         6,647        1,934             19            8,622
Acquisition of Execufirst Bancorp, Inc..............           12         7,040            0              0            7,052
Net income for the year.............................            0             0        2,713              0            2,713
Change in unrealized gain on securities available
  for sale..........................................                          0            0            (16)             (16)
                                                              ---    -----------  -----------           ---     -------------
Balance December 31, 1996...........................    $      34     $  13,687    $   4,647      $       3      $    18,371
                                                              ---    -----------  -----------           ---     -------------
                                                              ---    -----------  -----------           ---     -------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                (See notes to consolidated financial statements)
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. ORGANIZATION:
 
    First Republic Bancorp, Inc. (formerly known as "Republic Bancorporation")
is a one-bank holding company organized and incorporated under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, First Republic Bank
(the "Bank"), offers a variety of banking services to individuals and businesses
throughout the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey area through its offices
and branches in Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties.
 
    On June 7, 1996 Republic Bancorporation, ("Republic") parent company of
Republic Bank, its sole subsidiary, merged with and into ExecuFirst Bancorp,
Inc., ("ExecuFirst") parent company of First Executive Bank, its sole
subsidiary. Republic exchanged all of its common stock, for approximately
1,604,411 shares (approximately 56% of the combined total) of ExecuFirst's
common stock. Effective upon the merger, ExecuFirst changed its name to First
Republic Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company"). Upon completion of the merger,
Republic's shareholders owned a majority of the outstanding shares of the
consolidated company's stock. As a result, the transaction was accounted for as
a reverse acquisition of ExecuFirst by Republic solely for accounting and
financial reporting purposes. Therefore, the Consolidated Balance Sheets,
Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for
the prior year periods are those of Republic only, and may not be comparable to
the current year Consolidated Statements. The operations of ExecuFirst have been
included in the Company's financial statements since the date of acquisition.
Historical shareholders' equity and earnings per share of Republic prior to the
merger has been retroactively restated (a recapitalization) for the equivalent
number of shares received in the merger after giving effect to any differences
in par value of the respective stock of ExecuFirst and Republic.
 
    The December 31, 1996 Consolidated Balance Sheet reflects the effect of the
merger on a purchase accounting basis based on the fair market value of
ExecuFirst's common stock at a price of $5.75 per share, the estimated market
value of the stock for a reasonable period before and after November 17, 1995,
the announcement date of the merger. The merger was accounted for as a reverse
acquisition of ExecuFirst by Republic. Solely for accounting and financial
reporting purposes, Republic is considered the acquiring entity because Republic
shareholders acquired the majority of the combined Company's common stock, even
though ExecuFirst is the surviving entity and is the entity issuing common
stock. The purchase price calculated for accounting purposes amounted to
$7,052,000, which is the result of multiplying the $5.75 per share market value
of ExecuFirst by the outstanding shares of ExecuFirst of approximately 1,226,000
at the announcement date of the merger, plus acquisition expenses incurred by
Republic, as a result of the merger, in the amount of $1,193,000.
 
    The purchase price has been allocated to the respective assets acquired and
the liabilities based on their estimated fair market values, net of applicable
income tax effects. Negative goodwill in the amount of $1,045,000 was generated
for purchase accounting purposes and was applied against (i) bank premises and
equipment in the amount of $276,000, (ii) other real estate owned in the net
amount of $84,000, and (iii) the net deferred tax asset in the amount of
$685,000. No negative goodwill remains after application to these non-current
assets.
 
    The following unaudited pro forma information presents a summary of the
consolidated results if the merger had occurred at the beginning of such periods
presented.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
1. ORGANIZATION: (CONTINUED)
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except for per share data)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                                     31,
                                                                             --------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>        <C>
                                                                               1996       1995
                                                                             ---------  ---------
Net interest income........................................................  $   9,337  $   9,404
Net income.................................................................  $   2,954  $   1,454
Earnings per share.........................................................  $    0.98  $    0.51
</TABLE>
 
    The pro forma results are for illustrative purposes only and do not purport
to be indicative of the actual results which would have occurred had the
transaction been consummated as of those earlier dates, nor are they necessarily
indicative of future operating results.
 
    As a result of the merger, supervisory agreements of ExecuFirst, between the
Federal Reserve Bank and the PA Department of Banking were terminated. The bank
is subject to examination and extensive regulation by the Pennsylvania Banking
Department and the Federal Reserve Board. Its deposits are insured by the FDIC
to the individual deposit limits established by law.
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
    PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION:
 
    The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of
First Republic Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, First Republic
Bank ("the Bank"). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have
been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
 
    RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES AND CERTAIN SIGNIFICANT ESTIMATES:
 
    The earnings of the Company depend on the earnings of the Bank. The Bank is
dependent primarily upon the level of net interest income, which is the
difference between interest earned on its interest-earning assets, such as loans
and investments, and the interest paid on its interest-bearing liabilities, such
as deposits and borrowings. Accordingly, the operations of the Bank are subject
to risks and uncertainties surrounding its exposure to change in the interest
rate environment.
 
    Additionally, the Company derives fee income from the Bank's participation
in a program (the "Refant" program) which indirectly funds consumer loans
collateralized by federal income tax refunds. Approximately $2.2 million in
gross revenues were collected on these loans during 1996. The Company is
participating in the program again in 1997, however, tax code changes, banking
regulations, as well as business decisions by the parties involved in the
program may affect future participation in the program.
 
    Significant estimates are made by management in determining the allowance
for possible loan losses and carrying values of real estate owned. Consideration
is given to a variety of factors in establishing these estimates including
current economic conditions, diversification of the loan portfolio, delinquency
statistics, results of internal loan reviews, borrowers' perceived financial and
managerial strengths, the adequacy of underlying collateral, if collateral
dependent, or present value of future cash flows and other relevant factors.
Since the allowance for possible loan losses and carrying value of real estate
owned is dependent, to a great extent, on the general economy and other
conditions that may be beyond the Bank's control, it is at least reasonably
possible that the estimates of the allowance for possible loan losses and the
carrying values of the real estate owned could differ materially in the near
term.
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make significant estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (CONTINUED)
assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
 
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
 
    For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all cash
and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with an original maturity of
ninety days or less and federal funds sold to be cash and cash equivalents. The
Bank is required to maintain certain average reserve balances as established by
the Federal Reserve Board. The amounts of those balances for the reserve
computation periods which included December 31, 1996 and 1995 were $798,000 and
$257,000, respectively. These requirements were satisfied through the
restriction of vault cash and a balance at the Federal Reserve Bank of
Philadelphia.
 
    INVESTMENT SECURITIES:
 
    The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115,
("SFAS No. 115"), "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
Securities" on January 1, 1994. SFAS No. 115 requires debt and equity securities
to be classified in one of three categories, as applicable, and to be accounted
for as follows: debt securities which the Company has positive intent and
ability to hold to maturity are classified as "securities held to maturity" and
are reported at amortized cost; debt and equity securities that are bought and
sold in the near term are classified as "trading" and are reported at fair
market value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings; and debt and
equity securities not classified as either held to maturity and/or trading
securities are classified as "securities available for sale" and are reported at
fair market value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate
component of shareholders' equity.
 
    As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, shareholders' equity was increased by
$3,000 and $19,000 , respectively as the result of unrealized gains on
securities available for sale. Shareholders' equity was unaffected by the
adoption of SFAS No. 115 at December 31, 1994.
 
    Investment securities classified as held to maturity are carried at
amortized cost, and are adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of
discounts over the life of the related security on a level yield method.
Investments securities that are held for an indefinite period of time are
classified as available for sale, and are carried at fair market value. Such
items include those management intends to use as part of its asset-liability
matching strategy or that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates
or other factors. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities
are recognized using the specific identification method. The Company did not
realize any gains or losses on the sale of securities during 1996, 1995 or 1994.
Additionally, the Bank does not have any trading securities.
 
    As permitted under SFAS No. 115, concurrent with the merger, the Company
reclassified a portion of ExecuFirst's securities available for sale with an
amortized cost of $30,259,000 to securities held to maturity, as of the merger
date of June 7, 1996. This one-time reclassification was done to reposition the
investment security portfolio to be consistent with the Company's
Asset/Liability Management policy and the anticipated future liquidity
requirements of the Company.
 
    LOANS:
 
    Loans are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of deferred loan
fees and costs. Income is accrued on the principal amount outstanding.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (CONTINUED)
    Loans, including impaired loans, are generally classified as nonaccrual if
they are past due as to maturity or payment of principal or interest for a
period of more than 90 days, unless such loans are well-secured and in the
process of collection. Loans that are on a current payment status or past due
less than 90 days may also be classified as nonaccrual if repayment in full of
principal and/or interest is in doubt.
 
    Loans may be returned to accrual status when all principal and interest
amounts contractually due are reasonably assured of repayment within an
acceptable period of time, and there is a sustained period of repayment
performance (generally a minimum of six months) by the borrower, in accordance
with the contractual terms of interest and principal.
 
    While a loan is classified as nonaccrual or as an impaired loan and the
future collectibility of the recorded loan balance is doubtful, collections of
interest and principal are generally applied as a reduction to principal
outstanding. When the future collectibility of the recorded loan balance is
expected, interest income may be recognized on a cash basis. In the case where a
nonaccrual loan had been partially charged off, recognition of interest on a
cash basis is limited to that which would have been recognized on the recorded
loan balance at the contractual interest rate. Cash interest receipts in excess
of that amount are recorded as recoveries to the allowance for loan losses until
prior charge-offs have been fully recovered.
 
    ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES:
 
    The allowance for possible loan losses is established through a provision
for possible loan losses charged to operations. Loans are charged against the
allowance when management believes that the collectibility of the loan principal
is unlikely. Recoveries on loans previously charged off are credited to the
allowance.
 
    The allowance is an amount that management believes will be adequate to
absorb possible loan losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible,
based on evaluations of the collectibility of loans and prior loan loss
experience. The evaluations take into consideration such factors as changes in
the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, review
of specific problem loans, the results of the most recent regulatory
examination, current economic conditions and trends that may affect the
borrower's ability to pay.
 
    The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 114,
"Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan" ("SFAS 114") on January 1,
1995. SFAS 114 requires an adjustment to the carrying value of a loan through
the provision for possible credit losses when it is "probable" that a creditor
will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of
the loan. An insignificant delay, those less than 90 days, or insignificant
shortfall in amount of payments does not necessarily result in the loan being
identified as impaired. SFAS 114 was subsequently amended by Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 118, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment
of a Loan--Income Recognition and Disclosure" ("SFAS 118") to allow a creditor
to use existing methods for recognizing interest income on an impaired loan. The
adoption of SFAS 114 did not have a material impact on financial position or the
results of operations, for the years ended December 31, 1996 or 1995.
 
    The Company considers residential mortgage loans and consumer loans,
including home equity lines of credit, to be small balance homogeneous loans.
These loan categories are collectively evaluated for impairment. Commercial
business loans and commercial real estate loans are individually measured for
impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted
at the historical effective interest rate, except that all collateral dependent
loans are measured for impairment based on the fair market value of the
collateral.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (CONTINUED)
    PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT:
 
    Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and
amortization. Depreciation of furniture and equipment is calculated over the
estimated useful life of the asset using the straight-line method. Leasehold
improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or
terms of their respective leases, using the straight-line method.
 
    Repairs and maintenance are charged to current operations as incurred, and
renewals and betterments are capitalized.
 
    REAL ESTATE OWNED:
 
    Real estate owned consists of foreclosed assets and is stated at the lower
of cost or estimated fair market value minus estimated costs to sell the
property.
 
    INCOME TAXES:
 
    Deferred income taxes are recorded for the temporary differences between the
financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company's assets and
liabilities. In addition, a deferred tax asset is recorded to reflect the future
benefit of net operating loss carryforwards. The deferred tax assets may be
reduced by a valuation allowance if it is probable that some portion or all of
the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
 
    EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
 
    Earnings per common share is computed by using the weighted average number
of common shares outstanding and common stock equivalents during each period
presented. Common stock equivalents consist of dilutive stock options granted
through the company's stock option plan. See note 16.
 
    NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:
 
    In June 1996, the FASB No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of
Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities" ("SFAS No. 125") which is
effective for the Company beginning January 1, 1997. SFAS No. 125, which is to
be applied prospectively, provides accounting and reporting standards for
transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities
based on the concept of control. It is anticipated that the adoption of SFAS No.
125 will not have a material effect on the financial position or results of
operations of the Company.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
3. INVESTMENT SECURITIES:
 
    Investment securities available for sale as of December 31, 1996 are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               GROSS UNREALIZED  GROSS UNREALIZED  ESTIMATED FAIR
                                               AMORTIZED COST       GAINS             LOSSES           VALUE
                                               --------------  ----------------  ----------------  --------------
<S>                                            <C>             <C>               <C>               <C>
U.S. Treasuries..............................   $    998,000     $      3,000      $          0     $  1,001,000
U.S.Gov't Agencies...........................      4,128,000            8,000            (5,000)       4,131,000
CMOs.........................................        770,000                0            (2,000)         768,000
                                               --------------        --------    ----------------  --------------
    Total....................................   $  5,896,000     $     11,000      $     (7,000)    $  5,900,000
                                               --------------        --------    ----------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
    Investment securities held to maturity as of December 31, 1996 are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               GROSS UNREALIZED  GROSS UNREALIZED  ESTIMATED FAIR
                                               AMORTIZED COST       GAINS             LOSSES           VALUE
                                               --------------  ----------------  ----------------  --------------
<S>                                            <C>             <C>               <C>               <C>
U.S. Gov't Agencies..........................   $ 49,214,000     $    661,000      $   (293,000)    $ 49,582,000
CMOs.........................................     23,682,000           14,000          (129,000)      23,567,000
Other Investment Securities..................      2,158,000                0                 0        2,158,000
                                               --------------        --------    ----------------  --------------
    Total....................................   $ 75,054,000     $    675,000      $   (422,000)    $ 75,307,000
                                               --------------        --------    ----------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
    Investment securities available for sale as of December 31, 1995 are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               GROSS UNREALIZED  GROSS UNREALIZED  ESTIMATED FAIR
                                               AMORTIZED COST       GAINS             LOSSES           VALUE
                                               --------------  ----------------  ----------------  --------------
<S>                                            <C>             <C>               <C>               <C>
U.S. Gov't Agencies..........................   $  4,320,000     $     28,000      $          0     $  4,348,000
                                               --------------        --------    ----------------  --------------
    Total....................................   $  4,320,000     $     28,000      $          0     $  4,348,000
                                               --------------        --------    ----------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
    Investment securities held to maturity as of December 31, 1995 are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               GROSS UNREALIZED  GROSS UNREALIZED  ESTIMATED FAIR
                                               AMORTIZED COST       GAINS             LOSSES           VALUE
                                               --------------  ----------------  ----------------  --------------
<S>                                            <C>             <C>               <C>               <C>
U.S. Treasuries..............................   $  1,002,000     $          0      $          0     $  1,002,000
CMOs.........................................     25,215,000            1,000          (194,000)      25,022,000
U.S.Gov't Agencies...........................      7,002,000           35,000                 0        7,037,000
Other Investment Securities..................        785,000                0                 0          785,000
                                               --------------        --------    ----------------  --------------
    Total....................................   $ 34,004,000     $     36,000      $   (194,000)    $ 33,846,000
                                               --------------        --------    ----------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
    The Company held an investment in stock of the Federal Reserve Bank in
accordance with regulatory requirements, with a carrying value of $521,000 and
$200,000 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively which are included in
Other Investment Securities. Also included in Other Securities is investments in
the stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh of $318,000 and $305,000
at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
3. INVESTMENT SECURITIES: (CONTINUED)
    The maturity distribution of the amortized cost and estimated market value
of investment securities by contractual maturity at December 31, 1996 are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           HELD TO MATURITY              AVAILABLE FOR SALE
                                                     ----------------------------  ------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>
                                                       AMORTIZED      ESTIMATED                    ESTIMATED FAIR
                                                         COST        FAIR VALUE    AMORTIZED COST      VALUE
                                                     -------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
Due in 1 year or less..............................  $           0  $           0   $  1,500,000    $  1,501,000
After 1 year to 5 years............................     15,986,000     15,943,000              0               0
After 5 years to 10 years..........................     20,272,000     20,513,000      2,571,000       2,570,000
Mortgage-backed securities and CMOs................     36,638,000     36,693,000      1,825,000       1,829,000
Other Investment Securities........................      2,158,000      2,158,000              0               0
                                                     -------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
      Total........................................  $  75,054,000  $  75,307,000   $  5,896,000    $  5,900,000
                                                     -------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
    Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because
borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without
prepayment penalties. Mortgage-backed securities and CMOs are shown separately
due to the amortization and prepayment of principal accruing throughout the life
of these instruments.
 
    At December 31, 1996, investment securities in the amount of approximately
$5,099,000 were pledged as collateral for public deposits and certain other
deposits as required by law.
 
4. LOANS RECEIVABLE:
 
Loans receivable at December 31, consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1996           1995
                                                                --------------  -------------
<S>                                                             <C>             <C>
Commercial and industrial.....................................  $   45,007,000  $  23,183,000
Real estate--mortgage.........................................     123,256,000     61,134,000
Consumer and other............................................       3,831,000      1,546,000
                                                                --------------  -------------
                                                                   172,094,000     85,863,000
 
Less allowance for possible loan losses.......................      (2,092,000)      (680,000)
                                                                --------------  -------------
 
Total loans receivable, net...................................  $  170,002,000  $  85,183,000
                                                                --------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
    The recorded investment in loans for which impairment has been recognized in
accordance with SFAS 114 totaled $1,892,000 million and $526,000, at December
31, 1996 and 1995 respectively, of which $845,000 and $10,000 respectively,
related to loans with no valuation allowance because the loans have been
partially written down through charge-offs. Loans with valuation allowances at
December 31, 1996 and 1995 were $1,047,000 and $516,000, respectively. For the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, the average recorded investment in
impaired loans was approximately $1,573,000 and $452,000, respectively. The Bank
did not recognize any interest on impaired loans in 1996 or 1995.
 
    As of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, there were loans of approximately
$1,892,000, $526,000 and $878,000, respectively, which were nonperforming. If
these loans were performing under their original contractual rate, interest
income on such loans would have approximated $135,000, $48,060 and $26,000 for
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
    The majority of loans are with borrowers in the Company's marketplace,
Philadelphia and surrounding suburbs, including southern New Jersey. The Company
has loans to customers whose assets and
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
4. LOANS RECEIVABLE: (CONTINUED)
businesses are concentrated in real estate and healthcare. Repayment of these
loans is in part dependent upon general economic conditions affecting these
industries. The Company evaluates each customer's credit worthiness on a
case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained is based on management's
credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral varies but primarily includes
residential and income-producing properties.
 
    Included in loans are loans due from directors and other related parties of
$5,226,000 and $4,454,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Of loans
due from directors and other related parties, approximately $4,887,000 and
$3,979,000 were collateralized at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The
following presents the activity in amounts due from directors and other related
parties for the year ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1996          1995          1994
                                                      ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                                   <C>           <C>           <C>
Balance at beginning of year........................  $  4,454,000  $  2,380,000  $  2,249,000
  Additions.........................................     1,826,000     2,724,000       916,000
  Repayments........................................    (1,054,000)     (650,000)     (785,000)
                                                      ------------  ------------  ------------
  Balance at end of year............................  $  5,226,000  $  4,454,000  $  2,380,000
                                                      ------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
5. ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES:
 
Changes in the allowance for possible loan losses for the years ended December
31, is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1996         1995        1994
                                                         ------------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>         <C>
Balance at beginning of year...........................  $    680,000  $  650,000  $  460.000
    Charge-offs........................................      (391,000)   (212,000)   (144,000)
    Recoveries.........................................       120,000      19,000      11,000
    Acquisition of ExecuFirst..........................     1,528,000           0           0
    Provision for possible loan losses.................       155,000     223,000     323,000
                                                         ------------  ----------  ----------
Balance at end of year.................................  $  2,092,000  $  680,000  $  650,000
                                                         ------------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
6. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT:
 
A summary of premises and equipment is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1996         1995
                                                                      ------------  ----------
<S>                                                                   <C>           <C>
Furniture and equipment.............................................  $  1,122,000  $  715,000
Leasehold improvements..............................................       404,000     255,000
                                                                      ------------  ----------
                                                                         1,526,000     970,000
Less accumulated depreciation.......................................      (815,000)   (649,000)
                                                                      ------------  ----------
Net premises and equipment..........................................  $    711,000  $  321,000
                                                                      ------------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
    Depreciation expense on premises and equipment amounted to $166,000, $89,000
and $82,000 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
6. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT: (CONTINUED)
    The Company has entered into noncancelable lease agreements for its
operations center and four branch facilities, expiring through July 31, 2007.
The leases are accounted for as operating leases. The minimum annual rental
payments required under these leases are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  YEAR ENDED                                                                         AMOUNT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------
<S>                                                                               <C>
  1997..........................................................................  $    461,000
  1998..........................................................................       231,000
  1999..........................................................................       363,000
  2000..........................................................................       356,000
  2001 and beyond...............................................................     2,609,000
                                                                                  ------------
  Total.........................................................................  $  4,020,000
                                                                                  ------------
                                                                                  ------------
</TABLE>
 
    The Company incurred rent expense of $613,000, $427,000 and $395,000 in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Such rent expense has been computed in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles which require rent
expense to be charged to expense on a straight-line basis rather than as paid.
 
7. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS:
 
    The Company has two lines of credit totaling $7,000,000 available for the
purchase of federal funds from corresponding banks. In addition, the Company has
a collateralized line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh
with a maximum borrowing capacity of $92 million. This maximum borrowing
capacity is subject to change on a quarterly basis. As of December 31, 1996 and
1995, there were no amounts outstanding on any of the Bank's lines of credit.
 
8. INCOME TAXES:
 
    In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No, 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes" (SFAS No. 109), deferred tax assets and
liabilities are established for the temporary difference between accounting
bases and tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities at the tax rates
expected to be in effect when the temporary differences are realized or settled.
Management believes that the existing net differences which give rise to the net
deferred income tax assets are realizable on a more likely than not basis.
 
    The approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and
carryforward that gives rise to net deferred tax assets included in the accrued
income and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at
December 31, 1996 and 1995 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1996        1995
                                                                       ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                    <C>         <C>
Allowance for loan losses............................................  $  320,000  $  178,000
Net operating loss carryforward......................................     503,000           0
Deferred compensation................................................     199,000     (12,000)
Depreciation.........................................................     164,000      24,000
Real estate owned....................................................      46,000           0
Other................................................................     142,000      15,000
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale.....................      (1,000)     (9,000)
                                                                       ----------  ----------
Deferred tax asset...................................................   1,373,000     196,000
Negative goodwill allocated to deferred tax asset,
  net of amortization................................................    (515,000)          0
                                                                       ----------  ----------
Deferred tax assets, net.............................................  $  858,000  $  196,000
                                                                       ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
8. INCOME TAXES: (CONTINUED)
    As discussed in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements, the reverse
acquisition of ExecuFirst by Republic on June 7, 1996 generated negative
goodwill of $1,045,000, of which $685,000 was applied against the deferred tax
assets. During 1996, the negative goodwill allocated to the deferred tax assets
was amoritized by an amount of $170,000, thereby resulting in a corresponding
reduction to the provision for income taxes. The amortization of negative
goodwill is being recorded based upon the estimated reversal period of the
underlying components of the deferred tax assets.
 
    At December 31, 1996, the Company has available approximately $1,479,000 of
net operating loss carryforwards available for income tax reporting purposes
which expire from 2003 through 2008.
 
