NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES INC
S-4, 1996-09-25
SAVINGS INSTITUTION, FEDERALLY CHARTERED
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<PAGE>
 
                                                            Registration No. 33-
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    Form S-4
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                         ------------------------------

                         NEW HAMPSHIRE BANCSHARES, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>                           <C>
             DELAWARE                             6035                  02-0430695
(State or other jurisdiction of     (Primary Standard Industrial    (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)      Classification Code Number)   Identification No.)
</TABLE>

                               THE CARRIAGE HOUSE
                        NEW LONDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03257
                                 (603) 863-5772
              (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
       including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
                         ------------------------------

                               STEPHEN W. ENSIGN
                                 President and
                            Chief Executive Officer
                               The Carriage House
                        New London, New Hampshire 03257
                                 (603) 863-5772
 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                             of agent for service)

                                   Copies to:

   RICHARD A. SCHABERG, ESQ.                DENIS J. MALONEY ESQ.
   Thacher Proffitt & Wood           Gallagher, Callahan & Gartell, P.A.
   1500 K Street, N.W., Suite 200             214 Main Street
   Washington, D.C. 20005                  Concord, New Hampshire
   Telephone (202) 347-8400               Telephone (602) 228-1181

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

             Approximate date of commencement of the proposed sale
                        of the securities to the public:
AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT.

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

                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
====================================================================================================================================

                                                                               Proposed           Proposed        
                                                                               maximum            maximum         
 Title of each class of securities to be                                       offering      aggregate offering     Amount of
               registered                  Amount to be Registered/(1)/    price per unit        price/(2)/      registration fee
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                        <C>                             <C>               <C>                 <C>
Common Stock                                          364,210
($.01 par value).........................             Shares                   N/A                 $2,126,794           $734.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>
(1) This Registration Statement covers the maximum number of shares of the
    Registrant's common stock that may be issued in the transaction described
    herein.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee and
    computed in accordance with Rule 457(f)(2), based on the book value of the
    common stock of Landmark Bank on August 31, 1996 of $7.13 and the maximum
    number of such shares (298,288) that may be exchanged for the securities
    being registered.

     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 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 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
<PAGE>

                               [NHTB LETTERHEAD]

                                                                _______ __, 1996


Dear Shareholder:

     On behalf of the Board of Directors, you are cordially invited to attend a
Special Meeting of Shareholders of New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.
("NHTB") to be held on Thursday, December 19, 1996, at the Lake Sunapee Bank
Building, 1868 Room, 9 Main Street, Newport, New Hampshire at 10:00 a.m.

     At the Special Meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon the
approval and adoption of an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of
July 26, 1996, by and among NHTB, Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb (the "Bank") and
Landmark Bank ("Landmark") and an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of the
July 26, 1996, by and between Landmark and the Bank and joined in by NHTB,
(together, the "Agreements"), and the transactions contemplated thereby,
including the issuance of up to 364,210 shares of NHTB common stock.

     The Agreements provide for the acquisition of Landmark by merger with and
into the Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of NHTB, with the Bank as the surviving
institution (the "Merger").  Upon consummation of the Merger, each share of
Landmark common stock, except for any dissenting shares, will be converted into
and exchangeable for, at the election of each Landmark shareholder, a number of
shares of NHTB common stock determined pursuant to an Exchange Ratio, as defined
in the Agreements, or a Cash Election Price of $12.00 per share, subject to
certain election and allocation procedures.  Cash will be paid in lieu of
fractional shares of NHTB common stock.

     The Agreements have been approved by the Boards of Directors of NHTB and
Landmark.  YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS DETERMINED THAT THE MERGER IS IN THE BEST
INTERESTS OF NHTB AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS AND RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR APPROVAL
OF THE AGREEMENTS AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY.  HAS Associates,
Inc., NHTB's financial advisor, has advised your Board of Directors, that, in
its opinion, as of ______________, 1996, the consideration to be paid by NHTB to
Landmark shareholders pursuant to the Agreements is fair from a financial point
of view to NHTB shareholders.  The written opinion of HAS Associates, Inc. is
reproduced in full in Appendix B to the accompanying Joint Proxy Statement-
Prospectus.  I urge you to read the opinion carefully.

     Approval by the NHTB shareholders of the Agreements is a condition to the
consummation of the Merger.  Consummation of the Merger is also subject to
certain other conditions, including the approval of the Agreements by Landmark's
shareholders and the approval of the Merger by various regulatory agencies.  The
shareholders of Landmark will consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the
Agreements at a special meeting to be held in West Lebanon, New Hampshire on
December 19, 1996.

     The enclosed Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders and Joint Proxy
Statement-Prospectus describe the Merger and provide information concerning the
Special Meeting.  Please read these materials carefully.
<PAGE>
 
                                       2


     YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU OWN.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, I URGE YOU TO SIGN, DATE
AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO ENSURE THAT YOUR
SHARES WILL BE REPRESENTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING.  THEREFORE, TO ENSURE THAT
YOUR SHARES ARE REPRESENTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING, PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN
THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE PAID
ENVELOPE.

     The Merger is an important step for NHTB and its shareholders.  On behalf
of the Board of Directors, I urge you to vote FOR the proposal.

     If you have any questions, please call (603) 526-2116.

                                        Sincerely,


                                        [facsimile signature]

                                        John J. Kiernan
                                        Chairman of the Board
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.
                        The Carriage House, P.O. Box 37
                        New London, New Hampshire  03257
                           Telephone: (603) 526-2116

                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                          TO BE HELD DECEMBER 19, 1996

          NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Shareholders (the
"NHTB Special Meeting") of New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. ("NHTB") will
be held at the Lake Sunapee Bank Building, 1868 Room, 9 Main Street, Newport,
New Hampshire at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 19, 1996, for the purpose of
considering and voting upon the following matters:

          1.  The adoption and approval of an Agreement and Plan of
     Reorganization dated as of July 26, 1996, by and among NHTB, Lake Sunapee
     Bank, fsb (the "Bank") and Landmark Bank ("Landmark") and an Agreement and
     Plan of Merger, dated as of the July 26, 1996, by and between Landmark and
     the Bank and joined in by NHTB and the transactions contemplated thereby.
     A copy of each of the Agreements is included as Appendix A to the
     accompanying Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus.

          2.   A proposal to adjourn the NHTB Special Meeting for any reason.

          3.  Such other business as may properly come before the NHTB Special
     Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

     Pursuant to NHTB's Bylaws, the Board of Directors has fixed November 1,
1996 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice
of and to vote at the NHTB Special Meeting and at any adjournments or
postponements thereof.  Only holders of common stock of record at the close of
business on that date will be entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the
NHTB Special Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.  A majority
of the outstanding shares of NHTB common stock entitled to vote must be
represented at the NHTB Special Meeting, in person or by proxy, to constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business.

                                By Order of the Board of Directors

                                [facsimile signature]

                                Linda L. Oldham
                                Secretary
New London, New Hampshire
_____________ __, 1996

     YOU ARE URGED, EVEN THOUGH YOU MAY PLAN TO ATTEND THE NHTB SPECIAL MEETING,
TO SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD PROMPTLY TO ENSURE THAT YOUR
SHARES WILL BE VOTED AT THE NHTB SPECIAL MEETING.  FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE, A
POSTAGE-PAID, ADDRESSED ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED FOR YOU TO RETURN YOUR PROXY CARD.
YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO ITS EXERCISE IN THE MANNER
DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED JOINT PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS.  ANY SHAREHOLDER
PRESENT AT THE NHTB SPECIAL MEETING, INCLUDING ANY ADJOURNMENTS OR POSTPONEMENTS
THEREOF, MAY REVOKE HIS OR HER PROXY AND VOTE PERSONALLY ON EACH MATTER BROUGHT
BEFORE THE NHTB SPECIAL MEETING.
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.
                                      AND
                                 LANDMARK BANK

                             JOINT PROXY STATEMENT

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

                     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.

                                   PROSPECTUS

     This Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus is being furnished to holders of
common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("NHTB Common Stock") of New Hampshire
Thrift Bancshares, Inc. ("NHTB") in connection with the solicitation of proxies
by the NHTB Board of Directors for use at a special meeting of NHTB shareholders
to be held at the Lake Sunapee Bank Building, 1868 Room, 9 Main Street, Newport,
New Hampshire, at 10:00 a.m. on December 19, 1996 and at any adjournment thereof
(the "NHTB Special Meeting").

     At the NHTB Special Meeting, the NHTB shareholders will be asked to: (i)
consider and vote upon an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of July
26, 1996 (the "Plan of Reorganization"), by and among NHTB, Lake Sunapee Bank,
fsb (the "Bank") and Landmark Bank ("Landmark") and an Agreement and Plan of
Merger dated as of July 26, 1996 by and between Landmark and the Bank and joined
in by NHTB (the "Merger Agreement"), and the transactions contemplated thereby;
and (ii) approve a proposal to adjourn the NHTB Special Meeting for any reason,
including to permit further solicitation of proxies in the event that there are
not sufficient votes at the time of the NHTB Special Meeting to approve the Plan
of Reorganization and the Merger Agreement.

     This Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus is also being furnished to the
holders of common stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Landmark Common Stock") of
Landmark in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Landmark Board of
Directors for use at a special meeting of Landmark shareholders to be held at
4:00 p.m. on December 19, 1996 at Landmark's branch banking office at 106 North
Main Street, West Lebanon, New Hampshire and at any adjournment thereof (the
"Landmark Special Meeting").

     At the Landmark Special Meeting, the Landmark shareholders will be asked
to: (i) consider and vote upon the Plan of Reorganization and the Merger
Agreement, and the transactions contemplated thereby; and (ii) approve a
proposal to adjourn the Landmark Special Meeting for any reason, including to
permit further solicitation of proxies in the event there are not sufficient
votes at the time of the Landmark Special Meeting to approve the Plan of
Reorganization and the Merger Agreement.

     Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Landmark will merge with and into the
Bank in accordance with federal and New Hampshire banking law (the "Merger"). At
the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding share of Landmark Common
Stock, other than shares as to which dissenters' rights have been asserted and
not withdrawn, at the election of each Landmark shareholder, will be converted
into and exchangeable for (i) 1.221 (the "Exchange Ratio") shares of NHTB Common
Stock or (ii) $12.00 in cash (the "Cash Election Price"), subject to the total
consideration paid to Landmark shareholders being comprised of 60% NHTB Common
Stock and 40% cash and subject to the election and allocation procedures set
forth in the Merger Agreement.  The Cash Election Price and Exchange Ratio
(together, the "Merger Consideration") are each subject to adjustment in certain
circumstances.  See "THE MERGER--Adjustment of Merger Consideration."  No
fractional shares of NHTB Common Stock will be issued and cash will be paid in
lieu thereof.  See "THE MERGER--Merger Consideration."  Pursuant to the Merger,
Landmark will be merged with and into the Bank, with the Bank as the surviving
entity.  Upon consummation of the Merger, the shareholders of Landmark
immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger will no longer hold any
interest in Landmark other than as shareholders of NHTB to the extent that they
have received shares of NHTB Common Stock.

     The Plan of Reorganization and the Merger Agreement are attached hereto as
Appendix A, and are incorporated herein by reference. This Joint Proxy
Statement-Prospectus and the accompanying proxy cards are first being mailed to
shareholders of NHTB and Landmark on or about ________ __, 1996.

     NHTB has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration
Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") covering a
maximum of 364,210 shares of NHTB Common Stock, representing shares to be issued
in connection with the Merger.  This Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus also
constitutes the prospectus of NHTB filed as a part of such Registration
Statement.

     This Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus does not cover any resales of NHTB
Common Stock received by shareholders of Landmark upon consummation of the
Merger, and no person is authorized to make use of this Joint Proxy Statement-
Prospectus in connection with any such resale.

     THE ABOVE MATTERS ARE DISCUSSED IN DETAIL IN THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT-
PROSPECTUS. THE PROPOSED MERGER IS A COMPLEX TRANSACTION. SHAREHOLDERS ARE
STRONGLY URGED TO READ AND CONSIDER CAREFULLY THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT-
PROSPECTUS IN ITS ENTIRETY.

  THE SECURITIES OF NHTB OFFERED HEREBY 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 JOINT PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS.
           ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

     THE SHARES OF NHTB COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY ARE NOT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS,
DEPOSITS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK OR SAVINGS ASSOCIATION OR NON-BANK
SUBSIDIARY OF NHTB AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY.

    THE DATE OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS IS _________ __, 1996.
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                                                                   PAGE



AVAILABLE INFORMATION............................................     1

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE..................     1

INFORMATION RELATING TO NHTB.....................................     2

     SUMMARY.....................................................     3
          The Parties............................................     3
          The Meetings...........................................     3
          The Merger.............................................     4
          Merger Consideration...................................     5
          Recommendations of the Boards of Directors
           and Reasons for the Merger............................     6
          Opinions of Financial Advisors.........................     7
          Conditions to the Consummation of the Merger...........     8
          Termination............................................     8
          Amendment, Extension and Waiver........................     9
          Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.............     9
          Regulatory Approvals...................................    10
          Material Federal Income Tax Consequences...............    10
          Accounting Treatment...................................    11
          Management and Operations After the Merger.............    11
          The Stock Option Agreement.............................    11
          Appraisal Rights of Dissenting Shareholders............    12
          Certain Differences in the Rights of Shareholders......    12
          Selected Historical and Pro Forma Per Share Data.......    12
          Market Prices..........................................    14

     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.

               SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA................    15

     LANDMARK BANK

               SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA................    16

     MEETING INFORMATION.........................................    17
          NHTB Meeting...........................................    17
          Landmark Meeting.......................................    18

     THE MERGER..................................................    20
          General................................................    20
          Parties to the Merger..................................    21
          Effective Time.........................................    21
          Management and Operations after the Merger.............    21
          Merger Consideration...................................    22
          Background of the Merger...............................    23
 

                                       i
<PAGE>
 
          Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of the Boards
           of Directors..........................................    26
          Opinions of Financial Advisors.........................    30
          Adjustment of Merger Consideration.....................    39
          Adjustment of Merger Consideration in the Event of 
           Delayed Effective Date................................    39
          Exchange of Certificates; Election Procedures; 
           Fractional Shares.....................................    39
          Allocations............................................    41
          Issuance of Stock and Payment of Cash to Exchange Agent    42
          Conduct of Business Pending the Merger.................    43
          Conditions to Consummation.............................    44
          No Solicitation........................................    46
          Regulatory Matters.....................................    46
          Material Federal Income Tax Consequences...............    47
          Accounting Treatment...................................    52
          Termination............................................    52
          Amendment, Extension and Waiver........................    52
          Effect on Employee Benefits............................    53
          Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.............    53
          Beneficial Ownership of NHTB Common Stock..............    54 
          Beneficial Ownership of Landmark Common Stock..........    55
 
     CERTAIN RELATED TRANSACTIONS................................    56
          The Stock Option Agreement.............................    56
          Resale of NHTB Common Stock............................    57
          Appraisal Rights of Dissenting Shareholders............    58
 
     UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL
      DATA.......................................................    60
 
     REGULATION OF THE BANK AND NHTB.............................    64
 
     INFORMATION ABOUT LANDMARK..................................    74
          Description of Business................................    74
          Description of Properties..............................    76
          Legal Proceedings......................................    76
 
     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION 
             AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF LANDMARK BANK..........    76
          General................................................    76
          Highlights.............................................    76
          Rate/Volume Analysis...................................    79
          Results of Operations--Six Months Ended June 30, 1996 
            as Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 1995....    79
          Financial Condition....................................    81
          Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity Management.....    82
          Capital................................................    84
          Three Years Ended December 31, 1995....................    84
          Highlights.............................................    84
          Average Balance Sheet..................................    85
 

                                       ii
<PAGE>
 
          Rate/Volume Analysis...................................    86
          Results of Operations--Year Ended December 31, 1995 
              as Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1994........    86
          Results of Operations--Year Ended December 31, 1994 
              as Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1993........    88
          Financial Condition....................................    90
          Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity Management.....    91
          Capital................................................    92
          Recent Accounting Developments.........................    93
 
     CERTAIN STATISTICAL AND OTHER INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO
              LANDMARK...........................................    94
          Investment Portfolio...................................    94
          Loan Portfolio.........................................    97
          Non-accrual, Past Due, Restructured, and Potential 
           Problem Loans.........................................    98
          Summary of Loan Loss Experience........................    98
          Allowance For Loan Losses Allocation...................   100
          Deposits...............................................   101
          Short-Term Borrowing...................................   102
 
     DESCRIPTION OF NHTB CAPITAL STOCK...........................   103
          General................................................   103
          Common Stock...........................................   103
          Preferred Stock........................................   103
          Certain Antitakeover Provisions........................   103
 
     COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF NHTB AND LANDMARK SHAREHOLDERS......   105
          Voting Requirements to Remove Directors................   105
          Business Combinations With Related Persons.............   106
          Beneficial Ownership Limitation........................   106
          Amendments to Certificate of Incorporation.............   107
          Evaluation of Certain Offers...........................   107
          Anti-Greenmail.........................................   107
          Special Meetings of Shareholders.......................   107
          Actions Without a Meeting of Shareholders..............   108
          Qualification of Directors.............................   108
          Amendments to Bylaws...................................   108
          Cumulative Voting......................................   108
 
     TRANSACTIONS WITH CERTAIN RELATED PERSONS...................   109
 
     COMPARATIVE STOCK PRICES AND DIVIDENDS......................   109
 
     EXPERTS.....................................................   109
 
     LEGAL MATTERS...............................................   110
 

                                      iii
<PAGE>
 
     ADJOURNMENT OF SPECIAL MEETINGS.............................   110
 
     INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS..............................   111
 
     SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS.......................................   111
 
     APPENDICES..................................................   112
 
     INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...............................   113

                                       iv
<PAGE>
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION

          NHTB is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
     Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance
     therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
     Commission. Proxy statements, reports and other information concerning NHTB
     can be inspected and copied at the Commission's office at Room 1024,
     Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and the
     Commission's Regional Offices in New York (Seven World Trade Center, Suite
     1300, New York, New York 10048) and Chicago (Northwest Atrium Center, 500
     West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661), and copies of
     such material can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
     Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
     rates.  Such information is also available on the Commission's Electronic
     Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval ("EDGAR") System.  NHTB Common Stock
     is traded on the Nasdaq National Market System. Reports, proxy statements
     and other information concerning NHTB may also be inspected at the offices
     of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") at 1735 K
     Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.  NHTB has filed with the Commission a
     Registration Statement under the Securities Act. This Joint Proxy
     Statement-Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the
     Registration Statement and exhibits thereto.  Such additional information
     may be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at its
     principal office at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, upon
     payment of the prescribed fees, and to which reference is hereby made.
     Statements contained in this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus or in any
     document incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus
     as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to herein or
     therein are not necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is
     made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to
     the Registration Statement or such other document, each statement being
     qualified in all respects by such reference.

          THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE
     DOCUMENTS WHICH ARE NOT PRESENTED HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH.  NHTB WILL
     PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT-
     PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, INCLUDING ANY BENEFICIAL OWNER OF LANDMARK COMMON
     STOCK, UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY OF ANY OR ALL OF
     THE FOREGOING DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE (OTHER THAN
     EXHIBITS TO SUCH DOCUMENTS WHICH ARE NOT SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED THEREIN
     BY REFERENCE).  WRITTEN REQUESTS FOR DOCUMENTS RELATING TO NHTB SHOULD BE
     DIRECTED TO LINDA L. OLDHAM, SECRETARY, NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES,
     INC., THE CARRIAGE HOUSE, P.O. BOX 37, NEW LONDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03257.
     TELEPHONE REQUESTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO LINDA L. OLDHAM AT (603) 526-2116.
     IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF ANY OF THE DOCUMENTS, REQUESTS SHOULD
     BE MADE BY _____________, 1996.


                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

          The following documents and information heretofore filed with the
     Commission are incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement-
     Prospectus:

          Documents filed by NHTB (File No. 0-17859):

          (1) NHTB's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December
     31, 1995 (the "NHTB Form 10-KSB"); provided, however, that the information
     referred to in Item 402(a)(7) of Regulation S-B promulgated by the
     Commission shall not be deemed to be specifically incorporated by reference
     herein;

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
          (2) NHTB's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-QSB for the quarters ended
     March 31, 1996 and June 30, 1996;

          (3) The description of the NHTB Common Stock contained in the
     Registration Statement on Form 8-A, as amended, filed with the Commission,
     pursuant to which NHTB registered, among other things, the NHTB Common
     Stock pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act;

          (4) NHTB's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 10, 1996; and

          (5) NHTB's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 7, 1996.

          All documents filed by NHTB pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
     15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Joint Proxy Statement-
     Prospectus and prior to the date of the Landmark Special Meeting shall be
     deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Joint Proxy Statement-
     Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such
     documents.  Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to
     be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or
     superseded for purposes of this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus to the
     extent that a statement contained herein, or in any subsequently filed
     document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein,
     modifies or supersedes such statement.  Any statement so modified or
     superseded shall not be deemed, except as modified or superseded, to
     constitute a part of this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus.


                          INFORMATION RELATING TO NHTB

          The NHTB 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders, which includes the NHTB
     Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1995 (without
     the exhibits thereto), (the "NHTB Annual Report") and the NHTB Quarterly
     Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 1996 appear as
     Appendices E-1 and E-2, respectively, to this Joint Proxy Statement-
     Prospectus.  The foregoing documents attached as Appendices hereto are
     hereby incorporated by reference into this Joint Proxy Statement-
     Prospectus.  Notwithstanding any statement to the contrary contained in any
     of the foregoing documents, no effect shall be given to any incorporation
     by reference provided for therein and any such documents or information so
     incorporated shall not be deemed a part hereof or thereof.

          ALL INFORMATION IN THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS REGARDING
     NHTB AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY NHTB AND THE INFORMATION
     REGARDING LANDMARK AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY LANDMARK.

          No person is authorized to give any information or to make any
     representations other than those contained herein and, if given or made,
     such information or representation must not be relied upon as having been
     authorized. This document does not constitute an offer or solicitation by
     anyone in any state in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized
     or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified
     to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or
     solicitation. Neither the delivery of this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus
     nor any distribution of the shares of NHTB Common Stock hereunder shall,
     under any circumstances, create any implication that there has not been any
     change in the affairs of NHTB or Landmark since the date hereof.



                                      MAP

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                                    SUMMARY

          The following is a brief summary, which is necessarily incomplete, of
     certain information contained elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement-
     Prospectus or in documents incorporated herein by reference. Reference is
     made to, and this Summary is qualified in its entirety by, the more
     detailed information contained herein, the Appendices hereto and the
     documents incorporated by reference herein. Each shareholder is urged to
     read the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus with care.

     THE PARTIES

          NHTB. NHTB, a Delaware corporation, is a savings association holding
     company headquartered in New London, New Hampshire with total assets of
     approximately $258.5 million as of June 30, 1996. NHTB's banking
     subsidiary, Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb, is headquartered in Newport, New
     Hampshire. The Bank is engaged principally in the business of attracting
     deposits from the general public and investing those deposits in
     residential and commercial real estate loans, in commercial and consumer
     loans and in various investment securities. The Bank operates 10 full
     service banking offices in New Hampshire. NHTB's principal executive office
     is located at The Carriage House, P.O. Box 37, New London, New Hampshire
     03257, and its telephone number is (603) 526-2116.

          Landmark. Landmark is a guaranty savings bank chartered by the State
     of New Hampshire and headquartered in Lebanon, New Hampshire. As of June
     30, 1996, it had assets of approximately $57.8 million. Landmark's business
     is principally commercial and residential mortgage banking, attracting
     deposits from and making loans to small-to-medium sized businesses and
     resident households primarily in the geographic areas of its offices.
     Landmark also takes retail deposits from the general public and makes
     personal and consumer loans. Landmark's principal executive office is
     located at 106 Hanover Street, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766, and its
     telephone number is (603) 448-0101.

     THE MEETINGS

          NHTB. The NHTB Special Meeting will be held at the Lake Sunapee Bank
     Building, 1868 Room, 9 Main Street, Newport, New Hampshire, at 10:00 a.m.
     on Thursday, December 19, 1996.  The purpose of the NHTB Special Meeting is
     to consider and vote upon a proposal to adopt and approve the Plan of
     Reorganization, the Merger Agreement (together, the "Agreements") and the
     transactions contemplated thereby, including the issuance of up to 364,210
     shares (based upon an Exchange Ratio of 1.221) of NHTB Common stock (the
     "Merger Shares") and such other matters as may properly be brought before
     the meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.  See "MEETING
     INFORMATION--NHTB Meeting" and "THE MERGER."  Only holders of record of
     NHTB Common Stock at the close of business on November 1, 1996 (the "NHTB
     Record Date") will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the NHTB
     Special Meeting and any adjournments and postponements thereof.  The
     affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
     NHTB Common Stock is required to approve the Agreements.  As of the NHTB
     Record Date, __________ shares of NHTB Common Stock were outstanding and
     entitled to vote at the NHTB Special Meeting.

          Of the _________ shares of NHTB Common Stock outstanding and entitled
     to vote on the NHTB Record Date, _______ shares, or approximately ___% were
     held by directors and executive officers of NHTB and their respective
     affiliates.  Assuming that all directors and executive officers of NHTB and
     their respective affiliates vote in favor of the Agreements, the
     affirmative vote of holders of approximately _________ additional shares of
     NHTB Common Stock, representing approximately ____%

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     of the shares issued and outstanding on the NHTB Record Date, will be
     required to approve the Agreements.

          The affirmative vote of a majority of shares of NHTB Common Stock
     present or represented and entitled to vote and voting at the NHTB Special
     Meeting is required to approve an adjournment of the NHTB Special Meeting,
     including an adjournment to permit further solicitation of proxies in the
     event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the NHTB Special
     Meeting to approve the Agreements.

          Landmark.  The Landmark Special Meeting will be held at Landmark's
     branch banking office at 106 North Main Street, West Lebanon, New
     Hampshire, at 4:00 p.m. on December 19, 1996.  The purpose of the Landmark
     Special Meeting is to consider and vote upon a proposal to adopt and
     approve the Agreements and the transactions contemplated thereby, and such
     other matters that may properly come before the Landmark Special Meeting,
     or any adjournments or postponements thereof.  See "MEETING INFORMATION--
     Landmark Meeting" and "THE MERGER."  Only the holders of record of the
     outstanding shares of Landmark Common Stock on November 1, 1996 (the
     "Landmark Record Date") will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the
     Landmark Special Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. The
     affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Landmark
     Common Stock issued, outstanding and entitled to vote at the Landmark
     Special Meeting will be required to approve the Agreements. As of the
     Landmark Record Date, 354,138 shares of Landmark Common Stock were
     outstanding, 342,803 of which are entitled to vote at the Landmark Special
     Meeting.  See "MEETING INFORMATION--Landmark--Excess Shares."

          Of the 342,803 shares of Landmark Common Stock outstanding and
     entitled to vote on the Landmark Record Date, 133,374 shares, or
     approximately 38.9% were held by directors and executive officers of
     Landmark and their respective affiliates.  The affirmative vote of holders
     of approximately 38,028 additional shares of Landmark Common Stock not held
     by directors, executive officers and their affiliates, representing
     approximately 11.1% of the shares issued and outstanding and entitled to
     vote on the Landmark Record Date, will be required to approve the
     Agreements if all directors, executive officers and their affiliates vote
     in favor the Agreements. Directors and executive officers of Landmark and
     their respective affiliates holding an aggregate of 133,374 shares of the
     outstanding Landmark Common Stock entitled to vote have entered into Voting
     Agreements with NHTB to vote their shares in favor of the Agreements.  A
     copy of the form of Voting Agreement is attached as Exhibit A to the Plan
     of Reorganization, which is attached to this Joint Proxy Statement-
     Prospectus as Appendix A.

          The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Landmark Common
     Stock present or represented and entitled to vote at the Landmark Special
     Meeting is required to approve an adjournment of the Landmark Special
     Meeting, including an adjournment to permit further solicitation of proxies
     in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the
     Landmark Special Meeting to approve the Agreements.

          See "MEETING INFORMATION."

     THE MERGER

          Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Landmark will be merged with and
     into the Bank on the Effective Date with the Bank as the surviving bank.
     The Merger will become effective on the date (the "Effective Date") and
     time (the "Effective Time") as set forth in the Articles of Combination to
     be filed with the Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS").  The Effective Date
     will occur as soon as practicable after

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     the last required approval for the Merger has been obtained and the last of
     all required waiting periods under such approvals has expired, assuming the
     satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Article 5 of the Plan of
     Reorganization. Landmark and NHTB each anticipate that the Merger will be
     consummated in the first quarter of 1997. However, the consummation of the
     Merger could be delayed as a result of delays in obtaining the necessary
     governmental and regulatory approvals. There can be no assurances that such
     approvals will be obtained or that the Merger will be completed at any
     time. See "THE MERGER--Conditions to Consummation" and "--Regulatory
     Matters."   For information on how Landmark shareholders will be able to
     exchange certificates representing shares of Landmark Common Stock for new
     certificates representing shares of NHTB Common Stock to be issued to them
     and/or cash, see "THE MERGER--Exchange of Certificates; Election
     Procedures; Fractional Shares."

     MERGER CONSIDERATION

          In the Merger each share of Landmark Common Stock outstanding
     immediately prior to the Effective Date, other than shares as to which
     dissenters' rights have been asserted and not withdrawn, at the election of
     each Landmark shareholder, will be converted into and exchangeable for (i)
     1.221 shares of NHTB Common Stock or (ii) $12.00 in cash subject to the
     total consideration paid to Landmark shareholders being comprised of 60%
     NHTB Common Stock and 40% cash and subject to the election and allocation
     procedures set forth in the Merger Agreement.  Prior to the Effective Date
     all outstanding shares of preferred stock of Landmark ("Landmark Preferred
     Stock") will be converted into shares of Landmark Common Stock and the
     holders of such converted shares will have the same rights as holders of
     Landmark Common Stock to elect to receive either NHTB Common Stock or cash.
     See "THE MERGER -- Exchange of Certificates; Election Procedures;
     Fractional Shares" and "--Allocations."  The Merger Consideration is
     subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.  See "THE MERGER--
     Adjustment of Merger Consideration."  In the Merger, Landmark will be
     merged with and into the Bank, with the Bank as the surviving entity, and
     the shareholders of Landmark immediately prior to the effective time of the
     Merger will no longer hold any interest in Landmark other than as
     shareholders of NHTB to the extent they elect to receive shares of NHTB
     Common Stock.

          Because the Merger Agreement provides that the total consideration
     paid to Landmark shareholders will be comprised of 60% NHTB Common Stock
     and 40% cash, no guarantee can be given that the election of any given
     shareholder of Landmark will be honored.  Rather, the election by each
     holder will be subject to the election and allocation procedures described
     herein.  Thus, holders may not receive their requested form of
     consideration or combination thereof.  See "THE MERGER--Exchange of
     Certificates; Election Procedures; Fractional Shares" and "--Allocations."

          The Merger Consideration was proposed by NHTB and accepted by Landmark
     following a due diligence process during which NHTB (with the assistance of
     its financial advisor) reviewed information about Landmark and prepared and
     refined an analysis of Landmark, the transaction and the appropriate
     consideration to be paid to Landmark's shareholders.

          No fractional shares of NHTB Common Stock will be issued in the
     Merger. In lieu thereof, each holder of Landmark Common Stock who otherwise
     would have been entitled to a fractional share of NHTB Common Stock will
     receive cash in an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the bid
     price of the NHTB Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market
     System on the last business day preceding the Effective Date.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
          The number of shares of NHTB Common Stock to be received for each
     share of Landmark Common Stock depends on the average bid price of NHTB
     Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market (as reported by the National
     Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ"))
     for the thirty consecutive trading days ending on the business day before
     the date on which the last regulatory approval required for consummation of
     the Merger is obtained ("NHTB Trading Price").  The following table shows
     the Exchange Ratio at various NHTB Trading Prices together with the Per
     Landmark Share Value in each case.  The Per Landmark Share Value is
     calculated by multiplying the NHTB Trading Price by the applicable Exchange
     Ratio, and represents the aggregate value of NHTB Common Stock that would
     be received in the Merger for each share of Landmark Common Stock, based on
     the NHTB Trading Price.  Since the NHTB Trading Price is based on the
     trading price on the NASDAQ for the thirty trading days prior to receipt of
     the last required regulatory approval necessary for the Merger, the actual
     Exchange Ratio cannot be determined until shortly before the Effective
     Date.  The market price of NHTB Common Stock at the Effective Date could
     differ from the NHTB Trading Price used to determine the Exchange Ratio,
     and the actual value of a share of NHTB Common Stock issued in the Merger
     therefore could differ from the Per Landmark Share Value.
 
NHTB TRADING PRICE         EXCHANGE RATIO   PER LANDMARK SHARE
- ------------------         --------------   ------------------
 
    Greater than $11.75        Fluctuates      $         14.00
    $8.25 - $11.75             1.221           $10.00 - $14.00
    $6.50 - $8.24              Fluctuates      $         10.00
    Below $6.50                (1)

- ----------
     (1)  Landmark may, but need not, seek to terminate the Agreements if the
          NHTB Trading Price is below $6.50.  See "THE MERGER--Conditions to
          Consummation."

          See "THE MERGER--Merger Consideration," "--Adjustment of Merger
     Consideration" "--Exchange of Certificates; Election Procedures; Fractional
     Shares," "--Effective Time" and        " "CERTAIN RELATED TRANSACTIONS--
     Appraisal Rights of Dissenting Shareholders."

     RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS AND REASONS FOR THE MERGER

          NHTB.  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NHTB HAS UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED A
     RESOLUTION APPROVING THE AGREEMENTS AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS APPROVAL AND
     ADOPTION OF THE AGREEMENTS AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY
     INCLUDING THE ISSUANCE OF THE MERGER SHARES BY NHTB SHAREHOLDERS.  NHTB's
     Board has adopted that resolution and makes that recommendation because it
     believes that the terms of the Agreements are fair and in the best
     interests of NHTB and its shareholders and because the NHTB Board believes
     in its business judgment that the Merger Consideration is fair and
     reasonable to the shareholders of NHTB. The terms of the Agreements were
     reached on the basis of arms' length negotiations between Landmark and
     NHTB. In the course of reaching its decision to approve the  Agreements,
     the NHTB Board consulted with its legal advisor Thacher Proffitt & Wood,
     regarding

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
     the legal terms of the  Agreements and the Board of Directors' obligations
     in its consideration thereof, and with HAS Associates, Inc. ("HAS"), its
     financial advisor, regarding the financial terms and fairness, from a
     financial point of view, of the Merger Consideration in the proposed
     Merger.

          See "THE MERGER--Background of the Merger" and "--Reasons for the
     Merger and Recommendation of the Boards of Directors."

          LANDMARK. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF LANDMARK HAS UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED A
     RESOLUTION APPROVING THE AGREEMENTS AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS APPROVAL AND
     ADOPTION OF THE AGREEMENTS BY LANDMARK'S SHAREHOLDERS.  Landmark's Board
     has adopted that resolution and makes that recommendation because it
     believes that the terms of the Agreements are fair and in the best
     interests of Landmark and its shareholders and because the Landmark Board
     believes in its business judgment that the Merger Consideration is fair and
     reasonable to the shareholders of Landmark. In the course of reaching its
     decision to approve the Agreements, the Board of Directors of Landmark
     consulted with its legal advisors, Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, P.A.,
     regarding the legal terms of the Agreements and the Board of Directors'
     obligations in its consideration thereof, and with McConnell, Budd &
     Downes, Inc. ("MB&D"), its financial advisor, regarding the financial terms
     and fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Merger Consideration
     in the proposed Merger.

          See "THE MERGER--Background of the Merger" and "--Reasons for the
     Merger and Recommendation of the Boards of Directors."

     OPINIONS OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS

          NHTB. HAS has served as financial advisor to NHTB in connection with
     the Merger and has delivered to the Board of Directors of NHTB its written
     opinion, as of the date of this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus, that the
     consideration to be paid by NHTB to Landmark shareholders pursuant to the
     Agreements is fair, from a financial point of view, to NHTB's shareholders.
     The full text of the opinion of HAS dated as of the date of this Joint
     Proxy Statement-Prospectus, which sets forth assumptions made, matters
     considered and limits on the review undertaken by HAS, is attached hereto
     in Appendix B.  Shareholders are urged to read this opinion in its
     entirety. HAS's opinion is directed only to the terms of the Merger and
     does not constitute a recommendation to any NHTB shareholder as to how such
     shareholder should vote at the NHTB Special Meeting.

          See "THE MERGER--Background of the Merger," "--Opinions of Financial
     Advisors" and Appendix B to this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus.

          Landmark. MB&D has served as financial advisor to Landmark in
     connection with the Merger and has delivered to the Board of Directors of
     Landmark its written opinion, as of the date of this Joint Proxy Statement-
     Prospectus, that the Merger Consideration is fair, from a financial point
     of view, to Landmark's shareholders. The full text of the opinion of MB&D
     dated as of the date of this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus, which sets
     forth assumptions made, matters considered and limits on the review
     undertaken by MB&D, is attached hereto in Appendix B.  Shareholders are
     urged to read this opinion in its entirety. MB&D's opinion is directed only
     to the Merger Consideration and does not constitute a recommendation to any
     Landmark shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote at the Landmark
     Special Meeting.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
          See "THE MERGER--Background of the Merger," "--Opinions of Financial
     Advisors" and Appendix B to this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus.

     CONDITIONS TO THE CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER

          Consummation of the Merger is subject to various conditions, including
     the approvals of the shareholders of Landmark and NHTB solicited hereby;
     the effectiveness of the Registration Statement of which this Joint Proxy
     Statement-Prospectus forms a part; approval by certain federal and New
     Hampshire regulatory authorities; receipt by Landmark and NHTB of opinions
     of their respective counsels as to the tax-free nature of the Merger for
     federal income tax purposes (except for cash received by Landmark
     shareholders as Merger Consideration or in lieu of fractional shares); that
     there shall have been no material adverse change in the business,
     operations, results of operations or condition of Landmark or NHTB since
     December 31, 1995; that Landmark's allowance for loan losses on the balance
     sheet of Landmark as of the last month immediately preceding the Effective
     Date shall be at least $600,000 and Landmark's Tier 1 capital ratio
     (determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
     ("GAAP") shall be at least 5.8%; the receipt of a voting agreement from any
     Landmark shareholders who at the Effective Time become the beneficial owner
     of more than 3% of the outstanding shares of NHTB Common Stock whereby such
     shareholder agrees not to vote any shares beneficially owned by him in
     excess of 3% of the outstanding shares of NHTB for a period of two years
     after the Effective Date; and other customary closing conditions. None of
     the foregoing regulatory approvals has been obtained and there is no
     assurance that such approvals will be obtained or as to the timing of such
     approvals or the imposition of any material conditions to such approvals.

          See "THE MERGER--Conditions to Consummation" and "--Regulatory
     Matters."

     TERMINATION

          The Plan of Reorganization provides that the Merger may be terminated
     at any time prior to the Effective Time (whether before or after
     shareholder approval), by the mutual consent in writing of NHTB and
     Landmark. The Merger also may be terminated by NHTB or Landmark, acting
     individually, (a) if any regulatory authority shall have issued a final
     nonappealable order enjoining, prohibiting or failing to approve the Merger
     or the transactions contemplated thereby; (b) if the Effective Time has not
     occurred on or before June 30, 1997 unless the failure to close by such
     date is due to the failure of the party seeking to terminate the Agreements
     to perform or observe the covenants and agreements set forth in the
     Agreements; (c) if there is a material breach by the other party of any
     representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained in the Plan of
     Reorganization or the Merger Agreement which is not timely cured; or (d) if
     the vote of the shareholders of NHTB or Landmark solicited hereby is not
     obtained.  Landmark may terminate the Merger if the NHTB Trading Price is
     less than $6.50 upon written notice to NHTB prior to the third business day
     immediately preceding the Effective Date and NHTB does not elect to
     increase the Exchange Ratio, as agreed to by Landmark.  If the Plan of
     Reorganization or the Merger Agreement is terminated (other than as a
     result of a wilful breach by NHTB or Landmark), each of NHTB and Landmark
     shall be responsible for its own costs and expenses. If the Plan of
     Reorganization or the Merger Agreement is terminated as a result of a
     breach of a representation, warranty or covenant which is caused by the
     wilful conduct of either party, the breaching party may be liable for
     damages to the other, including out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred
     in connection with the Merger.

          See "THE MERGER--Termination."

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     AMENDMENT, EXTENSION AND WAIVER

          The Boards of Directors of NHTB and Landmark may, to the extent
     legally allowable, (a) amend the Agreements; (b) extend the time for the
     performance of any of the obligations or other acts required of the other
     party contained in the Agreements; (c) waive any inaccuracies in the
     representations and warranties of the other party contained in the
     Agreements or in any document delivered pursuant to the Agreements; or (d)
     waive compliance by the other party of any of its agreements or conditions
     contained in the Agreements, except that after the Agreements have been
     approved by the shareholders of Landmark, (i) no amendment shall alter or
     change the amount or kind of Merger Consideration, or (ii) adversely affect
     the tax treatment to Landmark shareholders as a result of receipt of the
     Merger Consideration.  Except in the circumstances described in (i) and
     (ii) above, no amendment to the Agreements (including, but not limited to,
     any waiver of conditions, waiver of inaccuracies in the representations and
     warranties or extension of time for the performance of any of the
     obligations contained in the Agreements) would require further solicitation
     of proxies from or approval by the NHTB or Landmark shareholders.

          See "THE MERGER--Amendment, Extension and Waiver."

     INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER

          Certain members of Landmark's management and the Landmark Board have
     interests in the Merger in addition to their interests as shareholders of
     Landmark generally.

          In connection with the Merger, NHTB has agreed to provide certain
     benefits to the employees of Landmark and to appoint two members of
     Landmark's Board to serve on NHTB's Board, one to serve for a three-year
     term and the other to serve for a two-year term.  In connection with the
     Merger, the Bank has agreed to appoint three members of Landmark's Board to
     serve on the Bank's Board, one to serve for a three-year term, one to serve
     for a two-year term and one to serve for a one-year term. See "THE MERGER--
     Effect on Employee Benefits."

          NHTB has also agreed to continue the rights to indemnification of
     officers and directors of Landmark and to continue in effect for a period
     of time the directors' and officers' liability insurance currently
     maintained by Landmark. See "THE MERGER--Effect on Employee Benefits."

          Landmark is a party to an employment agreement with Paul P. Tierney
     pursuant to which Mr. Tierney serves as Landmark's President and Chief
     Executive Officer.  In connection with the Merger, Landmark will be merged
     with and into the Bank, with the Bank as the surviving entity, and Mr.
     Tierney will not be elected or serve as President and Chief Executive
     Officer of the Bank. Because of this reduction in his responsibilities,
     pursuant to the Employment Agreement, NHTB or the Bank will pay Mr. Tierney
     $188,400 (equivalent to two-years salary and the monetary equivalent of
     certain benefits, as provided in the Employment Agreement) and assume the
     liabilities of Landmark with respect to certain deferred compensation
     arrangements established pursuant to the employment agreement. In exchange,
     Mr. Tierney will acknowledge such payment and assumption as full
     satisfaction of all obligations to him under the employment agreement and
     execute a release in favor of Landmark, NHTB and the Bank and their
     affiliates.

          In addition, the Agreements provide that all employees of Landmark as
     of the Effective Date shall become employees of NHTB, the Bank, or an
     affiliate thereof as of the Effective Date.  Subsequently, any employee of
     NHTB, the Bank or an affiliate thereof who was employed by Landmark on the

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
     Effective Date, if terminated within one year after the Effective Date, in
     addition to any severance payment, will receive reimbursement for the their
     direct cost for health insurance continuation coverage under NHTB's group
     health plan for the period, if any, for which NHTB provides severance
     benefits.  In exchange, each employee receiving such reimbursement will
     execute a release in favor of Landmark, NHTB and the Bank and their
     affiliates.

          The Landmark Board was aware of these interests and considered them,
     among other matters, in unanimously approving the Agreements and the
     transactions contemplated thereby.

          See "THE MERGER--Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger."

     REGULATORY APPROVALS

          Consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement
     is subject to approval by the OTS, the Federal Deposit Insurance
     Corporation ("FDIC"), and the Commissioner of Banks of New Hampshire (the
     "Commissioner of Banks"). Assuming the approval of the OTS and the FDIC,
     the Merger may not be consummated for 30 days after the later of such
     approvals (or such shorter period as the OTS or the FDIC may prescribe with
     the concurrence of the Attorney General, but not less than 15 days), during
     which time the United States Department of Justice may challenge the Merger
     on antitrust grounds. All of the foregoing applications have been filed as
     of the date of this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus. The Merger will not
     proceed until all regulatory approvals required to consummate the Merger
     have been obtained, such approvals are in full force and effect and all
     statutory waiting periods in respect thereof have expired. There can be no
     assurance that the Merger will be approved by each of the required
     regulatory agencies. If such approvals are received, there can be no
     assurance as to the date of such approvals, the terms thereof, or the
     absence of any litigation challenging such approvals. See "THE MERGER--
     Regulatory Matters."

     MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

          Consummation of the Merger is conditioned on delivery to each of NHTB
     and Landmark opinions of their respective counsels, to the effect that,
     among other things, (a) the Merger will constitute a reorganization within
     the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the
     "Code"); (b) no gain or loss will be recognized by Landmark on the transfer
     of its assets to the Bank pursuant to the Merger; (c) no gain or loss will
     be recognized by NHTB or by the Bank on the issuance of shares of NHTB
     Common Stock to shareholders of Landmark pursuant to the Merger; (d) no
     gain or loss will be recognized by a shareholder of Landmark who exchanges
     pursuant to the Merger all of such shareholder's shares of Landmark stock
     solely for shares of NHTB Common Stock, except with respect to cash
     received by such shareholder in lieu of a fractional share interest in NHTB
     Common Stock; (e) the aggregate tax basis of the shares of NHTB Common
     Stock received by a shareholder of Landmark who exchanges pursuant to the
     Merger all of such shareholder's shares of Landmark stock solely for shares
     of NHTB Common Stock will be the same as the tax basis of the shares of
     Landmark stock surrendered in exchange therefor (reduced by any amount
     allocable to a fractional share interest in NHTB Common Stock for which
     cash is received); (f) the aggregate tax basis of the shares of NHTB Common
     Stock received by a shareholder of Landmark who exchanges pursuant to the
     Merger all of such shareholder's shares of Landmark stock for shares of
     NHTB Common Stock and cash will be the same as such shareholder's aggregate
     tax basis in the Landmark shares exchanged therefor (reduced by any amount
     allocable to a fractional share interest in NHTB Common Stock for which
     cash is received), decreased by the amount of cash received (other than
     cash received in lieu of a fractional share interest)

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
     and increased by the amount of gain, if any, recognized by such shareholder
     in the Merger (including any portion of such gain that is treated as a
     dividend) and (g) the holding period of the shares of NHTB Common Stock to
     be received by a shareholder of Landmark pursuant to the Merger will
     include the period during which such shareholder held the shares of
     Landmark stock surrendered in exchange therefor, provided that the shares
     of Landmark stock surrendered is held as a capital asset as of the
     Effective Time. In the opinion of NHTB and Landmark's respective counsels,
     the foregoing sets forth the anticipated material federal income tax
     consequences of the Merger to such Landmark shareholders and to Landmark
     and NHTB.  It is a condition of closing that each such respective counsel
     will deliver to NHTB and Landmark, respectively, opinions as to the
     foregoing tax consequences.

          Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors as to the effect or
     their own particular situation on the federal tax consequences of the
     Merger to them and as to the applicability of any state, local or foreign
     tax laws.

          See "THE MERGER--Material Federal Income Tax Consequences."

     ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

          NHTB intends to treat the Merger as a purchase for accounting
     purposes. See "THE MERGER--Accounting Treatment."

     MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS AFTER THE MERGER

          The Merger Agreement provides that prior to or at the Effective Time,
     the Board of Directors of NHTB will appoint two of Landmark's current
     directors to serve on the NHTB Board of Directors and the Board of
     Directors of the Bank will elect three of Landmark's directors to serve on
     the Board of Directors of the Bank.

          See "THE MERGER--Management and Operations After the Merger."

     THE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

          As a condition to entering into the Agreements, NHTB required Landmark
     to enter into the Stock Option Agreement (the "Option Agreement") which
     allows NHTB to purchase up 19.9% of the then-issued and outstanding
     Landmark Common Stock under certain conditions, at a price of $9.00 per
     share, subject to adjustment as set forth in the Option Agreement. The
     Option is exercisable, in whole or in part, only upon the occurrence of
     certain triggering events (none of which has occurred to the best of NHTB's
     or Landmark's knowledge as of the date of the Joint Proxy Statement-
     Prospectus). A copy of the Option Agreement is attached to this Joint Proxy
     Statement-Prospectus as Appendix C.

          The Option Agreement is intended to increase the likelihood that the
     Merger will be consummated in accordance with the terms of the Agreements.
     The Option may act to deter competing offers from third parties to acquire
     Landmark. If a triggering event occurs, the Option could be exercised,
     thereby increasing the number of outstanding shares of Landmark's Common
     Stock and making it more difficult and costly for a third party to obtain
     all or a specified percentage of Landmark's Common Stock.

          See "CERTAIN RELATED TRANSACTIONS--The Stock Option Agreement."

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
     APPRAISAL RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS

          Under New Hampshire law, holders of Landmark Common Stock have the
     right to dissent from the Merger and receive payment equal to the "fair
     value" of their shares upon compliance with applicable provisions of New
     Hampshire law, the full text of which is included as Appendix D to this
     Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus. Each outstanding share of Landmark Common
     Stock the holder of which has perfected his or her right to dissent under
     applicable law and has not effectively withdrawn or lost such right as of
     the Effective Date (the "Dissenting Shares") shall not be converted into or
     represent a right to receive shares of NHTB Common Stock or cash hereunder,
     and the holder thereof shall be entitled only to such rights as are granted
     by applicable law.

          Holders of NHTB Common Stock do not have the right to dissent from the
     Merger.

          See "CERTAIN RELATED TRANSACTIONS--Appraisal Rights of Dissenting
     Shareholders."

     CERTAIN DIFFERENCES IN THE RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS

          The rights of shareholders of Landmark are currently governed by the
     provisions of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes applicable to state-
     chartered banks and Landmark's Amended Articles of Agreement (the "Landmark
     Articles") and Bylaws. Upon consummation of the Merger, Landmark's
     shareholders who elect to receive NHTB Common Stock will automatically
     become shareholders of NHTB, and their rights will be governed by the
     provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL") and NHTB's
     Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.  The rights of shareholders of
     NHTB differ from the rights of shareholders of Landmark with respect to
     certain important matters, including voting requirements to remove
     directors, combinations with related persons, beneficial ownership
     limitations, prohibition against greenmail and evaluation of certain
     offers.

          See "COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF NHTB AND LANDMARK SHAREHOLDERS."

     SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA PER SHARE DATA

          The following tables set forth for NHTB Common Stock and Landmark
     Common Stock certain historical, unaudited pro forma and unaudited pro
     forma equivalent per share information at the end of and for the six months
     ended June 30, 1996, and the year ended December 31, 1995 giving effect to
     the Merger accounted for as a purchase transaction.  The information is
     derived from the historical consolidated financial statements of NHTB and
     the historical financial statements of Landmark, including the related
     notes thereto, and the pro forma combined financial information giving
     effect to the Merger, including the related notes thereto, appearing
     elsewhere herein. The information herein should be read in conjunction with
     the historical and pro forma combined financial information of NHTB and
     Landmark, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Joint
     Proxy Statement-Prospectus. See "UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL
     DATA."

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                              FOR THE SIX MONTHS                           
                                               ENDED JUNE 30,        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 
                                             -------------------     -----------------------
                                                     1996                      1995
                                                     ----                      ----
<S>                                                 <C>                  <C>
Earnings (loss) per common share(1):
   NHTB...............................              $ 0.49                    $ 0.73
   Landmark...........................               (0.41)                    (0.20)
   NHTB combined pro forma............                0.30                      0.55
   Landmark equivalent pro forma......                0.37                      0.67
Dividends declared per common share:
   NHTB...............................                0.25                      0.50
   Landmark...........................                  --                        --
   NHTB combined pro forma............                0.25                      0.50
   Landmark equivalent pro forma(2)...                0.31                      0.61

<CAPTION> 
                                                      AT                        AT
                                                    JUNE 30,                DECEMBER 31,
                                                     1996                      1995
                                                    ------                    ------
<S>                                                 <C>                     <C> 
Book value per share(3):
   NHTB...............................              $11.51                    $11.57
   Landmark...........................                7.00                      7.90
   NHTB combined pro forma............               11.21                      N/A
   Landmark equivalent pro forma......               13.69                      N/A
 
- ------------------
</TABLE>

     (1) NHTB combined pro forma earnings per common share are calculated by
         using aggregate historical income information for NHTB and Landmark
         divided by the average pro forma shares outstanding of the combined
         entity. The average pro forma shares of the combined entity have been
         calculated by combining NHTB historical average shares with the shares
         of Landmark to be exchanged for NHTB shares as adjusted by the Exchange
         Ratio of 1.221.  See "THE MERGER--Merger Consideration." The Landmark
         equivalent pro forma earnings per share amounts are computed by
         multiplying the NHTB combined pro forma amounts by the Exchange Ratio.

     (2) Landmark equivalent pro forma dividends declared per share represent
         NHTB pro forma cash dividends per share multiplied by the Exchange
         Ratio. See "THE MERGER--Merger Consideration."

     (3) NHTB combined pro forma book value per share is based on the aggregate
         historical common shareholders' equity of NHTB and Landmark divided by
         the total pro forma common shares of the combined entity based on the
         Exchange Ratio of 1.221. Landmark equivalent pro forma book value per
         share at period end represents NHTB pro forma amounts multiplied by the
         Exchange Ratio. See "THE MERGER--Merger Consideration."

     (4) Landmark and NHTB combined pro forma per share information is
         calculated on the assumption that all outstanding shares of Landmark
         Preferred Stock will be converted into shares of Landmark Common Stock.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
     MARKET PRICES

          The shares of NHTB Common Stock are quoted on the Nasdaq National
     Market System.  The following table shows the market value per share for
     each of NHTB and Landmark and the Landmark equivalent for the date set
     forth below:
 
 
                                  CLOSING SALES PRICE
                                  -------------------
                                         NHTB            LANDMARK
                                        COMMON          EQUIVALENT
                                         STOCK         PER SHARE(1)
                                  -------------------  -------------

Market value per common share:
 
     July 25, 1996(2)...........        $9.875              (3)
     November __, 1996..........        $
 
- ----------------
     (1)  Equivalent market value per share or Landmark Common Stock represents
          the closing sales price of NHTB Common Stock on the date reported
          multiplied by the Exchange Ratio of 1.221.  The Cash Election Price is
          $12.00 per share.
     (2)  The business day immediately preceding the public announcement of the
          proposed Merger.
     (3)  The shares of Landmark Common Stock are not quoted on any national or
          regional exchange. In the recent three-year period, trading in
          Landmark Common Stock has been minimal with 31,515 shares traded in
          1993, 71,575 shares traded in 1994, 97,351 shares traded in 1995, and
          23,519 shares traded through September 15, 1996.  Since Landmark's
          inception in 1991, no shares of Landmark Common Stock have been issued
          by Landmark, except for the conversion of shares of Landmark Preferred
          Stock into Landmark Common Stock for purposes of director's qualifying
          shares.  The shares traded during the referenced periods were
          exchanged in private transactions; Landmark does not have available to
          it reliable information regarding the prices at which such shares were
          traded.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.

                       SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA

          The following selected financial data for the five years ended
     December 31, 1995, are derived from the audited financial statements of
     NHTB.  The financial data for the six month periods ended June 30, 1996 and
     1995 are derived from unaudited financial statements.  The unaudited
     financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal
     recurring accruals, that NHTB considers necessary for a fair presentation
     of the financial position and the results of operations for these periods.
     Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 1996 are not
     necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire
     year. The data should be read in conjunction with the financial statements,
     related notes, and other financial information included in this Joint Proxy
     Statement-Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                               FOR THE SIX        
                                               MONTHS ENDED       
                                                 JUNE 30,                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,              
                                          ----------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------- 
                                             1996        1995        1995        1994        1993        1992        1991
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
   Interest and dividend income.........   $  9,197    $  8,350    $ 17,466    $ 14,542    $ 14,089    $ 16,189    $ 18,637
   Interest expense.....................      5,055       4,552       9,598       7,046       6,835       8,902      12,057
                                           --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
      Net interest income...............      4,142       3,798       7,868       7,496       7,254       7,287       6,580
   Provision for loan losses, net.......        744         580       1,164         762       1,373       2,165         895
                                           --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
     Net interest and dividend income         
       after provision for loan losses..      3,398       3,218       6,704       6,734       5,881       5,122       5,685
   Noninterest income...................      1,087         712       1,436       1,557       1,907       2,232       1,258
   Noninterest expense..................      3,249       3,263       6,291       5,986       5,527       5,518       5,711
                                           --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
   Income before income tax expense.....      1,236         667       1,849       2,305       2,261       1,836       1,232
   Income tax expense...................        408         220         604         723         736         642         397
                                           --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
      Net income........................   $    828    $    447    $  1,245    $  1,582    $  1,525    $  1,194    $    835
                                           ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
ENDING BALANCE SHEET DATA:
   Assets...............................   $258,526    $246,683    $258,216    $233,363    $207,105    $208,981    $203,229
   Investment securities................     27,910      23,463      28,415      20,363      17,998      23,680      22,451
   Gross loans..........................    215,731     206,639     210,676     198,776     176,428     171,146     166,366
   Allowance for possible loan losses...      1,507       1,473       1,828       2,753       2,374       2,095       2,290
   Real estate owned....................        820       1,282         984       1,505       1,854       2,737       4,876
   Deposits.............................    200,303     196,138     199,971     194,533     176,716     182,404     172,671
   Borrowed funds(2)....................     36,614      28,217      36,489      18,809      10,122       6,944      11,484
   Shareholders' equity.................     19,475      18,874      19,544      18,253      18,387      18,036      17,645
PER SHARE DATA AND OTHER SELECTED
  RATIOS:
   Earnings per common share............   $   0.49    $   0.26    $   0.73    $   0.93    $   0.88    $   0.68    $   0.45
   Dividends declared per share.........   $   0.25    $   0.25    $   0.50    $   0.50    $  0.375    $   0.35    $   0.14
   Dividend payout ratio................      51.02%      96.15%      68.49%      53.76%      42.61%      51.47%      31.11%
   Book value per share.................   $  11.51    $  11.29    $  11.57    $  10.92    $  11.01    $  10.41    $   9.98
   Shareholders' equity to assets              
     at period end......................       7.53%       7.65%       7.57%       7.82%       8.88%       8.63%       8.68% 
   Average shareholders' equity to             
     average assets.....................       7.65%       7.87%       7.72%       8.15%       8.76%       8.69%       8.80%
   Return on average assets(1)..........       0.66%       0.38%       0.54%       0.71%       0.74%       0.58%       0.40%
   Return on average equity(1)..........       8.59%       4.87%       6.95%       8.76%       8.43%       6.56%       4.59%
   Net interest margin(1)...............       3.45%       3.43%       3.42%       3.61%       3.75%       3.79%       3.48%
</TABLE>

_______________
(1) Calculated on an annualized basis.
(2) Includes repurchase agreements, federal funds purchased and Federal
    Home Loan Bank advances.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
                                 LANDMARK BANK

                       SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA

          The following selected financial data for the five years ended
     December 31, 1995, are derived from the audited financial statements of
     Landmark.  The financial data for the six month periods ended June 30, 1996
     and 1995 are derived from unaudited financial statements.  The unaudited
     financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal
     recurring accruals, that Landmark considers necessary for a fair
     presentation of the financial position and the results of operations for
     these periods.  Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 1996
     are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the
     entire year. The data should be read in conjunction with the financial
     statements, related notes, and other financial information included in this
     Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      FOR THE SIX        
                                                      MONTHS ENDED       
                                                        JUNE 30,                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,              
                                                 ----------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------- 

                                                    1996        1995        1995        1994        1993        1992        1991
                                                 ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
                                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
   Interest and dividend income................    $ 2,345     $ 2,478     $ 5,163     $ 3,593     $ 2,594     $ 1,921     $   560
   Interest expense............................      1,458       1,258       2,858       1,392         971         830         334
                                                   -------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
      Net interest income......................        887       1,220       2,305       2,201       1,623       1,091         226
   Provision for loan losses...................        317          48         205         203         145          71          71
                                                   -------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
      Net interest and dividend income after           
        provision for loan losses..............        570       1,172       2,100       1,998       1,478       1,020         155
   Non-interest income.........................        304         187         411         561         863         335          24
   Non-interest expense........................      1,106       1,299       2,485       2,192       1,587       1,163         903
                                                   -------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
   Income (loss) before income tax expense            
    (benefit) and cumulative effect of a change 
       in accounting principle.................       (232)         60          26         367         754         192        (724) 
   Income tax expense (benefit)................        (86)         27           5         141         278          30          --
                                                   -------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
   Income (loss) before cumulative effect of a        
    change in accounting principle............       (146)         33          21         226         476         162        (724)
   Cumulative effect of a change in accounting          --          --          --          --          --         460          --
    principle..................................    -------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
      Net income (loss)........................       (146)         33          21         226         476         622        (724)
   Preferred stock dividends...................         --         (50)        (93)       (106)         --          --          --
                                                   -------   ---------   ---------     -------     -------     -------     -------
     Net income (loss) applicable to common        $  (146)  $     (17)  $     (72)    $   120     $   476     $   622     $  (724)
      stock(3).................................    =======   =========   =========     =======     =======     =======     =======
 
ENDING BALANCE SHEET DATA:
   Assets......................................    $57,771     $66,403     $60,763     $56,330     $33,711     $27,984     $19,079
   Securities..................................      7,939      10,669      10,335      10,931       1,788       3,857       8,113
   Loans(2)....................................     43,165      42,862      43,521      40,930      27,847      21,131       6,890
   Allowance for loan losses...................        858         502         659         465         265         142          71
   Deposits....................................     53,736      61,935      56,359      51,991      29,345      25,118      16,771
   Borrowed funds..............................        309         392         304         220         351          29          49
   Common stockholders' equity.................      2,481       2,757       2,797       2,731       2,789       2,365       1,743
 
PER SHARE DATA AND OTHER SELECTED RATIOS:
   Earnings (loss) per common and common       
    equivalent share: primary..................    $ (0.41)  $    (.05)   $   (.20)    $  0.34     $  1.15     $  1.75     $ (2.05)
   Book value per common share.................    $  7.00     $  7.78     $  7.90     $  7.71     $  7.88     $  6.68     $  4.92
   Shareholders' equity to assets at end of    
    period.....................................       6.19%       5.78%       6.40%       6.73%      11.11%       8.99%       9.14%
   Average shareholders' equity to average     
    assets.....................................       6.35%       6.78%       6.45%       9.18%      10.17%       8.37%      25.99%
   Net interest margin(1)......................       3.16%       4.48%       4.06%       5.52%       5.33%       2.35%       4.21%
</TABLE>

_______________
(1) Calculated on an annualized basis.
(2) Total loans represent gross loans less deferred fees (costs) and deferred
    gain on sales of SBA loans.
(3) For purposes of computing earnings per share on common stock, the inclusion
    or exclusion of outstanding convertible preferred shares of stock as common
    stock equivalents in computing the weighted average number of shares of
    common stock outstanding depends on whether the effect of inclusion is
    dilutive or antidilutive of earnings per share. The inclusion of outstanding
    convertible preferred shares was antidilutive for periods before 1993, so
    preferred stock dividends were deducted from net income (loss). The
    inclusion for 1993 was dilutive, so preferred stock dividends of $42,000
    were not included in computing earnings per share.

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
                              MEETING INFORMATION

     NHTB MEETING

  General. This Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus is being furnished in
connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of NHTB
for use at the NHTB Special Meeting. The NHTB Special Meeting will be held at
the Lake Sunapee Bank Building 1868 Room, 9 Main Street, Newport, New Hampshire,
on Thursday, December 19, 1996 at 10:00 a.m.

  The NHTB Special Meeting will be held for the purpose of (i) considering and
voting upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Agreements and the transactions
contemplated thereby, including the issuance of the Merger Shares; (ii)
approving a proposal to adjourn the NHTB Special Meeting for any reason,
including to permit further solicitation of proxies as to the Agreements; and
(iii) conducting any other business that may properly come before the NHTB
Special Meeting, or any adjournments or postponements thereof. Any action may be
taken on the foregoing proposals at the NHTB Special Meeting on the date
specified above, or on any date or dates to which, by original or later
adjournment, the NHTB Special Meeting may be adjourned, or to which the NHTB
Special Meeting may be postponed.

  THE NHTB BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE NHTB SHAREHOLDERS
VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE AGREEMENTS AND THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED THEREBY, AND FOR THE OTHER MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE NHTB
SPECIAL MEETING.