    The following represents the components of income tax expense (benefit) for
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 1996         1995        1994
                                                                             ------------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                          <C>           <C>         <C>
Current provision
  Federal..................................................................  $    950,000  $  370,000  $  398,000
  State....................................................................       163,000           0      15,000
Deferred provision--Federal................................................       240,000     (79,000)     17,000
                                                                             ------------  ----------  ----------
      Total provision for income taxes.....................................  $  1,353,000  $  291,000  $  430,000
                                                                             ------------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
    The following table accounts for the difference between the actual tax
provision and the amount obtained by applying the statutory federal income tax
rate of 34% to income before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 1996         1995        1994
                                                                             ------------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                          <C>           <C>         <C>
Tax provision computed at statutory rate...................................  $  1,383,000  $  304,000  $  421,000
State income taxes net of federal tax benefit..............................       108,000           0      10,000
Amortization of negative goodwill..........................................      (170,000)          0           0
Other......................................................................        32,000     (13,000)     (1,000)
                                                                             ------------  ----------  ----------
      Total provision for income taxes.....................................  $  1,353,000  $  291,000  $  430,000
                                                                             ------------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
9. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS ANNUITY PLAN:
 
    The Bank has an agreement with an insurance company to provide for an
annuity payment upon the retirement or death of the Bank's Directors and certain
officers, ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 per year for ten years. After five
years of service, the Director or officer shall be 50% vested in his accrued
benefit. For each additional year of service over five years, the Director or
officer will be vested an additional 10% per year until he is 100% vested. The
accrued benefits under the plan at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 totaled
$224,000, $146,000 and $90,000, respectively. The expense for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was $72,000, $56,000 and $46,000, respectively.
The Bank has elected to fund the plan through the purchase of certain life
insurance contracts. The cash surrender value of these contracts (owned by the
Bank) aggregated $1,277,000, $1,181,000 and $1,105,000 at December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively, which is included in accrued interest and other
assets.
 
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
 
    The Company is a 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 commitments to
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: (CONTINUED)
extend credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve to
varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the
amount recognized in the financial statements.
 
    Credit risk is defined as the possibility of sustaining a loss due to the
failure of the other parties to a financial instrument to perform in accordance
with the terms of the contract. The maximum exposure to credit loss under
commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the
contractual amount of these instruments. The Company uses the same underwriting
standards and policies in making credit commitments as it does for
on-balance-sheet instruments.
 
    Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent potential credit risk
are commitments to extend credit of approximately $28.5 million and $15.7
million and standby letters of credit of approximately $1,129,000 and $419,000
at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
    Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as
there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments
generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and many
require the payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to
expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily
represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer's
creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained upon
extension of credit is based on management's credit evaluation of the customer.
Collateral held varies but may include real estate, marketable securities,
pledged deposits, equipment and accounts receivable.
 
    Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued that guarantee
the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk and collateral
policy involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that
involved in extending loan commitments. The amount of collateral obtained is
based on management's credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies
but may include real estate, marketable securities, pledged deposits, equipment
and accounts receivable.
 
    The Company has entered into an employment agreement with the subsidiary
bank's CEO, which provides for the payment of base salary and certain benefits
for a period of three years after notice of termination. The aggregate
commitment for future salaries and benefits under this employment agreement at
December 31, 1996 is approximately $675,000. The Company has also entered into
an employment agreement with the President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief
Lending Officer of the subsidiary Bank, which provides for the payment of base
salary and certain benefits through the year 1997. The aggregate commitment for
future salaries and benefits under these employment agreements at December 31,
1996 is approximately $633,000.
 
11. SUBORDINATED DEBT:
 
    In 1994, the Bank issued $3,400,000 of subordinated debentures due in 2001
in a private placement with a broker. Interest on the debt accrued from their
date of issuance and was paid semiannually at the annual rate of 8.15%. During
the fourth quarter of 1996, all of the outstanding subordinated debt was
redeemed at par value.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
12. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 
    In accordance with the Pennsylvania Banking Code, cash dividends by the Bank
may be declared and only paid out of accumulated net earnings, as defined by the
Code. At December 31, 1996, there were no dividends declared or paid.
 
    The Bank is subject to the Federal Reserve Board's risk-based capital
leverage ratio guidelines. These guidelines require all state-chartered member
banks to maintain total capital equal to at least 8% of risk-weighted total
assets, Tier 1 capital (common stock, additional paid-in capital and retained
earnings) equal to 4% of risk-weighted total assets, and a Tier 1 leverage ratio
of 5%. At December 31, 1996, the aforementioned ratios are as follows:
 
    REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS:
 
    The following table presents the Bank's capital ratios at December 31,:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996            1995
                                                             --------------  --------------
<S>                                                          <C>             <C>
Tier I Capital.............................................  $   18,034,000  $    8,600,000
Tier II Capital............................................  $    2,092,000  $    4,080,000
                                                             --------------  --------------
Total Capital..............................................  $   20,126,000  $   12,680,000
 
Total Average Quarterly Assets.............................  $  271,009,000  $  130,699,000
 
Total Risk-Weighted Assets (1).............................  $  178,834,000  $  102,423,000
 
Tier I Risk-Based Capital Ratio (2)........................           10.08%           8.40%
Required Tier I Risk-Based Capital Ratio...................            4.00%           4.00%
                                                             --------------  --------------
Excess Tier I Risk-Based Capital Ratio.....................            6.08%           4.40%
 
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio (3).........................           11.25%          12.38%
Required Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio....................            8.00%           8.00%
                                                             --------------  --------------
Excess Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio......................            3.25%           4.38%
 
Tier I Leverage Ratio (4)..................................            6.65%           6.58%
Required Tier I Leverage Ratio.............................            5.00%           5.00%
                                                             --------------  --------------
Excess Tier I Leverage Ratio...............................            1.65%           1.58%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) INCLUDES OFF-BALANCE SHEET ITEMS AT CREDIT-EQUIVALENT VALUES.
 
(2) TIER I RISK-BASED CAPITAL RATIO IS DEFINED AS THE RATIO OF TIER I CAPITAL TO
    TOTAL RISK-WEIGHTED ASSETS.
 
(3) TOTAL RISK-BASED CAPITAL RATIO IS DEFINED AS THE RATIO OF TIER I AND TIER II
    CAPITAL TO TOTAL RISK-WEIGHTED ASSETS.
 
(4) TIER I LEVERAGE RATIO IS DEFINED AS THE RATIO OF TIER I CAPITAL TO TOTAL
    AVERAGE QUARTERLY ASSETS.
 
13. RETIREMENT PLAN:
 
    The Company maintains a Supplemental Retirement Plan for its Chief Executive
Officer which provides for payments of approximately $100,000 a year, commencing
for a ten-year period upon
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
13. RETIREMENT PLAN: (CONTINUED)
retirement or death. A life insurance contract has been purchased to insure
against all or a portion of the payments which may be required prior to the
anticipated retirement date of the officer.
 
    The Bank has a defined contribution plan pursuant to the provision of 401(k)
of the Internal Revenue Code. The Plan covers all full-time employees who meet
age and service requirements. The plan provides for elective employee
contributions up to 6% of compensation and a 50% matching Company or Bank
contribution limited to 3%. The total expense relating to the plan was $47,000
and $33,000 in 1996 and 1995, respectively. There was no expense in 1994.
 
14. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
 
    The disclosure of the fair value of all financial instruments is required,
whether or not recognized on the balance sheet, for which it is practical to
estimate fair value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair
values are based on assumptions including future cash flows and discount rates.
Accordingly, the fair value estimates cannot be substantiated, may not be
realized, and do not represent the underlying value of the Company.
 
    The Company uses the following methods and assumptions to estimate the fair
value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to
estimate that value:
 
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
 
    The carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
 
    SECURITIES HELD TO MATURITY AND SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE:
 
    For investment securities with a quoted market price, fair value is equal to
quoted market prices. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is
estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.
 
    LOANS:
 
    For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant
change in credit risk, fair value is the carrying value. For other categories of
loans such as commercial and industrial loans, real estate mortgage and consumer
loans, fair value is estimated based on discounting the estimated future cash
flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers
with similar collateral and credit ratings and for similar remaining maturities.
 
    DEPOSIT LIABILITIES:
 
    For checking, savings and money market accounts, fair value is the amount
payable on demand at the reporting date. For time deposits, fair value is
estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining
maturities.
 
    COMMITMENTS TO EXTEND CREDIT AND STANDBY LETTERS OF CREDIT:
 
    For commitments and standby letters of credit, the recorded fee amount is a
reasonable estimate of fair value because the majority of the Bank's commitments
to extend credit and standby letters of credit carry current market rates if
converted to loans.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
14. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: (CONTINUED)
    At December 31, 1996, the carrying amount and the estimated fair value of
the Company's financial instruments are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          DECEMBER 31, 1996              DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                    ------------------------------  ----------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>
                                                       CARRYING          FAIR         CARRYING         FAIR
                                                        AMOUNT          VALUE          AMOUNT          VALUE
                                                    --------------  --------------  -------------  -------------
Financial Assets
  Cash and cash equivalents.......................  $   15,496,000  $   15,496,000  $   3,856,000  $   3,856,000
  Securities available for sale...................       5,900,000       5,900,000      4,348,000      4,348,000
  Securities held to maturity.....................      75,054,000      75,307,000     34,004,000     33,846,000
  Loans receivable, net...........................     170,002,000     170,513,000     85,183,000     86,400,000
Financial Liabilities:
  Deposits:
  Demand, savings, and money market...............  $   70,032,000  $   70,032,000  $  25,597,000  $  25,597,000
  Time............................................     180,027,000     181,167,000     90,827,000     88,982,000
  Subordinated Debt...............................               0               0      3,400,000      3,446,000
</TABLE>
 
   
15. PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
    
 
    The following financial statements for First Republic Bancorp, Inc.
(formally known as Republic Bancorporation) should be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements and the other notes related to the
consolidated financial statements. Republic Bancorporation was formed on August
2, 1995, and therefore, comparative financial statements are not presented for
the year ended December 31, 1994.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
   
15. PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION: (CONTINUED)
    
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 1996       1995
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                            <C>        <C>
ASSETS:
  Cash.......................................................................................  $      84  $       0
  Investment in subsidiary, at equity........................................................     18,287      8,577
  Other Assets...............................................................................          0         45
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
    Total Assets.............................................................................  $  18,371  $   8,622
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  LIABILITIES:
    Total Liabilities........................................................................  $       0  $       0
  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
    Common stock.............................................................................         34         22
    Additional paid in capital...............................................................     13,687      6,647
    Retained earnings........................................................................      4,647      1,934
    Unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net of deferred tax....................          3         19
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
      Total Shareholders' Equity.............................................................     18,371      8,622
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
    Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity...............................................  $  18,371  $   8,622
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
            STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                 FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 1996       1995
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                            <C>        <C>
Income.......................................................................................  $       0  $       0
Expenses.....................................................................................          0          0
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiary.................................................      2,713        603
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
Net income...................................................................................      2,713        603
Shareholders' equity, beginning of year......................................................      8,622      8,000
Change in unrealized gain on securities available for sale...................................        (16)        19
Acquisition of ExecuFirst Bancorp, Inc.......................................................      7,052          0
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
Shareholders' equity, end of year............................................................  $  18,371  $   8,622
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
   
15. PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION: (CONTINUED)
    
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                 FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   1996       1995
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                              <C>        <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income.....................................................................................  $   2,713  $     603
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
  Equity in undistributed income of subsidiary.................................................     (2,713)      (603)
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
  Net cash provided by operating activities....................................................          0          0
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of ExecuFirst Bancorp, Inc.........................................................         84          0
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
  Net cash provided by investing activities....................................................         84          0
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
Increase in cash...............................................................................         84          0
Cash, beginning of period......................................................................          0          0
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
Cash, end of period............................................................................  $      84  $       0
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
   
16.  STOCK OPTIONS:
    
 
    The Company maintains a Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") under which the
Company grants options to its employees and directors. Under the terms of the
plan, 500,000 shares of common stock are reserved for such options. The Plan
provides that the exercise price of each option granted equals the market price
of the Company's stock on the date of grant. Any option granted vests within one
year and has a maximum term of ten years. All options are granted upon approval
of the Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors, consisting of three
disinterested members (as defined under Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended). Stock Options are issued to promote the interests of
the Company by providing incentives to (i) designated officers and other
employees of the Company or a Subsidiary Corporation (as defined herein), (ii)
non-employee members of the Company's Board of Directors and (iii) independent
contractors and consultants who may perform services for the Company. The
Company believes that the Plan causes participants to contribute materially to
the growth of the Company, thereby benefiting the Company's shareholders.
 
    Prior to the merger of Republic Bancorporation and ExecuFirst Bancorp, Inc.,
various grants of stock options were issued pursuant to the then existing plans
of each Corporation.
 
    In addition to the shares reserved under the plan, 102,023 options were
granted outside of the Plan to a director of the Company, as a result of the
merger between Republic Bancorporation and ExecuFirst Bancorp, Inc. These
options have a grant date of June 7, 1996. The options will vest within one year
of the grant date, and will expire on June 7, 2006. Shares outstanding under
option and option price per share have been retroactively restated (a
recapitalization) for the equivalent number of shares received in the
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
   
16.  STOCK OPTIONS: (CONTINUED)
    
merger after giving effect to any differences in par value of the issuer's and
acquirer's stock. Changes in total shares are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      RANGE OF         WEIGHTED
                                                                                      EXERCISE          AVERAGE
DECEMBER 31, 1996:                                                      SHARES         PRICES       EXERCISE PRICE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ----------------  ---------------
<S>                                                                    <C>        <C>               <C>
Outstanding at beginning of year.....................................    375,419   $2.58 to $4.13      $    3.14
Granted during year*.................................................    219,622   $5.30 to $6.41           5.89
Acquisition of Execufirst Bancorp, Inc...............................     79,200   $3.33 to $5.11           4.03
Exercised during year................................................          0                               0
Forfeited during year................................................          0                               0
                                                                       ---------  ----------------         -----
Outstanding at end of year...........................................    674,241   $2.58 to $6.41      $    4.14
Options exercisible at end of year...................................    454,619   $2.58 to $5.11
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
* Includes 102,023 options issued outside the Plan.
 
    At December 31, 1995 and 1994, the Company had outstanding and exercisible
options of 375,419 at exercise prices per share between $2.58 and $4.13 per
share. There were no options granted or exercised during 1995 and 1994.
 
    The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, ("SFAS No. 123"), "Accounting for Stock
Based Compensation", but applies APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees and related Interpretations in accounting for its Plan.
Accordingly, no compensation has been recognized for options granted under the
Plan. If the Company had elected to recognize compensation based on the fair
value at the grant dates for awards under its Plan, consistent with the method
prescribed by SFAS No. 123, net income and earnings per share would have been
changed to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                             1996
                                                                  --------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>           <C>
                                                                  AS REPORTED    PRO FORMA
                                                                  ------------  ------------
Net income......................................................  $  2,713,000  $  2,089,000
Primary earnings per share......................................         $0.92         $0.71
Fully diluted earnings per share................................         $0.88         $0.67
</TABLE>
 
Note: The pro forma disclosure shown above is not representative of the effects
      on net income and earnings per share in future years because it includes
      an incremental fair value of outstanding options that had been granted
      under the previous existing plans of Republic Bancorporation and
      ExecuFirst Bancorp, Inc. Excluding the impact of these options which have
      been converted into the surviving plan under First Republic Bancorp, Inc.,
      pro forma net income, primary earnings per share and fully diluted
      earnings per share disclosures would have been $2,543,000 and $0.86 and
      $0.82, respectively.
 
    The fair value of each option granted (including the converted options under
the Republic Bancorporation and ExecuFirst Bancorp, Inc. plans) is estimated on
the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the
following weighted average assumptions used for grant in 1996; dividend yield of
0%, expected volatility of 35%, risk-free interest rate of 6.6% and an expected
life of 6.3 years.
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>
                  REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
   
16.  STOCK OPTIONS: (CONTINUED)
    
There were no options granted in 1995 under the previous existing plans of
Republic Bancorporation and ExecuFirst Bancorp, Inc.
 
   
17. SUBSEQUENT EVENT:
    
 
    The Company declared a six for five stock split effected in the form of a
dividend on March 4, 1997 for all shareholders of record of the Company on that
date. Average common shares and common share equivalents, and all other share
presentations have been retroactively restated as if the dividend was declared
at the earliest period presented herein.
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
    NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE
ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED ON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE COMPANY OR THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER
TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, THE COMMON STOCK IN ANY
JURISDICTION WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER
OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS
NOT BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE AFFAIRS
OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF. UNTIL JANUARY   , 1998 ALL DEALERS
EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES, WHETHER OR NOT
PARTICIPATING IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS.
THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN
ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR
SUBSCRIPTIONS.
    
 
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>
Available Information.................          2
Prospectus Summary....................          5
Risk Factors..........................         10
Use of Proceeds.......................         12
Market for Common Stock and Related
  Shareholder Matters.................         12
Capitalization........................         14
Management's Discussion and Analysis
  of Financial Condition and Results
  of
  Operations..........................         15
Business..............................         29
Management............................         44
Security Ownership of Certain
  Beneficial Owners and Management....         47
Executive Compensation................         49
Certain Relationships and Related
  Transactions........................         51
Description of Common Stock...........         51
Underwriting..........................         53
Indemnification.......................         54
Legal Matters.........................         55
Experts...............................         55
Index to Consolidated Financial
  Statements..........................        F-1
</TABLE>
    
 
   
                                1,000,000 SHARES
    
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
                             ---------------------
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
 
                             ---------------------
 
   
                               NOVEMBER   , 1997
    
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                PART II--INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 25. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee.......................  $   4,661
NASD fees.................................................................     20,000*
Attorneys' fees and expenses..............................................     80,000
Printing..................................................................     50,000*
Accountants' fees and expenses............................................    105,000*
Blue Sky fees and expenses................................................     10,000
Unaccountable Expense Reimbursement to Underwriters.......................    100,000*
Miscellaneous.............................................................     10,339*
                                                                            ---------
      Total...............................................................  $ 380,000
                                                                            ---------
                                                                            ---------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
*   Estimated
 
ITEM 24. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
    Pennsylvania law provides that a Pennsylvania corporation may indemnify
directors, officers, employees and agents of the corporation against liabilities
they may incur in such capacities for any action taken or any failure to act,
whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify the person
under any provision of law, unless such action or failure to act is determined
by a court to have constituted recklessness or willful misconduct. Pennsylvania
law also permits the adoption of a bylaw amendment, approved by shareholders,
providing for the elimination of a director's liability for monetary damages for
any action taken or any failure to take any action unless (1) the director has
breached or failed to perform the duties of his office and (2) the breach or
failure to perform constitutes self-dealing, willful misconduct or recklessness.
 
    The Bylaws of the Company and the Bank provide for (1) indemnification of
directors, officers, employees and agents of the registrant and (2) the
elimination of a director's liability for monetary damages, to the fullest
extent permitted by Pennsylvania law.
 
    Directors and officers are also insured against certain liabilities for
their actions, as such, by an insurance policy obtained by the Company and the
Bank.
 
ITEM 26. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
 
    Not applicable.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
ITEM 27. EXHIBITS.
 
    The following exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated by reference
herein as part of the Registration Statement:
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>        <S>
      1.1  Underwriting Agreement.
 
      3.1  Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant.+
 
      3.2  Amendment of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant.+
 
      3.3  Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant, incorporated herein by reference to
           Exhibit 3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement No. 333-00673 on Form S-4.
 
      4.1  Specimen Common Stock Certificate, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 of
           the Form S-1.
 
      5.1  Opinion of Spector Gadon & Rosen, P.C. re: Legality of Common Stock.+
 
     10.1  Employment Agreement Of Rolf A. Stensrud dated June 7, 1996 incorporated herein by
           reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registration Statement No. 333-00673 on Form S-4.*
 
     10.2  Employment Agreement Of George S. Rapp dated September 30, 1997.*
 
     10.3  Employment Agreement Of Kevin Gallagher dated September 30, 1997.*
 
     10.4  Employment Agreement Of Jerome McTiernan dated September 30, 1997.*
 
     10.5  Agreement between the Registrant and Harry D. Madonna, incorporated herein by
           reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registration Statement No. 333-00673 on Form S-4.*
 
     10.6  Amended and Restated Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of the Registrant,
           incorporated herein by reference to Annex F to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus
           included as part of the Registration Statement No. 333-00673 on Form S-4.*
 
     10.7  Agreement between the Registrant and Jackson Hewitt, Inc. dated September 29, 1997.
 
     21.1  List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
           21.1 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended
           December 31, 1996.
 
     23.1  Consent of Spector Gadon & Rosen, P.C. (included in Exhibit 5.1).+
 
     23.2  Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P, independent auditors with regard to the
           Registrant's Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 1996.
 
     23.3  Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent accountants with regard to the
           Registrant's Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
     24.1  Power of Attorney (included on signature page).+
 
     27.1  Financial Data Schedule+
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
*   Denotes compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
   
+   Previously filed.
    
 
ITEM 28. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 (the "Securities Act") may be permitted to directors, officers and
controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and is, therefore,
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
 
    The registrant hereby undertakes:
 
        (a) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
    the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
    registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
    prospectus filed by the registrant under Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
    under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration
    statement as of the time the Commission declared it effective.
 
        (b) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
    each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be
    deemed to be a new registration statement for the securities offered in the
    registration statement, and the offering of such securities at that time
    shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering of those securities.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
    In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements of filing on Form SB-2 and authorized this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in the City of
Philadelphia, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on October 14, 1997.
 
                          REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC.
 
(REGISTRANT)
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>        <C>
Date: November   , 1997  By:        /S/ ROLF A. STENSRUD
                                    President and
                                    Chief Executive Officer
</TABLE>
    
 
                            ------------------------
 
    In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement was signed by the following persons in the capacities and
on the dates stated.
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>        <C>
Date: November   , 1997  By:        /S/ ROLF A. STENSRUD
                                    President and
                                    Chief Executive Officer
 
Date: November   , 1997  By:        /S/ GEORGE S. RAPP
                                    Executive Vice President and
                                    Chief Financial and Administrative Officer
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                        <C>        <C>
                                                      /s/ HARRY D. MADONNA*
Date: November  , 1997                     By:        -------------------------------------------
                                                      Chairman of the Board and Director
 
                                                      /s/ KENNETH ADELBERG*
Date: November  , 1997                     By:        -------------------------------------------
                                                      Director
 
                                                      /s/ WILLIAM BATOFF*
Date: November  , 1997                     By:        -------------------------------------------
                                                      Director
 
                                                      /s/ DANIEL S. BERMAN*
Date: November  , 1997                     By:        -------------------------------------------
                                                      Director
 
                                                      /s/ MICHAEL J. BRADLEY*
Date: November  , 1997                     By:        -------------------------------------------
                                                      Director
 
                                                      /s/ JOHN F. D'APRIX*
Date: November  , 1997                     By:        -------------------------------------------
                                                      Director
 
                                                      /s/ SHELDON GOLDBERG*
Date: November  , 1997                     By:        -------------------------------------------
                                                      Director
 
                                                      /s/ GERALD LEVINSON*
Date: November  , 1997                     By:        -------------------------------------------
                                                      Director
 
                                                      /s/ EUSTACE MITA*
Date: November  , 1997                     By:        -------------------------------------------
                                                      Director
 
                                                      /s/ NEAL I. RODIN*
Date: November  , 1997                     By:        -------------------------------------------
                                                      Director
 
                                                      /s/ JAMES E. SCHLEIF*
Date: November  , 1997                     By:        -------------------------------------------
                                                      Director
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                        <C>        <C>
                                                      /s/ ZEEV SHENKMAN*
Date: November  , 1997                     By:        -------------------------------------------
                                                      Director
 
                                                      /s/ STEVEN J. SHOTZ*
Date: November  , 1997                     By:        -------------------------------------------
                                                      Director
 
                                                      /s/ ROLF A. STENSRUD
Date: November  , 1997                     By:        -------------------------------------------
                                                      Director
 
                                                      /s/ HARRIS WILDSTEIN*
Date: November  , 1997                     By:        -------------------------------------------
                                                      Director
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
   
*   Signed by power of attorney, previously filed.
    
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                                                      EXHIBIT
- -----------  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>          <S>
 
       1.1   Underwriting Agreement.
 
       3.1   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant.+
 
       3.2   Amendment of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant.+
 
       3.3   Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 to the
             Registrant's Registration Statement No.333-00673 on Form S-4.
 
       4.1   Specimen Common Stock Certificate incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 of the Form S-1.
 
       5.1   Opinion of Spector Gadon & Rosen, P.C. re: Legality of Common Stock.+
 
      10.1   Employment Agreement Of Rolf A. Stensrud dated June 7, 1996 incorporated herein by Reference to Exhibit
             10.6 to the Registration Statement No. 333-00673 on Form S-4.*
 
      10.2   Employment Agreement Of George S. Rapp dated September 30, 1997.*
 
      10.3   Employment Agreement Of Kevin Gallagher dated September 30, 1997.*
 
      10.4   Employment Agreement Of Jerome McTiernan dated September 30, 1997.*
 
      10.5   Agreement between the Registrant and Harry D. Madonna, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5
             to the Registration Statement No. 333-00673 on Form S-4.*
 
      10.6   Amended and Restated Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of the Registrant, incorporated herein by
             reference to Annex F to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus included as part of the Registration Statement No.
             333-00673 on Form S-4.*
 
      10.7   Agreement between the Registrant and Jackson Hewitt, Inc. dated September 29, 1997.
 
      21.1   List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21.1 of the
             Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.
 
      23.1   Consent of Spector Gadon & Rosen, P.C. (included in Exhibit 5.1).+
 
      23.2   Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P, independent auditors with regard to the Registrant's Financial
             Statements for the year ended December 31, 1996.
 
      23.3   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent accountants with regard to the Registrant's Financial
             Statements for the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
      24.1   Power of Attorney (included on signature page).+
 
      27.1   Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
*   Denotes compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
   
+   Previously filed.
    

<PAGE>



Exhibit 1.  Underwriting Agreement 
                                       
                                1,000,000 Shares 
 
                          REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC.  
  
                                  Common Stock 
 
                                 $0.01 Par Value 
 
                         ------------------------------ 
 
 
                             UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT 
 
                         ------------------------------ 
 
 
                           Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 
                                 October  , 1997 
 
 
JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT INC.  
1801 Market Street 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  19103 
 
Ladies and Gentlemen: 
 
     REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC., a Pennsylvania corporation ("Republic"), 
proposes to sell to the Janney Montgomery Scott Inc. (the "Underwriter"), 
1,000,000 shares of Republic's Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the 
"Common Stock").  The 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock to be sold to the 
Underwriter by Republic are referred to herein as the "Firm Shares."  The 

                                    -1-
<PAGE>


Firm Shares shall be offered to the public at a public offering price of 
$_____ per Firm Share (the "Offering Price").
 
     In order to cover over-allotments in the sale of the Firm Shares, the 
Underwriter may purchase for the Underwriter's own accounts up to 150,000 
additional shares of Common Stock from Republic.  Such 150,000 additional 
shares of Common Stock are referred to herein as the "Optional Shares."  If 
any Optional Shares are purchased, the Optional Shares shall be purchased for 
offering to the public at the Offering Price and in accordance with the terms 
and conditions set forth herein.  The Firm Shares and the Optional Shares are 
referred to collectively herein as the "Shares." 
 
      1.  Representations and Warranties of Republic.  Republic represents 
and warrants to, and agrees with, the several Underwriters that: 
 
          (a)  Republic has prepared, in conformity with the requirements of 
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), and the rules and 
regulations (the "Regulations") of the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(the "SEC") under the Act in effect at all applicable times, and has filed 
with the SEC a registration statement on Form SB-2 (File No. 333-37951) and 
one or more amendments thereto for the purpose of registering the Shares under 
the Act.  Copies of such registration statement and any amendments thereto, 
and all forms of the related prospectus contained therein, have been 
delivered to the Underwriter.  Any preliminary prospectus included in such 
registration statement or filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(a) of the 
Regulations is hereinafter called a "Preliminary Prospectus." The various 
parts of such registration statement, including all exhibits thereto and the 
information contained in the form of final prospectus filed with the SEC 
pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Regulations in accordance with Section 5(a) of 
this Agreement and deemed by virtue of Rule 424 of the Regulations to be part 
of the registration statement at the time it was declared effective, each as 
amended at the time the registration statement became effective, including 
the information (if any) deemed to be part of the registration statement at 
the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A of the Regulations, are 
hereinafter collectively called the "Registration Statement."  The final 
prospectus in the form included in the Registration Statement or 

                                    -2-
<PAGE>


first filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Regulations and any 
amendments or supplements thereto, including the information (if any) deemed 
to be part of that prospectus at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 
430A of the Regulations, is hereinafter called the "Prospectus."  All 
references to the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the 
Prospectus include all documents incorporated therein by reference.  If 
Republic has filed an abbreviated registration statement to register 
additional Common Stock pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Act (the "Rule 462 
Registration Statement"), then any reference herein to the term "Registration 
Statement" shall be deemed to include such Rule 462 Registration Statement.
 
          (b)  The Registration Statement has become effective under the Act, 
and the SEC has not issued any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the 
Registration Statement or preventing or suspending the use of the Preliminary 
Prospectus, nor has the SEC instituted or threatened to institute proceedings 
with respect to such an order.  No stop order suspending the sale of the 
Shares in any jurisdiction designated by the Underwriter as provided for 
in Section 5(f) hereof has been issued, and no proceedings for that purpose 
have been instituted or threatened.   Republic has complied in all material 
respects with all requests of the SEC, or requests of which Republic has been 
advised of any state or foreign securities commission in a state or foreign 
jurisdiction designated by the Underwriter as provided for in Section 5(f) 
hereof, for additional information to be included in the Registration 
Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus.   Each Preliminary 
Prospectus conformed to all the requirements of the Act and the Regulations 
as of its date in all material respects and did not, as of its date, contain 
any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact 
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in 
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except 
the foregoing shall not apply to statements in or omissions from any 
Preliminary Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with information 
supplied to Republic in writing by or on behalf of the Underwriter through 
the Underwriter expressly for use therein.   The Registration Statement, 
on the date on which it was declared effective by the SEC (the "Effective 
Date") and when any post-effective amendment thereof shall become effective, 
and 

                                    -3-
<PAGE>


the Prospectus, at the time it is filed with the SEC including, if 
applicable, pursuant to Rule 424(b), and on the Closing Date (as defined in 
Section 3 hereof) and any Option Closing Date (as defined in Section 4(b) 
hereof), conformed and will conform in all material respects to all the 
requirements of the Act and the Regulations, and did not and will not, on any 
of such dates, include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to 
state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make 
the statements therein not misleading, except that this representation and 
warranty does not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration 
Statement or the Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with 
information furnished to Republic in writing by the Underwriter expressly for 
use therein.
 
           (c)  Republic is a corporation duly organized, validly existing 
and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with 
all necessary corporate power and authority, and all required licenses, 
permits, certifications, registrations, approvals, consents and franchises to 
own or lease and operate its properties and to conduct its current business 
as described in the Prospectus, and to execute, deliver and perform this 
Agreement.   Republic is duly registered with the Board of Governors of the 
Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve Board") as a bank holding 
company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHCA").  
 
           (d)  Republic's only direct or indirect subsidiaries are First 
Republic Bank (the "Bank") and Republic Services, Inc. ("RSI") and Republic 
does not own or control, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of any class of 
equity security of any corporation, association or other entity other than 
the Bank and RSI (collectively the "Subsidiaries").  The Bank is a 
Pennsylvania-chartered commercial bank and RSI is a Delaware corporation and 
each of the Bank and RSI are duly organized, validly existing and in good 
standing under the laws of the State  where each is incorporated, with all 
necessary corporate power and authority, and all required licenses, permits, 
certifications, registrations, approvals, consents and franchises to own or 
lease and operate their respective properties and to conduct their respective 
businesses as described in the Prospectus.  The deposit accounts of the Bank 
are insured by the Bank Insurance Fund administered by the Federal Deposit 
Insurance 

                                    -4-
<PAGE>


Corporation (the "FDIC") up to the maximum amount provided by law; and no 
proceedings for the modification, termination or revocation of any such 
insurance are pending or, to the knowledge of Republic, threatened.  Republic 
and each of its Subsidiaries are duly qualified to do business as foreign 
corporations, and are in good standing, in all jurisdictions in which such 
qualification is required, except where the failure to so qualify would not 
have a material adverse effect on the general affairs, properties, condition 
(financial or otherwise), results of operations, stockholders' equity, 
business or prospects (collectively, the "Business Conditions") of Republic 
and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole.  
 
          (e)  The outstanding shares of capital stock of each of the 
Subsidiaries has been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and 
non-assessable and are owned, directly or indirectly, by Republic free and 
clear of all liens, encumbrances and security interests; and no options, 
warrants or other rights to purchase, agreements or other obligations to 
issue, or other rights to convert any obligations into, shares of capital 
stock or ownership interests in either of the Subsidiaries or securities 
convertible into or exchangeable for capital stock of, or other ownership 
interests in, either of the Subsidiaries are outstanding.  
 
          (f)  This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and 
delivered by Republic and constitutes its legal, valid and binding 
obligation, enforceable against Republic in accordance with its terms, except 
as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws 
affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and subject to 
applicability of general principles of equity and except, as to this 
Agreement, as rights to indemnity and contribution may be limited by federal 
and state securities laws or principles of public policy.  
 
          (g)  The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and 
the transactions contemplated herein, do not and will not, with or without 
the giving of notice or the lapse of time, or both, (i) conflict with any 
term or provision of Republic's or either of the Subsidiaries' Articles of 
Incorporation or Bylaws; (ii) result in a breach of, constitute a default 
under, result in the termination or modification of, 

                                    -5-
<PAGE>


result in the creation or imposition of any lien, security interest, charge 
or encumbrance upon any of the properties of Republic or either of the 
Subsidiaries or require any payment by Republic or either of the Subsidiaries 
or impose any liability on Republic or either of the Subsidiaries pursuant 
to, any contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, commitment or other 
agreement or instrument to which Republic or either of the Subsidiaries is a 
party or by which any of their respective properties are bound or affected 
other than this Agreement; (iii) assuming compliance with all applicable 
state securities ("Blue Sky") laws and the rules of the National Association 
of Securities Dealers, Inc.  ("NASD") applicable to the offer and sale of the 
Shares, violate any law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree of any 
government or governmental agency, instrumentality or court, domestic or 
foreign, having jurisdiction over Republic or either of the Subsidiaries or 
any of their respective properties or businesses; or (iv) result in a breach, 
termination or lapse of Republic's or either of the Subsidiaries' corporate 
power and authority to own or lease and operate their respective properties 
and conduct their respective businesses.  
 
           (h)  At the date or dates indicated in the Prospectus, Republic 
had the duly authorized and outstanding capitalization set forth in the 
Prospectus under the caption "Capitalization" and will have, as of the 
issuance of the Firm Shares on the Closing Date, the as adjusted 
capitalization set forth therein as of the date indicated in the Prospectus.  
On the Effective Date, the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date, there 
will be no options or warrants or other outstanding rights to purchase, 
agreements or obligations to issue or agreements or other rights to convert 
or exchange any obligation or security into, capital stock of Republic or 
securities convertible into or exchangeable for capital stock of Republic, 
except as described in the Prospectus or the grant of options after the date 
of the Prospectus under option plans of the Company described in the 
Prospectus. The information in the Prospectus insofar as it relates to all 
outstanding options and other rights to acquire securities of Republic as of 
the Effective Date and immediately prior to the Closing Date and any Option 
Closing Date is true and correct in all material respects.             

         (i)  The currently outstanding shares of Republic's capital stock 
have been duly authorized and are validly issued, 

                                    -6-
<PAGE>


fully paid and non-assessable, and none of such outstanding shares of 
Republic's capital stock has been issued in violation of any preemptive 
rights of any security holder of Republic. The holders of the outstanding 
shares of Republic's capital stock are not subject to personal liability 
solely by reason of being such holders. All prior offers and sales of 
Republic's capital stock were at all relevant times registered under the Act 
or exempt from the registration requirements of the Act and were duly 
registered with or the subject of an available exemption from the 
registration requirements of the applicable state securities or Blue Sky 
laws, except for such offers and sales which are described in the 
Registration Statement. The failure to duly register or satisfy an 
applicable exemption from registration pursuant to the Act and/or applicable 
state securities or Blue Sky laws with respect to any prior offers and sales 
of Republic's capital stock which are described in the Registration 
Statement, will not, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material 
adverse effect on the Business Conditions of Republic and the Subsidiaries 
taken as a whole.  The authorized capital stock of Republic including, 
without limitation, the outstanding Common Stock, the Shares being issued, 
and the outstanding options to purchase shares of Common Stock, conform in 
all material respects with the descriptions thereof in the Prospectus, and 
such descriptions conform in all material respects with the instruments 
defining the same.   
 
          (j)  When the Shares have been duly delivered against payment 
therefor as contemplated by this Agreement, the Shares will be validly 
issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and the holders thereof will not be 
subject to personal liability solely by reason of being such holders.  The 
certificates representing the Shares are in proper legal form under, and 
conform in all respects to the requirements of, the Pennsylvania Business 
Corporation Law, as amended (the "PBCL").  Neither the filing of the 
Registration Statement nor the offering or sale of the Shares as contemplated 
by this Agreement gives any security holder of Republic any rights for or 
relating to the registration of any Common Stock or any other capital stock 
of Republic or any rights to covert or have redeemed or otherwise receive 
anything of value with respect to any other security of Republic.  
 
          (k)  No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration, 
license or permit of, or filing or registration 

                                    -7-
<PAGE>


with, any court, government, governmental agency, instrumentality or other 
regulatory body or official is required for the valid and legal execution, 
delivery and performance by Republic of this Agreement and the consummation 
of the transactions contemplated hereby or described in the Prospectus, 
except such as may be required for the registration of the Shares under the 
Act, the Regulations and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 
"Exchange Act"), and for compliance with the applicable state securities or 
Blue Sky laws or the Bylaws, rules and other pronouncements of the NASD.  
 
          (l)  The Common Stock (including the Shares) have been registered 
pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act.  The issued and outstanding 
shares of Common Stock (including the Shares) are included for quotation on 
the NASDAQ National Market.  Neither Republic nor, to Republic's knowledge, 
any other person has taken any action designed to cause, or likely to result 
in, the termination of the registration of the Common Stock under the Exchange 
Act.  Republic has not received any notification that the SEC or the NASD is 
contemplating terminating such registration or inclusion.  
 
           (m)  The statements in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, 
insofar as they are descriptions of or references to contracts, agreements or 
other documents, are accurate in all material respects and present or 
summarize fairly, in all material respects, the information required to be 
disclosed under the Act or the Regulations, and there are no contracts, 
agreements or other documents, instruments or transactions of any character 
required to be described or referred to in the Registration Statement or 
Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that have 
not been so described, referred to or filed, as required.  
 
           (n)  Each contract or other instrument (however characterized or 
described) to which Republic or either of its Subsidiaries is a party or by 
which any of their respective properties or businesses is bound or affected 
and which is material to the conduct of Republic's or either of its 
Subsidiaries', business has been duly and validly executed by Republic or 
either of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, and, to the knowledge of Republic, 
by the other parties thereto.  Each such contract or other instrument is in 
full force and effect and 

                                    -8-
<PAGE>


is enforceable in all material respects against the parties thereto in 
accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by 
bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of 
creditors' rights generally and subject to applicability of general 
principles of equity, and neither Republic nor either of its Subsidiaries is, 
and to the knowledge of Republic, no other party is, in default thereunder, 
and no event has occurred that, with the lapse of time or the giving of 
notice, or both, would constitute a default under any such contract or other 
instrument. All necessary consents under such contracts or other instruments 
to the disclosure in the Prospectus with respect thereto have been obtained.  
 
           (o)  The consolidated financial statements of Republic (including 
the notes thereto) filed as part of any Preliminary Prospectus, the 
Prospectus and the Registration Statement present fairly, in all material 
respects, the financial position of Republic as of the respective dates 
thereof, and the results of operations and cash flows of Republic for the 
periods indicated therein, all in conformity with generally accepted 
accounting principles.  The supporting notes included in the Registration 
Statement fairly state in all material respects the information required to 
be stated therein in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole.  
The financial information included in the Prospectus under the caption 
"Prospectus Summary - Summary Selected Consolidated Financial Data" pursuant 
to applicable accounting and securities law standards, presents fairly the 
information shown therein and has been compiled on a basis consistent with 
that of the audited consolidated financial statements included in the 
Registration Statement.  The unaudited pro forma adjustments to financial 
information included in the Registration Statement have been properly 
applied, pursuant to applicable accounting and securities law standards, to 
the historical amounts in the compilation of that information to reflect the 
sale by Republic of 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock offered thereby at an 
assumed offering or actual price set forth in the Preliminary Prospectus or 
the Prospectus, as the case may be, and the application of the estimated net 
proceeds therefrom.  
 
         (p)  Since the respective dates as of which information is given in 
the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, except as otherwise stated 
therein, there has not been (i) any material adverse change (including, 
whether or not insured against, any 

                                    -9-
<PAGE>


material loss or damage to any material assets), or development involving a 
prospective material adverse change, in the Business Conditions of Republic 
and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole; (ii) any material adverse change, 
loss, reduction, termination or non-renewal of any material contract to which 
Republic or either of its Subsidiaries is a party; (iii) any transaction 
entered into by Republic or either of its Subsidiaries not in the ordinary 
course of its business that is material to Republic; (iv) any dividend or 
distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by Republic on its capital 
stock, except for and to the extent described in the Prospectus; (v) any 
liabilities or obligations, direct or indirect, incurred by Republic or 
either of its Subsidiaries that are material to Republic or either of its 
Subsidiaries; (vi) any change in the capitalization of Republic or either of 
its Subsidiaries; or (vii) any change in the indebtedness of Republic or 
either of its Subsidiaries that is material to Republic or either of its 
Subsidiaries.  Neither Republic nor either of its Subsidiaries has any 
contingent liabilities or obligations that are material and that are not 
expressly disclosed in the Prospectus.  
 
         (q)  Republic has not distributed, and will not distribute, any 
offering material in connection with the offering and sale of the Shares 
other than the Registration Statement, a Preliminary Prospectus, the 
Prospectus and other material, if any, permitted by the Act and the 
Regulations.  Neither Republic nor any of its officers, directors or 
affiliates has taken, nor shall Republic or such persons take, any action 
designed to, or that might be reasonably expected to, cause or result in 
stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Common Stock.  
 
          (r)  Republic and the Subsidiaries have filed with the appropriate 
federal, state and local governmental agencies, and all foreign countries and 
political subdivisions thereof, all tax returns that are required to be filed 
or have duly obtained extensions of time for the filing thereof and have paid 
all taxes shown on such returns or otherwise due and all material assessments 
received by them to the extent that the same have become due.  Neither 
Republic nor either of its Subsidiaries has executed or filed with any taxing 
authority, foreign or domestic, any agreement extending the period for 
assessment or collection of any income or other tax and none of them is a 
party to any pending action or proceeding by any foreign or domestic 

                                    -10-
<PAGE>


governmental agency for the assessment or collection of taxes, and no claims 
for assessment or collection of taxes have been asserted against Republic or 
either of its Subsidiaries that might materially adversely affect the 
Business Conditions of Republic and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole.   
 
          (s)  Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P. and Deloitte & Touche LLP, who have 
certified the consolidated financial statements of Republic included as part 
of the Registration Statement, are independent certified public accountants 
with respect to Republic as required by the Act and the Regulations.  
 
          (t)  Neither Republic nor either of its Subsidiaries is in 
violation of, or in default under, any of the terms or provisions of (i) its 
Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or similar governing instruments, (ii) 
any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, contract, commitment or other 
agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its 
assets or properties is bound or affected, (iii) any law, rule, regulation, 
judgment, order or decree of any government or governmental agency, 
instrumentality or court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over it or 
any of its properties or business, or (iv) any license, permit, 
certification, registration, approval, consent or franchise, except with 
respect to clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) above, where any such default would not 
have a material adverse effect on the Business Conditions of Republic and the 
Subsidiaries taken as a whole.  
 
          (u)  Except as expressly disclosed in the Prospectus, there are no 
claims, actions, suits, protests, proceedings, arbitrations, investigations 
or inquiries pending before, or, to Republic's knowledge, threatened or 
contemplated by, any governmental agency, instrumentality, court or tribunal, 
domestic or foreign, or before any private arbitration tribunal to which 
Republic or either of its Subsidiaries is or may be made a party that could 
reasonably be expected to affect the validity of any of the outstanding 
shares of Common Stock, or that, if determined adversely to Republic or 
either of its Subsidiaries would, in any case or in the aggregate, result in 
any material adverse change in the Business Conditions of Republic and the 
Subsidiaries taken as a whole, nor to Republic's knowledge is there any 
reasonable basis for any such claim, action, suit, protest, proceeding, 
arbitration, investigation or inquiry.  There are no outstanding orders, 
judgments or decrees of any court, governmental agency, instrumentality or 
other tribunal enjoining Republic or either of its Subsidiaries from, or 
requiring Republic or either of its Subsidiaries to take or refrain from 
taking, any action, or to which Republic or either of its Subsidiaries or 
their respective properties, assets or businesses are bound or subject.  
 
          (v)  Each of Republic and the Subsidiaries owns, or possesses 
adequate rights to use, all trademarks, trademark registrations, applications 
for trademark registration, trade names, service marks, licenses, copyrights, 
and other proprietary information necessary for, used in, or proposed to be 
used in, the conduct of the business of Republic as described in the 
Prospectus (collectively, the "Intellectual Property").  To Republic's 
knowledge, Republic has not infringed, is not infringing and Republic has not 
received any notice of conflict with, the asserted rights of others with 
respect to the Intellectual Property that, individually or in the aggregate, 
if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, could 
materially adversely affect the Business Conditions of Republic and the 
Subsidiaries taken as a whole, and Republic knows of no reasonable basis 
therefor.  To the knowledge of Republic, no other parties have infringed upon 
or are in conflict with any Intellectual Property. 