  Record Date. The NHTB Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on
November 1, 1996 as the NHTB Record Date. Only the holders of record of the
outstanding shares of NHTB Common Stock on the NHTB Record Date will be entitled
to notice of, and to vote at, the NHTB Special Meeting and any adjournments or
postponements thereof. At the NHTB Record Date, ___________ shares of NHTB
Common Stock were outstanding and entitled to vote.

  Proxies; Voting and Revocation.  The presence, in person or by proxy, of one-
third of the aggregate number of shares of NHTB Common Stock outstanding and
entitled to vote on the NHTB Record Date is necessary to constitute a quorum at
the NHTB Special Meeting. The affirmative vote of (i) the holders of a majority
of the outstanding shares of NHTB Common Stock entitled to vote on the Merger is
required to approve and adopt the Agreements; and (ii) a majority of the NHTB
Common Stock present or represented and entitled to vote and voting at the NHTB
Special Meeting is required to approve an adjournment of the NHTB Special
Meeting. Abstentions will be included in the number of shares present or
represented and voting on each matter and broker non-votes will not be included
in the number of shares present or represented and voting on each matter. With
respect to the proposal to adopt and approve the  Agreements, both an abstention
and a non-vote will have the effect of a negative vote. With respect to the
proposal to adjourn the NHTB Special Meeting, an abstention will have the effect
of a negative vote and a non-vote will have no effect. A non-vote occurs when a
nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner votes on one proposal, but does
not vote on another proposal because, in respect of such other proposal, the
nominee does not have discretionary voting power and has not received
instructions from the beneficial owner. Specifically, under applicable rules and
regulations, brokers who hold shares in street name for customers who are the
beneficial owners of such shares are prohibited from giving a proxy to vote
shares held for such customers on the approval and adoption of the Agreements
without specific instructions from such customers.

  At the Record Date, _________ shares of NHTB Common Stock were outstanding and
entitled to vote. Assuming that directors and executive officers of NHTB and
their respective affiliates holding an aggregate of _______ shares (as of
____________, 1996), or approximately ___%, of the outstanding

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
NHTB Common Stock vote their shares in favor of the Agreements, the affirmative
vote of holders of approximately _________ additional shares of NHTB Common
Stock, representing approximately ____% of the shares issued and outstanding on
the NHTB Record Date, will be required to approve the  Agreements. The approval
of the Agreements by NHTB's shareholders is a condition to the consummation of
the Merger.

  Approval of any proposal to adjourn the NHTB Special Meeting for any reason,
including to permit further solicitation of proxies, would require the
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the NHTB Special Meeting.

  SHARES REPRESENTED BY A PROPERLY EXECUTED PROXY RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE VOTE AT
THE NHTB SPECIAL MEETING AND NOT REVOKED WILL BE VOTED AT THE NHTB SPECIAL
MEETING AS DIRECTED IN THE PROXY. IF A PROXY IS SUBMITTED AND NO DIRECTIONS ARE
GIVEN, THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE AGREEMENTS
AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY, INCLUDING ISSUANCE OF THE MERGER
SHARES AND FOR THE PROPOSAL TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.

  A NHTB shareholder of record may revoke a proxy by filing an instrument of
revocation with Linda L. Oldham, Secretary of NHTB (The Carriage House, P.O. Box
37, New London, New Hampshire 03257), by filing a duly executed proxy bearing a
later date, or by appearing at the NHTB Special Meeting in person, notifying the
Secretary, and voting by ballot at the NHTB Special Meeting. Any NHTB
shareholder of record attending the NHTB Special Meeting may vote in person
whether or not a proxy has been previously given, but the mere presence (without
notifying the Secretary) of a shareholder at the NHTB Special Meeting will not
constitute revocation of a previously given proxy.

  Solicitation of Proxies.  The cost of solicitation of proxies by NHTB will be
borne by NHTB. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, the
directors, officers and employees of NHTB may also solicit proxies personally or
by telephone or facsimile. NHTB will also request persons, firms and
corporations holding shares which are beneficially owned by others to send proxy
materials to and obtain proxies from such beneficial owners. NHTB will reimburse
those holders for their reasonable expenses. NHTB has also retained Morrow &
Company, a proxy soliciting firm, to assist in the solicitation of proxies at a
fee of approximately $4,500 plus reimbursement of certain out-of-pocket
expenses.

LANDMARK MEETING

  General.  This Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus is being furnished in
connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of
Landmark for use at the Landmark Special Meeting. The Landmark Special Meeting
will be held at Landmark's branch banking office at 106 North Main Street, West
Lebanon, New Hampshire, at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 1996.

  The Landmark Special Meeting will be held for the purpose of (i) considering
and voting upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Agreements and the
transactions contemplated thereby; (ii) approving a proposal to adjourn the
Landmark Special Meeting for any reason, including to permit further
solicitation of proxies as to the Agreements; and (iii) conducting any other
business that may properly come before the Landmark Special Meeting, or any
adjournments or postponements thereof. Any action may be taken on the foregoing
proposals at the Landmark Special Meeting on the date specified above, or on any
date or dates to which, by original or later adjournment, the Landmark Special
Meeting may be adjourned, or to which the Landmark Special Meeting may be
postponed.

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
  THE LANDMARK BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE LANDMARK
SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE AGREEMENTS AND THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY AND FOR THE PROPOSAL TO ADJOURN THE LANDMARK
SPECIAL MEETING.

  Record Date. The Landmark Board of Directors has fixed the close of business
on November 1, 1996 as the Landmark Record Date. Only the holders of record of
the outstanding shares of Landmark Common Stock on the Landmark Record Date will
be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Landmark Special Meeting and any
adjournments or postponements thereof. At the Landmark Record Date, 354,138
shares of Landmark Common Stock were outstanding and for the reasons discussed
in the following paragraph, only 342,803 of which are entitled to vote at the
Landmark Special Meeting.

  Excess Shares.  Article X of the Landmark Articles provides that no "person"
shall directly or indirectly acquire or offer to acquire the beneficial
ownership of more than fifteen percent (15%) of the issued and outstanding
shares of capital stock of Landmark entitled to vote.  In the event voting
shares are acquired in violation of this provision, all shares beneficially
owned by such person in excess of the fifteen percent limitation are considered
"excess shares" and are not entitled to be voted or counted as voting shares in
connection with any matters submitted to Landmark's shareholders for a vote, and
are excluded from the determination of whether a quorum is present at a meeting
of shareholders.  The Board of Directors of Landmark have determined that a
total of 11,335 shares of Landmark Common Stock are "excess shares" under the
provisions of Article X of the Landmark Articles and are therefore not entitled
to be voted or counted as voting shares at the Landmark Special Meeting.  See
"THE MERGER-- Beneficial Ownership of Landmark Common Stock."

  Proxies; Voting and Revocation. The presence, in person or by proxy, of a
majority of the aggregate number of shares of Landmark Common Stock outstanding
and entitled to vote on the Landmark Record Date is necessary to constitute a
quorum at the Landmark Special Meeting. The affirmative vote of (i) the holders
of a majority of the outstanding shares of Landmark Common Stock entitled to
vote on the Merger is required to approve and adopt the Agreements; and (ii) a
majority of the shares of Landmark Common Stock present or represented and
entitled to vote at the Landmark Special Meeting is required to approve an
adjournment of the Landmark Special Meeting. Landmark intends to count broker
non-votes and abstentions as present at the meeting for purposes of determining
a quorum. Abstentions will be included in the number of shares present or
represented and voting on each matter and broker non-votes will not be included
in the number of shares present or represented and voting on each matter. With
respect to the proposal to adopt and approve the Agreements, both an abstention
and a non-vote will have the effect of a negative vote.  With respect to the
proposal to adjourn the Landmark Special Meeting, an abstention will have the
effect of a negative vote and a non-vote will have no effect. A non-vote occurs
when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner votes on one proposal, but
does not vote on another proposal because, in respect of such other proposal,
the nominee does not have discretionary voting power and has not received
instructions from the beneficial owner. Specifically, under applicable rules and
regulations, brokers who hold shares in street name for customers who are the
beneficial owners of such shares are prohibited from giving a proxy to vote
shares held for such customers on the approval and adoption of the Agreements
without specific instructions from such customers.

  At the Record Date, 342,803 shares of Landmark Common Stock were outstanding
and entitled to vote, of which directors and executive officers of Landmark and
their respective affiliates held an aggregate of 131,274 shares, or
approximately 38.3%. The affirmative vote of holders of approximately 40,128
additional shares of Landmark Common Stock not held by directors, executive
officers and their affiliates, representing approximately 11.7% of the shares
issued and outstanding and entitled to vote on the Landmark Record Date, will be
required to approve the Agreements if all directors, executive officers

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
and their affiliates vote in favor of the Merger. Directors and executive
officers of Landmark and their respective affiliates holding an aggregate of
131,274 shares of the outstanding Landmark Common Stock entitled to vote have
entered into Voting Agreements with NHTB to vote their shares in favor of the
Agreements. The approval of the Agreements by Landmark's shareholders is a
condition to the consummation of the Merger. A copy of the form of Voting
Agreement is attached as Exhibit A to the Plan of Reorganization, which is
attached to this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus as Appendix A.

  Approval of any proposal to adjourn the Landmark Special Meeting for any
reason, including to permit the further solicitation of proxies, would require
the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the votes present or
represented and entitled to vote at the Landmark Special Meeting.

  Shares represented by a properly executed proxy received prior to the vote at
the Landmark Special Meeting and not revoked will be voted at the Landmark
Special Meeting as directed in the proxy. IF A PROXY IS SUBMITTED AND NO
DIRECTIONS ARE GIVEN, THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF
THE AGREEMENTS AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY AND FOR THE PROPOSAL TO
ADJOURN THE LANDMARK SPECIAL MEETING.

  A Landmark shareholder of record may revoke a proxy by filing an instrument of
revocation with Jack H. Nelson, Secretary of Landmark (106 Hanover Street,
Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766), by filing a duly executed proxy bearing a later
date, or by appearing at the Landmark Special Meeting in person, notifying the
Secretary, and voting by ballot at the Landmark Special Meeting. Any shareholder
of record attending the Landmark Special Meeting may vote in person whether or
not a proxy has been previously given, but the mere presence (without notifying
the Secretary) of a shareholder at the Landmark Special Meeting will not
constitute revocation of a previously given proxy.

  Solicitation of Proxies.  The cost of solicitation of proxies by Landmark will
be borne by Landmark. ln addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, the
directors, officers and employees of Landmark may also solicit proxies
personally or by telephone or facsimile. Landmark will also request persons,
firms and corporations holding shares which are beneficially owned by others to
send proxy materials to and obtain proxies from such beneficial owners. Landmark
will reimburse those holders for their reasonable expenses.


                                   THE MERGER

     GENERAL

  This section of the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus describes all material
aspects of the proposed Merger, including the principal provisions of the
Agreements. The discussion of matters contained in the Agreements is qualified
in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Agreements, which are
attached to this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus as Appendix A. All
shareholders of NHTB and Landmark are urged to read the Agreements in their
entirety.

  The Agreements have been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of
NHTB and Landmark. The Board of Directors of NHTB believes that the terms of the
Agreements are fair and in the best interests of NHTB and its shareholders and
recommends that the NHTB shareholders vote to approve and adopt the Agreements
and the transactions contemplated thereby including the issuance of the Merger
Shares. The Board of Directors of Landmark believes that the terms of the
Agreements are fair and in the best interests of Landmark and its shareholders
and recommends that the Landmark shareholders vote to approve and adopt the
Agreements and the transactions contemplated thereby.

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF EACH OF NHTB AND LANDMARK UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS
THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER.

PARTIES TO THE MERGER

  NHTB. NHTB, a Delaware corporation, is a savings association holding company
headquartered in New London, New Hampshire with total assets of approximately
$258.5 million as of June 30, 1996. NHTB's banking subsidiary, Lake Sunapee
Bank, fsb, is headquartered in Newport, New Hampshire. The Bank is engaged
principally in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and
investing those deposits in residential and commercial real estate loans, in
commercial and consumer loans and in various investment securities. The Bank
operates 10 full service banking offices in New Hampshire. NHTB's principal
executive office is located at Carriage House, P.O. Box 37, New London, New
Hampshire 03257, and its telephone number is (603) 526-2116.

  Landmark. Landmark is a guaranty savings bank chartered by the State of New
Hampshire and headquartered in Lebanon, New Hampshire. As of June 30, 1996, it
had assets of approximately $57.8 million. Landmark's business is principally
commercial and residential mortgage banking, attracting deposits from and making
loans to small-to-medium sized businesses and resident households primarily in
the geographic areas of its offices. Landmark also takes retail deposits from
the general public and makes personal and consumer loans. Landmark's principal
executive office is located at 106 Hanover Street, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766,
and its telephone number is (603) 448-0101.

EFFECTIVE TIME

  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Landmark will be merged with and into the
Bank on the Effective Date with the Bank as the surviving bank.  The Effective
Date and the Effective Time of the Merger will be the date and time the Merger
becomes effective, as set forth in the Articles of Combination to be filed with
the OTS.  The Effective Date will occur as soon as practicable after the last
required approval for the Merger has been obtained and the last of all required
waiting periods under such approvals has expired, assuming the satisfaction of
the conditions set forth in Article 5 of the Plan of Reorganization. Landmark
and NHTB each anticipate that the Merger will be consummated in the first
quarter of 1997. However, the consummation of the Merger could be delayed as a
result of delays in obtaining the necessary governmental and regulatory
approvals. There can be no assurances that such approvals will be obtained or
that the Merger will be completed at any time. See "--Conditions to
Consummation" and "--Regulatory Matters."

MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS AFTER THE MERGER

  Prior to or at the Effective Time, the Board of Directors of NHTB will appoint
two of Landmark's current directors to serve on the NHTB Board of Directors.
Mr. Jack Nelson will be appointed to the NHTB Board of Directors for a three-
year term and Mr. Leonard R. Cashman for a two-year term.  Prior to or at the
Effective Time, the Board of Directors of the Bank, NHTB's banking subsidiary,
will elect three of Landmark's directors to serve on the Board of Directors of
the Bank. Mr. Jack H. Nelson, Mr. Leonard R. Cashman and Mr. Joseph B. Willey
will be elected to the Bank's Board of Directors for terms of three years, two
years and one year, respectively.

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
MERGER CONSIDERATION

  In the Merger, each share of Landmark Common Stock outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Date, other than shares as to which dissenters' rights
have been asserted and not withdrawn, at the election of each Landmark
shareholder, will be converted into and exchangeable for (i) 1.221 shares of
NHTB Common Stock or (ii) $12.00 in cash, subject to the total consideration to
Landmark shareholders being comprised of 60% NHTB Common Stock and 40% cash and
subject to the election and allocation procedures set forth in the Merger
Agreement.  Prior to the Effective Date all outstanding shares of Landmark
Preferred Stock will be converted into shares of Landmark Common Stock and the
holders of such converted shares will have the same rights as holders of
Landmark Common Stock to elect to receive either NHTB Common Stock or cash.  See
"--Exchange of Certificates; Election Procedures; Fractional Shares" and "--
Allocations."  The Merger Consideration may be adjusted under certain
circumstances.  See "--Adjustment of Merger Consideration." At the Effective
Time of the Merger, Landmark will be merged with and into the Bank, with the
Bank as the surviving entity of NHTB, and shareholders of Landmark at and after
the Effective Time will no longer hold any interest in Landmark other than as
shareholders of NHTB to the extent that they elect to receive NHTB Common Stock.

  The number of shares of NHTB Common Stock to be received for each share of
Landmark Common Stock depends on the NHTB Trading Price.   The following table
shows the Exchange Ratio at various NHTB Trading Prices together with the Per
Landmark Share Value in each case.  The Per Landmark Share Value is calculated
by multiplying the NHTB Trading Price by the applicable Exchange Ratio, and
represents the aggregate value of NHTB Common Stock that would be received in
the Merger for each share of Landmark Common Stock, based on the NHTB Trading
Price.  Since the NHTB Trading Price is based on the trading price on the NASDAQ
for the thirty trading days prior to receipt of the last required regulatory
approval necessary for the Merger, the actual Exchange Ratio cannot be
determined until shortly before the Effective Date.  The market price of NHTB
Common Stock at the Effective Date could differ from the NHTB Trading Price used
to determine the Exchange Ratio, and the actual value of a share of NHTB Common
Stock issued in the Merger therefore could differ from the Per Landmark Share
Value.
 
   NHTB TRADING PRICE      EXCHANGE RATIO   PER LANDMARK SHARE
   ------------------      --------------   ------------------
   Greater than $11.75         Fluctuates             $14.00
   $8.25 - $11.75              1.221         $10.00 - $14.00
   $6.50 - $8.24               Fluctuates             $10.00
   Below $6.50                 (1)

______________

     (1)  Landmark may, but need not, seek to terminate the Agreements if the
          NHTB Trading Price is below $6.50.  See "THE MERGER--Conditions to
          Consummation."

               See "THE MERGER--Merger Consideration," "--Adjustment of Merger
     Consideration" "--Exchange of Certificates; Election Procedures; Fractional
     Shares," "--Effective Time" and "CERTAIN RELATED TRANSACTIONS--
     Appraisal Rights of Dissenting Shareholders."

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
         THIS PRICING MECHANISM IS ALSO DEPICTED IN THE FOLLOWING GRAPH


                                    [GRAPH]


     BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER

               As part of its strategy to provide community banking services in
     western New Hampshire, the Board of Directors of NHTB in the late 1980's
     determined to pursue opportunities to expand into the Upper Valley region
     of New Hampshire by establishing de novo branch locations.  The Upper
     Valley region is located along the Connecticut River border of western New
     Hampshire in the counties of  Sullivan and Grafton and includes the
     commercial and recreational areas surrounding Lebanon, New Hampshire on the
     Vermont border and the education center of Dartmouth College in Hanover,
     New Hampshire.  NHTB's branching strategy was focused on geographic
     expansion into a contiguous market with significant growth possibilities as
     well as a desire to diversify NHTB's asset mix to include a greater
     relative percentage of commercial loans and thereby enhance NHTB's core
     earnings.  In the 1990s, NHTB opened two branch offices in Lebanon and West
     Lebanon, New Hampshire.

               During 1995, NHTB began to explore expansion opportunities to
     augment its ongoing branching strategy by initiating several informal
     discussions with smaller community banks located in NHTB's market area.  In
     early 1996, NHTB approached Landmark management and expressed NHTB's
     interest in acquiring Landmark.  Landmark had been organized as a de novo
     institution in 1991 for the purpose

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
     of meeting a perceived banking need in the Upper Valley area.  In addition
     to servicing the residential mortgage and consumer lending needs within its
     market area, the Board of Directors of Landmark has attempted to establish
     a niche market, using a focused marketing strategy, to serve small
     businesses.  NHTB believed that Landmark's commercial loans and lending
     activities would greatly enhance NHTB's franchise value and earnings
     potential.

               Landmark experienced strong asset growth in its initial years of
     operations, first achieving profitable operations in the second quarter of
     1992.  Such sustained growth levels, combined with a significant retained
     deficit incurred by Landmark in the formation period before it commenced
     banking operations, continually caused Landmark to need additional capital
     to support its growth.  Shares of Landmark Preferred Stock were sold by
     Landmark in late 1992 and early 1993, which enabled Landmark to meet the
     capital requirements imposed on new banks by the FDIC and to continue its
     strong rate of growth through 1994.

               Strong asset growth in 1993 and 1994 imposed strains on
     Landmark's management and regulatory compliance capabilities.  In January
     1995, Landmark entered into a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with the
     FDIC and the New Hampshire Banking Department in which it agreed, among
     other things, to (i) assess its managerial resources and develop a
     management plan to meet the needs of a growing banking institution, (ii)
     revise its loan, asset/liability and investment policies, (iii) adopt an
     ethics policy, and (iv) take necessary action to correct noted deficiencies
     in its loan operations and compliance with applicable regulatory
     requirements.

               Landmark's management realized that it needed to reach a critical
     minimum asset size to support profitable operations.  Staff was added
     throughout 1994 and early 1995, loan production offices were established,
     and a branch office opened in West Lebanon.  Nonetheless, Landmark's profit
     margins continued to decline due to increasing labor costs, increased rates
     paid to maintain appropriate liquidity levels, and strengthened competition
     in the Upper Valley area as the New Hampshire banking industry, as well as
     non-bank institutions, rebounded from the problems of the early 1990's.

               As part of its ongoing strategic planning process, in late 1995,
     the Board of Directors of Landmark engaged in a series of budgetary-
     planning meetings to attempt to reach a consensus concerning the best means
     to grow Landmark consistent with profitable operations and the maximization
     of shareholder value in the near and long-term. This strategic planning
     initiative explored mid and long-term planning alternatives, including the
     expansion of Landmark, additional branching, the raising of capital, and
     possible affiliations with other banks.  The Board of Directors of Landmark
     called a Special Meeting of Shareholders in September 1995 at which
     amendments to Landmark's Articles of Agreement were approved, providing
     additional authorized shares of capital stock which could be sold to raise
     capital funds to support growth.  Simultaneously, Landmark informally
     contacted several small banks within the Upper Valley market area to
     determine their general willingness to affiliate.  None of these contacts
     resulted in an affiliation or merger proposal.

               The ongoing consolidation of the financial industry, both within
     the State of New Hampshire and New England gradually led the Board of
     Directors of Landmark to the conclusion that the increasing costs of
     regulatory compliance faced by banking institutions required a minimum
     critical asset size in order to maintain sustained profitability.  Given
     the then buoyant results obtained in the capital securities markets, the
     Board of Directors of Landmark was not optimistic about its likely ability
     to raise additional capital in the marketplace to grow Landmark to such a
     minimum-critical mass.

               In February 1996, the Board of Directors retained the firm of
     MB&D as its financial advisor to assist in its strategic planning process,
     and in particular, to gauge the appetite of the marketplace for a

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
     potential acquisition of Landmark.  On February 22, 1996, the Board of
     Directors of Landmark  authorized MB&D in conjunction with its Capital
     Committee to solicit non-binding expressions of interest from likely
     interested parties and to return to the Board with the results of their
     efforts for prior approval of any recommended action.  On February 28,
     1996, MB&D contacted several financial institutions, including NHTB to
     solicit interest in acquiring Landmark.

               On March 14, 1996, NHTB provided Landmark's financial advisor
     with a letter indicating its interest in an acquisition in which Landmark
     would merge into NHTB's subsidiary bank.  NHTB proposed a structure that
     offered a combination of cash and stock at a range of exchange ratios,
     subject to completion of due diligence.  Following review of this
     correspondence by Landmark's Capital Committee, NHTB was invited to conduct
     on-site due-diligence at Landmark, which occurred during the last week of
     April, 1996.

               Following the receipt of a more favorable examination report from
     the FDIC, and the adoption of a resolution by Landmark's Board of Directors
     in which Landmark agreed to take such immediate actions as are necessary to
     maintain a "Tier 1 Capital ratio of not less than six percent (6%)", the
     January 1995 MOU was terminated in early April 1996.

               Following NHTB's due diligence review of Landmark, Landmark
     continued to respond to other preliminary indications of interest received
     either directly at Landmark or through its financial advisor, including
     from an out-of-state thrift institution as well as a group of associated
     individuals.   Discussions between Landmark and NHTB included, among other
     things, the value of Landmark's banking franchise, its strategic and
     geographical positioning, whether it could retain its separate operations
     if the organizations were to affiliate, and particular issues with respect
     to the asset quality of its credit portfolio.

               On May 8, 1996, the NHTB Board of Directors considered a report
     from NHTB management and outside counsel on NHTB's due diligence and the
     proposed terms of the affiliation, including the proposed exchange ratio.
     The Board authorized management to continue a dialogue with Landmark at a
     price range consistent with the results of the due diligence findings and
     the anticipated economies that could be achieved through combined
     operations.

               On May 10, 1996, NHTB presented a revised expression of interest
     to Landmark which outlined a 60/40 stock and cash transaction nominally
     valued at $12.00 per share.  The letter also indicated that NHTB would add
     Landmark representation to its Board of Directors.

               During early June 1996, NHTB and Landmark exchanged
     correspondence regarding various proposed terms of the transaction which
     addressed the liquidity of the stock component to be received by Landmark
     and the request by Landmark that its shareholders have the ability to elect
     (within limits) to receive stock or cash in order to offer a tax-free
     transaction to Landmark's shareholders.  On June 19, 1996, the Board of
     Directors of NHTB authorized management and counsel to proceed to negotiate
     a merger agreement with Landmark.  The following day, Landmark's Board of
     Directors authorized the Capital Committee together with MB&D and legal
     counsel to negotiate a merger agreement with NHTB in accordance with the
     NHTB proposal.

               During the latter part of June, Landmark conducted due diligence
     at the offices of NHTB including obtaining the assistance of a recognized
     asset quality review firm.  Between June 26th and late July, a series of
     meetings were held between Landmark and  NHTB and their respective legal
     counsel to discuss the terms of a merger agreement.

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
               On July 10, 1996, NHTB's Board of Directors held a meeting with
     its financial and legal advisors (HAS Associates and Thacher Proffitt &
     Wood, respectively) to review the status of negotiations and drafts of
     proposed acquisition documents, as well as the financial terms and other
     proposed terms and conditions.  As financial advisor, HAS analyzed the
     financial factors related to the Agreements in detail and orally rendered
     its opinion that the proposed merger consideration was fair, from a
     financial point of view to the shareholders of NHTB.  The Board thoroughly
     reviewed the drafts of the Agreements and the Option Agreement with its
     advisors.

               At a meeting of the Landmark Board of Directors on July 11, 1996,
     counsel from Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, P.A., reviewed the material
     terms of the proposed merger agreement and necessary actions related to the
     merger, including necessary regulatory approvals, and material conditions
     to closing expressed by NHTB.  MB&D made a detailed presentation to the
     Board of Directors of Landmark.  At this meeting, the Board of Directors'
     reached a consensus to negotiate the final terms of a merger agreement with
     NHTB.  The Board of Directors of Landmark based its consideration on a
     number of factors including the existing capital constraints born by
     Landmark, the likelihood of increased liquidity for Landmark shareholders,
     the stability of NHTB's stock price, the exchange ratio and comparisons
     with other recent transactions, economies that could be achieved through
     combining operations and the potential for growth in the value of NHTB's
     common stock following the consummation of the merger.

               During the following two weeks, the parties continue to discuss
     the remaining outstanding items of negotiation, including the proposed
     conditions to closing proposed by NHTB.  By the last week of July, further
     progress was made on resolving outstanding issues, including adjustments in
     the terms of the closing conditions in the event that Landmark did not,
     among other things, meet the required level of capital at closing.

               On July 26, 1996, after reviewing with Thacher Proffitt & Wood
     the final revisions to the merger documents, NHTB's Board of Directors
     unanimously approved the terms of the Agreements with Landmark as being in
     the best interest of NHTB and its shareholders.  NHTB's Board of Directors
     also unanimously recommended the shareholders of NHTB approve the
     Agreements.

               At a July 29, 1996, meeting of the Landmark Board of Directors,
     counsel for Landmark reviewed in detail the proposed final terms of the
     Agreements and the Option Agreement.  The Board also heard a detailed
     presentation by MB&D regarding the fairness to the shareholders of Landmark
     of the financial terms of the merger.  Counsel for Landmark then reviewed
     the terms of the Voting Agreements asked of each Director, and the Board
     also addressed the issue of NHTB's condition that no Landmark shareholder
     beneficially vote more than three percent of the outstanding shares of NHTB
     for a two-year period following consummation of the merger.  Following the
     Board of Directors' discussion of these matters, and its reasonable belief
     that the closing conditions could be met, the Board of Directors voted to
     approve the Merger Agreement.

     REASONS FOR THE MERGER AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS

               NHTB.  The environment for independent community banks in New
     England in general, and specifically in the New Hampshire area in which
     NHTB is currently concentrated, has become increasingly more competitive.
     Independent community institutions focusing on serving the New Hampshire
     markets have faced rising cost structures, increasing competition from
     "super regional" banking institutions and non-banking and thrift
     organizations, continued consolidation in the bank industry, high costs of
     technology needed to compete with much larger organizations, general
     economic concerns affecting the health of major employers in the market and
     concentration of credit risks in a

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
     relatively small area.  Over the past year NHTB's Board of Directors and
     management have concluded that NHTB must grow and diversify in the current
     environment to enhance shareholder value.

               In reaching its decision to approve the Agreements, the NHTB
     Board considered that the Landmark acquisition would enhance and increase
     the competitiveness of its community banking franchise and that NHTB
     shareholders should realize the benefits of such an acquisition.  Such
     benefits include, but are not limited to, the future prospects of NHTB
     combined with Landmark; the addition of Landmark's small business banking
     culture which would complement NHTB's mortgage banking capability, deposit
     base and community banking experience to enable NHTB to provide the full
     range of community banking services necessary to competitively serve the
     needs of the small towns and communities that comprise its markets; the
     ability to add to NHTB's existing investment in the Upper Valley market and
     to achieve a significant market position in the demographically attractive
     market; and the cost savings potential resulting from back office
     efficiencies possible, among other reasons, because of in-market economies
     of scale.

               In reaching the conclusion to approve the Landmark acquisition,
     the NHTB Board consulted with NHTB management, as well as its financial and
     legal advisors, and considered the factors described above and the
     following additional factors, which together constitute the material
     factors considered by the NHTB Board in approving the Agreement:

               (i) NHTB's business, operations, financial condition, earnings,
          and growth strategy, including the desirability of achieving a
          significant market position in the Upper Valley of western New
          Hampshire;

               (ii) the current and prospective economic, regulatory and
          competitive climate facing community banking institutions, including
          without limitation the consolidation currently underway in the banking
          industry, competition from larger institutions and from nonbank
          providers of financial services;

               (iii)  the presentations by NHTB management and HAS as to the
          business, operations, asset quality, earnings, competitive position
          and financial condition of Landmark;

               (iv) the anticipated cost savings and revenue enhancements
          available to the combined institution from the Landmark merger, which
          are estimated to be up to 40% of historical Landmark non-interest
          expense, resulting from back office efficiencies;

               (v) the common philosophies and cultures of NHTB and Landmark
          particularly with respect to customer satisfaction, efficiency and
          serving the banking needs of small towns and communities;

               (vi) the Merger Consideration in the Merger from a number of
          valuation perspectives, as presented by HAS with respect to the
          Agreements and the July 10, 1996 opinion of HAS that the Merger
          Consideration was fair to NHTB and its shareholders from a financial
          point of view.

               (vii)  the terms of the Agreements, including the price
          protection mechanism of NHTB, and the Option Agreement; the regulatory
          and shareholder approval processes, the conditions to NHTB's
          obligation to close the Merger, the treatment of the Merger as a
          purchase for financial accounting purposes;

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
               (viii)  the resultant capital of the combined institution after
          the Merger and the implications of the Merger on NHTB's ongoing
          business strategy, including its expansion strategy; and

               (ix) the expectation that the transaction will be immediately
          accretive to NHTB earnings.

          The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by
     the NHTB Board of Directors is not intended to be exhaustive but includes
     all material factors considered by the NHTB Board of Directors.  In
     reaching its determinations to approve and recommend the Agreements, the
     NHTB Board of Directors did not assign relative or specific weights to the
     foregoing factors, and individual directors may have given differing
     weights to different factors.  After deliberating with respect to the
     Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Agreements,
     considering, among other things the matters discussed above and the
     opinions of HAS referred to above, the Board of Directors, by unanimous
     vote of all directors, approved the Agreements as being in the best
     interest of NHTB and its shareholders and directed that the Agreements be
     submitted to the holders of NHTB Common Stock for approval at the NHTB
     Special Meeting.

          Based on the foregoing, the NHTB Board of Directors concluded that the
     proposed Merger would be in the best interest of NHTB's shareholders,
     customers and communities served.  ACCORDINGLY, THE NHTB BOARD OF DIRECTORS
     UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE NHTB SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR"
     APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE AGREEMENTS AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED
     THEREBY.

          Landmark.  In the course of reaching its decision to approve the
     Agreements (inclusive of the Stock Option Agreement) and the transactions
     contemplated thereby, the Board of Directors of Landmark consulted with its
     legal advisors regarding the legal terms of the Agreements and the Board of
     Directors' obligations in its consideration of the Merger; and, its
     financial advisors regarding the financial terms and fairness, from a
     financial point of view, to the shareholders of Landmark of the Exchange
     Ratio of NHTB Common Stock to be exchanged for outstanding shares of
     Landmark Common Stock and the Cash Election Price for outstanding shares of
     Landmark Common Stock in the proposed Merger.  Without assigning any
     relative or specific weights to any factor, the Board of Directors
     considered the factors outlined below, among others, that it believed
     relevant to reaching its determination.