          (w)  Each of Republic and the Subsidiaries has good and marketable 
title to all property described in the Prospectus as being owned by it, free 
and clear of all liens, security interests, charges or encumbrances and the 
like, except such as are expressly described or referred to in the Prospectus 
or such as do not materially affect the Business Conditions or the conduct of 
the business of Republic and the Subsidiaries as described in the Prospectus. 
Each of Republic and the Subsidiaries has insured its property against loss 
or damage by fire or other casualty, in amounts reasonably believed by 
Republic to be adequate, and maintains insurance against such other risks as 
management of Republic deems appropriate.  All real and personal property 
leased by Republic and the Subsidiaries as described or referred to in the 
Prospectus, is held by Republic and the Subsidiaries, as applicable, under 
valid leases.  All real property owned by Republic and the Subsidiaries 
(including offices and real estate acquired through foreclosure or 
deed-in-lien thereof) and all real property securing any loans 

                                    -11-
<PAGE>


originated and/or purchased by Republic and the Subsidiaries (collectively, 
the "Real Property") are, to the knowledge of Republic, in compliance with 
all federal, state and local statutes, ordinances, regulations, rules, 
standards and requirements of common law concerning or relating to industrial 
hygiene and the protection of health and the environment (collectively, "the 
Environmental Laws"), except to the extent that any failure in such 
compliance would not materially adversely affect the Business Conditions of 
Republic and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole.  To the knowledge of 
Republic, there are no conditions on, about, beneath or arising from the Real 
Property, in close proximity to the Real Property or at any other location 
that might give rise to liability, the imposition of a statutory lien or 
require a "Response," "Removal" or "Remedial Action," as defined herein, 
under any of the Environmental Laws, and that would materially adversely 
affect the Business Conditions of Republic and the Subsidiaries taken as a 
whole except as described in the Prospectus.  Except as expressly disclosed 
in the Prospectus, or which will not materially adversely affect the Business 
Conditions of Republic and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (i) neither 
Republic nor either of its Subsidiaries has received notice or has knowledge 
of any claim, demand, investigation, regulatory action, suit or other action 
instituted or threatened against Republic or either of its Subsidiaries or 
any portion of the Real Property or any parcel in close proximity to the Real 
Property relating to any of the Environmental Laws and (ii) neither Republic 
nor either of its Subsidiaries has received any notice of material violation, 
citation, complaint, order, directive, request for information or response 
thereto, notice letter, demand letter or compliance schedule to or from any 
governmental or regulatory agency arising out of or in connection with 
"hazardous substances" (as defined by applicable Environmental Laws) on, 
about, beneath, arising from or generated at the Real Property, near the Real 
Property or at any other location.  As used in this subsection, the terms 
"Response, " Removal" and "Remedial Action" shall have the respective 
meanings assigned to such terms under Sections 101(23) - 101(25) of the 
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as 
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, 42 U.S.C9601(23) 
- -9601(25).

          (x)  Each of Republic and the Subsidiaries maintains a system of 
internal accounting controls sufficient to provide 

                                    -13-
<PAGE>


reasonable assurances that:  (i) transactions are executed in accordance with 
management's general or specific authorization; (ii) transactions are 
recorded as necessary in order to permit preparation of financial statements 
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain 
accountability for assets; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in 
accordance with management's general or specific authorization; and (iv) the 
recorded accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at 
reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any 
differences.  
 
           (y)  Except for the plans that are expressly disclosed in the 
Prospectus or are not required to be disclosed therein, neither Republic nor 
either of its Subsidiaries has any employee benefit plan, profit sharing 
plan, employee pension benefit plan or employee welfare benefit plan or 
deferred compensation arrangements ("Plans") that are subject to the 
provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as 
amended, or the rules and regulations thereunder ("ERISA").  All Plans that 
are subject to ERISA are in compliance with ERISA, in all material respects, 
and, to the extent required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended 
(the "Code"), in compliance with the Code in all material respects.  Neither 
Republic nor either of its Subsidiaries has any employee pension benefit plan 
that is subject to Part 3 of Subtitle B of Title I or ERISA or any defined 
benefit plan or multi-employer plan.  Neither Republic nor either of its 
Subsidiaries has maintained retiree life or retiree health insurance plans 
that are employee welfare benefit plans providing for continuing benefit or 
coverage for any employee or any beneficiary of any employee after such 
employee's termination of employment, except as required by Section 4980B of 
the Code and except as disclosed in the Prospectus.  No fiduciary or other 
party in interest with respect to any of the Plans has caused any of such 
Plans to engage in a prohibited transaction as defined in Section 406 of 
ERISA.  As used in this subsection, the terms "defined benefit plan," 
"employee benefit plan," "employee pension benefit plan," "employee welfare 
benefit plan," "fiduciary" and "multiemployer plan" shall have the respective 
meanings assigned to such terms in Section 3 of ERISA

           (z)  No labor dispute exists with Republic's or the Subsidiaries' 
employees, and to Republic's knowledge, no such labor dispute is threatened.  
Republic has no knowledge of any 

                                    -14-
<PAGE>


existing or threatened labor disturbance by the employees of any of the 
principal suppliers, contractors or customers of Republic or the Subsidiaries 
that would materially adversely affect the Business Conditions of Republic 
and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole.  None of Republic's or the 
Subsidiaries' employees is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and 
no union organizing activity exists with respect to any of such employees. 

              (aa) Neither Republic nor either of its Subsidiaries has 
incurred any liability for any finder's fees or similar payments in 
connection with the transactions contemplated herein other than as disclosed 
in the Prospectus.                           
             
              (bb) Republic is familiar with the Investment Company Act of 
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and the rules and regulations thereunder, 
and has in the past conducted, and Republic intends to conduct, its affairs 
in such a manner as to ensure that it will not be an "investment company" 
within the meaning of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.  
            

              (cc) No statement, representation, warranty or covenant made by 
Republic or either of its Subsidiaries in this Agreement or in any 
certificate or document required by this Agreement to be delivered to the 
Representative is, or as of the Closing Date or any Option Closing Date will 
be, inaccurate, untrue or incorrect in any material respect.  No transaction 
has occurred or is proposed between or among Republic or either of its 
Subsidiaries and any of their respective officers, directors or stockholders 
or any affiliate of the foregoing, that is required to be described in and is 
not described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.  
 
              (dd) Neither Republic or either of its Subsidiaries nor any 
officer, director, employee, partner, agent or other person acting on behalf 
of Republic or either of its Subsidiaries has, directly or indirectly, given 
or agreed to give any money, property or similar benefit or consideration to 
any customer or supplier (including any employee or agent of any customer or 
supplier) or official or employee of any agency or instrumentality of any 
government (foreign or domestic) or political party or candidate for office 
(foreign or domestic) or any other person who was, is or in the future may be 
in a position to affect the Business Conditions of Republic and the 

                                    -15-
<PAGE>


Subsidiaries taken as a whole or any actual or proposed business transaction 
of Republic or either of its Subsidiaries that (i) could subject Republic or 
either of its Subsidiaries to any liability (including, but not limited to, 
the payment of monetary damages) or penalty in any civil, criminal or 
governmental action or proceeding that would have a material adverse effect 
on the Business Conditions of Republic and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole 
or (ii) with respect to Republic, either of its Subsidiaries, or any officer 
or director thereof, violates any law, rule or regulation to which Republic 
or either of it Subsidiaries is subject.  
 
     Any certificate signed by any officer of Republic or either of its 
Subsidiaries in such capacity and delivered to the Representative or to 
counsel for the Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed a 
representation and warranty by Republic or either of its Subsidiaries, as the 
case may be, to the several Underwriters as to the matters covered thereby.  
  
     2.  Purchase and Sale of Firm Shares.  On the basis of the 
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, but 
subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Republic shall sell the 
Firm Shares to the Underwriter at the Offering Price less the 
Underwriting Discounts and Commissions shown on the cover page of the 
Prospectus, and the Underwriter shall purchase the Firm Shares 
from Republic on a firm commitment basis, at the Offering Price less the 
Underwriting Discounts and Commissions shown on the cover page of the 
Prospectus.  The Underwriter shall offer the Shares to the public as set forth 
in the Prospectus.  
 
     3.  Payment and Delivery.  Payment for the Firm Shares shall be made by 
certified or official bank check or checks payable to the order of Republic 
in New York Clearing House (next day) funds, at the offices of Janney 
Montgomery Scott Inc., 1801 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or in 
immediately 

                                    -16-
<PAGE>


available funds wired to such accounts as Republic may specify (with all 
costs and expenses incurred by the Underwriter in connection with such 
settlement in immediately available funds, including, but not limited to, 
interest or cost of funds and expenses, to be borne by Republic), against 
delivery of the Firm Shares to the Underwriter at its offices located at 
26 Broadway, New York, New York for the respective accounts of the 
Underwriters.  Such payment and delivery will be made at 10:00 am., 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania time, on the third business day after the date of 
this Agreement, or at such other time on the same or such other date, not 
later than seven business days thereafter as shall be designated in writing 
by the Underwriter.  Such time and date are referred to herein as the 
"Closing Date."  The certificates representing the Firm Shares to be sold and 
delivered will be in such denominations and registered in such names as the 
Underwriter requests not less than two full business days prior to the 
Closing Date, and will be made available to the Underwriter for 
inspection, checking and packaging not less than one full business day prior 
to the Closing Date.  
 
     4.  Option to Purchase Optional Shares.  
 
          (a)  For the purposes of covering any over-allotments in connection 
with the distribution and sale of the Firm Shares as contemplated by the 
Prospectus, subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the 
Underwriter is hereby granted an option by Republic to purchase all or any 
part of the Optional Shares (the "Over-allotment Option").  The purchase 
price to be paid for the Optional Shares shall be the Offering Price less the 
Underwriting Discounts and Commissions shown on the cover page of the 
Prospectus.  The Over-allotment Option granted hereby may be exercised by the 
Underwriter as to all or any part of the Optional Shares at any time and from 
time to time within 30 days after the date of the Prospectus.  The Underwriter 
shall not be under any obligation to purchase any Optional Shares prior to an 
exercise of the Over-allotment Option.  
 

          (b)  The Over-allotment Option granted hereby may be exercised by 
the Underwriter by giving notice to Republic by a letter sent by 

                                    -17-
<PAGE>


registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, telex, telegraph, telegram or 
facsimile (such notice to be effective when received), addressed as provided 
in Section 13 hereof, setting forth the number of Optional Shares to be 
purchased, the date and time for delivery of and payment for the Optional 
Shares and stating that the Optional Shares referred to therein are to be 
used for the purpose of covering over-allotments in connection with the 
distribution and sale of the Firm Shares.  If such notice is given at least 
two full business days prior to the Closing Date, the date set forth therein 
for such delivery and payment shall be not earlier than the Closing Date.  If 
such notice is given after two full business days prior to the Closing Date, 
the date set forth therein for such delivery and payment shall be a date 
selected by the Underwriter not later than five full business days after 
the exercise of the Over-allotment Option.   The date and time set forth in 
such a notice is referred to herein as an "Option Closing Date," and a 
closing held pursuant to such a notice is referred to herein as an "Option 
Closing."  Upon each exercise of the Over-allotment Option, and on the basis 
of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements herein 
contained, and subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the 
Underwriter shall become obligated to purchase from Republic the number of 
Optional Shares specified in each notice of exercise of the Over-allotment 
Option.  
 
 
                                    -18-
<PAGE>


          (c)  Payment for the Optional Shares shall be made to Republic, by 
certified or official bank check payable to the order of Republic, in New 
York Clearing House (next day) funds, at the Underwriter's offices located at 
26 Broadway, New York, New York, or such other place as shall be agreed upon 
by Republic and the Underwriter, or in immediately available funds wired to 
such accounts as Republic may specify (with all costs and expenses incurred 
by the Underwriter in connection with such settlement in immediately 
available funds, including, but not limited to, interest or cost of funds and 
expenses, to be borne by Republic), against delivery of the Optional Shares 
to the Underwriter at its offices located at 1801 Market Street, 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The certificates representing the Optional 
Shares to be issued and delivered will be in such denominations and 
registered in such names as the Underwriter requests upon reasonable notice 
prior to such Option Closing Date, and will be made available to the 
Underwriter for inspection, checking and packaging at a reasonable time in 
advance of such Option Closing Date.  
 
     5.  Certain Covenants and Agreements of Republic.  Republic covenants 
and agrees with the several Underwriters as follows:  
 
          (a)  If Rule 430A of the Regulations is employed, Republic will 
timely file the Prospectus pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 424(b) of 
the Regulations and will advise the Underwriter of the time and manner of 
such filing.  
 
          (b)  Republic will not file or publish any amendment or supplement 
to the Registration Statement, Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus at any 
time before the completion (in the opinion of the Underwriters' counsel) of 
the distribution of the Shares by the Underwriters that is not (i) in 
compliance with the Regulations and (ii) approved by the Underwriter (such 
approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).  
 
          (c)  Republic will advise the Underwriter immediately, and 
confirm such advice in writing, (i) when any post-effective amendment to the 
Registration Statement is filed with the SEC under Rule 462(c) under the Act 
or otherwise, (ii) when any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement is filed, 
(iii) of the receipt of any comments from the SEC concerning the 

                                    -19-
<PAGE>


Registration Statement, (iv) when any post-effective amendment to the 
Registration Statement becomes effective, or when any supplement to the 
Prospectus or any amended Prospectus has been filed, (v) of any request of 
the SEC for amendment or supplementation of the Registration Statement or 
Prospectus or for additional information, (vi) during the period when the 
Prospectus is required to be delivered under the Act and Regulations, of the 
happening of any event as a result of which the Registration Statement or the 
Prospectus would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to 
state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not 
misleading, (vii) during the period noted in clause (vi) above, of the need 
to amend the Registration Statement or supplement the Prospectus to comply 
with the Act, (viii) of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending 
the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or of any order preventing or 
suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, and (ix) 
of the suspension of the qualification of any of the Shares for offering or 
sale in any jurisdiction in which the Underwriter intend to make such offers 
or sales, or the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for any of such 
purposes known to Republic.   Republic will use its best efforts to prevent 
the issuance of any such stop order or of any order preventing or suspending 
such use, and if any such order is issued, to obtain as soon as possible the 
lifting thereof.  
 
          (d)  Republic has delivered to the Underwriter, without charge, 
as many copies of each Preliminary Prospectus as the Underwriter has 
reasonably requested. Republic will deliver to the Representative, without 
charge, from time to time during the period when delivery of the Prospectus 
is required under the Act, such number of copies of the Prospectus (as 
supplemented or amended) as the Underwriter may reasonably request.  
Republic hereby consents to the use of such copies of the Preliminary 
Prospectus and the Prospectus for purposes permitted by the Act, the 
Regulations and the securities or Blue Sky laws of the states or foreign 
jurisdictions in which the Shares are offered by the Underwriter and 
by all dealers to whom Shares may be sold, both in connection with the 
offering and sale of the Shares and for such period of time thereafter as the 
Prospectus is required by the Act to be delivered in connection with sales by 
the Underwriter or any dealer.  Republic has furnished or will furnish to the 
Underwriter at least three 

                                    -20-
<PAGE>


original signed copies of the Registration Statement as originally filed and 
of all amendments and supplements thereto, whether filed before or after the 
Effective Date, at least three copies of all exhibits filed therewith and of 
all consents and certificates of experts, and will deliver to the 
Underwriter such number of conformed copies of the Registration Statement, 
including financial statements and exhibits, and all amendments thereto, as 
the Underwriter may reasonably request.  
 
          (e)  Republic will comply with the Act, the Regulations, the 
Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder so as to permit the 
continuance of sales of and dealings in the Shares for as long as may be 
necessary to complete the distribution of the Shares as contemplated hereby.  
 
 
          (f)  Republic will furnish such information and pay such filing 
fees and other expenses as may be required, and otherwise cooperate in the 
registration or qualification of the Shares, or exemption therefrom, for 
offering and sale by the Underwriter and by dealers under the 
securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions in which the Underwriter 
determine to offer the Shares, after consultation with Republic, and will 
file such consents to service of process or other documents necessary or 
appropriate in order to effect such registration or qualification; provided, 
however, that no such qualification shall be required in any jurisdiction 
where, solely as a result thereof, Republic would be subject to taxation or 
qualification as a foreign corporation doing business in such jurisdiction 
where it is not now so qualified or to take any action which would subject it 
to service of process in suits, other than those arising out of the offering 
or sale of the Shares, in any jurisdiction where it is not now so subject.   
Republic will, from time to time, prepare and file such statements and 
reports as are or may be required to continue such qualification in effect 
for so long a period as is required under the laws of such jurisdictions for 
such offering and sale.  
 
          (g)  Subject to Section 5(b) hereof, in case of any event 
(occurring at any time within the period during which, in the opinion of 
counsel for the Underwriter, a prospectus is required to be delivered under 
the Act or the Regulations), as a result of which any Preliminary Prospectus 
or the Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented, would contain, in the 
opinion of 

                                    -21-
<PAGE>


counsel for the Underwriter, an untrue statement of a material fact, or omit 
to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, 
in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or, 
if it is necessary at any time to amend any Preliminary Prospectus or the 
Prospectus to comply with the Act or the Regulations or any applicable state 
securities or Blue Sky laws, Republic promptly will prepare and file with the 
SEC, and any applicable state and foreign securities commission, an 
amendment, supplement or document that will correct such statement or 
omission or effect such compliance and will furnish to the several 
Underwriter such number of copies of such amendments, supplements or 
documents (in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative and 
counsel for the Underwriter) as the Underwriter may reasonably request.  
For purposes of this Section 5(g), Republic will provide such information to 
the Underwriter, the Underwriter's counsel and counsel to Republic as 
shall be necessary to enable such persons to consult with Republic with 
respect to the need to amend or supplement the Registration Statement, 
Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus or file any document, and shall furnish 
to the Underwriter and the Underwriter's counsel such further information 
as each may from time to time reasonably request.  
 
          (h)  Republic will make generally available to its security holders 
not later than 45 days after the end of the period covered thereby, a 
consolidated earnings statement of Republic (which need not be audited unless 
required by the Act or the Regulations) that shall comply with Section 11(a) 
of the Act and Rule 158 thereunder and cover a period of at least 12 
consecutive months beginning not later than the first day of Republic's 
fiscal quarter next following the Effective Date (or, if later, the effective 
date of the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement).  
 
          (i)  For a period of five years from the Effective Date, Republic 
will deliver to the Underwriter: (i) a copy of each report or document, 
including, without limitation, reports on Forms 8-K, 10-C, 10-K and 10-Q (or 
such similar forms as may be designated by the SEC), registration statements 
and any exhibits thereto, filed or furnished to the SEC or any securities 
exchange or the NASD, on the date each such report or document is so filed or 
furnished; (ii) as soon as practicable, copies of any reports or 

                                    -22-
<PAGE>


communications (financial or other) of Republic mailed to its security 
holders; and (iii) every material press release in respect of Republic or its 
affairs that is released or prepared by Republic.   
 
          (j)  During the course of the distribution of the Shares, Republic 
will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to, or that could 
reasonably be expected to, cause or result in stabilization or manipulation 
of the price of the Common Stock.  
 
          (k)  Republic has caused each person listed on Schedule I hereto 
to execute an agreement (a "Lock-up Agreement") in form and substance 
satisfactory to the Underwriter and the Underwriter's counsel which 
provides that for a period of 180 days from the date of the final Prospectus, 
as amended or supplemented, such persons will not, without the prior written 
consent of the Underwriter, directly or indirectly, sell, offer or 
contract to sell or grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of any 
shares of Common Stock (or any securities convertible into or exercisable or 
exchangeable for any shares of Common Stock).  Republic has delivered such 
agreements to the Underwriter prior to the date of this Agreement.  
Appropriate stop transfer instructions will be issued by Republic to the 
transfer agent for the Common Stock, and a copy of such instructions will be 
delivered to the Underwriter. 
 
          (l)  For a period of 180 days after the Effective Date, Republic 
will not, without the prior written consent of the Representative, offer, 
sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any Common Stock or any 
securities convertible into or exercisable for any Common Stock or grant 
options to purchase any Common Stock, except (i) the issuance of Common Stock 
upon the exercise of currently outstanding options and warrants as described 
in the Prospectus and (ii) the grant of options to purchase Common Stock 
under Republic's currently outstanding stock option plans as described in the 
Prospectus and the issuance of Common Stock upon the exercise thereof. 
  
          (m)  For a period of five years from the Effective Date, Republic 
will use all reasonable efforts to maintain the listing of the Common Stock 
(including, without limitation, the 

                                    -23-
<PAGE>


Shares) on the NASDAQ National Market or on a national securities 
exchange.  
 
          (n)  Republic shall, at its sole cost and expense, supply and 
deliver to the Underwriter and the Underwriter's counsel, within a 
reasonable period from the Closing Date, transaction binders in such number 
and in such form and content as the Representative reasonably request.  
 
          (o)  Republic will use the net proceeds from the sale of the Shares 
to be sold by it hereunder substantially in accordance with the description 
set forth in the Prospectus.  
 
     6.  Payment of Fees and Expenses.  
 
          (a)  Whether or not the transactions contemplated by this Agreement 
are consummated and regardless of the reason this Agreement is terminated, 
Republic will pay or cause to be paid, and bear or cause to be borne, all 
costs and expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of Republic 
under this Agreement, including:  (i) the fees and expenses of the 
accountants and counsel for Republic incurred in the preparation of the 
Registration Statement and any post-effective amendments thereto (including 
financial statements and exhibits), Preliminary Prospectuses and the 
Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto; (ii) printing and 
mailing expenses associated with the Registration Statement and any 
post-effective amendments thereto, any Preliminary Prospectus, the 
Prospectus, this Agreement, the Selected Dealers Agreement and related 
documents and the Preliminary Blue Sky Memorandum (and any supplement 
thereto); (iii) the costs and expenses incident to the authentication, 
issuance, sale and delivery of the Shares to the Underwriter; (iv) the fees, 
expenses and all other costs of qualifying the Shares for sale under the 
securities or Blue Sky laws of those states or foreign jurisdictions in which 
the Shares are to be offered or sold, including the reasonable fees and 
expenses of Underwriter's counsel, except such fees shall not exceed $5,000; 
(v) the fees, expenses and other costs of, or incident to, securing any 
review or approvals by or from the NASD; (vi) the filing fees of the SEC; 
(vii) the cost of furnishing to the Underwriters copies of the Registration 
Statement, Preliminary Prospectuses and 

                                    -24-
<PAGE>


Prospectuses as herein provided; (viii) Republic's travel expenses in 
connection with meetings with the brokerage community and institutional 
investors; (ix) the costs and expenses associated with settlement in same day 
funds (including, but not limited to, interest or cost of funds expenses), if 
desired by Republic; (x) any fees or costs payable to the NASDAQ National 
Market as a result of the offering; (xi) the cost of printing certificates for 
the Shares; (xii) the costs and charges of any transfer agent; (xiii) all 
taxes, if any, on the issuance, delivery and transfer of the Shares sold by 
Republic; and (xiv) all other costs and expenses reasonably incident to the 
performance of Republic's obligations hereunder that are not otherwise 
specifically provided for in this Section 6(a). 
   
          (b)  Republic shall pay as due any state or foreign registration, 
qualification and filing fees and any accountable out-of-pocket disbursements 
in connection with such registration, qualification or filing in the states 
and foreign jurisdictions in which the Underwriter determines to offer or 
sell the Shares.  

           (c)  On the Closing Date, Republic shall pay the Underwriter a 
non-accountable expense allowance in the amount of $100,000.  
 
           (d)  If (i) the Underwriter is willing to proceed with the 
offering, and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are not 
consummated because Republic elects not to proceed with the offering for any 
reason or (ii) the Underwriter terminates this Agreement pursuant to 
Section 10(b) hereof, then Republic will reimburse the Underwriter for its 
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including, without limitation, fees and 
disbursements of counsel for the Underwriter, incurred in connection with 
investigating, marketing and proposing to market the Shares or in 
contemplation of performing their obligations hereunder, in an amount not to 
exceed an additional $50,000.  
 
     7.  Conditions of Underwriter's Obligations.  The obligation of the 
Underwriter to purchase and pay for the Firm Shares that it has agreed to 
purchase hereunder on the Closing Date, and to purchase and pay for any 
Optional Shares as to which it exercises its right to purchase under Section 
4 on an Option Closing Date, is subject at the date hereof, the Closing Date 
and any Option 

                                    -25-
<PAGE>


Closing Date to the continuing accuracy and fulfillment of the 
representations and warranties of Republic, to the performance by Republic of 
its covenants and obligations hereunder, and to the following additional 
conditions: 
 
          (a)  If required by the Regulations, the Prospectus shall have been 
filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Regulations within the 
applicable time period prescribed for such filing by the Regulations.  On or 
prior to the Closing Date or any Option Closing Date, as the case may be, no 
stop order or other order preventing or suspending the effectiveness of the 
Registration Statement or the sale of any of the Shares shall have been 
issued under the Act or any state or foreign securities law, and no 
proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or shall be pending 
or, to the Underwriter's knowledge or the knowledge of Republic, shall be 
contemplated by the SEC or by any authority in any jurisdiction designated by 
the Underwriter pursuant to Section 5(f) hereof.  Any request on the part 
of the SEC or any state or foreign securities authority for additional 
information shall have been complied with to the reasonable satisfaction of 
counsel for the Underwriter.