          The terms of the Agreements were reached on the basis of arms' length
     negotiations between Landmark and NHTB.  In reaching the conclusion that
     the terms of the Agreements are fair, the Landmark Board of Directors
     considered, among other things, the market value, book value, liquidity,
     earnings per share, and consistent dividends paid to holders of NHTB Common
     Stock.  The Board considered that the Merger provides an opportunity for
     the shareholders of Landmark to receive consideration for their shares
     having a value in excess of the book value of the Landmark Common Stock,
     the likelihood of the payment of dividends to Landmark shareholders, and
     that the Exchange Ratio together with the Cash Election Price represents a
     premium over the price at which shares of Landmark Common Stock were sold
     in its initial capitalization and the price at which the Board reasonably
     anticipated the stock could be offered for sale in the future.  The Board
     believed that the premium to book value was reasonable under the
     circumstances in comparison to other recent, comparable transactions.

          In reaching its conclusion, the Landmark Board of Directors took into
     consideration and relied in part upon the advice of MB&D, Landmark's
     financial advisor, which confirmed the considered judgment of the Board as
     to the financial aspects of the Merger.  At its July 29, 1996 Landmark
     Board meeting, MB&D indicated that, based upon information known as of that
     date, MB&D expected to be

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
     able to render an opinion as to the fairness from a financial point of view
     of the consideration to be received by the Landmark shareholders from the
     Merger.  That opinion was rendered in writing to the Board of Directors as
     of the date of this Proxy Statement-Prospectus and is attached as Appendix
     B to this Proxy Statement-Prospectus.  Landmark's Board of Directors
     considered the analyses presented to it by MB&D relating to selected
     financial and stock market data concerning Landmark and NHTB and certain
     financial analyses of the terms of the Merger, including comparison to the
     terms of other recent acquisitions, which are described below under "--
     Opinions of Financial Advisors."

          The Landmark Board of Directors considered the strategic alternatives
     available to Landmark, including the possibility of remaining independent,
     together with the likely need to raise capital in accordance with
     Landmark's agreement with the FDIC, and the regulatory and competitive
     climate facing small community banking institutions such as Landmark,
     continuing to solicit competing proposals, and accepting NHTB's bid, before
     concluding, for the reasons discussed in this section, that the Merger
     represented an opportunity to enhance Landmark shareholder value at this
     time and that the Exchange Ratio together with the Cash Election Price was
     fair to the shareholders.

          The Board of Directors also considered the advantages of becoming part
     of a larger financial institution that has considerably greater resources
     and whose stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market System.  Landmark's
     Board of Directors believed that the proposed affiliation with NHTB would
     provide increased liquidity for the shareholders of Landmark and a
     combination of the banking entities would lead to competitive advantages
     through greater diversity in product offerings, and cost-savings through
     certain integration of operations.

          The Board of Directors considered the historical stability in NHTB's
     earnings per share, dividends and book value.  The Board of Directors also
     considered the historical lack of dividends paid on the Landmark Common
     Stock and the significant increase in dividends that would likely be
     received by Landmark shareholders from the Merger.  The Board of Directors
     also considered the expectation that the Merger will be a tax-free
     transaction to Landmark and NHTB, and to Landmark shareholders receiving
     NHTB Common Stock.

          The Board of Directors considered a variety of other factors,
     including, without limitation, the social and economic affects of the
     transaction on depositors, borrowers and employees of Landmark, and on the
     communities in which Landmark operates or serves.  The Board of Directors
     believes that the Merger will provide Landmark's borrowers and depositors
     and the communities it serves with expanded services and banking products,
     and access to the resources of a stronger financial institution.

          The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by
     the Landmark Board of Directors is not intended to be exhaustive but
     includes all material factors considered by the Landmark Board of
     Directors.  In reaching its determinations to approve and recommend the
     Agreements, the Landmark Board of Directors did not assign relative or
     specific weights to the foregoing factors, and individual directors may
     have given differing weights to different factors.  After deliberating with
     respect to the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Agreements,
     considering among other things the matters discussed above and the opinions
     of MB&D referred to above, the Board of Directors, by unanimous vote of all
     directors, approved the Agreements as being in the best interests of
     Landmark and its shareholders and directed that the Agreements be submitted
     to the shareholders of Landmark for approval and adoption at the Landmark
     Special Meeting.

          Based on the foregoing, the Landmark Board of Directors concluded that
     the proposed Merger would be in the best interests of Landmark's
     shareholders, borrowers and depositors, and the communities it serves.  THE
     LANDMARK BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE
     LANDMARK

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
     SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL AN ADOPTION OF THE AGREEMENTS AND THE
     TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY.

     OPINIONS OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS

          NHTB.  HAS has delivered to the Board of Directors of NHTB its written
     opinion, as of the date of this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus, that both
     the Exchange Ratio of NHTB Common Stock to be exchanged for outstanding
     shares of Landmark Common Stock and the Cash Election Price for outstanding
     shares of Landmark Common Stock (described in detail in this Joint Proxy
     Statement-Prospectus) are fair, from a financial point of view, to NHTB's
     shareholders.  HAS has acted as financial advisor to NHTB since March 1996
     in connection with NHTB's evaluation of the Landmark acquisition.

          HAS advised NHTB during the negotiation process leading up to the
     execution of the Agreements and provided NHTB with various analyses as to
     the range of financially feasible exchange ratios and cash acquisition
     prices that might be offered.  A representative of HAS met with the
     executive management on a number of occasions in connection with the
     analysis of Landmark.  Each of the Exchange Ratio and Cash Election Price
     was arrived at in an arms length negotiation between NHTB and Landmark in a
     process in which HAS advised NHTB.

          HAS was retained based on its qualifications and experience in the
     financial analysis of banking and thrift institutions, knowledge of the New
     Hampshire and New England banking markets, and its experience with merger
     and acquisition transactions involving banking institutions.  HAS has
     worked with NHTB and/or its subsidiaries for over 15 years and has been
     involved with numerous New England mergers or acquisitions of financial
     institutions since 1980.

          The full text of the opinion of HAS, which sets forth assumptions
     made, matters considered and limits on the review undertaken by HAS, is
     attached hereto as part of Appendix B.  NHTB's shareholders are urged to
     read the opinion in its entirety.  HAS' opinion is directed only to the
     Exchange Ratio and Cash Election Price and does not constitute a
     recommendation to any holder of NHTB Common Stock as to how such holder
     should vote at the NHTB Shareholder Meeting.  The summary of the opinion of
     HAS set forth in this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus was provided to NHTB
     by HAS and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of
     the opinion itself.  HAS' opinion was necessarily based upon conditions as
     they existed and should be evaluated on the date hereof and the information
     made available to HAS through the date hereof.

          In arriving at its opinion, HAS (i) reviewed the Agreements and this
     Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus in substantially the form to be sent to
     NHTB shareholders; (ii) reviewed publicly available business and financial
     information with respect to both NHTB and Landmark and certain internal
     financial information and financial projections prepared by the managements
     of NHTB and Landmark; (iii) held discussions with members of the senior
     management of NHTB concerning the past and current results of operations of
     NHTB, its current financial condition and management's opinion of its
     future prospects; (iv) reviewed the historical reported price and record of
     trading volume for both NHTB and Landmark Common Stock; (v) held
     discussions with the senior management of Landmark concerning the current
     and past results of operations of Landmark and its current financial
     condition; (vi) considered the current state of and future prospects for
     the economy of New Hampshire generally and the relevant market areas for
     NHTB and Landmark in particular; (vii) reviewed acquisition analysis models
     employed by HAS to evaluate potential business combinations of banking
     companies; (viii) reviewed the reported financial terms of certain recent
     business combinations in the banking industry; and (ix) performed such
     other studies and analyses as HAS considered appropriate under the
     circumstances associated with this particular transaction.

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
          HAS' opinion takes into account its assessment of general economic,
     market and financial conditions and its experience in other transactions,
     as well as its experience in securities valuation and its knowledge of the
     banking industry generally.  For purposes of reaching its opinion, HAS has
     assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of the information
     provided to it by NHTB and Landmark, and does not assume any responsibility
     for the independent verification of such information or any independent
     valuation or appraisal of any of the assets or liabilities of either NHTB
     or Landmark.  With respect to the financial projections reviewed by HAS in
     the course of rendering its opinion, HAS has assumed that such projections
     have been reasonably prepared to reflect the best currently available
     estimates and judgements of the management of each of NHTB and Landmark as
     to the most likely future performance of their respective companies.

          The following is a summary of material analyses employed by HAS in
     connection with rendering its written opinion.  Given that it is a summary,
     it does not purport to be a complete and comprehensive description of all
     the analyses performed, or an enumeration of all the matters considered by
     HAS in arriving at its opinion.  The preparation of a fairness opinion is a
     complicated process, involving a determination as to the most appropriate
     and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those
     methods to the particular circumstances.  Therefore, such an opinion is not
     readily susceptible to a summary description.  In arriving at its fairness
     opinion, HAS did not attribute any particular weight to any one specific
     analysis or factor considered by it and made qualitative as well as
     quantitative judgements as to the significance of each analysis and factor.
     Therefore, HAS believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and
     feels that attributing undue weight to any single analysis or factor
     considered could create a misleading or incomplete view of the process
     leading to the formation of its opinion.  In its analyses, HAS has made
     certain assumptions with respect to banking industry performance, general
     business and economic conditions and other factors, many of which are
     beyond the control of management of either NHTB or Landmark.  Any estimates
     which are referred to in HAS' analyses are not necessarily indicative of
     actual values or predictive of future results or values, which may vary
     significantly from those set forth.

          Specific Acquisition Analysis.  HAS analyzed the transaction basically
     from a number of different models which it employs to evaluate the prospect
     of future earnings and the financial condition, and market and trading
     characteristics of the proposed transaction.  These models provide a
     variety of variables that can affect various outcomes which include, but
     are not limited to, interest rates, dividends, opportunity costs,
     acquisition economies of scale and taxes.  The model evaluates various
     opportunities and measures the impact of various scenarios on regulatory
     requirements and expectations of shareholders based on past financial
     performance.

          The resulting exchange ratio of 1.221 shares for NHTB for each share
     of common stock of Landmark or a cash price of $12.00 was believed to be a
     fair offer by NHTB to Landmark.

          Discounted Cash Flow Analysis.  HAS reviewed a discounted cash flow
     analysis to permit the conceptual examination of the present discounted
     values of potential future results employing selected assumptions and
     discount rates.

          The use of the discounted cash flow analysis assumes various discount
     rates, earnings assumptions, terminal values, dividend payout ratios and
     growth assumptions.  The use of different assumptions can produce different
     results and the Board of NHTB was advised of these factors and cautioned
     that various assumptions can result in different outcomes.  To avoid
     confusion of values, the Board was presented with a discounted cash flow
     approach which was based on normal growth assumptions.

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
          These assumptions were made based on the past history of NHTB and its
     consistency in earnings, dividend payout and conservative operating
     procedures and growth.  Since the potential earnings of Landmark are
     difficult to measure, a hypothetical return on average assets of 0.6% was
     assumed based upon a discounted return on average assets of NHTB for the
     last three years.  A dividend payout ratio of 10% over a five year period
     was used and long term growth of 10% was also used.  A terminal multiple of
     15 times earnings was used as control sale price/earnings ratio at the end
     of a five year period.  Given the five-year time horizon and a discount
     rate of 12.0%, these cash flows resulted in an implied valuation of $11.87,
     which can be compared to the nominal value of proposed exchange ratio of
     approximately $12.00 in stock and/or cash.

          Analysis of Other Comparable Transactions.  The process of evaluating
     the transaction also took into account other comparable transactions.
     Although no true comparable transaction can be found due to the differences
     of financial history, longevity of the entity, external factors and
     differences in operation, it can be helpful as a point of reference and
     provide the directors with an informational approach to assessing the
     transaction.

          The NHTB Board of Directors were made aware of current market
     conditions as they relate to various ratios on a national and regional
     level.  The regional level of New England was the focus of the report.  In
     addition, a separate analysis of transactions was presented on a national
     level where the value of the transaction was less than $10 million.

          From these groups a series of selective groups was examined.  The
     first group comprised of 23 transactions in six northeastern states and the
     District of Columbia, which had been announced since July 1995 and the
     assets of the acquired institutions were less than $100 million.  The 23
     transactions were as follows:

          New England Community Bancorp's acquisition of Manchester State Bank
          Center Financial Corporation's acquisition of Heritage Bank
          Norwich Financial Corporation's acquisition of Second Holding
          George Mason Bankshares' acquisition of Palmer National Bancorp
          Weetamoe Bancorp's acquisition of Fairbank, Inc.
          First Mariner Bancorp's acquisition of Annapolis Bancshares
          Sandy Spring Bancorp's acquisition of Annapolis Bancshares
          Union National Bancorp's acquisition of Maryland Permanent
          FCNB Corporation's acquisition of Harbor Investment
          Community Bankshares' acquisition of Centerpoint Bank
          Great Falls Bancorp's acquisition of Bergen Commercial Bank
          Center Bancorp's acquisition of Lehigh Savings Bank
          Trenton Savings Bank's acquisition of Burlington County Bank
          Covenant Bank for Savings' acquisition of First Southern State Bank
          Sovereign Bancorp's acquisition of West Jersey Bancshares
          F&A Financial Company's acquisition of Farmers National Bank
          Northwest Savings' acquisition of Bridgeville Savings Bank
          Harleysville National Bank's acquisition of Farmers & Merchants
          Northwest Savings' acquisition of First FSB of Kane
          BT Financial Corporation's acquisition of Armstrong County TC
          MLF Bancorp's acquisition of Suburban Federal SB
          Northwest Savings' acquisition of First National Bancorp
          Community Banks' acquisition of Citizens National Bank - Ashland
          

                                       32
<PAGE>
 
          The second group were transactions in New England since July 1995
     where the acquiror had assets of less than $1 billion in assets.  This
     group showed ten transactions.  The ten transactions are listed below:

          Weetamoe Bancorp's acquisition of Fairbank, Inc.
          CFX Corporation's acquisition of Milford Co-op Bank
          CFX Corporation's acquisition of Safety Fund Corp.
          New England Community Bancorp's acquisition of Manchester State Bank
          Community Bankshares' acquisition of Centerpoint Bank
          Norwich Financial Corporation's acquisition of Second Holding
          Camden National Bank's acquisition of United Corporation
          Co-op Bank of Concord's acquisition of Bank of Braintree
          Main Street Community Bank's acquisition of Lexington Savings Bank
          New England Community Bancorp's acquisition of Equity Bank

          The final selective group was transactions in the Northeast where the
     acquired institution had a ROAA in the last twelve months of less than
     0.5%.  There were 7 transactions in this group.  These were:

          Center Bancorp's acquisition of Lehigh Saving Bank
          MLF Bancorp's acquisition of Suburban Federal Savings Bank
          Center Financial Corporation's acquisition of Heritage Bank
          Northwest Savings' acquisition of First FSB of Kane
          Investor Group's acquisition of Abigail Adams National Bank
          Sovereign Bancorp's acquisition of Colonial State Bank
          USA BancShares' acquisition of Peoples Thrift Savings Bank
          
     Three groups were used to examine the variables of size, location and low
     earnings of the acquired institution in the transactions. The first group
     had a median multiple of tangible book value paid by the acquiror of
     170.9%, in a range of 113.3% to 233.4%.  The second group had an average
     multiple of 148.4% in a range of 93.4 to 217.3%.  The third group had an
     average price to book multiple of 152.3% in a range of 85.0% to 233.4%.  In
     this case the second and third groups compared to the multiple of 153% in
     the proposed transaction with NHTB and Landmark.

          The price to earnings ratios for the three groups was 20.5 times
     earnings in Group 1, 13.9 times earnings in Group 2 and 24.6 times earnings
     in Group 3.  The statistics cannot be compared to any earnings multiples of
     Landmark since it was unprofitable during the last twelve months.

          HAS will receive a fee of $18,000 for the rendering of its fairness
     opinion and received $10,500 in fees as a financial advisor.  NHTB also
     agreed to reimburse HAS for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.  NHTB
     also has agreed to indemnify HAS and its directors, officers and employees
     against certain losses, claims, damages and liabilities relating to or
     arising out of HAS' engagement, including liabilities under the federal
     securities law.

          Landmark.  MB&D has delivered to the Board of Directors of Landmark
     its written opinion, as of the date of this Joint Proxy Statement-
     Prospectus, that both the Exchange Ratio of NHTB Common Stock to be
     exchanged for outstanding shares of Landmark Common Stock and the Cash
     Election Price for outstanding shares of Landmark Common Stock (described
     in detail in this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus) are fair, from a
     financial point of view, to Landmark's shareholders.  MB&D has acted as

                                       33
<PAGE>
 
     financial advisor to Landmark since February 1996 in connection with
     Landmark's evaluation of hypothetical affiliation opportunities.

          MB&D advised Landmark during the negotiation process leading up to the
     execution of the Agreements and provided Landmark with various analyses as
     to the range of financially feasible exchange ratios and cash acquisition
     prices that might be received in a hypothetical transaction.  A
     representative of MB&D met with the executive management and full Board of
     Directors of Landmark on a number of occasions in connection with the
     analysis of Landmark's options.  The Merger Consideration was arrived at in
     an arms length negotiation between NHTB and Landmark in a process in which
     MB&D advised Landmark.

          MB&D was retained based on its qualifications and experience in the
     financial analysis of banking and thrift institutions, knowledge of the New
     Hampshire and New England banking markets, and its experience with merger
     and acquisition transactions involving banking institutions.  Members of
     the Corporate Finance Department of MB&D have advised financial institution
     clients on more than 50 successfully completed mergers or acquisitions of
     financial institutions, many of those in the New Hampshire and New England
     marketplaces.

          The full text of the opinion of MB&D, which sets forth assumptions
     made, matters considered and limits on the review undertaken by MB&D, is
     attached hereto as a part of Appendix B.  Landmark's shareholders are urged
     to read the opinion in its entirety.  MB&D's opinion is directed only to
     the Merger Consideration and does not constitute a recommendation to any
     holder of Landmark Common Stock as to how such holder should vote at the
     Landmark Special Meeting.  The summary of the opinion of MB&D set forth in
     this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus was provided to Landmark by MB&D and
     is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion
     itself.  MB&D's opinion was necessarily based upon conditions as they
     existed and should be evaluated on the date hereof and the information made
     available to MB&D through the date hereof.

          In arriving at its opinion, MB&D (i) reviewed the Agreements and this
     Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus in substantially the form to be sent to
     Landmark shareholders; (ii) reviewed publicly available business and
     financial information with respect to both Landmark and NHTB and certain
     internal financial information and financial projections prepared by the
     managements of Landmark and NHTB; (iii) held discussions with members of
     the senior management and board of Landmark concerning the past and current
     results of operations of Landmark, its current financial condition and
     management's opinion of its future prospects; (iv) reviewed the historical
     reported price and record of trading volume for both Landmark and NHTB
     Common Stock; (v) held discussions with the senior management of NHTB
     concerning the current and past results of operations of NHTB, its current
     financial condition and management's opinion of its future prospects; (vi)
     considered the current state of and future prospects for the economy of New
     Hampshire generally and the relevant market areas for Landmark and NHTB in
     particular; (vii) reviewed the specific acquisition analysis models
     employed by MB&D to evaluate potential business combinations of banking
     companies; (viii) reviewed the reported financial terms of certain recent
     business combinations in the banking industry; and (ix) performed such
     other studies and analyses as MB&D considered appropriate under the
     circumstances associated with this particular transaction.

          MB&D's opinion takes into account its assessment of general economic,
     market and financial conditions and its experience in other transactions,
     as well as its experience in securities valuation and its knowledge of the
     banking industry generally.  For purposes of reaching its opinion, MB&D has
     assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of the information
     provided to it by Landmark and NHTB, and does not assume any responsibility
     for the independent verification of such information

                                       34
<PAGE>
 
     or any independent valuation or appraisal of any of the assets or
     liabilities of either Landmark or NHTB.  With respect to the financial
     projections reviewed by MB&D in the course of rendering its opinion, MB&D
     has assumed that such projections have been reasonably prepared to reflect
     the best currently available estimates and judgment of the management of
     each of Landmark and NHTB as to the most likely future performance of their
     respective companies.

          The following is a summary of material analyses employed by MB&D in
     connection with rendering its written opinion. Given that it is a summary,
     it does not purport to be a complete and comprehensive description of all
     the analyses performed, or an enumeration of all the matters considered by
     MB&D in arriving at its opinion.  The preparation of a fairness opinion is
     a complicated process, involving a determination as to the most appropriate
     and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those
     methods to the particular circumstances. Therefore, such an opinion is not
     readily susceptible to a summary description.  In arriving at its fairness
     opinion, MB&D did not attribute any particular weight to any one specific
     analysis or factor considered by it and made qualitative as well as
     quantitative judgments as to the significance of each analysis and factor.
     Therefore, MB&D believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole
     and feels that attributing undue weight to any single analysis or factor
     considered could create a misleading or incomplete view of the process
     leading to the formation of its opinion.  In its analyses, MB&D has made
     certain assumptions with respect to banking industry performance, general
     business and economic conditions and other factors, many of which are
     beyond the control of management of either Landmark or NHTB.  Any estimates
     which are referred to in MB&D's analyses are not necessarily indicative of
     actual values or predictive of future results or values, which may vary
     significantly from those set forth.

               Analysis of the Anticipated Proposed Merger and the Exchange
          Ratio in Relation to NHTB.  The anticipated consideration to be paid
          in the Merger for each outstanding share of Landmark Common Stock is
          the Exchange Ratio, 1.221 shares of NHTB Common Stock, or $12.00 in
          cash, assuming a NHTB Trading Price between $8.25 and $11.75 during
          the merger pricing period.  When valued at the closing bid price of
          NHTB Common Stock, $9.88, on the last day there were trades in NHTB
          Common Stock prior to the announcement of the transaction, Thursday,
          July 25, 1996, as well as the 30 day average closing bid price of NHTB
          Common Stock computed as of the last business weekday prior to the
          announcement of the transaction, Thursday, July 25, 1996, equal to
          $9.84, the Merger Consideration represents the following transaction
          multiples:

               Transaction Value;  $12.06 in NHTB Common Stock per share of
          Landmark Common Stock based upon the single day closing bid price of
          NHTB Common Stock on Thursday, July 25, 1996, or a Cash Election Price
          of $12.00 per share.  Based upon the 30 day average closing bid price
          for NHTB Common Stock for the period ending July 25, 1996, the
          transaction value would be $12.02 in NHTB Common Stock or $12.00 per
          share of Landmark Common Stock if the Cash Election Price were
          selected.

     .    Multiple of Earnings based upon the July 25, 1996 NHTB single day
          closing bid price: (i) Landmark had a negative net income for the
          first six months of 1996, therefore the transaction value cannot be
          computed as a multiple of current year earnings; and (ii) Landmark's
          earnings for fiscal year 1995 were less than $25,000.  Therefore any
          earnings multiples computed using either the common stock exchange or
          the Cash Election Price transaction value and 1995 Landmark net income
          would not be meaningful.

                                       35
<PAGE>
 
     .    Multiple of Earnings based upon the 30 day average closing bid price
          for NHTB for the period ending July 25, 1996: (i) Landmark had a
          negative net income for the first six months of 1996, therefore the
          transaction value cannot be computed as a multiple of current year
          earnings; and (ii) Landmark's earnings for fiscal year 1995 were less
          than $25,000, therefore any earnings multiples computed using either
          the common stock exchange or the Cash Election Price transaction value
          and 1995 Landmark net income would not be meaningful.

     .    Multiple of Book Value based upon the July 25, 1996 NHTB single day
          closing bid price:  As of June 30, 1996, 1.532 times Landmark's book
          value per share.

     .    Multiple of Book Value based upon the 30 day average closing bid price
          for NHTB for the period ending July 25, 1996:  As of June 30, 1996,
          1.528 times Landmark's book value per share.

     .    Multiple of Market Value based upon the July 25, 1996 NHTB single day
          closing bid price: Because there has been no active market for
          Landmark Common Stock and very little trading in the common stock of
          Landmark since Landmark's inception, no reliable or meaningful
          multiple of market value can be computed.

     .    Multiple of Market Value based upon the 30 day average closing bid
          price for NHTB for the period ending July 25, 1996:  Because there has
          been no active market for Landmark Common Stock and very little
          trading in the Common Stock of Landmark since Landmark's inception, no
          reliable or meaningful multiple of market value can be computed.

               Specific Acquisition Analysis.  MB&D employs a number of
          proprietary analysis models to examine hypothetical transactions
          involving banking and/or thrift companies.  The models use forecast
          earnings data, selected current period balance sheet and income
          statement data, current market and trading information and a number of
          assumptions as to interest rates for borrowed funds, opportunity costs
          of funds, discount rates, dividend streams, effective tax rates and
          transaction structures (the alternative or combined uses of common
          equity, cash, debt or other securities, to fund a transaction).  The
          models distinguish between purchase and pooling accounting treatments
          and inquire into the likely economic feasibility of a given
          hypothetical transaction at a given price level or specified exchange
          rate while employing a specified transaction structure.  The models
          also permit an examination of pro forma capital adequacy.

               In this transaction, MB&D evaluated an exchange ratio of 1.221
          shares of NHTB Common Stock for each share of Landmark Common Stock,
          or a Cash Election Price of $12.00 per share in a joint common stock
          and cash merger transaction which is accounted for as a purchase
          transaction.

               Discounted Cash Flow Analysis.  MB&D reviewed a discounted cash
          flow analysis to permit the conceptual examination of the present
          discounted values of potential future results employing selected
          assumptions and discount rates.

               In the discounted cash flow analysis, MB&D reviewed a cash flow
          model with the management and board of Landmark that used a projection
          of hypothetical earnings for the three twelve month periods subsequent
          to May of 1996 of $150,000, $300,000 and $643,000, respectively, with
          projected earnings in two subsequent twelve month periods equal to an
          ROA of 1.00%.  A hypothetical dividend pay-out ratio assumption which
          depicted average annual pay-outs as a percentage of earnings
          increasing gradually from a level of 0% to 33.7% over a five year
          period was used.  A long term growth rate of 5% was also used.  MB&D
          then assumed that

                                       36
<PAGE>
 
          the control sale price/earnings ratio at the end of a five year period
          would approximate 12.5 times earnings, and in a separate exercise, a
          price to tangible book value ratio of 160%.  Given the five year time
          horizon and a discount rate of 12.5%, these cash flow calculations
          resulted in a range of present discounted values of cash flows of
          $11.58 to $12.28 which can be compared to the nominal value of the
          proposed exchange ratio of approximately $12.06 based upon the
          trailing thirty day average closing bid price of NHTB Common Stock,
          $12.02 based upon the closing bid price of NHTB Common Stock the day
          before announcement as described above or $12.00 in payment of the
          Cash Election Price.

               It is important to note that the discount factors employed embody
          both the concept of a riskless time value of money and risk factors
          that reflect the uncertainty of the forecasted cash flows and terminal
          price/earnings multiples.  Use of higher discount rates would result
          in lower discounted present values.  Conversely, use of lower discount
          rates would result in higher discounted present values.  MB&D advised
          the Landmark board of directors that although discounted cash flow
          analysis is a widely used valuation methodology, it relies on numerous
          assumptions, including discount rates, terminal values, earnings and
          asset growth, as well as dividend payout ratios.  Any or all of these
          assumptions may vary from actual future performance and results.

               MB&D also considered the fact that Landmark shareholders electing
          and receiving NHTB Common Stock would substantially increase their
          prospect for annual dividends based upon current and projected
          dividend streams of both Landmark and NHTB.  Based upon an
          annualization of the quarterly dividend payout by NHTB at announcement
          date, Landmark shareholders electing and receiving NHTB Common Stock
          would receive an equivalent dividend per share of Landmark Common
          Stock exchanged of $0.61 per year using the Exchange Ratio of 1.221
          shares of NHTB Common Stock for each share of Landmark Common Stock.
          By comparison, Landmark was not paying a dividend to holders of shares
          of Landmark Common Stock or Landmark Preferred Stock at announcement
          date.

               Analysis of Other Comparable Transactions.  MB&D is reluctant to
          place excessive emphasis on "comparables analysis" as a valuation
          methodology due to what it considers to be inherent limitations of the
          application of the results to specific cases.  It has observed that
          such analysis as employed by some industry observers and financial
          advisors frequently fails to adequately take into consideration such
          factors as material differences in the underlying capitalization of
          the comparable institutions which are being acquired; differences in
          the historic earnings (or loss) patterns recorded by the compared
          institutions which can depict a very different trend than might be
          implied by examining only recent financial results; failure to exclude
          non-recurring profit or loss items from the last twelve months'
          earnings streams of target companies which can distort apparent
          earnings multiples; differences in the form or forms of consideration
          used to complete the transaction; differences between the planned
          method of accounting for the completed transaction; and such less
          accessible factors as the relative population, business and economic
          demographics of the acquired entities markets as compared or
          contrasted to such factors for the markets in which comparables are
          doing business.  Comparables analysis also rarely seems to take into
          consideration the degree of facilities overlap between the acquirer's
          market and that of the target or the absence of such overlap and the
          resulting cost savings differentials between otherwise apparently
          comparable transactions.  MB&D consequently believes that comparables
          analysis has limitations.

               Nevertheless, between February and July of 1996, MB&D reviewed a
          universe of 13 publicly announced transactions in the financial
          institutions industry in which either a bank or a

                                       37
<PAGE>
 
          thrift (or their respective holding companies) engaged in the
          acquisition of another financial institution.  These transactions were
          announced after February 1, 1995 and prior to July 25, 1996.  All of
          the examined transactions involved entities doing business in New
          England and all but one involved the acquisition of a community bank
          or thrift of less than $300 million in assets.  Unlike Landmark, all
          of the acquired institutions were profitable at announcement date.

               The 13 transactions reviewed by MB&D are as follows:  CFX
          Corporation's acquisition of Milford Co-op Bank, CFX Corporation's
          acquisition of Safety Fund Corporation, Peoples Heritage Financial
          Group's acquisition of Bank of NH Corp., Chittenden Corp.'s
          acquisition of Flagship Bank & Trust, Community Bankshares acquisition
          of Centerpoint Bank, The Co-operative Bank of Concord's acquisition of
          Bank of Braintree; Baybanks, Inc.'s acquisition of Cornerstone
          Financial; Peoples Heritage Financial Group's acquisition of Bankcore,
          Inc.; Peterborough Savings Bank's acquisition of Horizon Banks;
          Chittenden Corp.'s acquisition of Bank of Western Massachusetts;
          Banknorth Group's acquisition of North American Bancorp; Compass Bank
          for Savings acquisition of Martha's Vineyard National Bank; and, The
          Co-operative Bank of Concord's acquisition of Depositors Trust
          Company.  From this universe, MB&D selected 8 transactions involving
          the acquisition of community bank and thrift institutions as being
          most representative of the NHTB/Landmark transaction.

               The 8 transactions selected as most representative were:  CFX
          Corporation's acquisition of Milford Co-op Bank; CFX Corporation's
          acquisition of Safety Fund Corporation, Peoples Heritage Financial
          Group's acquisition of Bank of NH Corp., Chittenden Corp.'s
          acquisition of Flagship Bank & Trust, Community Bankshares acquisition
          of Centerpoint Bank, The Co-operative Bank of Concord's acquisition of
          Bank of Braintree; Baybanks, Inc.'s acquisition of Cornerstone
          Financial; and, Peoples Heritage Financial Group's acquisition of
          Bankcore, Inc.

               Within this group of 8 transactions, the median multiple of
          tangible book value paid by the acquirer was 196%, the maximum
          multiple paid was 230% and the minimum multiple was 125%.  These
          statistics can be compared to multiples derived using the indicated
          values on transaction date, which can be derived for the proposed
          acquisition of Landmark by NHTB as 153% based upon the nominal value
          of the proposed exchange ratio of approximately $12.02 based upon the
          trailing thirty day average closing bid price of NHTB Common Stock
          pre-announcement and 153% based upon the nominal present value of the
          proposed exchange ratio of approximately $12.06 based upon the closing
          bid price of NHTB Common Stock the day before announcement as
          described above and 152% based upon a Cash Election Price payment of
          $12.00.

               With respect to trailing 12 months earnings multiples for this
          same data sample of twelve transactions, the median price/earnings
          multiple paid was 13.27 and the maximum multiple was 25.97, while the
          minimum multiple was 10.00.  These statistics cannot be compared to
          any earnings multiples of Landmark because Landmark was unprofitable
          during the twelve month period prior to announcement of the
          transaction.

               Pursuant to a letter agreement with Landmark dated February 16,
          1996, MB&D will receive a fee of $50,000 for services rendered to
          Landmark in conjunction with the proposed transaction, if the
          transaction is consummated.  The fee represents compensation for
          services rendered in connection with the analysis of the hypothetical
          transaction, support of the negotiations and for the rendering of its
          opinions.  Landmark paid MB&D $10,000 upon signing the agreement and
          $20,000 following the execution of the Agreements.  An additional
          $20,000 will become payable at the closing of the transaction.  In
          addition, Landmark has agreed to

                                       38
<PAGE>
 
          reimburse MB&D for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
          connection with the transaction.  Landmark also has agreed to
          indemnify MB&D and its directors, officers and employees against
          certain losses, claims, damages and liabilities relating to or arising
          out of MB&D's engagement, including liabilities under the federal
          securities law.

     ADJUSTMENT OF MERGER CONSIDERATION

               In certain circumstances, the Agreements provide for adjustment
          of the Merger Consideration as follows:

          (a)  In the event that Landmark's Tier 1 capital ratio (determined in
               accordance with GAAP, including any adjustments required under
               SFAS No. 115), for the month immediately prior to the Effective
               Date is between 6.00% and 5.90%, the Exchange Ratio shall be
               adjusted to 1.208 and the Cash Election Price shall be adjusted
               to $11.875 per share.

          (b)  In the event that Landmark's Tier 1 capital ratio (determined in
               accordance with GAAP, including any adjustments required under
               SFAS No. 115), for the month immediately prior to the Effective
               Date is between 5.89% and 5.80%, the Exchange Ratio shall be
               adjusted to 1.195 and the Cash Election Price shall be adjusted
               to $11.75 per share.

          (c)  If the NHTB Trading Price exceeds $11.75 per share, the Exchange
               Ratio shall be equal to 14.00 / NHTB Trading Price; however, if
               Landmark's Tier 1 capital ratio is between 6.00% and 5.90% or
               between 5.89% and 5.80% pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b),
               respectively, the Exchange Ratio shall be equal to 13.875 / NHTB
               Trading Price and 13.75 / NHTB Trading Price, respectively.

          (d)  If the NHTB Trading Price is less than $8.25 per share, the
               Exchange Ratio shall be equal to 10.00 / NHTB Trading Price;
               however, if Landmark's Tier 1 capital ratio is between 6.00% and
               5.90% or between 5.89% and 5.80% pursuant to paragraphs (a) and
               (b), respectively, the Exchange Ratio shall be equal to 9.875 /
               NHTB Trading Price and 9.75 / NHTB Trading Price, respectively.

     ADJUSTMENT OF MERGER CONSIDERATION IN THE EVENT OF DELAYED EFFECTIVE DATE

          In the event the Effective Date does not occur within one (1) month
     after all required regulatory approvals are obtained, including the
     expiration of any applicable waiting periods, NHTB shall increase the
     consideration to be paid to holders of Landmark Common Stock by (1)
     accruing interest on the 40% cash component of the consideration to be paid
     to holders of Landmark Common Stock at a rate equal to the then current
     yield on the Bank's "Treasury Account" and (2) crediting the 60% stock
     component of the consideration to be paid to holders of Landmark Common
     Stock with any and all dividends declared on the NHTB Common Stock during
     such period.

     EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES; ELECTION PROCEDURES; FRACTIONAL SHARES

          Within three business days after the Effective Date, ChaseMellon
     Shareholder Services, L.L.C. as exchange agent for the NHTB Common Stock
     (the "Exchange Agent") will send to each holder of Landmark Common Stock
     (or in the case of nominee record holders, the beneficial owner through
     proper instructions and documentation) an election form and other
     appropriate transmittal materials (the "Election Forms") permitting such
     holder to (i) elect to receive NHTB Common Stock with respect to such
     holder's Landmark Common Stock (the "Landmark Stock Election Shares"), (ii)
     elect to receive cash with respect

                                       39
<PAGE>
 
     to such holder's Landmark Common Stock (the "Landmark Cash Election
     Shares"), or (iii) indicate that such holder makes no such election (the
     "Landmark No-Election Shares"). In order to elect to receive NHTB Common
     Stock, the number of shares of Landmark Common Stock a Landmark stockholder
     elects to convert must equal or exceed 100 shares.

          Because the Merger Agreement provides that the total consideration
     paid to Landmark shareholders will be comprised of 60% NHTB Common Stock
     and 40% cash, no guarantee can be given that the election of any given
     shareholder of Landmark will be honored. Rather, the election by each
     holder will be subject to the election and allocation procedures described
     herein. Thus, holders may not receive their requested form of consideration
     or combination thereof. See " --Allocations."

          Any election to receive NHTB Common Stock or cash shall have been
     properly made only if the Exchange Agent shall have actually received a
     properly completed Election Form by the Election Deadline specified on the
     Election Forms (the "Election Deadline"). Election Forms will be properly
     completed only if accompanied by certificates representing all shares of
     Landmark Common Stock converted thereby. The Exchange Agent shall have
     reasonable discretion to determine when any election, modification or
     revocation is received and whether any such election, modification or
     revocation has been properly made. Any shares of Landmark Common Stock with
     respect to which the holder thereof shall not, as of the Election Deadline,
     have made such an election by submission to the Exchange Agent, of
     effective, properly completed Election Forms, shall be deemed to be
     Landmark No-Election Shares. Any Dissenting Shares shall be deemed to be
     Landmark Cash Election Shares, and with respect to such shares the holders
     thereof shall in no event be classified as Stock Designees (as defined
     herein).

          LANDMARK STOCK CERTIFICATES SHOULD NOT BE FORWARDED TO THE EXCHANGE
     AGENT UNTIL A LANDMARK SHAREHOLDER HAS RECEIVED THE ELECTION FORMS AND
     SHOULD NOT BE RETURNED WITH THE ENCLOSED PROXY.

          Until the certificates representing Landmark Common Stock are
     surrendered for exchange after the Effective Time, holders of such
     certificates will accrue but will not be paid dividends or other
     distributions on the NHTB Common Stock into which their shares have been
     converted. When such certificates are surrendered, any unpaid dividends or
     other distributions will be paid, without interest. No interest will be
     paid or accrued on the cash in lieu of fractional shares payable to holders
     of such certificates. For all other purposes, however, each certificate
     which represents outstanding shares of Landmark Common Stock outstanding at
     the Effective Time other than shares as to which dissenters' rights have
     been asserted and not withdrawn will be deemed, as of the Effective Time,
     to evidence ownership of the number of shares of NHTB Common Stock or the
     right to receive the amount of cash into which such Landmark Common Stock
     shall have been converted. After the Effective Date, there shall be no
     further transfer on the records of Landmark of certificates representing
     Landmark shares and if such certificates are presented to Landmark for
     transfer, they shall be cancelled against delivery of certificates for NHTB
     Common Stock or cash into which those shares have been converted pursuant
     to the Merger.

          No fractional shares of NHTB Common Stock will be issued to any
     Landmark shareholder upon consummation of the Merger. For each fractional
     share that would otherwise be issued, NHTB will pay cash in an amount equal
     to such fraction multiplied by the bid price of NHTB Common Stock on the
     Nasdaq National Market on the last business day preceding the Effective
     Date.

          Any shares of Landmark Common Stock with respect to which appraisal
     rights have been properly perfected will be purchased in accordance with
     the procedures described under "CERTAIN

                                       40
<PAGE>
 
     RELATED TRANSACTIONS-Appraisal Rights of Dissenting Shareholders" and in
     Appendix D to this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus.

          For a description of the differences between the rights of the holders
     of Landmark Common Stock and NHTB Common Stock, see "COMPARISON OF RIGHTS
     OF NHTB AND LANDMARK SHAREHOLDERS." For a description of the capital stock
     of NHTB, see "DESCRIPTION OF NHTB CAPITAL STOCK."

     ALLOCATIONS

          Within three business days after the Election Deadline, the Exchange
     Agent will be required to effect the allocation among holders of Landmark
     Common Stock of rights to receive NHTB Common Stock or cash in the Merger
     in accordance with the Election Forms as follows:

                    (i) If the number of Landmark Stock Election Shares is less
               than a number (the "Stock Conversion Number") equal to 60.0% of
               the number of shares of Landmark Common Stock outstanding on the
               Effective Date of the Merger (excluding treasury and certain
               other shares to be cancelled and retired in accordance with the
               Merger Agreement), then:

                         (1) all Landmark Stock Election Shares will be
                    converted into the right to receive NHTB Common Stock,

                         (2) the Exchange Agent will select first from among the
                    holders of Landmark No-Election Shares and then (if
                    necessary) from among the holders of Landmark Cash Election
                    Shares, by random selection (as described below), a
                    sufficient number of such holders ("Stock Designees") such
                    that the number of shares of Landmark Common Stock held by
                    the Stock Designees will, when added to the number of
                    Landmark Stock Election Shares, equal as closely as
                    practicable the Stock Conversion Number, and all shares held
                    by the Stock Designees will be converted into the right to
                    receive NHTB Common Stock, and

                         (3) the Landmark Cash Election Shares (subject to the
                    provisions of the Merger Agreement with respect to any
                    Dissenting Shares) and the Landmark No-Election Shares not
                    held by Stock Designees will be converted into the right to
                    receive cash; or

                    (ii) If the number of Landmark Stock Election Shares is
               greater than the Stock Conversion Number, then:

                         (1) all Landmark Cash Election Shares (subject to the
                    provisions of the Merger Agreement with respect to any
                    Dissenting Shares) will be converted into the right to
                    receive cash,

                         (2) the Exchange Agent will select first from among the
                    holders of Landmark No-Election Shares and then (if
                    necessary) from among the holders of Landmark Stock Election
                    Shares, by random selection (as described below), a
                    sufficient number of such holders ("Cash Designees") such
                    that the number of shares of Landmark Common Stock held by
                    the Cash Designees will, when added to the number of
                    Landmark Cash Election Shares (including any

                                       41
<PAGE>
 
                    Dissenting Shares), equal as closely as practicable a number
                    (the "Cash Conversion Number") equal to 40.0% of the shares
                    of Landmark Common Stock outstanding on the Effective Date
                    of the Merger (excluding treasury and certain other shares
                    which are to be cancelled and retired in accordance with the
                    Merger Agreement) and all shares held by the Cash Designees
                    will be converted into the right to receive cash, and

                         (3) the Landmark Stock Election Shares and Landmark No-
                    Election Shares not held by Cash Designees will be converted
                    into the right to receive NHTB Common Stock; or

                    (iii)  If the number of Landmark Stock Election Shares is
               equal or nearly equal (as determined by the Exchange Agent) to
               the Stock Conversion Number, then subparagraphs (i) and (ii)
               above and subparagraph (iv) below shall not apply and all
               Landmark Stock Election Shares will be converted into the right
               to receive NHTB Common Stock and all Landmark Cash Election
               Shares (subject to the provisions applicable to Dissenting
               Shares) and Landmark No-Election Shares will be converted into
               the right to receive cash; or

                    (iv) If the number of Landmark Cash Election Shares is equal
               or nearly equal (as determined by the Exchange Agent) to the Cash
               Conversion Number, then subparagraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) above
               shall not apply and all Landmark Cash Election Shares (subject to
               the provisions of applicable to Dissenting Shares) will be
               converted into the right to receive cash and all Landmark Stock
               Election Shares and Landmark No-Election Shares will be converted
               into the right to receive NHTB Common Stock.

          The random selection process to be used by the Exchange Agent will
     consist of such processes as shall be mutually determined by NHTB and
     Landmark in a manner designed to select shareholders on a fair and
     equitable basis, and as shall be described further in the Election Forms.

          Within five business days after the Election Deadline, the Exchange
     Agent shall distribute NHTB Common Stock and cash as provided herein.

          If a certificate for Landmark Common Stock has been lost, stolen or
     destroyed, the Exchange Agent will issue the consideration properly payable
     in accordance with the Merger Agreement upon receipt of appropriate
     evidence as to such loss, theft or destruction, appropriate evidence as to
     the ownership of such certificate by the claimant, and appropriate and
     customary indemnification.

          Because the tax consequences of receiving cash or NHTB Common Stock
     will differ, shareholders of Landmark are urged to read carefully the
     information under the caption "Material Federal Income Tax Consequences."

     ISSUANCE OF STOCK AND PAYMENT OF CASH TO EXCHANGE AGENT

          On the Effective Date, NHTB shall issue to the Exchange Agent the
     number of shares of NHTB Common Stock issuable and the amount of cash
     payable in the Merger.  Upon completion of the allocation procedures
     described above, NHTB will, if necessary, issue to the Exchange Agent
     additional shares of NHTB Common Stock in exchange for cash or issue to the
     Exchange Agent any additional cash in exchange for NHTB Common Stock, as
     may be required to effect the conversion of Landmark Common Stock.  The
     Exchange Agent will not be entitled to vote or exercise any rights of
     ownership

                                       42
<PAGE>
 
     with respect to the shares of NHTB Common Stock held by it pursuant to the
     Merger Agreement, except that it will receive and hold all dividends or
     other distributions paid or distributed with respect to such shares for the
     account of the persons entitled thereto.

     CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER

          Pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization, prior to the Effective Time,
     and except with the written consent of NHTB, Landmark has agreed that it
     shall not, among other things:

          (1) carry on its business other than in the usual, regular and
     ordinary course in substantially the same manner as previously conducted;

          (2) declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution
     in respect of its capital stock;

          (3) issue any shares of its capital stock (except for the issuance of
     the Landmark Common Stock that are converted from shares of Landmark
     Preferred Stock) or permit any treasury shares to become outstanding other
     than pursuant to the Option Agreement;

          (4) incur any additional debt obligation or other obligation for
     borrowed money other than in the ordinary course of business consistent
     with past practice;

          (5) issue, grant or authorize any warrants, options, rights and the
     like or effect any recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend,
     stock split or like change in capitalization, or redeem, repurchase or
     otherwise acquire any shares of its capital stock;

          (6) amend the Landmark Articles or Bylaws;

          (7) merge with any other corporation, savings association or bank or
     permit any other corporation, savings association or bank to merge into it
     or consolidate with any other corporation, savings association or bank;
     acquire control over any other firm, bank, corporation, savings association
     or organization or create any subsidiary;

          (8) except in the ordinary course of business, waive or release any
     material right or cancel or compromise any material debt or claim;

          (9) fail to comply in any material respect with any laws, regulations,
     ordinances or governmental actions applicable to it and to the conduct of
     its business;

          (10) enter into any material swap, hedge or other similar off-balance
     sheet transaction;

          (11) liquidate or sell or dispose of any material assets or acquire
     any material assets; make any capital expenditure in excess of $25,000 in
     any instance or in the aggregate; or, establish new branches or other
     similar facilities or enter into or modify any leases or other contracts
     relating thereto that involve annual payments that exceed $10,000 in any
     instance or $25,000 in the aggregate;

          (12) increase the rate of compensation of, pay or agree to pay any
     bonus to, or provide any other employee benefit or incentive to, any of its
     directors, officers or employees;

                                       43
<PAGE>
 
          (13) enter into, modify or extend any employment or severance
     contracts with any of its present or former directors, officers or
     employees;

          (14) enter into or substantially modify (except as may be required by
     applicable law) any pension, retirement, stock option, stock purchase,
     stock appreciation right, savings, profit sharing, deferred compensation,
     consulting, bonus, group insurance or other employee benefit, incentive or
     welfare contract, plan or arrangement, or any trust agreement related
     thereto, in respect of any of its directors, officers or other employees;

          (15) change its lending, investment, asset/liability management or
     other material banking policies in any material respect except as may be
     required by changes in applicable law;

          (16) change its methods of accounting in effect at December 31, 1995,
     except as required by changes in generally accepted accounting principles
     concurred in by its independent certified public accountants, or change any
     of its methods of reporting income and deductions for federal income tax
     purposes from those employed in the preparation of its federal income tax
     returns for the year ended December 31, 1995, except as required by law;

          (17) solicit or initiate inquiries or proposals with respect to any
     acquisition or purchase of all or a substantial portion of the assets of,
     or a substantial equity interest in, Landmark or any business combination
     with Landmark other than as contemplated by the Plan of Reorganization; or
     authorize or permit any officer, director, agent or affiliate of it to do
     any of the above; or fail to notify NHTB as soon as practicable if any such
     inquiries or proposals are received by Landmark, or if Landmark or any
     officer, director, agent or affiliate thereof is requested to or does
     furnish any confidential information relating to, or participates in any
     negotiations or discussions concerning, any transaction of a type described
     in this paragraph; or

          (18) agree to do any of the foregoing.

          NHTB, the Bank and Landmark each have also agreed, subject to the
     terms and conditions of the Plan of Reorganization, to use their best
     efforts in good faith, and NHTB has agreed to cause its subsidiaries to use
     their best efforts in good faith to (a) furnish such information as may be
     required in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement
     of which this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus is a part and all regulatory
     applications, and (b) take or cause to be taken all action necessary or
     desirable on its part so as to permit consummation of the Merger at the
     earliest possible date, including, without limitation, (i) obtaining the
     consent or approval of each individual, partnership, corporation,
     association or other business or professional entity whose consent or
     approval is required for consummation of the transactions contemplated
     hereby, provided that Landmark shall not agree to make any payments or
     modifications to agreements in connection therewith without the prior
     written consent of NHTB, and (ii) requesting the delivery of appropriate
     opinions, consents and letters from its counsel and independent auditors.

     CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION

          Each party's obligation to effect the Merger is subject to various
     conditions, which include, in addition to other customary closing
     conditions, the following:

          (a) all corporate action necessary to authorize the execution,
     delivery and performance of the Agreements and consummation of the
     transactions contemplated hereby (including the approvals of

                                       44
<PAGE>
 
     shareholders of each of NHTB and Landmark solicited hereby) and thereby
     shall have been duly and validly taken;

          (b) the parties hereto shall have received all regulatory approvals
     required or mutually deemed necessary in connection with the transactions
     contemplated by the Agreements, all notice periods and waiting periods
     required after the granting of any such approvals shall have passed and all
     conditions contained in any such approval required to have been satisfied
     prior to consummation of such transactions shall have been satisfied,
     provided, however, that no such approval shall have imposed any condition
     or requirement which, in the reasonable good faith opinion of the Board of
     Directors of NHTB materially and adversely affects the anticipated economic
     and business benefits to NHTB of the transactions contemplated by the Plan
     of Reorganization to render consummation of such transactions inadvisable;

          (c) the Registration Statement (including any post-effective amendment
     thereto) of which this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus is a part shall
     have been filed with the Commission and shall be effective under the
     Securities Act and no proceeding shall be pending or to the knowledge of
     NHTB threatened by the Commission to suspend the effectiveness of such
     Registration Statement;

          (d) NHTB shall have received all state securities or "Blue Sky"
     permits or other authorizations, or confirmations as to the availability of
     an exemption from registration requirements as may be necessary;

          (e) to the extent that any lease, license, loan, financing agreement
     or other contract or agreement to which Landmark is a party requires the
     consent of or waiver from the other party thereto as a result of the
     transactions contemplated by the Plan of Reorganization, such consent or
     waiver shall have been obtained, unless the failure to obtain such consents
     or waivers, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a material
     adverse effect on Landmark;

          (f) none of the parties hereto shall be subject to any order, decree
     or injunction of a court or agency of competent jurisdiction which enjoins
     or prohibits the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the
     Agreements;

          (g) the shares of NHTB Common Stock that may be issued in the Merger
     shall have been approved for listing on the NASDAQ, subject to official
     notice of issuance;

          (h) the receipt of tax opinions described herein (see "--Material
     Federal Income Tax Consequences");

          (i) the representations and warranties of each party set forth in the
     Plan of Reorganization shall be true and correct in all material respects
     as of the date of the Plan of Reorganization and as of the Closing Date as
     though made on and as of the Closing Date (or on the date when made in the
     case of any representation and warranty which specifically relates to an
     earlier date), except as otherwise contemplated by the Plan of
     Reorganization or consented to in writing by the other; provided, however,
     that the condition contained in this paragraph shall be deemed to be
     satisfied unless the failure of such representations and warranties to be
     so true and correct constitute, individually or in the aggregate, a
     material adverse effect on NHTB;

          (j) each party shall have in all material respects performed all
     obligations and complied with all covenants required by the Agreements
     prior to the Effective Time;

                                       45
<PAGE>
 
          (k) each of NHTB and Landmark shall have received from the other's
     accountants a "comfort letter" dated not more than five days prior to (i)
     the effective date of the Registration Statement, and (ii) the Closing
     Date, with respect to certain financial information regarding the other, in
     form and substance which is customary in transactions of the nature of the
     Merger;

          (l) each of NHTB and Landmark shall have received an opinion of the
     other's counsel, dated the Closing Date, as to such matters as they may
     reasonably request with respect to the Merger; and

          (m) each of NHTB and Landmark shall have received a letter from its
     financial consultants, dated as of a date not more than five (5) days prior
     to the date this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus is mailed to
     shareholders, containing its opinion that the consideration to be paid to
     holders of Landmark Common Stock in connection with the Merger is fair to
     such shareholders from a financial point of view in the case of Landmark,
     and in the case of NHTB that the Merger is fair to NHTB shareholders from a
     financial point of view.

          In addition, NHTB's obligation to effect the Merger is subject to the
     following conditions:

          (1) Landmark's allowance for loan losses on the balance sheet of
     Landmark as of the last month immediately preceding the Effective Date
     shall be at least $600,000 and Landmark's Tier 1 capital ratio (determined
     in accordance with GAAP, including any adjustments required under Statement
     of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain
     Investments in Debt and Equity Securities") shall be at least 6%, provided,
     however, that if such capital ratio is between 6% and 5.8%, NHTB shall be
     obligated to consummate the Merger only upon the adjustments to the Merger
     Consideration provided in the Plan of Merger. See "--Adjustment of Merger
     Consideration."

          (2) Any Landmark shareholder who after the Closing Date would become
     beneficial owner of more than 3% of the outstanding shares of NHTB Common
     Stock has entered into an agreement that such shareholder, for a period of
     2 years after the Closing Date, will not vote any shares beneficially owned
     by him in excess of 3% of the outstanding shares of NHTB.

     NO SOLICITATION

          Landmark has agreed in the Plan of Reorganization that Landmark shall
     not solicit or initiate inquiries or proposals with respect to any
     acquisition or purchase of all or a substantial portion of the assets of,
     or a substantial equity interest in, Landmark or any business combination
     with Landmark other than as contemplated by the Plan of Reorganization; or
     authorize or permit any officer, director, agent or affiliate of it to do
     any of the above; or fail to notify NHTB as soon as practicable if any such
     inquiries or proposals are received by Landmark, or if Landmark or any
     officer, director, agent or affiliate thereof is requested to or does
     furnish any confidential information relating to, or participates in any
     negotiations or discussions concerning, any transaction of a type described
     in this paragraph.

     REGULATORY MATTERS

          Office of Thrift Supervision.  The merger of Landmark with and into
     the Bank requires the approval of the OTS.  The OTS is required to take
     into consideration, among other things, the financial and managerial
     resources and future prospects of the institutions involved, the insurance
     risk to the Bank Insurance Fund (the "BIF") or the Savings Association
     Insurance Fund (the "SAIF") of the FDIC and the convenience and needs of
     the community to be served.  In addition, the OTS may not approve any
     proposed acquisition (i) which would result in a monopoly or which would be
     in furtherance of any combination or conspiracy to monopolize or to attempt
     to monopolize the savings and loan business in

                                       46
<PAGE>
 
     any part of the United States or (ii) which in any section of the country
     may have the effect of substantially lessening competition or tending to
     create a monopoly or which in any other manner would be in restraint of
     trade, unless the OTS finds that the anti-competitive effects of the
     proposed acquisition are clearly outweighed in the public interest by the
     probable effect of the acquisition in meeting the convenience and needs of
     the community to be served.  Under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977
     (the "CRA"), the OTS must take into account the record of performance of
     the existing institutions in meeting the credit needs of the entire
     community including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.  The OTS also
     considers, among other things, the fairness and disclosure of the Merger
     (including compensation to officers directors and controlling persons of
     the disappearing association by the surviving association), the
     justification, need for and compensation to be paid to any advisory board,
     fees paid to each person or firm rendering legal or other professional
     services in connection with a merger and the accounting treatment of any
     goodwill in connection with a merger.  Each of the Bank and Landmark was
     rated "Satisfactory" in its most recent CRA examination.

          The Merger may not be consummated until 30 days after OTS approval (or
     such shorter period as the OTS may prescribe with the concurrence of the
     Attorney General, but not less than 15 days), during which time the
     Department of Justice may challenge the Merger on antitrust grounds. The
     commencement of an antitrust action by the Department of Justice would stay
     the effectiveness of OTS approval unless a court specifically orders
     otherwise. In reviewing the Merger, the Department of Justice could analyze
     the Merger's effect on competition differently than the OTS, and thus it is
     possible that the Department of Justice could reach a different conclusion
     than the OTS regarding the Merger's competitive effects. Failure of the
     Department of Justice to object to the Merger does not prevent the filing
     of antitrust actions by private persons.

          Commissioner of Banks of New Hampshire. The Merger must be approved by
     the Commissioner of Banks. In deciding whether to approve the Merger, the
     Commissioner of Banks will consider, among other things, whether the public
     convenience and advantage and the interest of the merging banks and their
     shareholders and depositors will be promoted without reducing any deposits
     credited to any depositor or imposing any restriction on the withdrawal of
     funds.

          The Merger will not proceed until all regulatory approvals required to
     consummate the Merger have been obtained, such approvals are in full force
     and effect and all statutory waiting periods in respect thereof have
     expired. Applications seeking the approvals required to consummate the
     transaction have been filed as of the date of this Joint Proxy Statement-
     Prospectus. There can be no assurance that the Merger will be approved by
     the OTS or the Commissioner of Banks. If such approvals are received, there
     can be no assurance as to the date of such approvals, the terms thereof or
     the absence of any litigation challenging such approvals. NHTB and Landmark
     are not aware of any other governmental approvals or actions that are
     required prior to the parties' consummation of the Merger. It is currently
     contemplated that if any such additional governmental approvals or actions
     are required, such approvals or actions will be sought. There can be no
     assurance, however, that any such additional approvals or actions will be
     obtained.

     MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

          In the opinion of Thacher Proffitt & Wood, counsel to NHTB, and
     Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, P.A. counsel to Landmark, the following
     summary sets forth the anticipated material federal income tax consequences
     of the Merger to Landmark shareholders and to Landmark and NHTB. The tax
     treatment of each Landmark shareholder will depend in part upon such
     shareholder's particular situation and the election of such shareholder as
     to the form of consideration to be received. Special tax consequences not
     described below may be applicable to particular classes of taxpayers,
     including, without limitation,

                                       47
<PAGE>
 
     foreign corporations and tax-exempt entities. Landmark shareholders should
     consult their own tax advisors as to the effect of their own particular
     situation on the federal tax consequences of the Merger to them and as to
     the applicability of any state, local or other tax laws. This summary is
     based on the provisions of the Code, the Treasury Regulations promulgated
     thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all as
     in effect as of the date hereof. Such laws, regulations or interpretations
     may differ at the Effective Time, and relevant facts also may differ.

          Exchange of Landmark Shares Solely for NHTB Common Stock. The federal
     income tax treatment of a Landmark shareholder who receives solely NHTB
     Common Stock for such shareholder's shares of Landmark (other than cash
     received in lieu of a fractional share interest in NHTB Common Stock) is
     described in the opinions to be received by NHTB and Landmark from their
     respective counsel, as discussed below.

          Exchange of Landmark Shares Solely for Cash. A Landmark shareholder
     who receives solely cash in exchange for such shareholder's Landmark shares
     may be treated as having sold such shares to NHTB or as having had such
     Landmark shares redeemed. In the event of sale treatment, such shareholder
     would recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between
     the amount of cash received and the shareholder's aggregate adjusted
     federal income tax basis for such Landmark shares.  Such gain or loss will
     be capital gain or loss if the Landmark shares exchanged were held as
     capital assets at the Effective Time. In the event of redemption treatment,
     such deemed redemption would be subject to Section 302 of the Code, with
     the result that such shareholder would recognize capital gain or loss in a
     like amount if (i) the Landmark shares exchanged were held as capital
     assets at the Effective Time and (ii) the deemed redemption is
     "substantially disproportionate" with respect to such shareholder or is
     "not essentially equivalent to a dividend." Landmark shareholders should
     consult their own tax advisors as to the possibility that all or a portion
     of any cash received in exchange for their Landmark shares will be treated
     as a dividend. Capital gain realized on the exchange of Landmark shares for
     cash will be long-term capital gain if the Landmark shares were held for
     more than one year.

          Exchange of Landmark Shares for NHTB Common Stock and Cash. A Landmark
     shareholder who receives both NHTB Common Stock and cash (other than cash
     received in lieu of a fractional share interest in NHTB Common Stock) will
     recognize gain to the extent of the lesser of:

                    (i) the excess of (A) the sum of the aggregate fair market
               value of the NHTB Common Stock received (including the fair
               market value of any fractional share interest in NHTB Common
               Stock for which cash is received) and the amount of cash received
               (other than cash received in lieu of such fractional share
               interest) over (B) the shareholder's aggregate adjusted federal
               income tax basis for the shares of Landmark stock exchanged; or

                    (ii) the amount of cash received by such shareholder (other
               than cash received in lieu of such fractional share interest).

          If the shares of Landmark exchanged in the Merger were held as capital
     assets at the Effective Time, any such gain recognized by a Landmark
     shareholder who receives both NHTB Common Stock and cash will be treated as
     capital gain (which will be long-term capital gain if the Landmark shares
     exchanged were held for more than one year), unless the receipt of cash
     (other than cash received in lieu of a fractional share interest) has the
     effect of a distribution of a dividend within the meaning of Section
     356(a)(2) of the Code, in which case such gain will be treated as a
     dividend to the extent of such shareholder's ratable share of the
     undistributed accumulated earnings and profits of Landmark. Following is a
     brief discussion of such potential tax treatment; however, Landmark
     shareholders should consult their

                                       48
<PAGE>
 
     own tax advisors as to the possibility that all or a portion of any cash
     received in exchange for their Landmark shares will be treated as a
     dividend.

          The stock redemption provisions of Section 302 of the Code apply in
     determining whether cash received by a Landmark shareholder pursuant to the
     Merger has the effect of a distribution of a dividend under Section
     356(a)(2) of the Code (the "Hypothetical Redemption Analysis"). Under the
     Hypothetical Redemption Analysis, a Landmark shareholder will be treated as
     if the portion of the Landmark shares exchanged for cash in the Merger had
     been instead exchanged for shares of NHTB Common Stock (the "Hypothetical
     Shares"), followed immediately by a redemption of the Hypothetical Shares
     by NHTB for cash.  Under the principles of Section 302 of the Code, a
     Landmark shareholder will recognize capital gain rather than dividend
     income with respect to the cash received if the hypothetical redemption is
     "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" or is "substantially
     disproportionate" with respect to such Landmark shareholder.  In applying
     the principles of Section 302, the constructive ownership rules of Section
     318 of the Code will apply in comparing a Landmark shareholder's ownership
     interest in NHTB both immediately after the Merger (but before the
     hypothetical redemption) and after the hypothetical redemption.

          Whether the hypothetical redemption by NHTB of the Hypothetical Shares
     for cash is "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" with respect to a
     Landmark shareholder will depend upon such shareholder's particular
     circumstances; however, the hypothetical redemption must, in any event,
     result in a "meaningful reduction" in such Landmark shareholder's
     percentage ownership of NHTB stock.  In determining whether the
     hypothetical redemption by NHTB results in a meaningful reduction in a
     Landmark shareholder's percentage ownership of NHTB stock, a Landmark
     shareholder should compare his or her share interest in NHTB (including
     interests owned actually, hypothetically and constructively) immediately
     after the Merger (but before the hypothetical redemption) to his or her
     share interest after the hypothetical redemption.  The Internal Revenue
     Service (the "Service") has indicated, in Revenue Ruling 76-385, that a
     shareholder in a publicly-held corporation whose relative stock interest in
     the corporation is minimal and who exercises no "control" over corporate
     affairs is generally treated as having had a meaningful reduction in his or
     her stockholders after a redemption transaction if his or her percentage
     stock ownership in the corporation has been reduced to any extent, taking
     into account the shareholder's actual and constructive ownership before and
     after the redemption.  In Revenue Ruling 76-385, a reduction from .0001118
     percent to .0001081 percent was found to be a meaningful reduction in
     stockholdings.