          (b)  All corporate proceedings and other matters incident to the 
authorization, form and validity of this Agreement, the Shares and the form 
of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and all other legal matters 
relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be 
satisfactory in all material respects to counsel for the Underwriters.  
Republic shall have furnished to such counsel all documents and information 
that they may have reasonably requested to enable them to pass upon such 
matters.  The Underwriter shall have received from the Underwriter's 
counsel, Stevens & Lee, an opinion, dated as of the Closing Date and 
any Option Closing Date, as the case may be, and addressed to the 
Underwriter, which opinion shall be satisfactory in all respects to the 
Underwriter.  
 
         (c)  The Underwriter shall have received a copy of an executed 
Lock-up Agreement from each person listed on Schedule I hereto.  
 
         (d)  The Underwriter shall have received at or prior 

                                    -26-
<PAGE>


to the Closing Date from the Underwriter's counsel a memorandum or summary, 
in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriter, with respect to the 
qualification for offering and sale by the Underwriter of the Shares under 
the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions designated by the 
Underwriter pursuant to Section 5(f) hereof.  
 
         (e)  On the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date, there shall 
have been delivered to the Underwriter signed opinions of Spector Gadon & 
Rosen, P.C., counsel for Republic, dated as of each such date and addressed 
to the Underwriter to the effect set forth in Exhibit A hereto or to such 
effect as is otherwise reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriter.  
 
         (f)  At the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date: (i) the 
Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto and the 
Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto shall contain all 
statements that are required to be stated therein in accordance with the Act 
and the Regulations and in all material respects shall conform to the 
requirements of the Act and the Regulations, and neither the Registration 
Statement nor any post-effective amendment thereto nor the Prospectus and any 
amendments or supplements thereto shall contain any untrue statement of a 
material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated 
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) 
since the respective dates as of which information is given in the 
Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto and the 
Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto, except as otherwise 
stated therein, there shall have been no material adverse change in the 
Business Conditions of Republic and the Subsidiaries from that set forth 
therein, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business; (iii) 
since the respective dates as of which information is given in the 
Registration Statement and the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement 
thereto, there shall have been no event or transaction, contract or agreement 
entered into by Republic or either of its Subsidiaries other than in the 
ordinary course of business and as set forth in the Registration Statement or 
Prospectus, that has not been, but would be required to be, set forth in the 
Registration Statement or Prospectus; (iv) since the respective dates as of 
which information is given in the Registration Statement and any 
post-effective amendment 

                                    -27-
<PAGE>


thereto and the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto, there 
shall have been no material adverse change, loss, reduction, termination or 
non-renewal of any contract to which Republic or either of its Subsidiaries 
is a party, that has not been, but would be required to be set forth in the 
Registration Statement or Prospectus; and (v) no action, suit or proceeding 
at law or in equity shall be pending or threatened against Republic or either 
of its Subsidiaries that would be required to be set forth in the Prospectus, 
other than as set forth therein, and no proceedings shall be pending or 
threatened against or directly affecting Republic or either of its 
Subsidiaries before or by any federal, state or other commission, board or 
administrative agency wherein an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding 
would materially adversely affect the Business Conditions of Republic and the 
Subsidiaries taken as a whole.   
 
          (g)  The Underwriter shall have received at the Closing Date and 
any Option Closing Date certificates of the Chief Executive Officer and the 
Chief Financial Officer of Republic dated as of the date of the Closing Date 
or Option Closing Date, as the case may be, and addressed to the 
Underwriter, to the effect that (i) the representations and warranties of 
Republic in this Agreement are true and correct, as if made at and as of the 
Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as the case may be, and that 
Republic has complied with all the agreements, fulfilled all the covenants 
and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed, fulfilled or 
satisfied at or prior to the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as the 
case may be, and (ii) the signers of the certificate have carefully examined 
the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any amendments or 
supplements thereto, and the conditions set forth in Section 7(g) hereof have 
been satisfied.  
 
           (h)  At the time this Agreement is executed and at the Closing 
Date and any Option Closing Date, the Underwriter shall have received a 
letter, dated the date of delivery thereof, addressed to the Underwriter, in 
form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriter in all respects (including, 
without limitation, the non-material nature of the changes or decreases, if 
any, referred to in clause (iii) below) from KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP.
 
                                    -28-
<PAGE>


           (i)  confirming they are independent certified public accountants 
within the meaning of the Act and the Regulations, and stating that the 
section of the Registration Statement under the caption "Experts" is correct 
insofar as it relates to them;  (ii) stating that, in their opinion, the 
consolidated financial statements, schedules and notes of Republic audited by 
them and included in the Registration Statement comply as to form in all 
material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Act and 
the Regulations; (iii) stating that, on the basis of specified procedures, 
which included the procedures as specified by the American Institute of 
Certified Public Accountants for a review of interim financial information, 
as described in SAS No. 71, Interim Financial Information (with respect to 
the latest unaudited consolidated financial statements of Republic included 
in the Registration Statement), a reading of the latest available unaudited 
interim consolidated financial statements of Republic (with an indication of 
the date of the latest available unaudited interim financial statements), a 
reading of the minutes of the meetings of the stockholders and the Boards of 
Directors of Republic and the Subsidiaries, and audit and compensation 
committees of such Boards, if any, and inquiries to certain officers and 
other employees of Republic and the Subsidiaries responsible for operational, 
financial and accounting matters and other specified procedures and 
inquiries, nothing has come to their attention that would cause them to 
believe that (A) the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Republic 
and the Subsidiaries included in the Registration Statement, (I) do not 
comply in form and all material respects with the applicable accounting 
requirements of the Act and the Regulations, or (II) any material 
modifications should be made to such unaudited financial statements for them 
to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles; (B) at a 
specified date not more than five business days prior to the date of such 
letter, there was any change in the capital stock or debt of Republic or any 
decrease in net current assets, total assets or stockholders' equity of 
Republic as compared with the amounts shown in the September 30, 1997 
unaudited balance sheet of Republic included in the Registration Statement, 
or that for the periods from October 1, 1997 to the date of the latest 
available unaudited financial statements of Republic and to a specified date 
not more than five days prior to the date of the letter, there were any 
decreases, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior 

                                    -29-
<PAGE>

year, in operating income or total or per share amounts of net income, except 
in all instances for changes, decreases or increases that the Registration 
Statement discloses have occurred or may occur and except for such other 
changes, decreases or increases which the Underwriter shall in its sole 
discretion accept; or (C) the unaudited pro forma financial statements 
included in the Registration Statement do not comply as to form in all 
material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of Rule 11-02 
of Regulation S-X under the Act and that the pro forma adjustments have not 
been properly applied to the historical amounts in the compilation of those 
statements; and (iv) stating that they have compared specific dollar amounts 
(or percentages derived from such dollar amounts), numbers of shares and 
other numerical data and financial information set forth in the Registration 
Statement that have been specified by the Representative prior to the date of 
this Agreement (in each case to the extent that such dollar amounts, 
percentages and other information is derived from the general accounting 
records subject to the internal controls of Republic's or either of its 
Subsidiaries' accounting systems, or has been derived directly from such 
accounting records by analysis or comparison or has been derived from other 
records and analyses maintained or prepared by Republic or either of its 
Subsidiaries) with the results obtained from the application of readings, 
inquiries and other appropriate procedures set forth in the letter, and found 
them to be in agreement.  All financial statements and schedules included in 
material incorporated by reference into the Prospectus shall be deemed 
included in the Registration Statement for purposes of this subsection.   

          (i)  There shall have been duly tendered to the Underwriter for 
the respective accounts of the Underwriters certificates representing all of 
the Shares to be purchased by the Underwriters on the Closing Date or Option 
Closing Date, as the case may be.  
 
          (j)  All corporate and other proceedings and other matters incident 
to the authorization, form and validity of this Agreement and the form of the 
Registration Statement and Prospectus and all other legal matters related to 
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be reasonably 
satisfactory in all respects to counsel to the Underwriter.   Republic shall 
have furnished to such counsel all documents and information that they shall 
have reasonably requested to enable them to pass upon such matters.  

                                    -30-
<PAGE>


           (k)  At the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date, the 
Underwriter shall have been furnished such additional documents, 
information and certificates as they shall have reasonably requested.   

          All such opinions, certificates, letters and documents shall be in 
compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are reasonably 
satisfactory in form and substance to the Underwriter and the 
Underwriter's counsel.  Republic shall furnish the Underwriter with such 
conformed copies of such opinions, certificates, letters and other documents 
as they shall reasonably request.  If any condition to the Underwriter's 
obligations hereunder to be fulfilled prior to or at the Closing Date or any 
Option Closing Date, as the case may be, is not fulfilled, the Underwriter may 
terminate this Agreement with respect to the Closing Date or such Option 
Closing Date, as applicable, or, if it so elects, waive any such conditions 
which have not been fulfilled or extend the time for their fulfillment Any 
such termination shall be without liability of the Underwriter to Republic.  
 
      8.  Indemnification and Contribution.  

          (a)  Republic shall indemnify and hold harmless the Underwriter, 
and each person, if any, who controls the Underwriter within the meaning of 
the Act, against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense 
whatsoever, including, but not limited to, any and all reasonable expenses 
incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, 
commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever or in connection with any 
investigation or inquiry of, or action or proceeding that may be brought 
against, the respective indemnified parties, arising out of or based upon any 
breach of Republic's representations and warranties made in this Agreement or 
any untrue statements or alleged untrue statements of material fact contained 
in any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, 
any application or other document (in this Section 8 collectively called 
"application") filed in any jurisdiction in order to qualify all or any part 
of the Shares under the securities laws thereof or filed with the SEC or the 
NASD, or the omission or alleged omission from any of the foregoing of a 
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the 

                                    -31-
<PAGE>


statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that the foregoing 
indemnity shall not apply in respect of any statement or omission made in 
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to 
Republic by the Underwriter expressly for use in any Preliminary Prospectus, 
the Registration Statement or Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement 
thereto, or in any application or in any communication to the SEC, as the 
case may be; and further provided, however, that the indemnification 
contained in this Section 8(a) with respect to any Preliminary Prospectus 
shall not inure to the benefit of the Underwriter (or to the benefit of any 
person controlling the Underwriter) on account of any such loss, claim, 
liability or expense arising from the sale of the Shares by the Underwriter 
to any person if a copy of the Prospectus shall not have been delivered or 
sent to such person within the time required by the Act and the Regulations, 
and the untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged 
omission of a material fact contained in such Preliminary Prospectus was 
corrected in the Prospectus, provided that Republic has delivered the 
Prospectus to the Underwriter in requisite quantity on a timely basis to 
permit such delivery or sending.  The obligations of Republic under this 
Section 8(a) will be in addition to any liability Republic may otherwise 
have.  

          (b)  The Underwriter, shall indemnify and hold harmless Republic, 
each of the directors of Republic, each of the officers of Republic who shall 
have signed the Registration Statement, and each other person, if any, who 
controls Republic within the meaning of the Act to the same extent as the 
foregoing indemnities from Republic to the Underwriter, but only with respect
to any and all loss, liability, claim, damage or expense resulting from 
statements or omissions, or alleged statements or omissions, if any, 
made in any Preliminary Prospectus, Registration Statement or 
Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereof or any application in 
reliance upon, and in conformity with written information furnished to 
Republic by the Underwriter expressly for use in any Preliminary Prospectus, 
the Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement 
thereof or any application, as the case may be.  The obligations of the 
Underwriter under this Section 8(b) will be in addition to any liability 
which the Underwriter may otherwise have.  

                                    -32-
<PAGE>

          (c)  If any action, inquiry, investigation or proceeding is brought 
against any person in respect of which indemnification may be sought pursuant 
to Section 8(a) or (b) hereof, such person (hereinafter called the 
"indemnified party") shall, promptly after notification of, or receipt of 
service of process for, such action, inquiry, investigation or proceeding, 
notify in writing the party or parties against whom indemnification is to be 
sought (hereinafter called the "indemnifying party") of the institution of 
such action, inquiry, investigation or proceeding.  The indemnifying party, 
upon the request of the indemnified party, shall assume the defense of such 
action, inquiry, investigation or proceeding, including, without limitation, 
the employment of counsel (reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party) 
and payment of expenses.  No indemnification provided for in this Section 8 
shall be available to any indemnified party who shall fail to give such 
notice if the indemnifying party does not have knowledge of such action, 
inquiry, investigation or proceeding to the extent that such indemnifying 
party has been materially prejudiced by the failure to give such notice, but 
the omission to so notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve the 
indemnifying party otherwise than under this Section 8.  Such indemnified 
party shall have the right to employ its or their own counsel in any such 
case, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense such 
indemnified party unless the employment of such counsel shall have been 
authorized in writing by the indemnifying party in connection with the 
defense of such action or if the indemnifying party shall not have employed 
counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party or if such 
indemnified party or parties shall have been advised by counsel that there 
may be a conflict between the positions of the indemnifying party or parties 
and of the indemnified party or parties or that there may be legal defenses 
available  to such indemnified party or parties different from or in addition 
to those available to the indemnifying party or parties, in any of which 
events the indemnified party or parties shall be entitled to select counsel 
to conduct the defense to the extent determined by such counsel to be 
necessary to protect the interests of the indemnified party or parties, and 
the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel shall be borne by the 
indemnifying party.  The indemnifying party shall be responsible for the fees 
and disbursements of only one such counsel so engaged by the indemnified 
party or parties. Expenses covered by the indemnification in this Section 8 
shall be paid by the indemnifying party as they are incurred by the 
indemnified party.  No indemnifying party 

                                    -33-
<PAGE>


shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any 
settlement of any pending or threatened action in respect of which any 
indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been 
sought hereunder by such indemnified party unless such settlement includes an 
unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on any 
claims that are the subject matter of such action.  Anything in this Section 
8 to the contrary notwithstanding, an indemnifying party shall not be liable 
for any settlement of a claim effected without its written consent, which 
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.  
 
          (d)  If the indemnification provided for in this Section 8 is 
unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under 
Section 8(a) or (b) hereof in respect of any losses, liabilities, claims, 
damages or expenses (or actions, inquiries, investigations or proceedings in 
respect thereof) referred to therein, except by reason of the failure to give 
notice as required in Section 8(c) hereof (provided that the indemnifying 
party does not have knowledge of the action, inquiry, investigation or 
proceeding and to the extent such party has been materially prejudiced by the 
failure to give such notice), then each indemnifying party shall contribute 
to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such 
losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses (or actions, inquiries, 
investigations or proceedings in respect thereof in such proportion as is 
appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by Republic on the one 
hand and the Underwriter on the other from the offering of the Shares.  If, 
however, the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is not 
permitted by applicable law, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to 
such amount paid or payable by such indemnified party in such proportion as 
is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the 
relative fault of Republic on the one hand and the Underwriter on the other 
in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, 
liabilities, claims or expenses (or actions, inquiries, investigations or 
proceedings in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable 
considerations.  The relative benefits received by Republic on the one hand 
and the Underwriter on the other shall be deemed to be in the same 
proportion as the total net proceeds from the offering (before deducting 
expenses) received by Republic bears to the total underwriting discount and 
commissions received by the Underwriter, in each case as set forth in the 
table on the cover page of the Prospectus.  The relative fault shall be 
determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged 
untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to 
state a material fact relates to information supplied by Republic on 

                                    -34-
<PAGE>


the one hand or the Underwriter on the other hand and the parties' relative 
intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or 
prevent such statement or omission.  
 
     Republic and the Underwriter agree that it would not be just and 
equitable if contributions to this Section 8(d) were determined by pro rata 
allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of 
the equitable considerations referred to above in this Section 8(d).  The 
amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, 
liabilities, claims, damages or expenses (or actions, inquiries, 
investigations or proceedings in respect thereof) referred to above in this 
Section 8(d) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses 
reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with 
investigating or defending any such action or claim.  Notwithstanding the 
provisions of this Section 8(d), no person guilty of fraudulent
misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be
entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent
misrepresentation.

                                    -35-
<PAGE>


     9.  Representations and Agreements to Survive Delivery.  Except as the 
context otherwise requires, all representations, warranties and agreements 
contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to be representations, warranties 
and agreements at the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date.   All such 
representations, warranties and agreements of the Underwriter and Republic, 
including, without limitation, the indemnity and contribution agreements 
contained in Section 8 hereof and the agreements contained in Sections 6, 9, 
10 and 13 hereof, shall remain operative and in full force and effect 
regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Underwriter or 
any controlling person, and shall survive delivery of the Shares and 
termination of this Agreement, whether before or after the Closing Date or 
any Option Closing Date.  
  
     10. Effective Date of This Agreement and Termination Hereof.  
 
           (a)  This Agreement shall become effective at 10:00 
a.m.,Philadelphia, Pennsylvania time, on the first business day following the 
Effective Date or at the time of the public offering by the Underwriter of 
the Shares, whichever is earlier, except that the provisions of Sections 6, 
8, 9, 10 and 13 hereof shall be effective upon execution hereof.  The time of 
the public offering, for the purpose of this Section 10, shall mean the time 
when any of the Shares are first released by the Underwriter for offering by 
dealers.  The Underwriter and Republic may prevent the provisions of this 
Agreement (other than those contained in Sections 6, 8, 9, 10 and 13) hereof 
from becoming effective without liability of any party to any other party, 
except as noted below, by giving the notice indicated in Section 10(c) hereof 
before the time the other provisions of this Agreement become effective.  
 
           (b)  The Underwriter shall have the right to terminate this 
Agreement at any time prior to the Closing Date or any Option Closing Date as 
provided in Sections 7 and 11 hereof or if any of the following have 
occurred: (i) since the respective dates as of which information is given in 
the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, any material adverse change or 
any development involving a prospective material adverse change in or 
affecting the Business Conditions of 

                                    -36-
<PAGE>


Republic or the Subsidiaries, whether or not arising in the ordinary course 
of business, that would, in the Representative's opinion, make the offering 
or delivery of the Shares             impracticable; (ii) any outbreak of 
hostilities or other national or international calamity or crisis or change 
in economic, political or financial market conditions if the effect on the 
financial markets of the United States of such outbreak, calamity, crisis or 
change would, in the Underwriter's opinion, make the offering or delivery 
of the Shares impracticable; (iii) any suspension or limitation of trading 
generally in securities on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock 
Exchange, the NASDAQ Stock Market or the over-the-counter market or any 
setting of minimum prices for trading or the promulgation of any federal or 
state statute, regulation, rule or order of any court or other governmental 
authority that in the Underwriter's opinion materially and adversely 
affects trading on such exchange or the over-the-counter market; (iv) the 
enactment, publication, decree or other promulgation of any federal or state 
statute, regulation, rule or order of any court or other governmental 
authority which in the Underwriter's opinion materially and adversely 
affects or will materially or adversely affect the business or operations of 
Republic or the Subsidiaries; (v) declaration of a banking moratorium by 
either United States, New York or Pennsylvania authorities; (vi) the taking 
of any action by any federal, state or local government or agency in respect 
of its monetary or fiscal affairs that in the Underwriter's opinion has a 
material adverse effect on the securities markets in the United States; or 
(vii) trading in any securities of Republic shall have been suspended or 
halted by NASD or the SEC.   

          (c)  If the Underwriter elects to prevent this Agreement from 
becoming effective or to terminate this Agreement as provided in this Section 
10, the Representative shall notify Republic hereof promptly by telephone, 
telex, telegraph, telegram or facsimile, confirmed by letter.  
 
     11. [Intentionally Omitted].  
 

                                    -37-
<PAGE>


     12. Information Furnished by Underwriter.  The statement set forth on 
the last paragraph at the bottom of the cover page of the Prospectus 
regarding the terms of the Offering by the Underwriter, the legend on the 
inside cover page regarding stabilization, the identity of the Underwriter 
set forth in the first paragraph under the heading "Underwriting" and the 
concession and reallowance figures appearing in the second paragraph under 
the caption "Underwriting," constitute the only written information furnished 
by reference or on behalf of the Underwriter referred to in Sections 1(b) and 
8 hereof.  
 
     13. Notice.  All communications hereunder, except as herein otherwise 
specifically provided, shall be in writing and, if sent to the Underwriter, 
shall be mailed, delivered, telexed, telegrammed, telegraphed or telecopied 
and confirmed to Janney Montgomery Scott Inc., 1801 Market Street,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, Attention: Mr. Edward J. Losty, with a copy
to Stevens & Lee, 111 North Sixth Street, Reading, Pennsylvania 19603,
Attention: Jeffrey P. Waldron, Esquire; and if sent to Republic, shall be
mailed, delivered, telexed, telegrammed, telegraphed or telecopied and
confirmed to Republic Financial Services Corporation, 400 Washington Street,
Reading, Pennsylvania 19603; Attention: Nelson R. Oswald, with a copy to Spector
Gadon & Rosen, P.C., 1635 Market Street, 7th Floor, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
19103, Attention:  Christopher Flannery, Esquire.
    
    14. Parties.  This Agreement shall inure solely to the benefit of, and 
shall be binding upon, the Underwriter, Republic and the controlling 
persons, directors and officers thereof, and their respective successors, 
assigns, heirs and legal representatives, and no other person shall have or 
be construed to have any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or 
in respect of or by virtue of this Agreement or any provision herein 
contained.  The terms "successors" and "assigns" shall not include any 
purchaser of the Shares merely because of such purchase.  

                                    -38-
<PAGE>


      15. Definition of Business Day.  For purposes of this Agreement, 
"business day" means any day on which the NASDAQ Stock Market is opened for 
trading.  
 
      16. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more 
counterparts and all such counterparts will constitute one and the same 
instrument.  
 
      17. Construction.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in 
accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania applicable to 
agreements made and performed entirely within such Commonwealth. 

          If the foregoing correctly sets forth your understanding of our 
agreement, please sign and return to Republic the enclosed duplicate hereof, 
whereupon it will become a binding agreement in accordance with its terms.   
 
                                   Very truly yours, 
  
                                   REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC.  
 
 
                                   By:
                                      ---------------------------
                                       Rolf A. Stensrud, President
                                        and Chief Executive Officer

The foregoing Agreement is hereby confirmed and accepted as of the date first 
above written.  
 
JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT INC.  
As Representatives of the Several Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto 
 
By:  JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT INC.  
 
By:
   -----------------------------
     Edward J. Losty 
     First Vice President 



                                SCHEDULE I 

                                    -39-


<PAGE>


                                SCHEDULE I 
 
               Persons Who Are to Deliver Lock-Up Agreements 
 
     Lock-Up Agreements are to be delivered by the following persons and 
entities immediately prior to the time the SEC declares the Registration 
Statement effective: 
 

                                  Kenneth Adelberg
                                  William W. Batoff
                                  Daniel S. Berman
                                  Michael J. Bradley
                                  John F. D'Aprix
                                  Sheldon Goldberg
                                  Gerald Levinson
                                  Harry D. Madonna, Esq.
                                  Eustace W. Mita
                                  Neal Rodin
                                  Jeff E. Schleif
                                  Zeev Shenkman
                                  Steven J. Shotz
                                  Rolf A. Stensrud
                                  Harris Wildstein, Esq.






                                    -40-
<PAGE>

<PAGE>

NUMBER                              REPUBLIC
  RF                                FIRST                      SHARES
                                    BANCORP, INC.

          INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

  COMMON STOCK                                              SEE REVERSE FOR
                                                            CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
                                                             
                                                            CUSIP 760416 10 7

  THIS CERTIFIES that





  is the owner of


       FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK,
                         PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE OF

         -----------REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC.------------ 

transferable on the books of the Corporation by the holder hereof in person 
or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this certificate properly 
endorsed.  This certificate and the shares represented hereby are issued and 
shall be held subject to all of the provisions contained in the Corporation's 
official corporate papers filed in the Department of State of Pennsylvania 
amended to all of which the holder of this certificate by acceptance of 
assents.  This certificate is not valid unless countersigned and registered 
by the transfer Agent and Registrar. Witness the facsimile seal of the 
Corporation and the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers.




    George S. Rapp                                          Rolf A.Stensrud
      SECRETARY                   [seal]                       PRESIDENT


<PAGE>

    The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of 
this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full 
according to applicable laws or regulations:
    TEN COM--as tenants in common            UNIF GIFT
    TEN ENT--as tenants by the entireties    MIN ACT--       Custodian
    JT TEN --as joint tenants with right              .......         .......
             of survivorship and not as                (Cust)         (Minor)
             tenants in common                        under Uniform Gifts to
                                                      Minors Act
                                                                .............
                                                                   (State)
    Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

    For value received               hereby sell, assign and transfer unto
                      ---------------
    PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
        IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
    /------------------------------------/
    /                                    /
    /                                    /
    /                                    /
    /------------------------------------/


 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE)


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


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


 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- shares
 of the common stock represented by the within Certificate and do hereby
 irrevocably constitute and appoint
                                                                      Attorney
 --------------------------------------------------------------------
 to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named Corporation 
 with full power of substitution in the premises.

 Dated
       ------------------------------------






- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION. 
(Banks, Stockbrokers, Savings and Loan Associations and Credit Unions) WITH
MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM PURSUANT TO
S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15.

NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS 
WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT
ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.


KEEP THIS CERTIFICATE IN A SAFE PLACE. IF IT IS LOST, STOLEN, MUTILATED OR 
DESTROYED, THE CORPORATION WILL REQUIRE A BOND OF INDEMNITY AS A CONDITION TO 
THE ISSUANCE OF A REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE.





<PAGE>

                                 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


         THIS AGREEMENT, entered into as of this 30th day of September, 1997,
by and between FIRST REPUBLIC BANK, a Pennsylvania banking corporation ("Bank"),
and GEORGE S. RAPP ("Executive"),

         WHEREAS, Bank desires to employ Executive as Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, and 

         WHEREAS, Executive desires to be employed in such capacity by Bank;

         NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained
herein, and other good and valuable consideration, receipt and sufficiency of
which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the
parties agree as follows:

         1.   Term.  This Agreement shall commence on September 30, 1997 and
shall continue until terminated pursuant to the terms hereof.

         2.   Duties and Employment.  The Bank hereby employs Executive as
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Chief Administrative Officer of
the Bank pursuant to the terms hereof.  Executive shall faithfully perform such
duties as are customarily required of an Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial and Chief Administrative Officer and shall devote his entire time,
energy and attention to those duties and to such other duties as may be assigned
to him by the President and the Board of Directors of the Bank (the "Board").

<PAGE>

         3.   Compensation.

              (a)  Regular Compensation.  For all services rendered by
Executive under this Agreement, Bank shall pay Executive in accordance with the
normal payment practices of Bank an annual salary of One Hundred Twelve Thousand
Five Hundred 00/100 Dollars ($112,500.00) together with such interim increases
during the term of this Agreement approved by the Board or its compensation or
similar committee provided that eligibility for such increases in no way
guarantees any such increases, the grantors or withholding of which is totally
within the discretion of the Board or its committees.

              (b)  Compensation Plans.  Executive shall be eligible to
participate in any bonus, stock purchase or grant, stock option, deferred
compensation or other compensation plans presently or hereafter maintained by
the Bank for its senior executives.  Eligibility in no way guarantees
Executive's receipt of any bonus, stock grant, stock option or other
compensation pursuant to such plans, the granting of which is, and shall be, in
the sole discretion of the Board or its designated Compensation Committee or any
committee performing a similar function.  Executive shall also be eligible to
participate in any retirement or savings plan presently or hereafter maintained
for the benefit of all employees of Bank.

              (c)  Benefits.  Bank shall maintain such basic medical,
hospitalization, group life insurance, long term disability insurance and major
medical insurance coverage for Executive and his dependents as it maintains for
its Executives from time to time.  Executive shall be entitled to a vacation in
accordance with policies set by the Board of Directors of the Bank ("Board").

                                       2

<PAGE>

              (d)  Automobile Allowance.  During the term of this Agreement,
Executive shall have a monthly automobile allowance of $600.00 plus
reimbursement for reasonable operating and significant maintenance expenses,
expenses for parking convenient to the Bank and use of a car telephone, as long
as such telephone is used primarily for business use.

              (e)  Travel Expense.  During the term of this Agreement,
Executive shall be reimbursed for normal and reasonable travel expenses incurred
on behalf of the Bank.

              (f)  Entertainment Expense.  Executive will be reimbursed for all
reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in fulfillment of his duties on behalf
of the Bank, including entertainment, business meals and the like.

              (g)  Approvals.  All expenses incurred by the Executive under
subparagraphs (e) and (f) hereof must be approved by the President or Chairman
of the Bank.

         4.   Termination.

              (a)  The Bank may terminate this Agreement by giving twelve (12)
months written notice to the Executive; provided, however, that this Agreement
may not be terminated by Bank pursuant to this Paragraph 4(a) prior to March 31,
1998.  Upon the giving of such notice all rights, duties and obligations
hereunder shall cease and terminate except as provided in Paragraphs 5, 6 and 7
hereof and except that Executive shall continue to be paid his salary
compensation only until the expiration of said twelve (12) month period.

              (b)  This Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the death
of Executive.

                                       3

<PAGE>

              (c)  This Agreement shall automatically terminate upon
Executive's "total disability". The term "total disability" shall have the same
meaning as ascribed to it in the Bank's long-term disability insurance policy.  

              (d)  In the event Executive is found to have engaged in gross
misconduct detrimental to the Bank or in the event Executive is indicted for a
criminal offense involving moral turpitude, Bank may terminate Executive for
cause immediately by sending written notice to such effect to the Executive.

              (e)  The Executive may terminate this Agreement at any time upon
thirty (30) days written notice to Bank and upon the lapse of said thirty (30)
day period all rights, duties and obligations of the parties hereunder shall
cease and terminate except as provided in Paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 hereof.

              (f)  Termination shall not prejudice any remedy that the
terminating party may have, either at law, in equity, or under this agreement.

         5.   Payments to Executive Upon Termination.

              (a)  In the event of the termination of Executive's employment
pursuant to Paragraphs 4(b) or (c), as consideration for Executive's services to
Bank prior to Executive's termination, Bank shall continue to pay to Executive,
or to his estate, as the case may be, for the duration of the Severance Period,
such compensation in such manner as had been received by Executive immediately
prior to termination.  The "Severance Period"  shall be a period of time
commencing at the termination of employment and continuing for ninety (90) days
thereafter.

                                       4

<PAGE>

              (b)  Under no circumstances shall Bank be obligated to pay any
compensation to Executive following termination of employment pursuant to
Paragraphs 4(d) or (e) hereof; provided however, the provisions of Paragraphs
5(d) 6 and 7 hereof shall continue to be effective following such termination.  

              (c)  Bank shall have the option to accelerate payment of the
sum(s) due during the Severance Period and to pay such sum(s) in such lump
payment(s) as Bank shall deem appropriate, provided that all such payments shall
be made during the Severance Period and the amount of such payments shall not be
greater than would have resulted from payment in accordance with Bank's standard
practices.

              (d)  If the Bank terminates this Agreement under Paragraph 4(a)
above, the Bank, at its option, may accelerate the payment of sums due to
Executive for the balance of the term of this Agreement and pay such sums in
such lump sum payments as Bank shall deem appropriate; provided that all such
payments shall be made during the twelve (12) month period following the notice
of termination of this Agreement and the total of such lump sum payments shall
not be less than would have resulted from payment in accordance with the Bank's
standard practices (and as to a termination prior to March 31, 1998, during such
eighteen (18) month period).

    6.   Non-Solicitation/Confidentiality.  

              (a)  Executive agrees that for a period from one (1) year
following Executive's termination hereunder, Executive shall not solicit, entice
or contact Bank's executives for purposes of having such executives engage in
direct competition with Bank.  

                                       5

<PAGE>

              (b)  Executive acknowledges that, in the course of his employment
by Bank, he will have access to confidential information, trade secrets, and
unique business procedures and information which are the valuable property of
Bank.  Executive agrees not to disclose for any reason, directly or indirectly,
any confidential, trade secret or other proprietary information, as determined
by Bank in its reasonable discretion, at any time, during or after the period
Executive is employed by Bank, for any purpose other than to perform his
assigned duties on behalf of Bank.

         7.   Remedy.  

              (a)  In the event Executive breaches Paragraph 6 of this
Agreement, Executive shall forfeit immediately any right to compensation or
other payments under Paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of this Agreement, except for salary
obligations accrued prior to such default.

              (b)  Bank and Executive acknowledge and agree that any breach of
Paragraph 6 of this Agreement by Executive would cause irreparable injury to
Bank and that Bank's remedy at law for any breach of any of Executive's
obligations hereunder would be inadequate, and Executive agrees and consents
that, temporary and permanent injunctive relief may be granted in any proceeding
which may be brought to enforce any provision of Paragraph 6 hereof without
necessity of proof that Bank's remedy at law is inadequate.

                                       6

<PAGE>

         8.   Notices.  Any and all notices, designations, consents, offers, 
acceptances, or any other communications provided for herein shall be given in
writing by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested at the
addresses set forth below.

              If to the Bank:
              1608 Walnut Street  10th Floor
              Philadelphia, PA 19103
              Attention: President

              If to the Executive:
              198 Freeland Drive
              Collegeville, PA  19426

or to such other addresses as either party may designate by notice in writing as
provided herein.

         9.   Invalid Provisions.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
particular provision of this Agreement shall not affect the other provisions
hereof, and the Agreement shall be construed in all respects as if such invalid
or unenforceable provisions were omitted.

         10.  Modification.  No change or modification of this Agreement shall
be enforceable against any party unless the same be in writing and signed by the
party against whom enforcement is sought.

         11.  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement represents the entire agreement
between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes
all prior agreements and understandings with respect thereto.

                                       7

<PAGE>

         12.  Headings.  Any headings preceding the text of the several
paragraphs hereof are inserted solely for the convenience of reference and shall
not constitute a part of this Agreement, nor shall they affect its meaning,
construction or effect.

         13.  Successors; Assigns.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit
of and be binding upon the parties hereto, and their respective heirs,
executors, administrators, successors and, to the extent permitted herein,
assigns.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may not assign his rights, or
delegate his duties, hereunder.

         14.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have hereunto set their hands and
seals the date and year above first written.

                        FIRST REPUBLIC BANK


__________________________   By:____________________________________
Attest                            Rolf A. Stensrud, President
(Assistant) Secretary
(Corporate Seal)

__________________________   ____________________________________(Seal)
Witness                           George S. Rapp

                                       8


<PAGE>
                                 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                                           

         THIS AGREEMENT, entered into as of this 30th day of September, 1997,
by and between FIRST REPUBLIC BANK, a Pennsylvania banking corporation ("Bank"),
and KEVIN J. GALLAGHER ("Executive"),

         WHEREAS, Bank desires to employ Executive as Executive Vice President
and Chief Lending Officer subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
and 

         WHEREAS, Executive desires to be employed in such capacity by Bank;

         NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained
herein, and other good and valuable consideration, receipt and sufficiency of
which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the
parties agree as follows:

         1.   Term.  This Agreement shall commence on September 30, 1997 and
shall continue until terminated pursuant to the terms hereof.

         2.   Duties and Employment.  The Bank hereby employs Executive as
Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of the Bank pursuant to the
terms hereof.  Executive shall faithfully perform such duties as are customarily
required of an Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer and shall
devote his entire time, energy and attention to those duties and to such other
duties as may be assigned to him by the President and the Board of Directors of
the Bank (the "Board").

         3.   Compensation.
         
              (a)  Regular Compensation.  For all services rendered by
Executive under this Agreement, Bank shall pay Executive in accordance with the
normal payment practices of Bank an annual salary of One Hundred Twelve Thousand
Five Hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($112,500.00) together with such interim
increases during the term of this Agreement approved by the Board or its
compensation or similar committee provided that eligibility for such increases
in no way guarantees any such increases, the grantors or withholding of which is
totally within the discretion of the Board or its committees.

<PAGE>

              (b)  Compensation Plans.  Executive shall be eligible to
participate in any bonus, stock purchase or grant, stock option, deferred
compensation or other compensation plans presently or hereafter maintained by
the Bank for its senior executives.  Eligibility in no way guarantees
Executive's receipt of any bonus, stock grant, stock option or other
compensation pursuant to such plans, the granting of which is, and shall be, in
the sole discretion of the Board or its designated Compensation Committee or any
committee performing a similar function.  Executive shall also be eligible to
participate in any retirement or savings plan presently or hereafter maintained
for the benefit of all employees of Bank.

              (c)  Benefits.  Bank shall maintain such basic medical,
hospitalization, group life insurance, long term disability insurance and major
medical insurance coverage for Executive and his dependents as it maintains for
all its senior executives from time to time.  Executive shall be entitled to a
vacation in accordance with policies set by the Board of the Bank.

              (d)  Automobile Allowance.  During the term of this Agreement,
Executive shall have a monthly automobile allowance of $600.00 plus
reimbursement for reasonable operating and significant maintenance expenses,
expenses for parking convenient to the Bank and the use of a car telephone, as
long as such telephone is used primarily for business use.

              (e)  Travel Expense.  During the term of this Agreement,
Executive shall be reimbursed for normal and reasonable travel expenses incurred
on behalf of the Bank.

              (f)  Entertainment Expense.  Executive will be reimbursed for all
reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in fulfillment of his duties on behalf
of the Bank, including entertainment, business meals and the like.

                                   -2-

<PAGE>

              (g)  Approvals.  All expens+-es incurred by the Executive under
subparagraphs (e) and (f) hereof must be approved by the President or Chairman
of the Bank.       

         4.   Termination.

              (a)  The Bank may terminate this agreement by giving twelve (12)
months written notice to the Executive; provided, however, that this agreement
may not be terminated by Bank pursuant to this Paragraph 4(a) prior to March 31,
1998.  Upon the giving of such notice all rights, duties and obligations shall
cease and terminate except as provided in Paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 hereof and
except that Executive shall continue to be paid his salary compensation only
until the expiration of said twelve (12) month period. 

              (b)  This Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the death
of Executive.

              (c)  This Agreement shall automatically terminate upon
Executive's "total disability". The term "total disability" shall have the same
meaning as ascribed to it in the Bank's long-term disability insurance policy.  

              (d)  In the event Executive is found to have engaged in gross
misconduct detrimental to the Bank or in the event Executive is indicted for a
criminal offense involving moral turpitude, Bank may terminate Executive for
cause immediately by sending written notice to such effect to the Executive.

              (e)  The Executive may terminate this Agreement at any time upon
thirty (30) days written notice to Bank, and upon the lapse of said thirty (30)
day period all rights, duties and obligations of the parties hereunder shall
cease and terminate except as provided in Paragraphs 6 and 7 hereof.

              (f)  Termination shall not prejudice any remedy that the
terminating party may have, either at law, in equity, or under this agreement.

                                 -3-

<PAGE>

         5.   Payments to Executive Upon Termination.

              (a)  In the event of the termination of Executive's employment
pursuant to Paragraphs 4(b) or (c), as consideration for Executive's services to
Bank prior to Executive's termination, Bank shall continue to pay to Executive,
or to his estate, as the case may be, for the duration of the Severance Period,
such compensation in such manner as had been received by Executive immediately
prior to termination.  The "Severance Period" shall be a period of time
commencing at the termination of employment and continuing for ninety (90) days
thereafter.

              (b)  Under no circumstances shall Bank be obligated to pay any
compensation to Executive following termination of employment pursuant to
Paragraphs 4(d) or (e) hereof; provided however, the provisions of Paragraphs 6
and 7 hereof shall continue to be effective following such termination.

              (c)  Bank shall have the option to accelerate payment of the
sum(s) due during the Severance Period and to pay such sum(s) in such lump
payment(s) as Bank shall deem appropriate provided that all such payments shall
be made during the Severance Period and the amount of such payments shall not be
greater than would have resulted from payment in accordance with Bank's standard
practices or as otherwise provided herein.

              (d)  If the Bank terminates this Agreement under Paragraph 4(a)
above, the Bank, at its option, may accelerate the payment of sums due to
Executive for the balance of the term of this Agreement and pay such sums in
such lump sum payments as Bank shall deem appropriate; provided that all such
payments shall be made during the twelve (12) month period following the notice
of termination of this Agreement and the total of such lump sum payments

                                   -4-

<PAGE>

shall not be less than would have resulted from payment in accordance with 
the Bank's standard practices, (and as to a termination prior to March 31, 
1998, during such eighteen (18) month period).

         6.   Non-Solicitation/Confidentiality.  

              (a)  Executive agrees that for a period from one (1) year 
following Executive's termination hereunder, Executive shall not solicit, 
entice or contact Bank's executives for purposes of having such executives 
engage in direct competition with Bank.  

              (b)  Executive acknowledges that, in the course of his employment
by Bank, he will have access to confidential information, trade secrets, and
unique business procedures and information which are the valuable property of
Bank.  Executive agrees not to disclose for any reason, directly or indirectly,
any confidential, trade secret or other proprietary information, as determined
by Bank in its reasonable discretion, at any time, during or after the period
Executive is employed by Bank, for any purpose other than to perform his
assigned duties on behalf of Bank.

         7.   Remedy. 

              (a)  In the event Executive breaches Paragraph 6 of this
Agreement, Executive shall forfeit immediately any right to compensation or
other payments under

                                   -5-

<PAGE>

Paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of this Agreement, except for salary
obligations accrued prior to such default.

              (b)  Bank and Executive acknowledge and agree that any breach of
Paragraph 6 of this Agreement by Executive would cause irreparable injury to
Bank and that Bank's remedy at law for any breach of any of Executive's
obligations hereunder would be inadequate, and Executive agrees and consents
that, in addition to the provisions of Paragraph 7(a) of this Agreement,
temporary and permanent injunctive relief may be granted in any proceeding which
may be brought to enforce any provision of Paragraph 6 hereof without necessity
of proof that Bank's remedy at law is inadequate.

         8.   Notices.  Any and all notices, designations, consents, offers,
acceptances, or any other communications provided for herein shall be given in
writing by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested or nationally
recognized courier service at the addresses set forth below.


                   If to the Bank:
                   1608 Walnut Street
                   10th Floor
                   Philadelphia, PA 19103
                   Attention:  President

                   If to the Executive:
                   231 Mallard Drive
                   North Wales, PA  19454

or to such other addresses as either party may designate by notice in writing as
provided herein.

         9.   Invalid Provisions.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
particular provision of this Agreement shall not affect the other provisions
hereof, and the Agreement shall be construed in all respects as if such invalid
or unenforceable provisions were omitted.

                                     -6-

<PAGE>

         10.  Modification.  No change or modification of this Agreement shall
be enforceable against any party unless the same be in writing and signed by the
party against whom enforcement is sought.


         11.  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement represents the entire agreement
between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes
all prior agreements and understandings with respect thereto.

         12.  Headings.  Any headings preceding the text of the several
paragraphs hereof are inserted solely for the convenience of reference and shall
not constitute a part of this Agreement, nor shall they affect its meaning,
construction or effect.

         13.  Successors; Assigns.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit
of and be binding upon the parties hereto, and their respective heirs,
executors, administrators, successors and, to the extent permitted herein,
assigns.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may not assign his rights, or
delegate his duties, hereunder.

         14.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.




         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have hereunto set their hands and
seals the date and year above first written.

                             FIRST REPUBLIC BANK

__________________________   ____________________________________
Attest                       By: Rolf A. Stensrud, President
(Assistant) Secretary             
(Corporate Seal)


__________________________   ____________________________________(Seal)
Witness                      Kevin J. Gallagher

                             -7-

 

<PAGE>
                                 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


         THIS AGREEMENT, entered into as of this 30th day of September, 1997, 
by and between FIRST REPUBLIC BANK, a Pennsylvania banking corporation 
("Bank"), and JEROME D. McTIERNAN ("Executive"),

         WHEREAS, Bank desires to employ Executive as Executive Vice 
President subject to the terms of this Agreement, and 

         WHEREAS, Executive desires to be employed in such capacity by Bank;

         NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained 
herein, and other good and valuable consideration, receipt and sufficiency of 
which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the 
parties agree as follows:

         1.   Term.  This Agreement shall commence on September 30, 1997 and 
shall continue until terminated pursuant to the terms hereof.

         2.   Duties.  The Bank hereby appoints Executive as Executive Vice 
President of the Bank pursuant to the terms hereof.  Executive shall 
faithfully perform such duties as are customarily required of Executive Vice 
President and shall devote his entire time, energy and attention to those 
duties and to such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Chief 
Executive Officer and the Board of Directors of the Bank (the "Board").



<PAGE>

         3.   Compensation.

              (a)  Regular Compensation.  For all services rendered by 
Executive under this Agreement, Bank shall pay Executive in accordance with 
the normal payment practices of Bank an annual salary of One Hundred Thousand 
and 00/100 Dollars ($100,000.00) together with such interim increases during 
the term of this Agreement approved by the Board or its compensation or 
similar committee provided that eligibility for such increase in no way 
guarantees any such increases, the grantors or withholding of which is 
totally within the discretion of the Board or its committees.

              (b)  Compensation Plans.  Executive shall be eligible to 
participate in any bonus, stock purchase or grant, stock option, deferred 
compensation or other compensation plans presently or hereafter maintained by 
the Bank for its senior executives.  Eligibility in no way guarantees 
Executive's receipt of any bonus, stock grant, stock option or other 
compensation pursuant to such plans, the granting of which is, and shall be, 
in the sole discretion of the Board or its designated Compensation Committee 
or any committee performing a similar function.  Executive shall also be 
eligible to participate in any retirement or savings plan presently or 
hereafter maintained for the benefit of all employees of Bank.

              (c)  Benefits.  Bank shall maintain such basic medical, 
hospitalization, group life insurance, long-term disability and major medical 
insurance coverage for Executive and his dependents as it maintains for its 
Executives from time to time.  Executive shall be entitled to a vacation in 
accordance with policies set by the Board of Directors of the Bank ("Board").


                                      -2-


<PAGE>

              (d ) Automobile Allowance.  During the term of this Agreement, 
Executive shall have a monthly automobile allowance of $600.00 plus 
reimbursement for reasonable operating and significant maintenance expenses, 
expenses for parking convenient to the Bank and use of a car telephone, as 
long as such telephone is used primarily for business use.

              (e)  Travel Expense.  During the term of this Agreement, 
Executive shall be reimbursed for normal and reasonable travel expenses 
incurred on behalf of the Bank.

              (f)  Entertainment Expense.  Executive will be reimbursed for 
all reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in fulfillment of his duties on 
behalf of the Bank, including entertainment, business meals and the like.

              (g)  Approvals.  All expenses incurred by the Executive under 
subparagraphs (e) and (f) hereof must be approved by the President or 
Chairman of the Bank.

         4.   Termination.

              (a)  The Bank may terminate this agreement by giving twelve 
(12) months written notice to the Executive; and upon the giving of such 
notice all rights, duties and obligations hereunder shall cease and terminate 
except as provided in Paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 hereof and except that Executive 
shall continue to be paid his salary compensation only until the expiration 
of the said twelve (12) month period. 

              (b)  This Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the 
death of Executive.