          The hypothetical redemption transaction would be "substantially
     disproportionate" with respect to a Landmark shareholder who owns less than
     50% of the voting power of the outstanding NHTB stock if (i) the percentage
     of NHTB Common Stock actually and constructively owned by such shareholder
     immediately after the hypothetical redemption is less than 80 percent of
     (ii) the percentage of NHTB Common Stock actually, hypothetically and
     constructively owned by the Landmark shareholder immediately before the
     hypothetical redemption.

          In determining how many shares of NHTB Common Stock a Landmark
     shareholder owns constructively before the hypothetical redemption for
     purposes of making the "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" or
     "substantially disproportionate" determination, a Landmark shareholder must
     take into account any Hypothetical Shares owned by the persons or entities
     whose stock he or she is deemed to own constructively under Section 318 of
     the Code.

          Tax Basis of NHTB Common Stock. A Landmark shareholder's aggregate tax
     basis in the NHTB Common Stock received pursuant to the Merger will equal
     such shareholder's aggregate tax basis in the Landmark shares exchanged
     therefor, decreased by the amount of cash received (other than cash
     received

                                       49
<PAGE>
 
     in lieu of a fractional share interest) and increased by the amount of
     gain, if any, recognized by such shareholder in the Merger (including any
     portion of such gain that is treated as a dividend). Landmark shareholders
     should consult their own tax advisors concerning the determination of their
     basis and holding period in any particular share of NHTB Common Stock since
     several methods of determination may be available. The holding period of
     NHTB Common Stock received will include the holding period of the Landmark
     shares exchanged therefor, provided that such Landmark shares were held as
     a capital asset as of the Effective Date.

          Tax Opinions. The obligations of NHTB and Landmark to effect the
     Merger are conditioned upon their receipt of an opinion of their respective
     counsels, as set forth below. Thacher Proffitt & Wood, counsel to NHTB,
     will deliver to NHTB and Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, P.A., counsel to
     Landmark, will deliver to Landmark, an opinion letter, dated the Effective
     Date, as to certain tax consequences of the Merger to NHTB, Landmark and
     Landmark shareholders who receives solely NHTB Common Stock for their
     shares of Landmark (other than cash received in lieu of a fractional share
     interest in NHTB Common Stock).  The tax opinions will not be binding on
     the Service, and there can be no assurance that the Service will not
     contest the conclusions expressed in such opinion letters.

          The opinion letters to be delivered by Thacher Proffitt & Wood and
     Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, P.A., respectively, are based upon certain
     representations made to such counsels by Landmark, NHTB, the Bank and
     certain Landmark shareholders and upon certain factual assumptions. If any
     of the representations or assumptions were not correct, then each holder of
     Landmark Common Stock could recognize gain or loss with respect to each
     share of Landmark Common Stock surrendered equal to the difference between
     (i) such shareholder's basis in the share and (ii) the fair market value of
     the NHTB Common Stock received in exchange for the share. In such event,
     the shareholder's aggregate basis in the shares of NHTB Common Stock
     received in the exchange would equal the fair market value of such shares,
     and the shareholder's holding period for such shares of NHTB Common Stock
     would not include the period during which the shareholder held the Landmark
     shares exchanged therefor.

          Landmark shareholders should note that dispositions of NHTB Common
     Stock received by Landmark shareholders in the Merger may cause the Merger
     to become retroactively taxable to each Landmark shareholder, even those
     who do not make such dispositions. In particular, Landmark shareholders
     must not, pursuant to a plan or intent existing prior to the Effective
     Time, dispose of an amount of NHTB Common Stock to be received in the
     Merger (including, under certain circumstances, pre-merger dispositions of
     Landmark Common Stock) such that the Landmark shareholders do not retain a
     meaningful continuing equity ownership in NHTB. Generally, so long as the
     Landmark shareholders have no plan or intention to dispose of NHTB Common
     Stock to be received in the Merger that would result in their retention, in
     the aggregate, of a continuing interest through stock ownership in NHTB
     that is equal in value, as of the Effective Time, to less than 50 percent
     of the value of all of the formerly outstanding Landmark Common Stock as of
     the same time, this requirement will be satisfied.

          The opinion letters to be delivered to NHTB and Landmark by Thacher
     Proffitt & Wood and by Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, P.A. will state that
     they are of the opinion, as of the date of the opinion and under existing
     law, for United States federal income tax purposes, that:

               (1) The Merger will constitute a reorganization within the
          meaning of section 368(a) of the Code;

                                       50
<PAGE>
 
               (2) No gain or loss will be recognized by Landmark on the
          transfer of its assets to the Bank pursuant to the Merger;

               (3) No gain or loss will be recognized by NHTB or by the Bank on
          the issuance of shares of NHTB Common Stock to shareholders of
          Landmark pursuant to the Merger;

               (4) No gain or loss will be recognized by a shareholder of
          Landmark who exchanges pursuant to the Merger all of such
          shareholder's shares of Landmark stock solely for shares of NHTB
          Common Stock, except with respect to cash received in lieu of a
          fractional share interest in NHTB Common Stock;

               (5) The aggregate tax basis of the shares of NHTB Common Stock
          received by a shareholder of Landmark who exchanges pursuant to the
          Merger all of such shareholder's shares of Landmark stock solely for
          shares of NHTB Common Stock will be the same as the aggregate tax
          basis of the shares of Landmark stock surrendered in exchange therefor
          (reduced by any amount allocable to a fractional share interest in
          NHTB Common Stock for which cash is received);

               (6) The aggregate tax basis of the shares of NHTB Common Stock
          received by a shareholder of Landmark who exchanges pursuant to the
          Merger all of such shareholder's shares of Landmark stock for shares
          of NHTB Common Stock and cash will be the same as the aggregate tax
          basis of the shares of Landmark stock surrendered in exchange therefor
          (reduced by any amount allocable to a fractional share interest in
          NHTB Common Stock for which cash is received), decreased by the amount
          of cash received (other than cash received in lieu of a fractional
          share interest) and increased by the amount of gain, if any,
          recognized by such shareholder in the Merger (including any portion of
          such gain that is treated as a dividend); and

               (7) The holding period of the shares of NHTB Common Stock to be
          received by a shareholder of Landmark pursuant to the Merger will
          include the period during which such shareholder held the shares of
          Landmark stock surrendered in exchange therefor, provided that the
          shares of Landmark stock surrendered is held as a capital asset as of
          the Effective Time.

          Fractional Shares of NHTB Common Stock. No fractional shares of NHTB
     Common Stock will be issued in the Merger. A Landmark shareholder who
     receives cash in lieu of a fractional share will be treated as having
     received such fractional share pursuant to the Merger and then as having
     exchanged such fractional share for cash in a redemption by NHTB subject to
     Section 302(a) of the Code, provided that such deemed redemption is
     "substantially disproportionate" with respect to such shareholder or is
     "not essentially equivalent to a dividend." If the NHTB Common Stock
     represents a capital asset in the hands of the shareholder, the shareholder
     will generally recognize capital gain or loss on such a deemed redemption
     of the fractional share in an amount determined by the excess of the amount
     of cash received therefor and the shareholder's tax basis in the fractional
     share. Any such capital gain will be long-term if the Landmark stock
     exchanged was held for more than one year.

          Backup Withholding. Unless an exemption applies under applicable law
     and regulations, the Exchange Agent will be required to withhold 31 percent
     of any cash payments to which a shareholder or other payee is entitled
     pursuant to the Merger unless the shareholder or other payee provides its
     taxpayer identification number (social security number, employer
     identification number or individual taxpayer identification number) and
     certifies that such number is correct. Each shareholder and, if applicable,
     each other payee should complete and sign the substitute Form W-9 included
     with the Election Forms, so as to provide the information and certification
     necessary to avoid backup withholding, unless

                                       51
<PAGE>
 
     an applicable exemption exists and is established in a manner satisfactory
     to NHTB and the Exchange Agent.

     ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

          NHTB intends to treat the Merger as a purchase for accounting
     purposes.

          The pro forma financial information presented in this Joint Proxy
     Statement-Prospectus has been prepared using the purchase method of
     accounting to account for the Merger. See "UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED
     FINANCIAL DATA."

     TERMINATION

          The Plan of Reorganization provides that the Merger may be terminated
     at any time prior to the Effective Time (whether before or after
     shareholder approval) by the mutual consent in writing of NHTB and
     Landmark. The Merger also may be terminated by NHTB or Landmark, acting
     individually, (a) if any regulatory authority shall have issued a final
     nonappealable order enjoining, prohibiting or failing to approve the Merger
     or the transactions contemplated thereby; (b) if the Effective Time has not
     occurred on or before June 30, 1997 unless the failure to close by such
     date is due to the failure of the party seeking to terminate the Agreements
     to perform or observe the covenants and agreements set forth with the
     Agreements; (c) if there is a material breach by the other party of any
     representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained in the Plan of
     Reorganization or the Merger Agreement which is not timely cured; or (d) if
     the vote of the shareholders of NHTB or Landmark required to approve the
     Plan or Reorganization and the Merger Agreement is not obtained.  Landmark
     may terminate the Merger if the NHTB Trading Price is less than $6.50 upon
     written notice to NHTB prior to the third business day immediately
     preceding the Effective Date.  If the Plan of Reorganization and the Merger
     Agreement is terminated (other than as a result of a wilful breach by NHTB
     or Landmark), each of NHTB and Landmark shall be responsible for its own
     costs and expenses. If the Plan of Reorganization and the Merger Agreement
     is terminated as a result of a breach of a representation, warranty or
     covenant which is caused by the wilful conduct of either party, the
     breaching party may be liable for damages to the other, including out-of-
     pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Merger.

     AMENDMENT, EXTENSION AND WAIVER

          The Board of Directors of NHTB and Landmark may, to the extent legally
     allowable, (a) amend the Plan of Reorganization or the Merger Agreement;
     (b) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other
     acts required of the other party contained in the Plan of Reorganization or
     the Merger Agreement; (c) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and
     warranties of the other party contained in the Plan of Reorganization or
     the Merger Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to the Plan of
     Reorganization; or (d) waive compliance by the other party of any of its
     agreements or conditions contained in the Plan of Reorganization or the
     Merger Agreement, except that after the Agreements have been approved by
     the shareholders of Landmark, (i) no amendment shall reduce the amount or
     kind of Merger Consideration or (ii) adversely affect the tax treatment to
     Landmark shareholders as a result of receipt of the Merger Consideration.
     Except in the circumstances described in (i) and (ii) above, no amendment
     to the Plan of Reorganization or the Merger Agreement (including, but not
     limited to, any waiver of conditions, waiver of inaccuracies in the
     representations and warranties or extension of time for the performance of
     any of the obligations contained in the Plan of Reorganization or the
     Merger Agreement) would require further solicitation of proxies from or
     approval by the NHTB or Landmark shareholders.

                                       52
<PAGE>
 
     EFFECT ON EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

          The Plan of Reorganization provides that, after the Merger, NHTB will
     provide Landmark employees who were employees of Landmark immediately prior
     to the Merger with employee benefits no less favorable than those available
     to employees of NHTB, subject to the terms and conditions under which those
     employee benefits are made available to employees of NHTB. For purposes of
     determining eligibility for and vesting of such employee benefits plan,
     service with Landmark by persons who were employees of Landmark at the
     Effective Time shall be treated as service with an "employer" to the same
     extent as if such persons had been employees of NHTB during the period such
     persons were employed by Landmark. In the event any employee of NHTB who
     was employed by Landmark at the Effective Time is terminated from NHTB
     within one year after the Effective Time, in addition to any severance
     payment, each such employee shall be reimbursed for the costs they incur,
     if any, for COBRA coverage during such employee's severance period,
     provided that such employee execute a general release discharging NHTB from
     liability in connection with such employee's employment.

          NHTB has also agreed that all rights to indemnification existing in
     favor of the directors and officers of Landmark as provided in the Landmark
     Articles and Landmark's Bylaws as in effect on July 26, 1996, will survive
     the Merger and continue in full force and effect with respect to claims or
     liabilities arising from facts or events existing or occurring prior to the
     Effective Time. All rights to indemnification in respect of any claim
     asserted or made within such period shall continue until the final
     disposition of such claim.

          NHTB has also agreed to maintain in effect for three years after the
     Effective Time, if available, the directors' and officers' liability
     insurance policy currently maintained by Landmark or to substitute policies
     having at least the same coverage containing terms and conditions which are
     not less advantageous than the present policies of Landmark. NHTB will not,
     however, be required to expend more than 150 percent per annum of the
     amount expended by Landmark to maintain or procure such insurance coverage.

     INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER

          In connection with the Merger, NHTB has agreed to provide certain
     benefits to the employees of Landmark. See "--Effect on Employee Benefits".

          NHTB has also agreed to continue the rights to indemnification of
     officers and directors of Landmark and to continue in effect for a period
     of time the directors' and officers' liability insurance currently
     maintained by Landmark. See "--Effect on Employee Benefits."

          Prior to or at the Effective Time, the Board of Directors of NHTB will
     elect two of Landmark's current directors to serve on the Board of
     Directors of NHTB, who will be designated prior to the Effective Time as
     follows: one of the nominees will be Mr. Jack H. Nelson for a three-year
     term and the other will be Mr. Leonard R. Cashman for a two-year term.
     Prior to or at the Effective Time, the Board of Directors of the Bank,
     NHTB's banking subsidiary, will elect Mr. Nelson, Mr. Cashman and Mr.
     Willey to serve on the Board of Directors of the Bank.

          Landmark is a party to an Employment Agreement with Paul P. Tierney
     pursuant to which Mr. Tierney serves as Landmark's President.  In
     connection with the Merger, Landmark will be merged with and into the Bank,
     with the Bank as the surviving entity, and Mr. Tierney will not be elected
     or serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank.  Because of
     this reduction in his responsibilities, pursuant to the Employment
     Agreement, NHTB or the Bank will pay Mr. Tierney $188,400 (equivalent

                                       53
<PAGE>
 
     to two-years salary as provided in the Employment Agreement) and assume the
     liabilities of Landmark with respect to certain deferred compensation
     arrangements established pursuant to the Employment Agreement.  In
     exchange, Mr. Tierney will acknowledge such payment and assumption as full
     satisfaction of all obligation to him under the Employment Agreement and
     execute a release in favor Landmark, NHTB and the Bank and their
     affiliates.

     BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF NHTB COMMON STOCK

                             PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

          The following table sets forth certain information as of September 3,
     1996 regarding each director individually and all directors and executive
     officers of NHTB as a group. Except as otherwise noted in the footnotes to
     the table, the beneficial owners have sole voting and investment power as
     to all shares of NHTB Common Stock beneficially owned by them. All of the
     individuals named below are directors of NHTB.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                                                      EQUIVALENT SHARES    
                                                                                 OF NHTB COMMON     
                                                                                 STOCK ASSUMING     
                                                                                CONSUMMATION OF     
                                                                                  THE MERGER        
                                     AMOUNT AND                                 ----------------    
                                      NATURE OF              PERCENTAGE           PERCENTAGE OF      
                 NAME            BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP         OF CLASS               CLASS          
                 ----            --------------------        ----------         -----------------     
<S>                              <C>                        <C>                 <C>
Stephen W. Ensign                       51,123 (1)             3.01%                 2.50%
Ralph B. Fifield, Jr.                    6,997                    *                     *
John A. Kelley, Jr.                      8,040 (2)                *                     *
John J. Kiernan                         29,171 (3)             1.72%                 1.43%
Dennis A. Morrow                        13,398 (4)                *                     *
Priscilla W. Ohler                       8,768                    *                     *
Perry R. Smith, Jr.                      3,216 (5)                *                     *
Stephen R. Theroux                      23,896 (6)             1.41%                 1.17%
Kenneth D. Weed                         14,956 (7)                *                     *
All Directors and Executive                                                    
 Officers as a group (9 persons)       159,565                 9.40%                 7.81%  

</TABLE>                                                                      

- ------------------                                                             
*Less than 1%.
(1)  Includes 21,456 shares held by Mr. Ensign and his wife with shared voting
     and investment power, 200 shares held by Mr. Ensign as custodian for his
     minor child under the Uniform Gift to Minors Act for which he has sole
     voting and investment power, and 26,022 shares subject to outstanding
     options which are exercisable within 60 days from September 3, 1996.
(2)  All 8,040 shares are held jointly by Mr. Kelley and his wife with
     shared voting and investment power.
(3)  Includes 25,300 shares held jointly by Mr. Kiernan and his wife with
     shared voting and investment power, and 1,937 shares held in a spousal
     IRA for which his wife has sole voting and investment power and to
     which Mr. Kiernan disclaims beneficial ownership.
(4)  Includes 8,700 shares held jointly by Mr. Morrow and his wife with
     shared voting and investment power.
(5)  All 3,216 shares are held jointly by Mr. Smith and his wife with
     shared voting and investment power.
(6)  Includes 5,216 shares held jointly by Mr. Theroux and his wife with
     shared voting and investment power, and 16,632 shares which are
     subject to outstanding options which are exercisable within 60 days
     from September 3, 1996.
(7)  Includes 7,478 shares held in trust by Mr. Weed's wife.

                                       54
<PAGE>
 
     BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF LANDMARK COMMON STOCK

          To the best knowledge of Landmark, the following table sets forth
     certain information as of September 3, 1996 regarding holders of more than
     5% of Landmark's Common Stock, each director of Landmark and all directors
     and principal officers of Landmark as a group.  Except as otherwise noted
     in the footnotes to the table, the beneficial owners have sole voting and
     investment power as to all shares beneficially owned by them.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      EQUIVALENT SHARES
                                                                                           OF NHTB
                                                                                          COMMON STOCK
                                                               SHARES OF PREFERRED          ASSUMING
                              SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OWNED         STOCK OWNED            CONSUMMATION
                                 BENEFICIALLY (1)(2)(3)      BENEFICIALLY(1)(4)(5)      OF THE MERGER(6)
                              -----------------------------  ----------------------- ---------------------
          NAME OF                             PERCENT OF               PERCENT OF   NUMBER OF  PERCENT OF
      BENEFICIAL OWNER           TOTAL           CLASS        TOTAL       CLASS      SHARES      CLASS
- ----------------------------  ------------  ---------------  -------- ------------  ---------  ----------
<S>                           <C>           <C>              <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>
 Harry H. Holland                   64,455           18.20%     3,625       6.08%     87,552     4.28
  (address to come)                                                      
 Paul P. Tierney                    38,198           10.79%        --         --      46,640     2.28
 Leonard R. Cashman                 11,076            3.13%        --         --      13,524      .66
 Richard S. Daniels                 26,580            7.51%        --         --      32,454     1.59
 Lorin P. Dore                         100               *         --         --         122       --
 William N. Josler                  19,298            5.45%        --         --      23,563     1.15
 Ellen E. Knights                      100               *      2,992       5.01%      7,429      .36
 Richard B. Logan                      200               *         --         --         244      .01
 Jack H. Nelson                      6,667            1.88%     2,500       4.19%     14,245      .70
 Joseph B. Willey                   31,155            8.80%     9,075      15.21%     60,201     2.94
All Directors and Officers                                               
  as a group (12 persons)          133,374           37.66%    14,567      24.41%    198,422     9.69
</TABLE>

- ---------------                                                        
* Less than 1%.
(1)  Shares beneficially owned means shares over which a person exercises sole
     or shared voting or investment power, or shares which a person has the
     right to acquire beneficial ownership of within 60 days of September 3,
     1996. Shares of capital stock of the Bank may be beneficially owned by more
     than one person.

(2)  Calculation of percentages is based upon a total of 354,138 shares of
     Common Stock outstanding as of September 3, 1996. Individual percentages
     have been rounded. No account is made for shares of Common Stock that may
     be issued and/or acquired upon conversion of outstanding shares of Landmark
     Preferred Stock. No account is made for the impact of the Excess Share
     voting limitation contained in the Landmark Articles, the effect of which
     is to reduce the number of shares of Landmark Common Stock entitled to vote
     to 342,803 shares.

(3)  The individuals noted above have sole voting and investment power with
     respect to shares of Common Stock beneficially owned, except that voting
     and investment power is shared as follows: Mr. Holland, 35,676 shares; Mr.
     Cashman, 5,500 shares; Mr. Daniels, 11,000 shares; Mr. Josler, 5,798
     shares; Ms. Knights, 100 shares; Mr. Tierney, 33,989 shares; and, Mr.
     Willey, 9,566 shares.

(4)  Calculation of percentages is based upon a total of 59,667 shares of
     Preferred Stock outstanding as of September 3, 1996. Individual percentages
     have been rounded.

(5)  The individuals noted above have sole voting and investment power with
     respect to shares Preferred Stock beneficially owned, except that voting
     and investment power is shared as follows: Mr. Holland, 625 shares are; Ms.
     Knights, 2,892 shares; and Mr. Willey, 9,075 shares.

(6)  Equivalent shares of NHTB Common Stock are based on an assumed Exchange
     Ratio of 1.221 and on the assumption that all of the named parties' shares
                                               ---             
     of Landmark Common Stock and Preferred Stock are exchanged solely for
     shares of NHTB Common Stock. A share of Landmark Preferred Stock is
     convertible into two (2) shares of Landmark Common Stock.

                                       55
<PAGE>
 
                          CERTAIN RELATED TRANSACTIONS

     THE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

          As a condition to entering into the Agreements, NHTB
     required Landmark to enter into the Option Agreement which allows NHTB to
     purchase up to 19.9% of the then-issued and outstanding shares of Landmark
     Common Stock, under certain conditions, at a price of $9.00 per share,
     subject to adjustment as set forth in the Option Agreement. The Option is
     exercisable, in whole or in part, only upon the occurrence of certain
     triggering events which are described below (none of which has occurred to
     the best of NHTB's or Landmark's knowledge as of the date of this Joint
     Proxy Statement-Prospectus).

          Effect of Stock Option Agreement. The Option Agreement is intended to
     increase the likelihood that the Merger will be consummated in accordance
     with the terms of the Agreements. Consequently, certain aspects of the
     Option Agreement may have the effect of discouraging persons who might now
     or prior to the Effective Time be interested in acquiring all of, or a
     significant interest in, Landmark, from considering or proposing such an
     acquisition, even if such persons were prepared to pay a higher price per
     share for Landmark Common Stock than either the per share Merger
     Consideration or the then-current market price of such shares. The
     acquisition of, or an interest in, Landmark, or an agreement to do either,
     could cause the Option to become exercisable. The existence of the Option
     Agreement could significantly increase the cost to a potential acquirer of
     acquiring Landmark compared to its cost had the Option Agreement not been
     entered into. Such increased cost might discourage a potential acquirer
     from considering or proposing an acquisition or might result in a potential
     acquirer proposing to pay a lower per share price to acquire Landmark than
     it might otherwise have proposed to pay.

          Terms of Stock Option Agreement. The following is a summary of the
     material provisions of the Option Agreement. The following summary is
     qualified in its entirety by reference to the Option Agreement, which is
     annexed hereto as Appendix C. The Option is exercisable only upon the
     occurrence of one of the following events (each a "Purchase Event"):

          (a) any person (other than NHTB or its subsidiaries) shall
     have acquired beneficial ownership of 25% or more of then outstanding
     Landmark Common Stock; or

          (b) Landmark or any of its subsidiaries without having received NHTB's
     prior written consent, shall have entered into an agreement to engage in an
     Acquisition Transaction (as defined below) with any person other than NHTB
     or any of its subsidiaries or the Board of Directors shall have recommended
     that the shareholders of Landmark approve or accept any Acquisition
     Transaction with any person other than NHTB or any of its subsidiaries.
     "Acquisition Transaction" means (i) a merger or consolidation, or any
     similar transaction, involving Landmark or any of Landmark's subsidiaries,
     (ii) a purchase, lease or other acquisition of all or substantially all of
     the assets of Landmark or any subsidiary or (iii) a purchase or other
     acquisition (including by way of merger, consolidation, share exchange or
     otherwise) of securities representing 25% or more of the voting power of
     Landmark or any subsidiary; provided that the term "Acquisition
     Transaction" does not include any internal merger or consolidation
     involving only Landmark and/or its subsidiaries; or

          (c) after a bona fide proposal is made by a third party to Landmark or
     its shareholders to engage in an Acquisition Transaction and after such
     proposal any of the following events occurs: (i) Landmark shall willfully
     have breached any covenant or obligation contained in the Plan of
     Reorganization and such breach would entitle NHTB to terminate the Plan of
     Reorganization; (ii) the shareholders of Landmark shall not have approved
     the Agreements at the Landmark Special Meeting; (iii) the Landmark Special
     Meeting shall not have been held or shall have been canceled prior to
     termination

                                       56
<PAGE>
 
     of the Agreements; or (iv) the Landmark Board of Directors shall have
     withdrawn or modified, in a manner adverse to NHTB, the recommendation
     of the Landmark Board with respect to the Agreements.

          The Option terminates upon the earliest to occur of (i) the time
     immediately prior to the Effective Time, (ii) 12 months after the first
     occurrence of a Purchase Event, (iii) 18 months after the termination of
     the Agreements following the occurrence of a Preliminary Purchase Event (as
     defined therein), (iv) termination of the Plan of Reorganization in
     accordance with the terms thereof prior to the occurrence of a Purchase
     Event or a Preliminary Purchase Event (other than a termination resulting
     from a material breach of Landmark's covenants, representations or
     warranties under the Plan of Reorganization), or (v) 18 months after the
     termination of the Plan of Reorganization if such termination results from
     a material breach of Landmark's covenants, representations or warranties
     under the Plan of Reorganization (each of (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v)
     herein referred to as an Exercise Termination Event).

          The number and type of securities subject to the Option and the
     purchase price of shares will be adjusted for any change in the Landmark
     Common Stock by reason of a stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization,
     combination, exchange of shares or similar transaction, such that NHTB will
     receive (upon exercise of the Option) the same number and type of
     securities as if the Option had been exercised immediately prior to the
     occurrence of such event (or the record date therefor). The number of
     shares of Landmark Common Stock subject to such Option will also be
     adjusted in the event Landmark issues additional shares of Landmark Common
     Stock such that the number of shares of Landmark Common Stock subject to
     the Option, together with shares previously purchased pursuant thereto,
     represents 19.9% of Landmark's Common Stock then issued and outstanding,
     without giving effect to shares subject to or issued pursuant to the
     Option.

          If, prior to an Exercise Termination Event, Landmark were to take
     certain action to consolidate with or sell substantial assets to another
     entity, as described in detail in the Option, then the Option shall be
     converted into, or exchanged for, an option (the "Substitute Option"), at
     the election of NHTB of either (x) the acquiring corporation or (y) any
     person that controls the acquiring corporation, which shall have
     substantially the same terms as the Option, with adjustments in the
     exercise price as set forth in the Option Agreement.

          Landmark has granted NHTB certain registration rights with respect to
     shares of common stock acquired by NHTB upon exercise of the Option, in
     certain circumstances. These rights include that Landmark will promptly
     prepare and file a registration statement under the Securities Act or
     offering circular under the rules and regulations of the FDIC if requested
     by NHTB.

     RESALE OF NHTB COMMON STOCK

          The NHTB Common Stock issued pursuant to the Merger will be freely
     transferable under the Securities Act, except for shares issued to any
     Landmark shareholder who may be deemed to be an affiliate (an "Affiliate")
     of Landmark for purposes of Rule 145 under the Securities Act. Generally,
     Affiliates of Landmark are defined as persons (generally executive officers
     and directors) who control, are controlled by, or are under common control
     with Landmark at the time of the Landmark Special Meeting.

          Rules 144 and 145 promulgated by the Commission under the Securities
     Act impose certain restrictions on the public sale of NHTB Common Stock
     received in the Merger by Affiliates and certain of their family members
     and related interests. Generally speaking, during the two years following
     the Effective Time, Affiliates of Landmark, provided they are not
     Affiliates of NHTB, may publicly resell the NHTB Common Stock received by
     them in the Merger, subject to certain limitations as to the amount

                                       57
<PAGE>
 
     of NHTB Common Stock sold by them in any three-month period and as to the
     manner of sale. After the two-year period, such Affiliates of Landmark who
     are not Affiliates of NHTB may resell their shares without such
     restrictions so long as there is adequate current public information with
     respect to NHTB as required by Rule 144. Persons who become Affiliates of
     NHTB prior to, at or after the Effective Time may publicly resell the NHTB
     Common Stock received by them in the Merger subject to similar limitations
     and subject to certain filing requirements specified in Rule 144. The
     ability of Affiliates to resell shares of NHTB Common Stock received in the
     Merger under Rule 144 or 145 as summarized herein generally will be subject
     to NHTB's having satisfied its Exchange Act reporting requirements for
     specified periods prior to the time of sale. Affiliates also would be
     permitted to resell NHTB Common Stock received in the Merger pursuant to an
     effective Registration Statement under the Securities Act or another
     available exemption from the Securities Act registration requirements.

          This Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus does not cover any resales of
     NHTB Common Stock received by persons who may be deemed to be Affiliates of
     Landmark.

     APPRAISAL RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS

           Landmark. Any Landmark shareholder has the right to assert
     dissenters' rights with respect to the Merger and to receive payment of the
     fair value of his shares of Landmark Common Stock upon compliance with the
     applicable provisions of New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated ("RSA")
     388:13 and 293-A:13.01 through RSA 293-A:13.31 (collectively, the "Dissent
     Statute"), copies of which are set forth as Appendix D to this Joint Proxy
     Statement-Prospectus. A shareholder may not dissent as to less than all of
     the shares that he beneficially owns. Any Landmark shareholder intending to
     enforce this right may not vote in favor of the Agreements and must file a
     written notice of intent to demand payment, for his or her shares (an
     "Objection Notice") with Landmark either before the Landmark Special
     Meeting or before the vote on the Merger is taken at the Landmark Special
     Meeting. An Objection Notice must state that the Landmark shareholder
     intends to demand payment for his shares of Landmark Common Stock if the
     Merger is effected. Failure to vote against the Merger will not constitute
     waiver of a shareholder's appraisal rights. By properly executing a proxy
     card with no voting instructions indicated thereon, a Landmark shareholder
     will vote in favor of the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and
     Contract for Union and, accordingly, will not be entitled to exercise
     dissenters' rights in connection with the Merger. A vote against approval
     of the Merger will not, by itself, constitute an Objection Notice
     satisfying the requirements of the Dissent Statute.

          If the Merger is approved by Landmark shareholders at the Landmark
     Special Meeting, within 10 days after the Landmark Special Meeting,
     Landmark will send to each Landmark shareholder who has satisfied the
     requirements of the Dissent Statute a notice of such approval (the
     "Dissenters' Notice"). Within the time prescribed in the Dissenters'
     Notice, a shareholder electing to dissent must make a demand for payment
     (the "Payment Demand"), certify whether he (or the beneficial shareholder
     on whose behalf he is asserting dissenters' rights) acquired beneficial
     ownership of the shares of Landmark Common Stock before the date of the
     first announcement to the news media or the shareholders of the terms of
     the proposed Merger, and deposit his certificates in accordance with the
     terms of the Dissenters' Notice. Upon filing the Payment Demand and
     depositing the certificates, the Landmark shareholder will retain all other
     rights of a Landmark shareholder until these rights are canceled or
     modified by consummation of the Merger. Failure to comply with these
     procedures will cause the Landmark shareholder who desires to exercise his
     rights to lose his dissenters' rights to payment for his shares.
     Consequently, any Landmark shareholder who desires to exercise his rights
     to payment for his shares is urged to consult his legal advisor before
     attempting to exercise such rights.

                                       58
<PAGE>
 
          As soon as the Merger is consummated, or upon receipt of a Payment
     Demand, Landmark or NHTB (as the case may be) shall, pursuant to the
     Dissent Statute, pay to each dissenting shareholder who has complied with
     the requirements of the Dissent Statute, the amount that Landmark or NHTB
     (as the case may be) estimates to be the fair value of the shares of
     Landmark Common Stock, plus accrued interest.

          If the Merger is not consummated within 60 days after the date set for
     receipt of the Payment Demand and depositing certificates, Landmark shall
     return the deposited certificates and release any transfer restrictions
     imposed on uncertificated shares. If, after returning deposited
     certificates and releasing transfer restrictions, the Merger is
     consummated, Landmark must send a new Dissenters' Notice and repeat the
     payment demand procedure.

          If the dissenting shareholder believes that the amount paid by
     Landmark or NHTB pursuant to the Dissent Statute is less than the fair
     value of his shares or that the interest due is calculated incorrectly, or
     if Landmark or NHTB fails to make payment (or, if the Merger has not been
     consummated, Landmark or NHTB does not return the deposited certificates or
     release the transfer restrictions imposed on uncertificated shares) within
     60 days after the date set forth in the Dissenters' Notice, then the
     dissenting shareholder may, within 30 days after Landmark or NHTB made or
     offered payment for the shares, notify NHTB or Landmark, as the case may
     be, in writing of his own estimate of the fair value of such shares
     (including interest due) and demand payment of such estimate (less any
     payment previously received) or reject Landmark's or NHTB's offer with
     respect to after-acquired shares and demand payment of the fair value of
     such shares and interest due. Failure to notify Landmark or NHTB in writing
     of any demand for additional payment within 30 days after Landmark or NHTB
     made or offered payment for such shares will constitute a waiver of the
     right to demand additional payment.

          If Landmark or NHTB and the dissenting shareholder cannot agree on a
     fair price within 30 days after Landmark or NHTB receives such a demand for
     additional payment, the Dissent Statute provides that Landmark or NHTB will
     institute judicial proceedings in the New Hampshire Superior Court in the
     County of Sullivan (the "Court") to fix (i) the fair value of the shares
     immediately before consummation of the Merger, excluding any appreciation
     or depreciation in anticipation of the Merger, unless such exclusion would
     be inequitable, and (ii) the accrued interest. The "fair value" of the
     Landmark Common Stock could be more than, the same as, or less than the
     consideration to be received in the Merger. If Landmark or NHTB does not
     institute such proceedings within such 60 day period, Landmark or NHTB
     shall pay each dissenting shareholder whose demand remains unsettled the
     respective amount demanded by such shareholder.

          The Court will assess the costs and expenses of such proceeding
     (including reasonable compensation for and the expenses of the appraiser)
     against Landmark or NHTB, except that the Court may assess such costs and
     expenses as it deems appropriate against any and all of the dissenting
     shareholders if it finds that their demand for additional payment was
     arbitrary, vexatious or otherwise not in good faith. The Court may award
     fees and expenses of counsel and experts in amounts the Court finds
     equitable: (i) against Landmark or NHTB if the Court finds that Landmark or
     NHTB did not comply substantially with the relevant requirements of the
     Dissent Statute or (ii) against either Landmark or NHTB or any dissenting
     shareholder, if the Court finds that the party against whom the fees and
     expenses are assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously or not in good faith.
     If the Court finds that the services of counsel for any dissenting
     shareholder were of substantial benefit to other dissenting shareholders
     similarly situated, and that the fees for those services should not be
     assessed against Landmark or NHTB, the Court may award to such counsel
     reasonable fees to be paid out of the amounts awarded to the dissenting
     shareholders who were benefitted.

                                       59
<PAGE>
 
          The foregoing summary of the applicable provisions of the Dissent
     Statute is not intended to be a complete statement of such provisions, and
     is qualified in its entirety by reference to such sections, which are
     attached hereto as Appendix D.

          The dissenting shares shall not be converted into or represent a right
     to receive shares of NHTB Common Stock or cash hereunder, and the holder
     thereof shall be entitled only to such rights as are granted by applicable
     law.

          For a discussion of certain tax consequences in connection with
     dissenting shareholders, see "Material Federal Income Tax Consequences"
     above.

          NHTB.  NHTB shareholders do not have dissenters' rights with
     respect to the Merger.


                  UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA

          The following unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial
     statements have been prepared to reflect the Merger as a purchase
     transaction.  See "THE MERGER--Accounting Treatment." The following pro
     forma financial statements reflect the exchange of Landmark Common Stock
     for NHTB Common Stock in connection with the Merger at the Exchange Ratio
     of 1.221. This unaudited pro forma combined financial data should be read
     in conjunction with the consolidated historical financial statements of
     Landmark and NHTB, including the respective notes thereto, which are
     included in this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus.  See the NHTB
     Consolidated Financial Statements and the Landmark Financial Statements
     beginning at page F-1.

               The unaudited pro forma information presented below does not
     include any expected cost savings as a result of the Merger. The June 30,
     1996 unaudited pro forma information presented below includes Merger
     transaction costs incurred to date through June 30, 1996, which amounted to
     $15,509. Not included below are the remaining Merger transaction costs
     currently estimated at approximately $_______. These costs represent legal,
     accounting, financial advisory, printing, registration, severance and other
     expenses.

               The unaudited pro forma combined financial data is not
     necessarily indicative of the financial position and results of future
     operations of the combined entity or the actual financial position and
     results of operations that would have been achieved had the Merger been
     consummated at the dates indicated. Moreover, the pro forma combined
     condensed balance sheet reflects preliminary pro forma adjustments made to
     combine Landmark with NHTB utilizing purchase accounting treatment. The
     actual adjustments to the surviving corporation's accounts will be made as
     of the Effective Time of the Merger and may differ from those reflected in
     the pro forma financial statements.

                                       60
<PAGE>
 
                                NHTB -- LANDMARK
             UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 JUNE 30, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          LANDMARK                              NHTB
                                                           --------------------------------------  --------------------------------
                                                 NHTB                     PRO FORMA                    PRO FORMA        PRO FORMA
                                             (HISTORICAL)  (HISTORICAL)  ADJUSTMENTS   PRO FORMA      ADJUSTMENTS       COMBINED
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------  ----------  -----------------  -------------
<S>                                          <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>                <C>
                                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
ASSETS:
Cash and due from banks....................   $    7,660      $  1,572   $      --      $  1,572   $  (2,273)(b)        $    6,959
Federal funds sold.........................           --         1,240                     1,240                             1,240
Securities available-for-sale..............       25,234         7,111                     7,111                            32,345
Securities held-to-maturity................          368           828                       828                             1,196
Other investments..........................        2,308                                                                     2,308
Loans held-for-sale........................        1,001                                                                     1,001
Loans receivable, net......................      211,439        42,307                    42,307                           253,746
Bank premises and equipment, net...........        5,794         2,644                     2,644                             8,438
Real estate owned and property acquired                                                                                            
  in settlement of loans...................          820                                                                       820 
Non-earning assets.........................        1,444                                                                     1,444
Accrued interest receivable................        1,551           281                       281                             1,832
Goodwill...................................                                                            2,080 (b)             2,080
Deferred income taxes......................                        305                       305                               305
Other assets...............................          907         1,483                     1,483                             2,390
                                              ----------      --------   ---------      --------                        ----------
     Total assets..........................   $  258,526      $ 57,771   $              $ 57,771   $    (193)           $  316,104
                                              ==========      ========   =========      ========   =========            ==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
LIABILITIES:
Deposits...................................   $  200,303      $ 53,736   $              $ 53,736   $                    $  254,039
Repurchase Agreements......................        4,201           309                       309                             4,510
Borrowed funds.............................       32,413                                                                    32,413
Other liabilities..........................        2,134           151                       151                             2,285
                                              ----------      --------   ---------      --------   ---------            ----------
     Total liabilities.....................      239,051        54,196                    54,196                           293,247
                                              ----------      --------   ---------      --------   ---------            ----------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock............................           --         1,094      (1,094)(a)
Common stock...............................           21           354         119 (a)       473        (473)(e)
                                                                                                           3 (c)                24
 
Additional paid-in capital.................       13,168         2,826         975 (a)     3,801      (3,801)(d)            16,547
                                                                                                       3,379 (c)
Retained earnings (deficit)................        9,079          (478)                     (478)        478 (d)             9,079
Unrealized net loss on securities             
 available-for-sale........................         (394)         (221)                     (221)        221 (d)              (394)
                                              ----------      --------                  --------   ---------            ----------
                                                  21,874         3,575                     3,575        (193)               25,256
 
Treasury stock--...........................       (2,399)                                                                   (2,399)
                                              ----------      --------   ---------      --------   ---------            ----------
     Total shareholders' equity............       19,475         3,575                     3,575        (193)               22,857
                                              ----------      --------   ---------      --------   ---------            ----------
     Total liabilities and shareholders'      $  258,526      $ 57,771   $              $ 57,771   $    (193)           $  316,104
      equity...............................   ==========      ========   =========      ========   =========            ==========
Number of common shares outstanding........    1,691,803       354,138                   473,472                        $2,038,668
                                              ==========      ========   =========      ========                        ==========
Common shareholders' equity per share......   $    11.51      $   7.00   $              $   7.55                        $    11.21
                                              ==========      ========   =========      ========                        ==========
</TABLE>
     See Notes to Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial Statements.

                                       61
<PAGE>
 
                                 NHTB--LANDMARK

            UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENT

                     FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      NHTB         LANDMARK      PRO FORMA       NHTB
                                                                  (HISTORICAL)   (HISTORICAL)   ADJUSTMENTS   PRO FORMA
                                                                  ------------  --------------  ------------  ----------
<S>                                                               <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>
                                                                       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Interest and dividend income:
   Interest on loans............................................   $    8,244        $  1,993    $            $   10,237
   Interest and dividends on securities and federal funds sold..          953             352                      1,305
                                                                   ----------        --------                 ----------
    Total interest and dividend income..........................        9,197           2,345                     11,542
                                                                   ----------        --------                 ----------
Interest expense:
   Interest on deposits.........................................        4,199           1,454                      5,653
   Interest on borrowed funds...................................          856               4                        860
                                                                   ----------        --------                 ----------
    Total interest expense......................................        5,055           1,458                      6,513
                                                                   ----------        --------                 ----------
    Net interest and dividend income............................        4,142             887                      5,029
Provision for loan losses, net..................................          744             317                      1,061
                                                                   ----------        --------                 ----------
    Net interest and dividend income after provision for                3,398             570                      3,968
      loan losses...............................................
Non-interest income.............................................        1,087             304                      1,391
Non-interest expense............................................        3,249           1,106         69(e)        4,424
                                                                   ----------        --------      -----      ----------
Income (loss) before income taxes...............................        1,236            (232)       (69)            935
Income tax expense (benefit)....................................          408             (86)                       322
                                                                   ----------        --------                 ----------
    Net income (loss)...........................................   $      828        $   (146)(g)  $ (69)            613
                                                                   ==========        ========      =====      ==========
Weighted average number of common shares                            1,697,659         354,138         (g)      2,044,524
  outstanding...................................................   ==========        ========                 ==========
Earnings (loss) per common share................................        $0.49        $  (0.41)(g)             $     0.30
                                                                   ==========        ========                 ==========
                                                                                             
</TABLE>
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      NHTB        LANDMARK     PRO FORMA       NHTB
                                                                  (HISTORICAL)  (HISTORICAL)  ADJUSTMENTS   PRO FORMA
                                                                  ------------  ------------  ------------  ----------
<S>                                                               <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
                                                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Interest and dividend income:
   Interest on loans............................................   $   15,846      $  4,269    $            $   20,115
   Interest and dividends on securities and federal funds sold..        1,620           894                      2,514
                                                                   ----------      --------                 ----------
    Total interest and dividend income..........................       17,466         5,163                     22,629
                                                                   ----------      --------                 ----------
Interest expense:
   Interest on deposits.........................................        8,097         2,848                     10,945
   Interest on borrowed funds...................................        1,501            10                      1,511
                                                                   ----------      --------                 ----------
    Total interest expense......................................        9,598         2,858                     12,456
                                                                   ----------      --------                 ----------
    Net interest and dividend income............................        7,868         2,305                     10,173
Provision for loan losses, net..................................        1,164           205                      1,369
                                                                   ----------      --------                 ----------
    Net interest and dividend income after provision for                6,704         2,100                      8,804
      loan losses...............................................
Non-interest income.............................................        1,436           411                      1,847
Non-interest expense............................................        6,291         2,485       139 (e)        8,915
                                                                   ----------      --------    ------       ----------
Income before income tax........................................        1,849            26      (139)           1,736
Income tax expense..............................................          604             5                        609
                                                                   ----------      --------                 ----------
    Net income..................................................   $    1,245      $     21    $ (139)      $    1,127
                                                                   ==========      ========    ======       ==========
Weighted average number of common shares                            1,695,866       354,138           (h)    2,042,731
  outstanding...................................................   ==========      ========                 ==========
 
Earnings per common share.......................................   $     0.73      $  (0.20)                $     0.55
                                                                   ==========      ========                 ==========
</TABLE>

Landmark and NHTB combined pro forma per share information is calculated on the
assumption that all shares of Landmark Preferred Stock will be converted into
shares of Landmark Common Stock.

See notes to Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial Statements.

                                       62
<PAGE>
 
     NOTES TO PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS:
<S>                                                                                                <C>
a. Conversion of all shares of Landmark preferred stock to:
       Landmark common stock $1 par value                                                           $
       Common stock shares, 119,334 at $1 par value (in thousands)................................         119
       Preferred stock balance....................................................................       1,094
                                                                                                    ----------
       Difference is paid-in capital..............................................................  $      975
b. Computation of goodwill:
       Cost to NHTB to purchase Landmark common shares:
          Number of shares of Landmark common outstanding before pro forma........................     354,138
          Add number of Landmark common shares to be issued for all preferred stock:          
           59,667 preferred converted to common shares............................................     119,334   
                                                                                                    ----------   
          Pro forma number of shares of Landmark common outstanding...............................     473,472    
          Pro forma number of shares of Landmark common stock to be issued the right to       
           receive NHTB common stock 60%..........................................................     284,083     
          Pro forma number of shares of NHTB common shares to be issued:                                     
           284,083 times 1.221....................................................................     346,865     
          At fair value of $9.75 per share, in thousands..........................................  $    3,382                    
          Add costs of issuing and registering equity securities, in thousands...................  $       --          
                                                                                                    ----------     
          Net fair value of NHTB common stock issued, in thousands................................  $    3,382     
          Pro forma number of shares of Landmark common stock to be issued the right to       
           receive cash 40%.......................................................................  $  189,389      
          Cash to be paid at $12 per share, in thousands..........................................  $    2,273                     
                                                                                                    ----------     
          Total cost of purchase, in thousands....................................................  $    5,655                 
                                                                                                                     
       Pro forma book value net worth of Landmark after fair value adjustments, if any,          
        in thousands..............................................................................  $    3,575      
                                                                                                    ----------     
       Difference is goodwill, in thousands.......................................................  $    2,080                    
                                                                                                    ==========                   
c. NHTB pro forma combined stockholders' equity:                                                    
       Common stock, 346,865 shares issued to Landmark common stockholders at $.01 par value,         
        in thousands..............................................................................  $        3       
       Net fair value of NHTB common stock issued.................................................  $    3,382                   
                                                                                                    ----------                   
       Difference is paid-in capital...............................................................  $   3,379       
                                                                                                    ==========       
d. Elimination of Landmark's stockholders' equity accounts........................................  
e. Reflects the amortization of goodwill over a fifteen-year period...............................  
f. Reflects the tax effect of the above adjustments, except goodwill, at 40%......................  
g. Weighted average number of shares of NHTB common outstanding January 1, 1996 to June 30, 1996..   1,697,659      
   Add number of shares of NHTB common to be issued to Landmark shareholders......................     346,865      
                                                                                                    ----------      
   Pro forma weighted average number of shares of NHTB common outstanding January 1, 1996               
    to June 30, 1996..............................................................................   2,044,524       
                                                                                                    ==========       
   Weighted average number of shares of NHTB common outstanding in 1995...........................   1,695,866 
   Add number of shares of NHTB common to be issued to Landmark shareholders......................     346,865             
                                                                                                    ----------             
   Pro forma number of shares of NHTB common stock outstanding in 1995............................   2,042,731             
                                                                                                    ==========             
</TABLE>                                                  

                                       63
<PAGE>
 
                        REGULATION OF THE BANK AND NHTB   

     GENERAL

       The Bank is subject to extensive regulation, examination, and supervision
     by the OTS, as its chartering agency, and the FDIC, as its deposit insurer.
     The Bank's deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the SAIF
     administered by the FDIC, and the Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan
     Bank of Boston ("FHLB of Boston").  The Bank must file reports with the OTS
     and the FDIC concerning its activities and financial condition, and it must
     obtain regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions,
     such as mergers with, or acquisitions of, other depository institutions.
     The OTS and the FDIC conduct periodic examinations to assess the Bank's
     compliance with various regulatory requirements.  This regulation and
     supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which a
     savings association can engage and is intended primarily for the protection
     of the insurance fund and depositors.  NHTB, as a savings association
     holding company, is required to file certain reports with, and otherwise
     comply with, the rules and regulations of the OTS and of the Commission
     under the federal securities laws.

       The OTS and the FDIC have significant discretion in connection with their
     supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including
     policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment
     of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes.  Any change in such
     policies, whether by the OTS, the FDIC or the Congress, could have a
     material adverse impact on NHTB, the Bank and the operations of both.

       The following discussion is intended to be a summary of the material
     statutes and regulations applicable to savings associations and their
     holding companies, and it does not purport to be a comprehensive
     description of all such statutes and regulations.

     REGULATION OF FEDERAL SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS

       Business Activities.  The Bank derives its lending and investment powers
     from the Home Owners' Loan Act, as amended (the "HOLA"), and the
     regulations of the OTS thereunder.  Under these laws and regulations, the
     Bank may invest in mortgage loans secured by residential and commercial
     real estate, commercial and consumer loans, certain types of debt
     securities, and certain other assets.  The Bank may also establish service
     corporations that may engage in activities not otherwise permissible for
     the Bank, including certain real estate equity investments and securities
     and insurance brokerage.  These investment powers are subject to various
     limitations, including (a) a prohibition against the acquisition of any
     corporate debt security that is not rated in one of the four highest rating
     categories; (b) a limit of 400% of an association's capital on the
     aggregate amount of loans secured by non-residential real estate property;
     (c) a limit of 10% of an association's assets on the aggregate amount of
     commercial loans; (d) a limit of 35% of an association's assets on the
     aggregate amount of consumer loans and acquisitions of certain debt
     securities; (e) a limit of 5% of assets on non-conforming loans (loans in
     excess of the specific limitations of the HOLA); and (f) a limit of the
     greater of 5% of assets or an association's capital on certain construction
     loans made for the purpose of financing what is or is expected to become
     residential property.

       Loans to One Borrower. Under the HOLA, savings associations are generally
     subject to the same limits on loans to one borrower as are imposed on
     national banks.  Generally, under these limits, a savings association may
     not make a loan or extend credit to a single or related group of borrowers
     in excess of 15% of the association's unimpaired capital and surplus.
     Additional amounts may be lent, not in excess of 10% of unimpaired capital
     and surplus, if such loans or extensions of credit are fully secured

                                       64
<PAGE>
 
     by readily-marketable collateral.  Such collateral is defined to include
     certain debt and equity securities and bullion but generally does not
     include real estate.  At June 30, 1996, the Bank's regulatory limit on
     loans to one borrower was $2.670 million.  At June 30, 1996, the Bank's
     largest aggregate amount of loans to one borrower was $2.577 million, and
     the second largest borrower had an aggregate balance of $1.782.  The Bank
     is in compliance with all applicable limitations on loans to one borrower.

       QTL Test.  The HOLA requires a savings association to meet a qualified
     thrift lender, or "QTL" test.  Under the QTL test, a savings association is
     required to maintain at least 65% of its "portfolio assets" in certain
     "qualified thrift investments" in at least nine months of the most recent
     12-month period. "Portfolio assets" means, in general, an association's
     total assets less the sum of (a) specified liquid assets up to 20% of total
     assets, (b) certain intangibles, including goodwill and credit card and
     purchased mortgage servicing rights, and (c) the value of property used to
     conduct the association's business.  Qualified thrift investments includes
     various types of loans made for residential and housing purposes,
     investments related to such purposes, including certain mortgage-backed and
     related securities, and consumer loans up to 10% of the association's
     portfolio assets.  At June 30, 1996, the Bank maintained 88.93% of its
     portfolio assets in qualified thrift investments.  The Bank had also met
     the QTL test in each of the prior 12 months and was, therefore, a qualified
     thrift lender.

       A savings association that fails the QTL test must either operate under
     certain restrictions on its activities or convert to a bank charter.  The
     initial restrictions include prohibitions against (a) engaging in any new
     activity not permissible for a national bank, (b) paying dividends not
     permissible under national bank regulations, (c) obtaining new advances
     from any Federal Home Loan Bank and (d) establishing any new branch office
     in a location not permissible for a national bank in the association's home
     state.  In addition, within one year of the date that a savings association
     ceases to meet the QTL test, any company controlling the association would
     have to register under, and become subject to the requirements of, the Bank
     Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHC Act").  If the savings
     association does not requalify under the QTL test within the three-year
     period after it failed the QTL test, it would be required to terminate any
     activity and to dispose of any investment not permissible for a national
     bank and would have to repay as promptly as possible any outstanding
     advances from a Federal Home Loan Bank.  A savings association that has
     failed the QTL test may requalify under the QTL test and be free of such
     limitations, but it may do so only once.

       Capital Requirements.  The OTS regulations require savings associations
     to meet three minimum capital standards: a tangible capital ratio
     requirement of 1.5% of total assets as adjusted under the OTS regulations,
     a leverage ratio requirement of 3% of core capital to such adjusted total
     assets, and a risk-based capital ratio requirement of 8% of core and
     supplementary capital to total risk-weighted assets.  In determining
     compliance with the risk-based capital requirement, a savings association
     must compute its risk-weighted assets by multiplying its assets and certain
     off-balance sheet items by risk-weights, which range from 0% for cash and
     obligations issued by the United States Government or its agencies to 100%
     for consumer and commercial loans, as assigned by the OTS capital
     regulation based on the risks OTS believes are inherent in the type of
     asset.

       Tangible capital is defined, generally, as common stockholders' equity
     (including retained earnings), certain noncumulative perpetual preferred
     stock and related earnings and minority interests in equity accounts of
     fully consolidated subsidiaries, less intangibles (other than certain
     purchased mortgage servicing rights) and investments in and loans to
     subsidiaries engaged in activities not permissible for a national bank.
     Core capital is defined similarly to tangible capital, but core capital
     also includes certain qualifying supervisory goodwill and certain purchased
     credit card relationships.  Supplementary capital currently includes
     cumulative and other perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible
     securities, subordinated debt, and intermediate preferred stock, and the
     allowance for loan and lease losses.  The

                                       65
<PAGE>
 
     allowance for loan and lease losses includable in supplementary capital is
     limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets, and the amount of
     supplementary capital that may be included as total capital cannot exceed
     the amount of core capital.

       The OTS has promulgated a regulation that requires a savings association
     with "above normal" interest rate risk, when determining compliance with
     its risk-based capital requirements, to hold additional capital to account
     for its "above normal" interest rate risk.  Pending resolution of related
     regulatory issues, the OTS has deferred enforcement of this regulation.  A
     savings association's interest rate risk is measured by the decline in the
     net portfolio value of its assets (i.e., the difference between incoming
     and outgoing discounted cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance
     sheet contracts) resulting from a hypothetical 2% increase or decrease in
     market rates of interest, divided by the estimated economic value of the
     association's assets, as calculated in accordance with guidelines set forth
     by the OTS.  At the times when the 3-month Treasury bond equivalent yield
     falls below 4%, an association may compute its interest rate risk on the
     basis of a decrease equal to one-half of that Treasury rate rather than on
     the basis of 2%.  A savings association whose measured interest rate risk
     exposure exceeds 2% would be considered to have "above normal" risk.  The
     interest rate risk component is an amount equal to one-half of the
     difference between the association's measured interest rate risk and 2%,
     multiplied by the estimated economic value of the association's assets.
     That dollar amount is deducted from an association's total capital in
     calculating compliance with its risk-based capital requirement.  Any
     required deduction for interest rate risk becomes effective on the last day
     of the third quarter following the reporting date of the association's
     financial data on which the interest rate risk was computed.

       At June 30, 1996, the Bank met each of its capital requirements.  See
     "Regulatory Capital Compliance" for a table that sets forth, in terms of
     dollars and percentages, the OTS tangible, leverage, and risk-based capital
     requirements and the Bank's historical amounts and percentages at June 30,
     1996, and pro forma amounts and percentages based upon the issuance of the
     shares of Common Stock within the Estimated Price Range and assuming that
     50% of the net proceeds are retained by the Company.

       The table below presents the Bank's regulatory capital as compared to the
     OTS regulatory capital requirements at June 30, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                   BANK         CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS        EXCESS
                            ------------------  ---------------------  -----------------
                             AMOUNT   PERCENT    AMOUNT     PERCENT    AMOUNT   PERCENT
                            --------  --------  ---------  ----------  -------  --------
<S>                         <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>      <C>
                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
Tangible capital..........   $18,060     6.98%    $ 3,882       1.50%  $14,178     5.48%
Core capital..............    18,060     6.98%      7,764       3.00%   10,296     3.98%
Total Risk-based capital..    17,791    11.88%     11,324       8.00%    6,467     3.88%
</TABLE>

   A reconciliation between regulatory capital and GAAP capital at June 30, 1996
   is presented below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  TOTAL RISK-    
                                                 TANGIBLE CAPITAL  CORE CAPITAL  BASED CAPITAL   
                                                 ----------------  ------------  -------------    
<S>                                              <C>               <C>           <C>
                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
GAAP capital...................................           $17,801       $17,801        $17,801
Unrealized loss on certain                                    
  securities available-for-sale................               259           259            259
Assets required to be deducted.................               n/a           n/a          1,791
Includable portion of allowance for loan loss..               n/a           n/a          1,522
                                                          -------       -------        -------
Regulatory capital.............................           $18,060       $18,060        $17,791
                                                          =======       =======        =======
</TABLE>

                                       66
<PAGE>
 
   Limitation on Capital Distributions.  OTS regulations currently impose
limitations upon capital distributions by savings associations, such as cash
dividends, payments to repurchase or otherwise acquire its shares, payments to
shareholders of another institution in a cash-out merger and other distributions
charged against capital. At least 30-days written notice must be given to the
OTS of a proposed capital distribution by a savings association, and capital
distributions in excess of specified earnings or by certain institutions are
subject to approval by the OTS. An association that has capital in excess of all
fully phased-in regulatory capital requirements before and after a proposed
capital distribution and that is not otherwise restricted in making capital
distributions, may, after prior notice but without the approval of the OTS, make
capital distributions during a calendar year equal to the greater of (a) 100% of
its net earnings to date during the calendar year plus the amount that would
reduce by one-half its "surplus capital ratio" (the excess capital over its
fully phased-in capital requirements) at the beginning of the calendar year, or
(b) 75% of its net earnings for the previous four quarters. Any additional
capital distributions would require prior OTS approval. In addition, the OTS can
prohibit a proposed capital distribution, otherwise permissible under the
regulation, if the OTS has determined that the association is in need of more
than normal supervision or if it determines that a proposed distribution by an
association would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. Furthermore, under
the OTS prompt corrective action regulations, the Bank would be prohibited from
making any capital distribution if, after the distribution, the Bank failed to
meet its minimum capital requirements, as described above. See "--Prompt
Corrective Regulatory Action."

   The OTS has proposed regulations that would simplify the existing procedures
governing capital distributions by savings associations. Under the proposed
regulations, the approval of the OTS would be required only for capital
distributions by an association that is deemed to be in troubled condition or
that is undercapitalized or would be undercapitalized after the capital
distribution. A savings association would be able to make a capital distribution
without notice to or approval of the OTS if it is not held by a savings
association holding company, is not deemed to be in troubled condition, has
received either of the two highest composite supervisory ratings, and would
continue to be adequately capitalized after such distribution. Notice would have
to be given to the OTS by any association that is held by a savings association
holding company or that had received a composite supervisory rating below the
highest two composite supervisory ratings. An association's capital rating would
be determined under the prompt corrective action regulations. See "-- Prompt
Corrective Regulatory Action."

   Liquidity.  The Bank is required to maintain an average daily balance of
liquid assets (cash, certain time deposits, bankers' acceptances, specified
United States Government, state or federal agency obligations, shares of certain
mutual funds and certain corporate debt securities and commercial paper) equal
to a monthly average of not less than a specified percentage of its net
withdrawable deposit accounts plus short-term borrowings. This liquidity
requirement may be changed from time to time by the OTS to any amount within the
range of 4% to 10% depending upon economic conditions and the savings flows of
member institutions, and is currently 5%. OTS regulations also require each
savings association to maintain an average daily balance of short-term liquid
assets at a specified percentage (currently 1%) of the total of its net
withdrawable deposit accounts and borrowings payable in one year or less.
Monetary penalties may be imposed for failure to meet these liquidity
requirements. The Bank's average long-term liquidity ratio for the month ended
June 30, 1996 was 10.49%, which exceeded the applicable requirements. The Bank
has never been subject to monetary penalties for failure to meet its liquidity
requirements.

   Assessments.  Savings associations are required by OTS regulation to pay
assessments to the OTS to fund the operations of the OTS. The general
assessment, paid on a semi-annual basis, is computed upon the savings
association's total assets, including consolidated subsidiaries, as reported in
the

                                       67
<PAGE>
 
association's latest quarterly Thrift Financial Report. During July 1996, the
Bank paid the semiannual assessment of $34,785.

   Branching.  Subject to certain limitations, the HOLA and the OTS regulations
permit federally chartered savings associations to establish branches in any
state of the United States. The authority to establish such branches is
available (a) in states that expressly authorize branches of savings
associations located in another state or (b) to an association that qualifies as
a "domestic building and loan association" under the Code, which imposes
qualification requirements similar to those for a "qualified thrift lender"
under the HOLA. See "-- QTL Test." The authority for a federal savings
association to establish an interstate branch network would facilitate a
geographic diversification of the association's activities. This authority under
the HOLA and the OTS regulations preempts any state law purporting to regulate
branching by federal savings associations. The Bank does not presently maintain
a branch office in any state other than New Hampshire.

   Community Reinvestment.  Under the CRA, as implemented by OTS regulations, a
savings association has a continuing and affirmative obligation consistent with
its safe and sound operation to help meet the credit needs of its entire
community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. The CRA does not
establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions
nor does it limit an institution's discretion to develop the types of products
and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community,
consistent with the CRA. The CRA requires the OTS, in connection with its
examination of a savings association, to assess the association's record of
meeting the credit needs of its community and to take such record into account
in its evaluation of certain applications by such association. The CRA also
requires all institutions to make public disclosure of their CRA ratings. The
Bank received a "Satisfactory" CRA rating in its most recent examination.

   The CRA regulations use an evaluation system that rates an institution based
on its actual performance in meeting community needs. In particular, the system
focuses on three tests: (a) a lending test, to evaluate the institution's record
of making loans in its assessment areas; (b) an investment test, to evaluate the
institution's record of investing in community development projects, affordable
housing, and programs benefiting low or moderate income individuals and
businesses; and (c) a service test, to evaluate the institution's delivery of
services through its branches, ATMs, and other offices. An institution's CRA
performance is considered in the application process for approval of the Merger.

   Transactions with Related Parties.  The Bank's authority to engage in
transactions with its "affiliates" is limited by the OTS regulations and by
Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act (the "FRA"). In general, an
affiliate of the Bank is any company that controls the Bank or any other company
that is controlled by a company that controls the Bank, excluding the Bank's
subsidiaries other than those that are insured depository institutions. The OTS
regulations prohibit a savings association (a) from lending to any of its
affiliates that is engaged in activities that are not permissible for bank
holding companies under Section 4(c) of the BHC Act and (b) from purchasing the
securities of any affiliate other than a subsidiary. Section 23A limits the
aggregate amount of transactions with any individual affiliate to 10% of the
capital and surplus of the savings association and also limits the aggregate
amount of transactions with all affiliates to 20% of the savings association's
capital and surplus. Extensions of credit to affiliates are required to be
secured by collateral in an amount and of a type described in Section 23A, and
the purchase of low quality assets from affiliates is generally prohibited.
Section 23B provides that certain transactions with affiliates, including loans
and asset purchases, must be on terms and under circumstances, including credit
standards, that are substantially the same or at least as favorable to the
association as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with
nonaffiliated companies. In the absence of comparable transactions, such
transactions may only occur

                                       68
<PAGE>
 
under terms and circumstances, including credit standards, that in good faith
would be offered to or would apply to nonaffiliated companies.

   The Bank's authority to extend credit to its directors, executive officers,
and 10% shareholders, as well as to entities controlled by such persons, is
currently governed by the requirements of Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the FRA
and Regulation O of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the
"FRB") thereunder. Among other things, these provisions require that extensions
of credit to insiders (a) be made on terms that are substantially the same as,
and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than,
those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and that
do not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other
unfavorable features and (b) not exceed certain limitations on the amount of
credit extended to such persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits
are based, in part, on the amount of the association's capital. In addition,
extensions of credit in excess of certain limits must be approved by the
association's board of directors.