                                      -3-


<PAGE>


              (c)  This Agreement shall automatically terminate upon 
Executive's "total disability". The term "total disability" shall have the 
same meaning as ascribed to it in the Bank's long-term disability insurance 
policy.  

              (d)  In the event Executive is found to have engaged in gross 
misconduct detrimental to the Bank or in the event Executive is indicted for 
a criminal offense involving moral turpitude, Bank may terminate Executive 
for cause immediately by sending written notice to such effect to the 
Executive.

              (e)  The Executive may terminate this Agreement at any time 
upon thirty (30) days written notice to Bank and upon the lapse of said 
thirty (30) day period all rights duties and obligations of the parties 
hereunder shall cease and terminate except as provided in Paragraphs 5, 6 and 
7 hereof.

              (f)  Termination shall not prejudice any remedy that the 
terminating party may have, either at law, in equity, or under this agreement.

         5.   Payments to Executive Upon Termination.

              (a)  In the event of the termination of Executive's employment 
pursuant to Paragraphs 4(b) or (c), as consideration for Executive's services 
to Bank prior to Executive's termination, Bank shall continue to pay to 
Executive, or to his estate, as the case may be, for the duration of the 
Severance Period, such compensation in such manner as had been received by 
Executive immediately prior to termination.  The "Severance Period" shall be 
a period of time commencing at the termination of employment and continuing 
for ninety (90) days thereafter.


                                      -4-

<PAGE>

              (b)  Under no other circumstances shall Bank be obligated to 
pay any compensation to Executive following termination of employment 
pursuant to Paragraphs 4(d) or (e) above; provided however, the provisions of 
Paragraphs 5(d), 6 and 7 hereof shall continue to be effective following such 
termination.

              (c)  Bank shall have the option to accelerate payment of the 
sum(s) due during the Severance Period and to pay such sum(s) in such lump 
payment(s) as Bank shall deem appropriate provided that all such payments 
shall be made during the Severance Period and such number of payments shall 
not be greater than would have resulted from payment in accordance with 
Bank's standard practices.

              (d)  If the Bank terminates this Agreement under Paragraph 4(a) 
above, or if Executive terminates this Agreement under Paragraph 4(e) hereof, 
the Bank, at its option, may accelerate the payment of sums due to Executive 
for the balance of the term of this Agreement and pay such sums in such lump 
sum payments as Bank shall deem appropriate; provided that all such payments 
shall be made during the twelve (12) month period following the notice of 
termination of this Agreement under Paragraph 4(b) hereof and the total of 
such lump sum payments shall not be less than would have resulted from 
payment in accordance with the Bank's standard policies.

         6.   Non-Solicitation/Confidentiality.

              (a)  Executive agrees that he shall not solicit, entice or 
contact Bank's executives for purposes of having such executives engage in 
direct competition with Bank.  


                                      -5-


<PAGE>

              (b)  Executive acknowledges that, in the course of his 
employment by Bank, he will have access to confidential information, trade 
secrets, and unique business procedures and information which are,or may 
become, the valuable property of Bank.  Executive agrees not to disclose for 
any reason, directly or indirectly, any confidential, trade secret or other 
proprietary information, as determined by Bank in its reasonable discretion, 
at any time, during or after the period Executive is employed by Bank, for 
any purpose other than to perform his assigned duties on behalf of Bank.

         7.   Remedy.  

              (a)  In the event that Executive breaches any provision of 
Paragraph 6 of this Agreement, Executive shall forfeit immediately any right 
to compensation or other payments under Paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of this 
Agreement, except for salary obligations accrued prior to such default.

              (b) Bank and Executive acknowledge and agree that any breach of 
Paragraph 6 of this Agreement by Executive would cause irreparable injury to 
Bank and that Bank's remedy at law for any breach of any of Executive's 
obligations hereunder would be inadequate, and Executive agrees and consents 
that, temporary and permanent injunctive relief may be granted in any 
proceeding which may be brought to enforce any provision of Paragraph 6 
hereof without necessity of proof that Bank's remedy at law is inadequate.


                                      -6-


<PAGE>

         8.   Notices.  Any and all notices, designations, consents, offers, 
acceptances, or any other communications provided for herein shall be given 
in writing by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested at the 
addresses set forth below.

              If to the Bank:

              1608 Walnut Street
              10th Floor
              Philadelphia, PA 19103
              Attention: President


              If to the Executive:

              310 East Hinckley Avenue
              Apartment 1B
              Ridley Park, PA  19078

or to such other addresses as either party may designate by notice in writing 
as provided herein.

         9.   Invalid Provisions.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any 
particular provision of this Agreement shall not affect the other provisions 
hereof, and the Agreement shall be construed in all respects as if such 
invalid or unenforceable provisions were omitted.

         10.  Modification.  No change or modification of this Agreement 
shall be enforceable against any party unless the same be in writing and 
signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought.


                                      -7-


<PAGE>

         11.  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement represents the entire 
agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and 
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings with respect thereto.

         12.  Headings.  Any headings preceding the text of the several 
paragraphs hereof are inserted solely for the convenience of reference and 
shall not constitute a part of this Agreement, nor shall they affect its 
meaning, construction or effect.

         13.  Successors, Assigns.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit 
of and be binding upon the parties hereto, and their respective heirs, 
executors, administrators, successors and, to the extent permitted herein, 
assigns.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may not assign his rights, 
or delegate his duties, hereunder.

         14.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed as to 
validity, interpretation and effect by the law of the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have hereunto set their hands 
and seals the date and year above first written.

                                  FIRST REPUBLIC BANK


__________________________        ____________________________________
Attest:                           By:  Rolf A. Stensrud, President
(Assistant) Secretary
(Corporate Seal)

__________________________        ____________________________________(Seal)
Witness                           Jerome D. McTiernan


                                      -8-



<PAGE>
                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.7
                                    ADDENDUM NO. 1
                                          TO
                             TAX REFUND FUNDING AGREEMENT
                                (FOR 1998 TAX SEASON)

         This Addendum No. 1 To Tax Refund Funding Agreement (For 1998 Tax 
Season (the "Addendum") is to the Tax Refund Funding Agreement of September 
29, 1997 (the "Agreement"), which is by and among First Republic Bank, a 
Pennsylvania banking corporation ("First Republic"), Hewfant Inc., a Virginia 
corporation ("Hewfant") and Jackson Hewitt Inc., a Virginia corporation 
(which, together with its affiliates and franchisees (each an "Affiliate"), 
as applicable, is referred to as "JHTS").  

         This Addendum designates the provider of Bank Products, provides the
various fees and charges to be imposed on taxpayers by the Bank, JHTS and
Hewfant during the 1998 Tax Season on those Bank Products, how and when those
fees and charges are to be disbursed, and the number of Bank Products to be
provided by Hewfant for such Tax Season.  This Addendum supersedes and entirely
replaces any prior Addendum and will be the only Addendum in effect for the 1998
Tax Season.  Capitalized terms used in this Addendum are as defined in the
Agreement.

1.  BANK.  First Republic designates County Bank of Rehoboth Bank, Delaware in
participation with First Republic, as the Bank that will offer the Bank
Products.

2.  BANK PRODUCTS.  Hewfant will use reasonable efforts to provide First
Republic with approximately 300,000 Bank Products during the 1998 Tax Season.

3.  LOAN LIMITS.  Bank will make no RALs under the Program for less than Two
Hundred Dollars ($200) or for more than Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000).  These
RAL limitations are inclusive of all fees authorized pursuant to the Agreement.

4.  BANK FEES AND CHARGES.  The following fees and charges shall apply to all
ACRs and RALs during the 1998 Tax Season:

    a.   ACR Handling Fee                   $24.00

    b.   Bank Fee

         Category                 Rate or Charge           Loan Limit

         A  NON-EIC               4%  maximum $86          $4,000
         B  EIC                   4%                       $3,300
         C  New Customer          $51                      $  750

The ACR Application Fee and Electronic Filing Fee, if any, shall be determined
by each JHTS affiliate originating ACR/RAL transactions.  The ACR Application
Fee determined by a JHTS affiliate shall be the same whether the Taxpayer
applies for an ACR alone or an ACR and a RAL.  In no instance may a JHTS
affiliate charge any other fee or consideration in connection with the
application for, or processing and disbursement of a RAL.

5.  ALLOCATION AND REMITTANCE OF ACR HANDLING FEES.

         From the ACR Handling Fee collected by Bank for each ACR (or ACR and
RAL) when the Taxpayer's federal tax refund is deposited by the IRS into the
Taxpayer's Deposit Account at Bank, $3.50 shall be set aside by Bank in an
interest bearing account for payment to the JHTS office that generated the ACR
Application, which is to be paid to JHTS on the last day of April and any
balance on the last day of July for remittance to such JHTS office, $13.55 shall
be paid to Hewfant via ACH each Friday during each Tax Season and once a month
thereafter and $6.95 shall be paid to Bank.

6.  BANK FEES; LOAN LOSS RESERVE.

    a.   From the Bank Fee charged the Taxpayer in connection with each RAL
which is collected by Bank, $1.50 shall be paid to Hewfant for services rendered
in connection with the application, documentation, processing, disbursement, and
administration of the RAL Program and $3.00 shall be paid to First Republic for
its services in connection with providing Loans to Taxpayers under the RAL
Program.  Payment to Hewfant shall be made via ACH each Friday during the Tax
Season and once a month thereafter.  

<PAGE>

    b.   During the Tax Season Bank will deposit into the Reserve Account at
First Republic the entire Bank Fee for each RAL for which the IRS deposited the
Taxpayer's refund in a Deposit Account at Bank, less the amounts paid to Hewfant
and First Republic above.  The Reserve Account will be used to cover Delinquent
RALs.  In the event there is any excess, it shall be paid to JHTS as provided
below.

    c.   On or before July 31, 1998, First Republic will be paid from the
Reserve Account, the total amount of Delinquent RALS as of July 31, 1998.  If
the amount on deposit is not sufficient to pay all Delinquent RALS, the
deficiency shall be paid 65% by Hewfant and JHTS and 35% by Bank.

    d.   On or about July 31, 1998, all sums remaining in the Reserve Account,
after providing for the Bank's loan losses incurred during the Tax Season, shall
be paid to JHTS.  All collections recovered by Bank on delinquent RALs prior to
July 31, 1998, shall be deposited to the Reserve Account and, subsequent to July
31, 1998, shall be paid 65% to Hewfant and 35% to Bank.  If the RAL program
results in deficits, JHTS and Hewfant will pay 65% of such deficits to First
Republic

    e.   Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the parties shall
periodically review the RALs during the Tax Season and may prudently and
appropriately adjust the fees and charges for the RALs, the amounts reserved or
to be reserved in the Reserve Account, and the amounts distributed or to be
distributed, to reflect the actual performance of the RALs portfolio.

7.  MISCELLANEOUS.

    a.   Except as specifically provided in this Addendum, by signing below the
parties intend the Agreement to remain in full force and effect.

    b.   By signing below, Hewfant and Jackson Hewitt Inc. consent to this
Addendum to the Agreement.

    c.   By signing below, First Republic consents to this Addendum to the
Agreement.

    d.   To facilitate execution, this Addendum may be executed in counterparts
by the parties and shall be binding when duly executed signatures of each party
appear on one or more counterparts delivered to the other parties.  All
counterparts shall collectively constitute a single Addendum.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the
parties hereto have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this
Addendum To Tax Refund Funding Agreement (For 1997 Tax Season) as of 
September 29, 1997.

                                       FIRST REPUBLIC BANK

                                       By:   Rolf Stensrud
                                          ---------------------------------
                                          Typed Name:  Rolf Stensrud
                                          Title:  President


                                       HEWFANT INC.

                                       By:   Keith E. Alessi
                                          ---------------------------------
                                          Typed Name:  Keith E. Alessi
                                          Title:  President


                                       JACKSON HEWITT INC.

                                       By:   Keith E. Alessi
                                          ---------------------------------
                                          Typed Name:  Keith E. Alessi
                                          Title:  President

                                       2
<PAGE>

                                    REVISION NO. 1
                                          TO
                                    ADDENDUM NO. 1
                                          TO
                             TAX REFUND FUNDING AGREEMENT
                                (FOR 1998 TAX SEASON)

         This Revision No. 1 To Addendum No. 1 To Tax Refund Funding Agreement
(For 1998 Tax Season) (the "Revision") is to Addendum No. 1 To Tax Refund
Funding Agreement of September 29, 1997 ("Addendum No. 1") to the Tax Refund
Funding Agreement of the same date (the "Agreement"), which is by and among
First Republic Bank, a Pennsylvania banking corporation ("First Republic"),
Hewfant Inc., a Virginia corporation ("Hewfant") and Jackson Hewitt Inc., a
Virginia corporation (which, together with its affiliates and franchisees (each
an "Affiliate"), as applicable, is referred to as "JHTS").  

         This Revision To Addendum No. 1 modifies and amends the various fees
and charges to be imposed on taxpayers by the Bank, JHTS and Hewfant during the
1998 Tax Season on the Bank Products.  

1.  BANK FEES AND CHARGES.  The following fees and charges shall apply to all
ACRs and RALs during the 1998 Tax Season:

    a.   ACR Handling Fee                        $24.00

    b.   Bank Fee

         Category                Rate or Charge           Loan Limit

         A  NON-EIC              4%, maximum $86          $4,000
         B  EIC                  4%                       $2,150
         C  New Customer/EIC     $51                      $  750

The ACR Application Fee and Electronic Filing Fee, if any, shall be determined
by each JHTS affiliate originating ACR/RAL transactions.  The ACR Application
Fee determined by a JHTS affiliate shall be the same whether the Taxpayer
applies for an ACR alone or an ACR and a RAL.  In no instance may a JHTS
affiliate charge any other fee or consideration in connection with the
application for, or processing and disbursement of a RAL.

2.  MISCELLANEOUS.

    a.   Except as specifically provided in this Revision, by signing below the
parties intend the Agreement, as amended by Addendum No. 1, to remain in full
force and effect.

    b.   By signing below, Hewfant and Jackson Hewitt Inc. consent to this
Revision to Addendum No. 1.
    
    c.   By signing below, First Republic consents to this Revision to Addendum
No. 1.

    d.   To facilitate execution, this Revision may be executed in counterparts
by the parties and shall be binding when duly executed signatures of each party
appear on one or more counterparts delivered to the other parties.  All
counterparts shall collectively constitute a single Addendum.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the
parties hereto have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this
Revision No. 1 To Addendum No. 1 To Tax Refund Funding Agreement (For 1998 Tax
Season) as of October 23, 1997.


                                       FIRST REPUBLIC BANK


                                       By:   Rolf Stensrud
                                          ---------------------------------
                                          Typed Name:  Rolf Stensrud
                                          Title:  President

<PAGE>

                                       HEWFANT INC.

                                       By:   Keith E. Alessi
                                          ---------------------------------
                                          Typed Name:  Keith E. Alessi
                                          Title:  President

                                       JACKSON HEWITT INC.

                                       By:   Keith E. Alessi
                                          ---------------------------------
                                            Typed Name:  Keith E. Alessi
                                            Title:  President

                                       2

<PAGE>

                             TAX REFUND FUNDING AGREEMENT


         This Tax Refund Funding Agreement (the "Agreement") is made this 
29th day of September, 1997, by and among First Republic Bank, a Pennsylvania 
banking corporation ("First Republic"), Hewfant Inc., a Virginia corporation 
("Hewfant"), and Jackson Hewitt Inc., a Virginia corporation (which, together 
with its affiliates and franchisees (each an "Affiliate"), as applicable, is 
referred to as "JHTS").

                                     DEFINITIONS

         "Addendum No. 1" means an addendum to this Agreement, adopted by the
parties for any Tax Season while this Agreement remains in effect, which
specifies the fees and charges for the Bank Products imposed on Taxpayers during
that Tax Season and the duties and obligations of the parties regarding the
disbursement thereof.  The provisions of the Addendum No. 1 applicable to the
current Tax Season are incorporated into this Agreement as if contained herein.

         "Application" means the document by which a Taxpayer applies for an
ACR and, at the election of the Taxpayer, a RAL.

         "ACR" or "Accelerated Check Refund" means a program offered by Bank
using electronic or other filing by which a Taxpayer requests his or her federal
income tax refund be deposited directly into the Taxpayer's Deposit Account at
Bank.

         "ACR Application Fee" means the nonrefundable fee charged by the local
JHTS office for processing an ACR Application.

         "ACR Handling Fee" means the fee charged by Bank for opening the
Deposit Account, processing and accounting for the refund to a Taxpayer by the
IRS, disbursing the tax preparation and ACR Application Fees due the local JHTS
office generating the ACR, and providing and processing the ACR check.

         "Bank" means First Republic or any other financial institution that
First Republic designates to offer the Bank Products in participation with First
Republic, as indicated in Addendum No. 1.

         "Bank Fee" means the finance charge imposed by Bank for making a
Refund Anticipation Loan.

         "Bank Products" include the ACRs and/or RALs.

         "Business Day" means any day, other than a Saturday, Sunday or legal
holiday, on which the Bank is open for business.

         "Delinquent RAL" means an outstanding RAL that has not been paid in
full within 23 days after the date the RAL check was issued.

         "Deposit Account" means the deposit account established in Bank for a
Taxpayer by Bank, and into which the IRS will deposit the Taxpayer's refund.

         "Electronic Filing Fee" means the fee charged by the local JHTS office
for electronically filing income tax returns prepared by preparers other than
Jackson Hewitt.

         "IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service.

         "Program" means the system developed by First Republic, JHTS and
Hewfant to provide ACRs and RALs to Taxpayers.

         "RAL" or "Refund Anticipation Loan" means a loan secured by a
Taxpayer's federal income tax refund.

         "Reserve Account" means an interest bearing account at Bank into which
Bank will deposit the Bank Fee received when the tax refund is deposited by the
IRS for each RAL issued.  

<PAGE>

         "Hewfant ACR Account" means an interest bearing account at Bank into
which Bank will deposit a sum as specified in the Addendum for each ACR when the
Taxpayer's federal income tax refund is deposited by the IRS into the Deposit
Account.

         "Hewfant RAL Account" means an interest bearing account at Bank into
which Bank will deposit a sum as specified in the Addendum for each RAL when the
Taxpayer's federal income tax refund is deposited by the IRS into the Deposit
Account.

         "Taxpayer" means a JHTS customer for any of its services.  It refers
both to individual taxpayers filing individual returns and to joint taxpayers
filing joint returns.

         "Tax Season" in any calendar year means the period from the first day
in that year that the IRS permits electronic filing through April 30th of that
year.

         "Tax Preparation Fee" means the fee charged by the local JHTS office
for preparing and electronically filing a tax return.

                                     INTRODUCTION

         WHEREAS, JHTS operates a tax preparation business that features
electronic filing of federal and selected state income tax returns; and,

         WHEREAS, First Republic, Hewfant and JHTS have established a Program
through which Taxpayers are offered ACRs and RALs through selected banks; and,

         WHEREAS, Bank desires to be one of the banks to offer ACRs and RALs to
JHTS customers on the terms and conditions provided in this Agreement;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements
contained in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, all of the parties agree as follows:

                                      AGREEMENT

1.  DUTIES OF JHTS AND HEWFANT - ACR PROGRAM

    As to each Taxpayer electing to apply for participation in the ACR Program,
Hewfant or JHTS, as applicable, shall have the following obligations:

    a.   JHTS will complete and have the Taxpayer (and the Taxpayer's spouse if
the return is a joint return) execute:  (1) an ACR Application on a form which
Hewfant will have printed at its expense from artwork supplied by Bank and
approved by Hewfant and (2) an IRS Form 8453 (U.S. Individual Income Tax
Declaration for Electronic Filing), which JHTS will execute as the
preparer/transmitter, which Form 8453 JHTS will supply at its expense.  Bank's
name and routing transit number shall be preprinted in Part II of Form 8453 and
a depositor account number consisting of a prefix specified by Bank, and a
suffix consisting of the Taxpayer's social security number, which shall be
verified by JHTS (or the social security number of the primary Taxpayer, in the
case of a joint return) shall be inserted by JHTS in Part II in Form 8453.

    b.   JHTS will inspect one form of signed picture identification, and use
its best efforts to inspect a second form of signed photo identification from
each Taxpayer to verify the identity of the Taxpayer.  If joint Taxpayers are
both present, JHTS will inspect one form of picture identification from each. 
The identification shall be from among the following:

         i.    a clearly identifiable school picture ID card; 

         ii.   a valid U.S. Passport; 

                                       2

<PAGE>

         iii.  a valid resident alien card that contains a photograph; 

         iv.   a valid driver's license containing a photo ID; 

         v.    a current military ID card; 

         vi.   a state ID card;

         vii.  an Indian Affairs card; or

         viii. a union membership ID.

    c.   Hewfant will cooperate with JHTS in submitting the Taxpayer's federal
income tax return to the IRS electronically.  JHTS will file the hard copy of
IRS Form 8453 with the IRS in accordance with IRS regulations.  

    d.   After electronically transmitting or mailing the Taxpayer's income tax
return to the IRS and receiving the IRS acknowledgment, JHTS will electronically
transmit to Bank and Hewfant:  (1) the Taxpayer's name; (2) the Taxpayer's
address; (3) the Taxpayer's social security number; (4) the amount of the
Taxpayer's federal income tax refund as computed by JHTS; (5) the location code
of the JHTS office at which the Taxpayer applied for an ACR; and (6) the amount
of all fees owing to JHTS and Bank from the Taxpayer which the Taxpayer
authorized Bank to withhold from the Taxpayer's refund and pay to JHTS.

    e.   Upon receiving notice from Bank that a Taxpayer's refund has been
deposited at Bank, Hewfant shall assist JHTS to prepare an ACR check by
completing a blank cashier's check form supplied by Bank at Bank's expense, and
completing and affixing thereon a laser generated facsimile signature authorized
by Bank.  Such check shall be in the amount of the tax refund less the ACR
Handling Fee, the Tax Preparation Fee, the Electronic Filing Fee, if any, the
ACR Application Fee, and any other sum that the Taxpayer authorized Bank to
withhold from the ACR check and pay to third parties.  This check shall be made
available to the Taxpayer by JHTS at the JHTS office at which the Taxpayer
applied for the ACR following JHTS's receipt of confirmation from Bank that the
tax refund has been deposited into the Taxpayer's account at Bank.  

    f.   JHTs will retain original ACR Applications for twenty-five (25)
months, and send to Bank copies of ACR Applications within five (5) days of
Bank's request.  JHTS will retain copies of such records associated with the ACR
Program, and the electronic filing of the Taxpayer's federal income tax return
as the IRS may from time to time require or direct.

    g.   JHTS will use its best efforts to retain copies of such records
associated with the ACR Program and the electronic and mail filing of the
Taxpayer's federal income tax return as the IRS may from time to time require or
direct.

2.  BANK'S DUTIES - ACR PROGRAM

    Bank will have the following duties with respect to each Application for an
ACR transmitted to it by Hewfant or JHTS:

    a.   At the time Hewfant or JHTS notifies Bank of an application for an
ACR, Bank will open a Deposit Account in the name of Taxpayer in which the
Taxpayer's refund will be deposited by the IRS.  Bank shall provide a form to
JHTS to be executed by a Taxpayer granting Bank the right to offset such refund
from the Deposit Account when it is electronically deposited by the IRS for all
JHTS fees and Bank's fees.

    b.   Upon receipt of the Taxpayer's refund from the IRS, Bank shall remit
the Tax Preparation Fee, the Electronic Filing Fee, if any, the ACR Application
Fee, and any other sum that Taxpayer has authorized Bank to pay pursuant to the
ACR Application by:  (a) transferring the amount of the Tax Preparation Fee, the
Electronic Filing Fee, if any, and the ACR Application Fee, via ACH, to the
account of the JHTS office that generated the ACR Application; and (b) notifying
Hewfant each day, either electronically or on magnetic diskette, of each tax
refund received for which an ACR check should be issued, together with the name
and social security number of the Taxpayer, the amount of 

                                       3
<PAGE>

the Tax Preparation Fee, the Electronic Filing Fee, if any, the ACR 
Application Fee, and any other sum remitted for such Taxpayer to a third 
party, pursuant to the ACR Application, and the location code of the JHTS 
office at which the particular Taxpayer applied for an ACR.

    c.   While this Agreement is in effect, subject to the approval of Hewfant
and JHTS, Bank will designate, pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph 19.I, the
amount of the ACR Handling Fee, which fee shall be provided in the Addendum and
be in effect for one (1) calendar year.  Bank may change the ACR Handling Fee
for any subsequent calendar year during the term of this Agreement by November 1
of the prior calendar year only according to the provisions of Paragraph 19.I of
this Agreement.

3.  ALLOCATION OF ACR HANDLING FEES

    The ACR Handling Fees shall be allocated and remitted as provided in
Addendum No. 1.

4.  DUTIES OF HEWFANT AND JHTS - RAL PROGRAM

    As to each Taxpayer electing to apply for participation in the RALs
Program, Hewfant or JHTS, as applicable, will do the following:

    a.   Perform those duties specified in Subparagraphs 1.a, 1.b and 1.c of
this Agreement.  

    b.   After electronically transmitting the Taxpayer's income tax return to
the IRS and receiving the IRS acknowledgment, JHTS will electronically transmit
to Bank and Hewfant:  (1) the Taxpayer's name; (2) the Taxpayer's address; (3)
the Taxpayer's social security number; (4) the amount of the Taxpayer's federal
income tax refund as computed by JHTS; (5) the location code of the JHTS office
at which the Taxpayer applied for a RAL; and, (6) the amount of all fees owing
to JHTS from the Taxpayer which the Taxpayer authorized Bank to withhold from
the RAL proceeds and pay to JHTS.  JHTS shall instruct its Affiliates that, in
no instance, may a separate charge be imposed by an Affiliate related to the
application for or processing and disbursement of a RAL other than the ACR
Application, Electronic Filing, if any, and Tax Preparation Fees and that the
ACR Application Fee charged by an Affiliate shall be the same whether the
Taxpayer applies for an ACR alone or an ACR and RAL.

    c.   On each Business Day during the term of this Agreement, Hewfant will
process each Application for a RAL transmitted to it on that day in accordance
with Bank's program eligibility and credit underwriting standards then in effect
for such RALs and in accordance with an ASCII or other acceptable record of
uncreditworthy persons provided by Bank, and will notify JHTS electronically
within two (2) hours after it receives the application as to whether the RAL
should be made based on Bank's eligibility and credit underwriting standards. 
Bank shall independently evaluate each Application for a RAL.

    d.   Unless notice is received by JHTS from Bank electronically within two
(2) hours after Bank received the Application that a Taxpayer's application for
a RAL has not been approved by Bank, upon receipt of electronic notice from
Hewfant that a Taxpayer's RAL should be made, in accordance with an ASCII or
other acceptable file of ineligible customers to be supplied by Bank, JHTS shall
prepare a disbursement check for the RAL by completing a blank cashier's check
form supplied by Bank at Bank's expense, and completing and affixing thereon a
laser generated facsimile signature authorized by Bank.  Such ACR check shall be
for the amount of the RAL less the Bank Fee that the Taxpayer authorized Bank to
withhold from the RAL, and less the Tax Preparation, Electronic Filing, if any,
ACR Application, and ACR Handling Fees, and any other applicable fees that the
Taxpayer authorized Bank to withhold from the RAL and pay to JHTS.

    e.   JHTS will also complete a Proceeds Disbursement Authorization and
Truth-in-Lending Disclosure and Loan And Security Agreement (the "Disclosure")
on a form which shall be a perforated stub of the blank ACR cashier's check form
supplied by Bank at Bank's expense.  JHTS shall then deliver such Disclosure and
check promptly to the Taxpayer and provide Bank with a listing of all checks
issued on a particular Business Day and, if  not on that day, JHTS will use
every effort to provide this information as soon as possible.  This listing
shall identify ACR checks issued by amount, date issued and check number.

                                       4
<PAGE>

    f.   If a Taxpayer's RAL Application is denied for any reason, Hewfant will
provide an ASCII or other acceptable record of such Taxpayer, and forward it to
Bank on a regular basis.  Hewfant will also complete and send the appropriate
written Notice of Adverse Action in the form prepared or approved by Bank to
Bank, which Bank will review and forward to the Taxpayer.  Pursuant to the
Taxpayer's Application, the Taxpayer will then receive an ACR check and shall
have deducted from the refund deposited by the IRS all of the tax
preparation/filing fees of JHTS as well as the ACR Application Fee, ACR Handling
Fee, and sums paid to third parties, but not the Bank Fee.

    g.   Upon receiving oral or written notice from a Taxpayer that the
Taxpayer no longer desires to obtain a previously approved RAL, JHTS shall not
deliver the Bank ACR check to the Taxpayer or, if the check has already been
delivered or mailed to the Taxpayer, shall advise the Taxpayer to return the ACR
check to JHTS, marked "VOID" as a result of a Taxpayer cancellation.  The
Taxpayer shall then be deemed to have applied for an ACR and shall be liable for
the same fees as specified in Paragraph 4.(h) above when the new ACR check is
issued.  

    h.   JHTS will retain original RAL Applications, copies of Disclosures and
Notices of Adverse Action for 25 months, and send individual original
Applications so retained to Bank within five (5) days after Bank's request for
them.  JHTS will retain copies of such records associated with the RALs and ACRs
and the electronic filing of Taxpayer's federal income tax return as the IRS may
from time to time require or direct.

    i.   JHTS and Hewfant will mail up to three letters in the form adopted by
Bank and on Bank's stationary to effect collection of delinquent RALs.  All RALs
that are 90 or more days delinquent may be referred by Bank to a collection
agency.  

5.  BANK'S DUTIES - RALS PROGRAM

    Bank will have the following duties with respect to each Application for a
RAL transmitted to it by Hewfant:

    a.   On each Business Day during the term of this Agreement, Bank will
evaluate each Application for a RAL transmitted to it on that day in accordance
with its underwriting standards then in effect for such RALs and will notify
Hewfant electronically within two hours after it receives the application if the
Application is not approved.  Bank will not accept any application from a JHTS
Affiliate if Bank receives notification from the IRS that the Affiliate is under
investigation, or Bank reasonably suspects fraudulent activity originating
through the Affiliate, or if, for any reason, delinquencies on RALs originating
through the Affiliate are considered unacceptable.

    b.   On the Business Day Bank receives notification, prior to a mutually
agreed upon cut-off time, that a disbursement check, including check number and
amount, has been issued, Bank will remit, via ACH directly to the bank account
of the local JHTS office that generated the fees, the Tax Preparation Fee, the
Electronic Filing Fee, if any, the ACR Application Fee, and any other applicable
fees.

    c.   To enable Hewfant and JHTS to identify the fees remitted by Bank, on a
daily basis, Bank will also supply to Hewfant electronically with respect to
each fee remitted that day:  (a) the name and social security number of each
Taxpayer for whom Bank remitted fees; (b) the amount of the Tax Preparation Fee,
Electronic Filing Fee, if any, ACR Application Fee, and any other applicable fee
remitted for each Taxpayer; and (c) the location code of the JHTS office at
which the particular Taxpayer applied for a RAL.

    d.   All loan disbursement checks delivered to Taxpayers shall be cashier's
ACR checks drawn on a loan disbursement account established by Bank, and shall
be paid promptly upon presentment, unless Bank reasonably believes that it has a
valid defense to the payment of such check.  On a daily basis Bank will supply
to Hewfant electronically a listing of all ACR checks issued in connection with
RALs that have cleared.

    e.   Bank will open a Deposit Account for each Taxpayer at Bank.  Bank
shall have the right to offset such refund when it is electronically deposited
by the IRS against the total of the loan disbursement check previously delivered
to the Taxpayer, plus the Tax Preparation Fee, Electronic Filing Fee, if any,
the RAL Application Fee, the Bank Fee, the ACR Application Fee, the ACR Handling
Fee, and any other applicable fees or deductions authorized by the Taxpayer.  If
the Taxpayer's refund exceeds the total of such amounts, Bank will promptly pay
the excess amount to Taxpayer, provided that any such amount is at least $1.00.

                                       5
<PAGE>

    f.   While this Agreement is in effect, subject to approval of Hewfant and
JHTS, Bank will designate, pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph 19.i., the
amount of the Bank Fees that are "Finance Charges" (as this term is defined in
Federal Reserve Board Regulation Z), which Bank Fees shall be provided in
Addendum No. 1 and be in effect for one (1) calendar year.  Bank may change the
Bank Fees designated by Bank by November 1 of the year before the calendar year
in which the Bank Fees will be effective.  Bank agrees to indemnify JHTS and
Hewfant with regard to compliance with law as provided in the Indemnification
Agreement appended hereto as Exhibit "B".

6.  BANK FEES AS LOAN LOSS RESERVE

    The Bank Fee for the RALs shall be reserved against losses on the RALs,
applied against such loan losses and disbursed as provided in Addendum No. 1.

7.  BLANK CHECK STOCK

    JHTS will use the blank cashiers' ACR check stock provided by Bank, and
will complete and affix laser generated facsimile signatures thereto only as
authorized by Bank for the purposes described in this Agreement.  JHTS shall use
reasonable care to safeguard the blank ACR check stock supplied to it by Bank
until each ACR check form is given to the appropriate Taxpayer, but JHTS shall
not be responsible for any loss that occurs in connection with an ACR check
after it is given to the Taxpayer.  If a blank ACR check form should be
discovered to have been lost, stolen or given to a person other than the proper
Taxpayer, JHTS shall promptly report that fact to Bank.   Upon termination of
the Agreement, JHTS shall account to Bank for unused blank ACR check stock and
return all unused ACR check stocks to Bank.  JHTS shall maintain and transmit to
Bank a record of ACR check stock or number issued to each Affiliate.  JHTS shall
also destroy all facsimile specimens.

8.  WARRANTIES OF HEWFANT AND JHTS

    Hewfant and, as applicable, JHTS, warrant and continue to warrant to Bank
that:

    a.   JHTS will maintain such computer software as is necessary to
facilitate the Program, including error checking and fraud detection routines.

    b.   Hewfant will use its best efforts to provide Bank with at least the
number of Bank Products for each Tax Season as specified in the Addendum for
that Tax Season, which shall be about fifty percent (50%) of the Bank Products
provided by JHTS to all of its participating RAL lenders in that Tax Season.

    c.   For Application data transmitted by JHTS to Hewfant, the data
originates from bona fide Program Applications actually signed and submitted by
the named applicants, copies of which along with copies of the RAL Disclosure
were provided to the Taxpayers at the time of application.

    d.   With respect to each Application, JHTS has obtained the required forms
of identification, signatures and certifications from each Taxpayer and has no
knowledge that any Taxpayer has provided inaccurate data.

    e.   Hewfant and JHTS are not aware of any reason why any Taxpayer's income
tax refund would not be made in the amount submitted by JHTS to Hewfant and
Bank.

    f.   All charges and sums which Hewfant or JHTS authorizes Bank to deduct
from the proceeds of an ACR or RAL made under the Program are owed to JHTS or
others by the appropriate Taxpayer and the Taxpayer has authorized deduction of
the charges or others from the ACR or RAL proceeds.

    g.   All ACR checks completed by JHTS and other funds received from Bank
for payment to Taxpayers will be delivered or mailed by JHTS to the appropriate
Taxpayer.

    h.   JHTS has complied and will continue to comply with all applicable
laws, regulations, procedures and interpretations thereof relating to the
payment of federal income tax and the preparation of federal income tax returns
and has complied and will continue to comply with all applicable laws and
regulations relating to the arranging for RALs in anticipation of the receipt of
federal income tax refunds and the marketing and advertising of such
arrangements.  

                                       6
<PAGE>

This warranty does not extend to those laws and regulations as to which First 
Republic has given its warranty under Section 9.

    i.   The blank loan disbursement ACR check stock and facsimile specimen
provided by Bank to JHTS will be used only as authorized by Bank for purposes
described in this Agreement and the blank ACR check stock will be returned, if
unused, by September 1 of the calendar year for which those ACR checks have been
prepared for use.

    j.   These warranties shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

9.  WARRANTIES OF FIRST REPUBLIC

    First Republic warrants to Hewfant and, as applicable, to JHTS, that (i)
the evaluation and processing of Program Applications, the making and
documentation of RALs to Taxpayers under the Program and the fees charged by
Bank for such RALs will comply with all applicable state and federal laws and
regulations, including without limitation, the federal Truth-In-Lending Act (15
U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), but excepting those laws and regulations as to which JHTS
has given its warranty under Paragraph 8.h, and (ii) it has sufficient capital
to fund the RALS provided by Hewfant to it in any Tax Season.  These warranties
shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

10. GUARANTY OF RALS

    To induce First Republic, either itself or through a designee Bank, to make
RALs to Taxpayers referred by JHTS and Hewfant pursuant to this Agreement,
Hewfant and JHTS, jointly and severally, agree to enter into the Suretyship
Agreement appended hereto as Exhibit "A."

11. TERM AND TERMINATION

    a.   The term of this Agreement shall begin on the date first written above
and shall terminate on October 31, 1999, unless extended as provided below.  

    b.   Any party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the
others as provided in this Agreement.  Such notice, to be effective, must be
given during the period of April 1st to June 30th of any calendar year, and
shall be effective to terminate this Agreement as of the then applicable
termination date as it may have been extended and reextended.  If this Agreement
is not terminated during the period of April 1st to June 30th in any calendar
year, the termination date of this Agreement shall automatically be extended by
one year.  Otherwise, this Agreement may be terminated by any party upon fifteen
(15) days written notice if:  (a) applicable laws, regulations, or IRS
procedures governing the making of RALs and ACRs make (or are claimed by an
enforcement authority to make) the continued operation of the Program of
questionable legality, either generally or in any area; or (b) the IRS ceases to
permit JHTS to file income tax returns electronically or the Treasury Department
ceases to deposit income tax refunds directly into accounts of Taxpayers with
Bank.  However, this Agreement may not be so terminated if either ACRs or RALs
may still lawfully be offered to Taxpayers by Bank.

    c.   Performance of duties which by their terms contemplate performance
after the date of termination shall be completed in accordance with this
Agreement.  Such duties include, but are not limited to, collection of
delinquencies, dispersal of proceeds, payments, and the like.

12. OWNERSHIP OF LOANS

    Bank, Hewfant and JHTS agree that Bank will be sole owner of the RALs made
under the Program.  First Republic, in consultation with Hewfant, will set
credit underwriting standards to evaluate applications for Program loans from
time to time.  First Republic may supply Hewfant no later than December 31 prior
to any Tax Year, with an ASCII record of the names and social security numbers
of all Taxpayers for which it will not authorize any RAL for that Tax Year,
provided that this record is not excessive in size as determined by JHTS and
Hewfant.

13. LOAN LIMITS

    The maximum and minimum RAL loan amounts shall be as provided in the
Addendum.

                                       7
<PAGE>

14. JHTS FRANCHISEES (AFFILIATES)

    a.   JHTS may from time to time arrange for independently owned offices
franchised by or affiliated with JHTS ("Affiliates") to participate in the
Program without such Affiliates having a direct agreement with Bank.

    b.   JHTS agrees that such Affiliates will execute agreements requiring
them to perform the duties and make the representations and warranties of
Hewfant and JHTS to Bank with respect to RAL and ACR Applications submitted
through and processed by them.

    c.   Each Affiliate is responsible for any and all blank check forms which
are provided to that Affiliate pursuant to this Program.  In the event that
blank ACR check forms that have been forwarded to an Affiliate have been or are
presumed to have been lost, stolen or given to a person other than the proper
Taxpayer, the Affiliate is responsible for any and all resultant loss, and the
Affiliate will indemnify the Bank against such loss.  If the Affiliate is unable
or unwilling to indemnify Bank within 60 days of receipt of Bank's demand for
indemnification, JHTS agrees that it shall be responsible for the actions of
such Affiliates with respect to this Agreement and such Affiliates shall be
deemed to be offices owned by JHTS for all purposes hereof, including without
limitation the warranties of JHTS hereunder and JHTS shall indemnify the Bank
for such loss.

15. PARTICIPATION

    First Republic may, from time to time, sell and assign one or more
participation interests in the ACRs and RALs generated under the Program, and
the participants to whom participation interests are sold may sell
sub-participation interests; provided, however, that any financial institution
purchasing a participation interest of more than 25% in any Program RALs shall
act as a continuing surety and indemnitor of all of Bank's obligations under
this Agreement.

16. MARKETING AND OTHER MATERIALS

    a.   Hewfant will develop marketing materials in connection with the
Program.  First Republic will have the right to review promptly and approve all
marketing materials produced by Hewfant in connection with the Program, provided
that First Republic's approval is not unreasonably withheld.  First Republic
will develop certain other written materials (including collection letters and
loan denial letters) for use in connection with the Program.  Hewfant and JHTS
will have the right to promptly review and approve such materials if they are
meant for external use, provided that Hewfant's and JHTS's approvals are not
unreasonably withheld.

    b.   Each party hereto owns and may use in connection with the Program
certain trade and service marks.  No party shall use the other's marks in any
manner except to the extent and in the manner expressly authorized in writing by
the other.

17. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

    Each party hereto shall safeguard all data and other information made
available to it by the other parties which is of a confidential nature, taking
reasonable precautions to withhold the same from disclosure to the same extent
that it would safeguard its own confidential information and data.  Such
confidential information shall not include information which is otherwise
generally available to the public, or rightfully obtained by or from third
parties.  Upon the termination of this Agreement, the parties shall return all
such confidential information and certify in writing that no copies are
retained.  The undertakings of this Paragraph 17 shall survive the termination
of this Agreement.

18. INDEMNIFICATION

    Hewfant and Jackson Hewitt, jointly and severally on the one part, and
First Republic individually on the other (herein, each an "Indemnitor"), shall
indemnify the other against any liabilities and expenses, including legal fees,
incurred by the other in connection with any claims, disputes, controversies or
litigation arising out of (a) the failure of such Indemnitor to perform its
duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, as it may be extended,
renewed, modified or amended or (b) any breach of the Indemnitor's warranties
made under this Agreement, as it may be extended, renewed, modified or amended. 
The indemnifying party shall have the right to control any action for which
indemnity is required herein, through knowledgeable and experienced counsel of
its choice; provided, however, that 

                                       8
<PAGE>

at the indemnitee's option, the indemnitee may participate in and contribute 
to such action and appoint its own counsel at any time, all of which shall be 
at such indemnitee's cost and expense.  The liability of Hewfant and Jackson 
Hewitt hereunder shall jointly be limited to 65% of the liability and 
expenses for which such indemnification is being sought hereunder.  This 
indemnity shall survive the termination of this Agreement.  A copy of the 
form of Indemnification Agreement is appended hereto as Exhibit "B." 

19. MISCELLANEOUS

    a.   This Agreement is binding on the parties hereto and their successors. 
Each party may assign its rights and delegate its obligations hereunder to any
of its direct corporate parents, to any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries or to
any affiliate.  Other than as explicitly stated in this paragraph, this
Agreement cannot be assigned to any party without the express written consent of
all other parties, except that First Republic may designate another Bank to
offer the Bank Products in participation with First Republic and may also sell
and assign one or more participation interests in the Bank Products at any time
and from time to time pursuant to Paragraph 15 above without notice to or the
consent of the other parties.

    b.   This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the internal
laws of the State of Delaware and, to the extent applicable, the United States
of America.

    c.   Notice, when required under this Agreement, shall be given in writing
by first class U.S. Mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

              If to BANK:              First Republic Bank
                                       1608 Walnut Street
                                       10th Floor
                                       Philadelphia, PA  19102

              If to JHTS:              Jackson Hewitt Inc.
                                       4575 Bonney Road
                                       Virginia Beach, VA  23462

              If to Hewfant:           Hewfant Inc.
                                       4575 Bonney Road
                                       Virginia Beach, VA  23462

Notice properly given under the provisions of this Paragraph shall be deemed
given on the day following the day when placed in the mails.

    d.   The failure of any party to insist upon another party's compliance
with or performance of any term or condition of this Agreement shall not be
deemed a waiver of such term or condition, and no waiver shall be binding upon
any party unless in writing and signed by such party, and shall then be binding
only for that particular instance.

    e.   The parties agree that if any provision of this Agreement shall be
determined to be void by any court of competent jurisdiction, then such a
determination shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement, all of
which provisions shall remain in effect.  If any provision is capable of two
constructions, one of which would render the provision valid, then the provision
shall have the meaning which renders it valid.

    f.   This writing constitutes the entire agreement among the parties.  This
Agreement may be amended or supplemented only by a writing duly executed by
authorized representatives of the parties.

    g.   It is expressly understood and agreed that it is not the intention or
purpose of this Agreement to create nor shall the same be construed as creating
any type of agency, partnership or joint venture.

    h.   From time to time First Republic, its designated Bank and/or its or
their banking examiners or auditors may perform physical audits of blank Bank
ACR check stock, Program Application forms, copies of Taxpayers' 8453 Forms, and
delinquency summaries by JHTS Affiliates in Hewfant's or JHTS's possession. 
Hewfant and JHTS will 

                                       9
<PAGE>

permit First Republic, its designated Bank, and/or its or their banking 
examiners or auditors, access to Hewfant's and/or JHTS's premises and records 
for the purpose of such audits, and will cooperate with Bank in connection 
with such audits.

    i.   This Agreement may not be modified or amended without the written
consent of JHTS., Hewfant and Bank.  Any changes in terms or fees must be
decided upon each year no later than December 1 or shall continue to remain in
effect.  Fees established on that date shall be as provided in the Addendum for
the next Tax Season and may not be changed at any other time without the
express, written consent of all parties.

    j.   To facilitate execution, this Agreement may be executed in
counterparts by the parties and shall be binding when duly authorized signatures
of each party appear on one or more counterparts delivered to the other parties.
All counterparts shall collectively constitute a single Agreement.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties
hereto have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this
Agreement as of the day and year first written above.

Attest:                                FIRST REPUBLIC BANK

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


                                       BY:   Rolf Stensrud
                                          ---------------------------------
                                                      (SEAL)
                                       Typed Name:  Rolf Stensrud

                                       Title:  President

Attest:                                HEWFANT, INC.


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

                                       BY:   Keith E. Alessi
                                          ---------------------------------
                                                      (SEAL)

                                       Typed Name:  Keith E. Alessi


                                       Title:  President


Attest:                                JACKSON HEWITT INC.


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

                                       BY:   Keith E. Alessi
                                          ---------------------------------
                                                      (SEAL)    

                                       Typed Name:  Keith E. Alessi


                                       Title:  President



<PAGE>

Exhibit 23.2

                          CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


    We consent to the inclusion in this registration statement on form SB-2 
of our report dated January 30, 1997, except as to the information in Note 17 
for which the date is March 4, 1997, on our audit of the consolidated 
financial statements and financial statement schedules of First Republic 
Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary as of December 31, 1996 and for the year then 
ended. We also consent to the references to our firm under the caption 
"Experts".


/s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

2400 Eleven Penn Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 7, 1997

<PAGE>

                                     EXHIBIT 23.3

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the use in this Registration Statement of Republic First 
Bancorp, Inc. on Form SB-2 of our report on Republic Bancorporation, Inc. for 
the year ended December 31, 1995 dated March 1, 1996, except Note 1 related 
to the merger which is dated June 7, 1996 and except Note 17 related to the 
stock split effected in the form of a dividend which is dated March 4, 1997, 
appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such 
Prospectus.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

    DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    November 7, 1997



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