   Enforcement.  Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the "FDI Act"), the
OTS has primary enforcement responsibility over savings associations and has the
authority to bring enforcement action against all "institution-affiliated
parties," including any controlling stockholder or any stockholder, attorney,
appraiser or accountant who knowingly or recklessly participates in any
violation of applicable law or regulation or breach of fiduciary duty or certain
other wrongful actions that causes or is likely to cause more than a minimal
loss or other significant adverse effect on an insured savings association.
Civil penalties cover a wide range of violations and actions and range from
$5,000 for each day during which violations of law, regulations, orders, and
certain written agreements and conditions continue, up to $1 million per day for
such violations if the person obtained a substantial pecuniary gain as a result
of such violation or knowingly or recklessly caused a substantial loss to the
institution. Criminal penalties for certain financial institution crimes include
fines of up to $1 million and imprisonment for up to 30 years. In addition,
regulators have substantial discretion to take enforcement action against an
institution that fails to comply with its regulatory requirements, particularly
with respect to its capital requirements. Possible enforcement actions range
from the imposition of a capital plan and capital directive to receivership,
conservatorship, or the termination of deposit insurance. Under the FDI Act, the
FDIC has the authority to recommend to the Director of OTS that enforcement
action be taken with respect to a particular savings association. If action is
not taken by the Director of the OTS, the FDIC has authority to take such action
under certain circumstances.

   Standards for Safety and Soundness.  The FDI Act, as amended by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (the "FDICIA") and the
Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 (the
"Community Development Act"), requires the OTS, together with the other federal
bank regulatory agencies, to prescribe standards, by regulations or guidelines,
relating to internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems,
loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate risk exposure, asset
growth, asset quality, earnings, stock valuation, and compensation, fees, and
benefits, and such other operational and managerial standards as the agencies
deem appropriate. The OTS and the federal bank regulatory agencies have adopted
a set of guidelines prescribing safety and soundness standards pursuant to
FDICIA, as amended. The guidelines establish general standards relating to
internal controls and information systems, internal audit systems, loan
documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, and
compensation, fees and benefits. In general, the guidelines require, among other
things, appropriate systems and practices to identify and manage the risks and
exposures specified in the guidelines. The guidelines prohibit excessive
compensation as an unsafe and unsound practice and describe compensation as
excessive when the amounts paid are unreasonable or disproportionate to the
services performed by an executive officer, employee, director or principal
stockholder. The OTS and the other agencies determined that stock

                                       69
<PAGE>
 
valuation standards were not appropriate. In addition, the OTS adopted
regulations that authorize, but do not require, the OTS to order an institution
that has been given notice by the OTS that it is not satisfying any of such
safety and soundness standards to submit a compliance plan. If, after being so
notified, an institution fails to submit an acceptable compliance plan or fails
in any material respect to implement an accepted compliance plan, the OTS must
issue an order directing action to correct the deficiency and may issue an order
directing other actions of the types to which an undercapitalized association is
subject under the "prompt corrective action" provisions of FDICIA. If an
institution fails to comply with such an order, the OTS may seek to enforce such
order in judicial proceedings and to impose civil money penalties. The OTS and
the federal bank regulatory agencies also adopted guidelines, effective October
1, 1996, requiring appropriate systems for identifying and maintaining asset
quality and earnings.

   Real Estate Lending Standards.  The OTS and the other federal banking
agencies adopted regulations to prescribe standards for extensions of credit
that (a) are secured by real estate or (b) are made for the purpose of financing
the construction of improvements on real estate. The OTS regulations require
each savings association to establish and maintain written internal real estate
lending standards that are consistent with safe and sound banking practices and
appropriate to the size of the association and the nature and scope of its real
estate lending activities. The standards also must be consistent with
accompanying OTS guidelines, which include loan-to-value ratios for the
different types of real estate loans. Associations are also permitted to make a
limited amount of loans that do not conform to the proposed loan-to-value
limitations so long as such exceptions are reviewed and justified appropriately.
The guidelines also list a number of lending situations in which exceptions to
the loan-to-value standards are justified.

   Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action.  Under the OTS prompt corrective action
regulations, the OTS is required to take certain, and is authorized to take
other, supervisory actions against undercapitalized savings associations. For
this purpose, a savings association would be placed in one of five categories
based on the association's capital. Generally, a savings association is treated
as "well capitalized" if its ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets is
at least 10.0%, its ratio of core capital to risk-weighted assets is at least
6.0%, its ratio of core capital to total assets is at least 5.0%, and it is not
subject to any order or directive by the OTS to meet a specific capital level. A
savings association will be treated as "adequately capitalized" if its ratio of
total capital to risk-weighted assets is at least 8.0%, its ratio of core
capital to risk-weighted assets is at least 4.0%, and its ratio of core capital
to total assets is at least 4.0% (3.0% if the association receives the highest
rating on the CAMEL financial institutions rating system). A savings association
that has a total risk-based capital of less than 8.0% or a leverage ratio or a
Tier 1 capital ratio that is less than 4.0% (3.0% leverage ratio if the
association receives the highest rating on the CAMEL financial institutions
rating system) is considered to be "undercapitalized." A savings association
that has a total risk-based capital of less than 6.0% or a Tier 1 risk-based
capital ratio or a leverage ratio of less than 3.0% is considered to be
"significantly undercapitalized." A savings association that has a tangible
capital to assets ratio equal to or less than 2% is deemed to be "critically
undercapitalized." The elements of an association's capital for purposes of the
prompt corrective action regulations are defined generally as they are under the
regulations for minimum capital requirements. See "--Capital Requirements."

   The severity of the action authorized or required to be taken under the
prompt corrective action regulations increases as an association's capital
deteriorates within the three undercapitalized categories. All associations are
prohibited from paying dividends or other capital distributions or paying
management fees to any controlling person if, following such distribution, the
association would be undercapitalized. An undercapitalized association is
required to file a capital restoration plan within 45 days of the date the
association receives notice that it is within any of the three undercapitalized
categories. The OTS is

                                       70
<PAGE>
 
required to monitor closely the condition of an undercapitalized association and
to restrict the asset growth, acquisitions, branching, and new lines of business
of such an association. Significantly undercapitalized associations are subject
to restrictions on compensation of senior executive officers; such an
association may not, without OTS consent, pay any bonus or provide compensation
to any senior executive officer at a rate exceeding the officer's average rate
of compensation (excluding bonuses, stock options and profit-sharing) during the
12 months preceding the month when the association became undercapitalized. A
significantly undercapitalized association may also be subject, among other
things, to forced changes in the composition of its board of directors or senior
management, additional restrictions on transactions with affiliates,
restrictions on acceptance of deposits from correspondent associations, further
restrictions on asset growth, restrictions on rates paid on deposits, forced
termination or reduction of activities deemed risky, and any further operational
restrictions deemed necessary by the OTS.

     If one or more grounds exist for appointing a conservator or receiver
for an association, the OTS may require the association to issue additional debt
or stock, sell assets, be acquired by a depository association holding company
or combine with another depository association. The OTS and the FDIC have a
broad range of grounds under which they may appoint a receiver or conservator
for an insured depositary association. Under FDICIA, the OTS is required to
appoint a receiver (or with the concurrence of the FDIC, a conservator) for a
critically undercapitalized association within 90 days after the association
becomes critically undercapitalized or, with the concurrence of the FDIC, to
take such other action that would better achieve the purposes of the prompt
corrective action provisions. Such alternative action can be renewed for
successive 90-day periods. However, if the association continues to be
critically undercapitalized on average during the quarter that begins 270 days
after it first became critically undercapitalized, a receiver must be appointed,
unless the OTS makes certain findings with which the FDIC concurs and the
Director of the OTS and the Chairman of the FDIC certify that the association is
viable. In addition, an association that is critically undercapitalized is
subject to more severe restrictions on its activities, and is prohibited,
without prior approval of the FDIC from, among other things, entering into
certain material transactions or paying interest on new or renewed liabilities
at a rate that would significantly increase the association's weighted average
cost of funds.

     When appropriate, the OTS can require corrective action by a savings
association holding company under the "prompt corrective action" provisions of
FDICIA.

     Insurance of Deposit Accounts. The Bank is a member of the SAIF, and the
Bank pays its deposit insurance assessments to the SAIF. The FDIC also maintains
another insurance fund, the BIF, which primarily insures the deposits of banks
and state chartered savings banks.

     Pursuant to FDICIA, the FDIC established a new risk-based assessment
system for determining the deposit insurance assessments to be paid by insured
depositary institutions. Under the new assessment system, which began in 1993,
the FDIC assigns an institution to one of three capital categories based on the
institution's financial information as of the reporting period ending seven
months before the assessment period. The three capital categories consist of (a)
well capitalized, (b) adequately capitalized or (c) undercapitalized. The FDIC
also assigns an institution to one of three supervisory subcategories within
each capital group. The supervisory subgroup to which an institution is assigned
is based on a supervisory evaluation provided to the FDIC by the institution's
primary federal regulator and information that the FDIC determines to be
relevant to the institution's financial condition and the risk posed to the
deposit insurance funds. An institution's assessment rate depends on the capital
category and supervisory category to which it is assigned. Under the regulation,
there are nine assessment risk classifications (i.e., combinations of capital
groups and supervisory subgroups) to which different assessment rates are
applied. Beginning in 1993, the assessment rates for both the BIF and the SAIF
had ranged from 0.23%

                                       71
<PAGE>
 
of deposits for an institution in the highest category (i.e., well-capitalized
and financially sound, with no more than a few minor weaknesses) to 0.31% of
deposits for an institution in the lowest category (i.e., undercapitalized and
substantial supervisory concern).

     The FDI Act requires that the BIF and the SAIF funds each be recapitalized
until reserves are at least 1.25% of the deposits insured by that fund. After a
fund reached the 1.25% reserve ratio, the assessment rates for that fund could
be reduced. The FDIC has reported that the BIF reached the required reserve
ratio during May 1995. As a result of the recapitalization of the BIF, the FDIC
reduced BIF assessment rates. The FDIC initially reduced the BIF assessment
rates, effective June 1, 1995, to a range of 0.04% to 0.27% of deposits. Having
subsequently determined that the BIF had sufficient reserves in excess of the
required 1.25% ratio, the FDIC reduced the BIF assessment rate for "well
capitalized" institutions without any significant supervisory concerns to the
statutory minimum of $2,000 annually beginning with the first half of 1996, and
the rates for other BIF-insured institutions will range from 0.03% to 0.27% of
deposits.

     The FDIC has reported that, under current law and reasonably optimistic
financial projections, the SAIF is not expected to be recapitalized until 2001.
SAIF reserves have not grown as quickly as the BIF reserves due to a number of
factors, including the fact that a significant portion of SAIF premiums have
been and are currently being used to make payments on bonds (the "FICO bonds")
issued in the late 1980s by the Financing Corporation to recapitalize the now
defunct Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. Accordingly, the FDIC
has determined that SAIF-insured institutions should continue to pay assessments
at the current SAIF assessment rates, which range from 0.23% of deposits to
0.31% of deposits. The Bank's assessment rate for 1996 was 0.23% of deposits.

     The resulting disparity in deposit insurance assessments rates between the
SAIF members and the BIF members is likely to provide institutions paying only
the BIF assessments with certain competitive advantages in the pricing of loans
and deposits, and in lowered operating costs, pending any legislative action to
remedy the disparity. Congress has considered proposed legislation to address
these issues.

     Under the FDI Act, insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon
a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in
an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any
applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC or the
OTS. The management of the Bank does not know of any practice, condition or
violation that might lead to termination of deposit insurance.

     Federal Home Loan Bank System. The Bank is a member of the FHLB of Boston,
which is one of the regional Federal Home Loan Banks composing the Federal Home
Loan Bank System. Each Federal Home Loan Bank provides a central credit facility
primarily for its member institutions. The Bank, as a member of the FHLB of
Boston, is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB of
Boston in an amount at least equal to the greater of 1% of the aggregate
principal amount of its unpaid residential mortgage loans and similar
obligations at the beginning of each year or 1/20 of its advances (borrowings)
from the FHLB of Boston. The Bank was in compliance with this requirement with
an investment in the capital stock of the FHLB of Boston at June 30, 1996, of
$1.861 million. Any advance from a Federal Home Loan Bank must be secured by
specified types of collateral, and all long-term advances may be obtained only
for the purpose of providing funds for residential housing finance.

     The Federal Home Loan Banks are required to provide funds for the
resolution of insolvent thrifts and to contribute funds for affordable housing
programs. These requirements could reduce the amount of earnings that the
Federal Home Loan Banks can pay as dividends to their members and could also

                                       72
<PAGE>
 
result in the Federal Home Loan Banks imposing a higher rate of interest on
advances to their members. The Bank earned dividends on the FHLB of Boston
capital stock in amounts equal to $150,058, $101,600 and $88,061 during the
years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. If dividends were
reduced, or interest on future Federal Home Loan Bank advances increased, the
Bank's net interest income would likely also be reduced.

     Federal Reserve System. The Bank is subject to provisions of the FRA and
the FRB's regulations pursuant to which depositary institutions may be required
to maintain non-interest-earning reserves against their deposit accounts and
certain other liabilities. Currently, reserves must be maintained against
transaction accounts (primarily NOW and regular checking accounts). The FRB
regulations generally require that reserves be maintained in the amount of 3% of
the aggregate of transaction accounts up to $52.0 million. The amount of
aggregate transaction accounts in excess of $52.0 million are currently subject
to a reserve ratio of 10%, which ratio the FRB may adjust between 8% and 12%.
The FRB regulations currently exempt $4.3 million of otherwise reservable
balances from the reserve requirements, which exemption is adjusted by the FRB
at the end of each year. The Bank is in compliance with the foregoing reserve
requirements. Because required reserves must be maintained in the form of either
vault cash, a non-interest-bearing account at a Federal Reserve Bank, or a pass-
through account as defined by the FRB, the effect of this reserve requirement is
to reduce the Bank's interest-earning assets. The balances maintained to meet
the reserve requirements imposed by the FRB may be used to satisfy liquidity
requirements imposed by the OTS. Federal Home Loan Bank System members are also
authorized to borrow from the Federal Reserve "discount window," but FRB
regulations require such institutions to exhaust all Federal Home Loan Bank
sources before borrowing from a Federal Reserve Bank.

REGULATION OF SAVINGS ASSOCIATION HOLDING COMPANIES

     NHTB is a non-diversified unitary savings association holding company
within the meaning of the HOLA. As such, NHTB is required to register with the
OTS and is subject to OTS regulations, examinations, supervision and reporting
requirements. In addition, the OTS has enforcement authority over NHTB and its
non-savings association subsidiaries, if any. Among other things, this authority
permits the OTS to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a
serious risk to the financial safety, soundness, or stability of a subsidiary
savings association.

     The HOLA prohibits a savings association holding company, directly or
indirectly, or through one or more subsidiaries, from acquiring another savings
association or holding company thereof, without prior written approval of the
OTS; acquiring or retaining, with certain exceptions, more than 5% of a non-
subsidiary savings association, a non-subsidiary holding company, or a non-
subsidiary company engaged in activities other than those permitted by the HOLA;
or acquiring or retaining control of a depository institution that is not
insured by the FDIC. In evaluating an application by a holding company to
acquire a savings association, the OTS must consider the financial and
managerial resources and future prospects of the company and savings association
involved, the effect of the acquisition on the risk to the insurance funds, the
convenience and needs of the community and competitive factors.

     As a unitary savings association holding company, NHTB is not restricted
under existing laws as to the types of business activities in which it may
engage, provided that the Bank continues to satisfy the QTL test. See "--
Regulation of Federal Savings Associations -- QTL Test" for a discussion of the
QTL requirements. Upon any non-supervisory acquisition by NHTB of another
savings association or savings bank that meets the QTL test and is deemed to be
a savings association by the OTS and that will be held as a separate subsidiary,
NHTB would become a multiple savings association holding company and would be
subject to limitations on the types of business activities in which it could
engage. The HOLA limits the activities of a multiple savings association holding
company and its non-insured

                                       73
<PAGE>
 
association subsidiaries primarily to activities permissible for bank holding
companies under Section 4(c)(8) of the BHC Act, subject to the prior approval of
the OTS, and to other activities authorized by OTS regulation.

     The OTS is prohibited from approving any acquisition that would result in a
multiple savings association holding company controlling savings associations in
more than one state, subject to two exceptions: an acquisition of a savings
association in another state (a) in a supervisory transaction or (b) pursuant to
authority under the laws of the state of the association to be acquired that
specifically permit such acquisitions. The conditions imposed upon interstate
acquisitions by those states that have enacted authorizing legislation vary.
Some states impose conditions of reciprocity, which have the effect of requiring
that the laws of both the state in which the acquiring holding company is
located (as determined by the location of its subsidiary savings association)
and the state in which the association to be acquired is located, have each
enacted legislation allowing its savings associations to be acquired by out-of-
state holding companies on the condition that the laws of the other state
authorize such transactions on terms no more restrictive than those imposed on
the acquiror by the state of the target association. Some of these states also
impose regional limitations, which restrict such acquisitions to states within a
defined geographic region. Other states allow full nationwide banking without
any condition of reciprocity. Some states do not authorize interstate
acquisitions of savings associations.

     Transactions between the Bank and NHTB and its other subsidiaries would be
subject to various conditions and limitations. See "-- Regulation of Federal
Savings Associations -- Transactions with Related Parties." The Bank would have
to give 30-days written notice to the OTS prior to any declaration of the
payment of any dividends or other capital distributions to NHTB. See "--
Regulation of Federal Savings Associations -- Limitation on Capital
Distributions."

                           INFORMATION ABOUT LANDMARK

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

     Landmark was formed in 1989 as a New Hampshire-chartered guaranty savings
bank; banking operations commenced in March 1991. Landmark is insured to the
full extent authorized by law by the FDIC.

     Landmark is engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general
public, making commercial, residential and consumer loans and making investments
in securities. Landmark's earnings primarily depend on the spread between the
income it receives from its loan and investment securities portfolios and the
interest cost it pays for money in the form of deposits. Landmark conducts its
business from its main office located at 106 Hanover Street in Lebanon, New
Hampshire, and its branch banking office located at 106 North Main Street in
West Lebanon, New Hampshire. As of September 1, 1996, Landmark had 26 full-time
and 2 part-time employees. None of Landmark's employees is subject to a
collective bargaining agreement.

     Landmark has a primary market focus of establishing total banking
relationships with small-to-medium sized businesses and professionals. Services
offered include a wide range of commercial credit and deposit products, together
with residential mortgage products. Landmark's primary geographic territory
extends through the greater Upper Valley area. Approximately 40% of Landmark's
loan portfolio is comprised of commercial or commercial real estate loans made
to support borrowers' working capital, equipment, and/or building requirements.
This proportion of commercial loans, which is consistent with Landmark's focus
on commercial lending, is significantly higher than the proportion of commercial
loans that would be typical for a savings bank. Landmark also offers a wide
range of

                                       74
<PAGE>
 
consumer loan products, including, but not limited to, automobile loans, home
equity and credit card loans. Landmark also offers residential mortgage loans to
homeowners, residential construction loans (primarily to developers and secured
by pre-sold residential units) and land development loans secured primarily by
land and improvements in approved subdivisions. Landmark's loan portfolio is
predominantly of a variable rate nature.

     Landmark's primary focus on commercial and commercial real estate lending
may expose it to greater risks than those presented by consumer and residential
mortgage lending. Landmark's loans typically involve larger loan balances to
single borrowers or groups of related borrowers than typical loan balances on
consumer and residential mortgage loans. In addition, payment on commercial
loans is typically dependent on the successful operation of the borrowers'
businesses or properties and, therefore, may be more influenced by adverse
changes or cycles in the economy. General economic trends in the market area of
Landmark during the past few years have been positive. The Upper Valley area has
experienced consistent growth in population and jobs and declining unemployment
since the end of a recessionary trend experienced in the early 1990's.
Commercial real estate values in the same areas have stabilized in the last few
years, following a period of substantial declines in values, and residential
real estate values have moderately increased in the same areas following a
period of more moderate declines.

     Strong asset growth in 1993 and 1994 imposed strains on Landmark's
management and regulatory compliance capabilities. In January 1995, Landmark
entered into a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with the FDIC and the New
Hampshire Banking Department in which it agreed, among other things, to (i)
assess its managerial resources and develop a management plan to meet the needs
of a growing banking institution, (ii) revise its loan, asset/liability and
investment policies, (iii) adopt an ethics policy, and (iv) take necessary
action to correct noted deficiencies in its loan operations and compliance with
applicable regulatory requirements. Following the receipt of a more favorable
examination report from the FDIC, and the adoption of a resolution by Landmark's
Board of Directors in which Landmark agreed to take such immediate actions as
are necessary to maintain a "Tier 1 Capital ratio of not less than six percent
(6%)", the January 1995 MOU was terminated in early April 1996.

     Landmark is subject to extensive competition from other commercial banks
from savings banks, as well as from cooperative banks and credit unions, in both
attracting and retaining deposits. Additionally, significant competition for
deposits comes from money market mutual funds and government securities.
Including Landmark, there are approximately 28 banking offices of 9 federally-
insured depository institutions (excluding non-bank financial service providers)
within Landmark's principal market area.

     Competition for commercial loans is experienced principally from other
banks. Consumer loan competition is principally from commercial banks, finance
companies and credit unions.

     The principal methods used by competing institutions to attract deposits
include the offering of a variety of services and premiums, convenience of
office location and offering of attractive interest rates. The primary factors
in competing for loans are quality of service to the borrower, interest rates,
and loan fee charges. Landmark's staff is actively involved in community
organizations and service groups, which results in customer relationships.

     Deposits maintained with Landmark are insured by the BIF of the FDIC up to
FDIC limits (generally $100,000 per depositor). As a New Hampshire-chartered
savings bank, Landmark is subject to regulation, examination and supervision by
the New Hampshire Banking Department and the FDIC.

                                       75
<PAGE>
 
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES

     Landmark's main office has been located at 106 Hanover Street in Lebanon,
New Hampshire since the commencement of FDIC insured banking operations in 1991.
Landmarkbanc Realty Holdings Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Landmark,
purchased this building from LM Realty Corp., then an affiliate of the Bank, in
August 1995. There is one other commercial tenant within this building.

     Landmark opened a branch office located at 106 North Main Street in West
Lebanon, New Hampshire in October 1995. The West Lebanon branch is located
within a free standing building consisting of approximately 6,700 square feet.
The lease is for a term of ten (10) years, with renewal options and a limited
option to purchase.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     There are no material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary
routine litigation incidental to its business, to which Landmark is a party or
of which any of its property is the subject.


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

                    SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1995
                                  (UNAUDITED)

GENERAL

     The following is a discussion and analysis of Landmark's results of
operations and financial condition for the six month period ended June 30, 1996
and 1995. In order to understand this section in context, it should be read in
conjunction with the Landmark Financial Statements and Notes presented elsewhere
in this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus and with the tables appearing
throughout the discussion and analysis.

     The operating results of Landmark depend primarily on its net interest
income, which is the difference between (i) interest income on earning assets,
primarily loans and securities, and (ii) interest expense on interest bearing
liabilities, which consist of deposits and borrowings. Landmark's results of
operations are also affected by the provision for loan losses resulting from
Landmark's assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses; the
level of its other operating income, including gains and losses on the sale of
securities, and loan and other fees; operating expenses; and income tax expenses
or benefits.

                                   HIGHLIGHTS

     Landmark had a net loss of $146,000, or $(0.41) per share of Landmark
Common Stock, for the six months ended June 30, 1996 as compared to net income
of $33,000, or $.09 per share of Common Stock, in the comparable period in 1995.
The net loss and net income from operations were computed without deducting any
preferred stock dividends paid.

     At June 30, 1996, Landmark had total assets of $57,771,000, a decrease of
$2,992,000, or 4.92%, from $60,763,000 at December 31, 1995. Total deposits
decreased from $56,359,000 at December 31, 1995 to $53,736,000 at June 30, 1996,
a decrease of $2,623,000 or 4.65%. Securities

                                       76
<PAGE>
 
available-for-sale decreased from $9,523,000 at December 31, 1995 to $7,111,000
at June 30, 1996, a decrease of $2,412,000 or 25.33%.

     At June 30, 1996, Landmark's equity to assets ratio was 6.19%, its Tier 1
leverage ratio was 9.16% and its total risk-based capital ratio was 10.42%, all
of which exceeded published regulatory minimums. The capital ratios for December
31, 1995 were 6.40%, 9.69% and 10.95%, respectively.

                                       77
<PAGE>
 
     The following table sets forth certain information relating to the
Landmark's consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 1996, and consolidated balance
sheet and the consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended
June 30, 1996 and 1995, and reflects the average yield on assets and average
cost of liabilities for the periods indicated. Such yields and costs are derived
by dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities,
respectively, for the periods shown. Average balances are derived from average
daily balances. The yields and costs include fees which are considered
adjustments to yields.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                           AT JUNE 30, 1996                 1996                            1995
                                         --------------------  -------------------------------   ------------------------------
                                                    WEIGHTED                         AVERAGE                          AVERAGE
                                                     AVERAGE    AVERAGE               YIELD/     AVERAGE               YIELD/
                                          BALANCE     RATE      BALANCE   INTEREST   COST(1)     BALANCE   INTEREST   COST(1)
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  ----------  ---------  --------  ----------
<S>                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>
                                                                          (Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS:                                 
  Interest-earning assets:              
    Loans(2)............................  $43,165       8.96%   $43,547     $1,993     9.15%     $41,460     $2,077    10.02%
    Securities(3).......................    7,939       5.98%     9,510        270     5.68%      10,782        343     6.36%
    Federal funds sold..................    1,240       4.75%     3,121         82     5.25%       2,243         58     5.17%
                                          -------               -------     ------               -------     ------
      Total interest-earning assets.....   52,344                56,178     $2,345     8.35%      54,485     $2,478     9.10%
                                                                            ------                           ------
  Non-interest-earning assets:          
       Cash and due from banks..........    1,572                 1,595                            1,390
       Premises and equipment, net......    2,644                 2,656                              569
       Other assets.....................    2,069                 1,324                            1,011
Less allowance for loan losses..........     (858)                 (615)                            (427)
                                          -------               -------                          -------
       Total assets.....................  $57,771               $61,138                          $57,028
                                          =======               =======                          =======
                                        
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:   
  Interest-bearing liabilities:         
    NOW accounts........................  $ 3,814       2.00%   $ 3,585     $   36     2.01%     $ 3,343     $   32     1.91%
    Money market accounts...............    1,334       3.22%     1,580         26     3.29%       2,772         44     3.17%
    Regular savings and other...........   12,243       4.16%    11,911        252     4.23%      13,758        285     4.14%
    Time certificates of deposit........   33,222       5.90%    35,955      1,139     6.34%      29,799        892     5.99%
    Repurchase agreements...............      309       3.31%       269          5     3.72%         216          4     3.70%
    Lease obligations...................       --         --         --         --       --           19          1    10.53%
                                          -------               -------     ------               -------     ------
      Total interest-bearing liabilities   50,922                53,300     $1,458     5.47%      49,907     $1,258     5.05%
                                                                            ------                           ------
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:       
    Demand deposits.....................    3,123                 3,455                            3,023
    Other liabilities...................      151                   502                              232
                                          -------               -------                          -------
           Total liabilities............   54,196                57,257                           53,162
Shareholders' equity....................    3,575                 3,881                            3,866
                                          -------               -------                          -------
           Total liabilities and                                                                 $57,028
           shareholders' equity.........  $57,771               $61,138                          =======
                                          =======               =======
Net interest income/interest rate                                           $  887     2.88%                 $1,220     4.05%
      spread(4).........................                                    ======     ====                  ======    =====
                                        
Net interest margin(5)..................                                               3.16%                            4.48%
                                                                                       ====                            =====
Ratio of interest-earning assets to                                1.05%                            1.09%
  interest-bearing liabilities..........                        =======                          =======
                                        
- -------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Calculated on an annualized basis.
(2) Includes non-accrual loans.
(3) Securities are shown at average amortized cost.
(4) Interest rate spread is the average yield earned on total earning
    assets less the average cost paid for total interest-bearing liabilities.
(5) Net interest margin equals net interest income for the period
    (annualized) divided by average interest-earning assets.

                                       78
<PAGE>
 
RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS

     Net interest income can also be analyzed in terms of the impact of changing
interest rates on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and
changing the volume or amount of these assets and liabilities. The following
table represents the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in
the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have
affected Landmark's interest income and interest expense during the periods
indicated. Information is provided in each category with respect to (i) changes
attributable to changes in volume (change in volume multiplied by prior rate),
(ii) changes attributable to rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume),
and (iii) the net change. Changes attributable to the combined impact of volume
and rate have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to the volume
and the changes due to rate.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                     SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                       JUNE 30, 1996
                                                        COMPARED TO
                                                     SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                       JUNE 30, 1995
                                               -----------------------------
                                                INCREASE/(DECREASE) DUE TO
                                               -----------------------------
                                                VOLUME      RATE      NET
                                               ---------  --------  --------
<S>                                            <C>        <C>       <C>
                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Interest-earning assets:
   Loans.....................................      $105     $(189)    $ (84)
   Securities................................       (40)      (33)      (73)
   Federal Funds Sold........................        23         1        24
                                                   ----     -----     -----
        Total interest-earning assets........        88      (221)     (133)
                                                   ----     -----     -----
   Interest-bearing liabilities:
   Deposits..................................       129        71       200
   Borrowed Funds............................        (1)        1        --
                                                   ----     -----     -----
         Total interest-bearing liabilities..       128        72       200
                                                   ----     -----     -----
Net change in net interest income............      $(40)    $(293)    $(333)
                                                   ====     =====     =====
 
</TABLE>

     RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AS COMPARED TO THE
     SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995

  Net Income (Loss). Landmark had a net loss of $146,000, or $(0.41) per share
of Common Stock, for the six months ended June 30, 1996 as compared to net
income of $33,000, or $0.09 per share of Common Stock, in the comparable period
in 1995. The net loss and net income were computed without deducting any
proposed stock dividends paid.  For the six months ended June 30, 1996, Landmark
recorded net interest income of $887,000, resulting in a net interest margin on
average earning assets of 3.16%, compared to $1,220,000 and 4.48%, respectively,
for the six months ended June 30, 1995. Average interest-earning assets for the
six months ended June 30, 1996 were $56,178,000 with an average yield of 8.35%,
compared to $54,485,000 and 9.10%, respectively, for the comparable period in
1995. Average interest-bearing liabilities for the six months ended June 30,
1996 were $53,300,000 with an average cost of funds of 5.47%, compared to
$49,907,000 and 5.05%, respectively, for the comparable period in 1995.

  Net interest income. For the six months ended June 30, 1996, interest and fees
on loans decreased by $84,000, or 4.04%, from amounts for the comparable period
in 1995. Loan interest and fee income decreased due to a decrease in average
interest rates earned on loans, partially offset by an increase in the growth in
the average balance of loans outstanding. The average balance of loans
outstanding increased by $2,087,000, or 5.03%, for the six months ended June 30,
1996 over the comparable period

                                       79
<PAGE>
 
in 1995,  resulting in an increase of interest and fee income on loans due to
volume of $105,000. The average interest rates earned on loans decreased  to
9.15% for the six months ended June 30, 1996 compared to 10.02%  for the six
months ended June 30, 1995, resulting in an decrease of interest and fee income
on loans due to rates of $189,000.

  For the six months ended June 30, 1996, interest income on securities
decreased by $73,000, or 21.28%, from amounts earned for the comparable period
in 1995. The decrease in securities interest income was due to the combined
effects of a decrease in the average balance of securities and a decrease in
interest rates. The average balance of securities for the six months ended June
30, 1996 decreased by $1,272,000, or 11.80%, over the comparable period in 1995.
The average interest rates earned on securities decreased to 5.68% for the six
months ended June 30, 1996 from 6.36% for the six months ended June 30, 1995.
Interest income on federal funds sold increased by $24,000, or 41.38%, for the
six months ended June 30, 1996 from the comparable period in 1995. The net
increase in interest income on federal funds was the result of an increase in
rates earned and an increase in average balances.

  Interest expense on deposits increased by $200,000, or 15.96%, for the six
months ended June 30, 1996 as compared to the same period in 1995. The increase
was due to a combination of growth in the average balance of interest-bearing
deposits and increases in the interest rates paid on such deposits. The average
balance of interest-bearing deposits outstanding increased by $3,359,000, or
6.76%, during the six months ended June 30, 1996 over the comparable period in
1995, resulting in an increase in interest expense on interest-bearing deposits
due to volume of $129,000. The average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits
increased to 5.47% for the six months ended June 30, 1996 compared to average
rates of 5.05% for the six months ended June 30, 1995 resulting in an increase
in interest expense on deposits due to rates of $71,000.

  The above factors contributed to a decrease of net interest income of
$333,000, or 27.29%, for the six months ended June 30, 1996 as compared to the
six months ended June 30, 1995.

  Future net interest income levels will be dependent on Landmark's ability to
control levels of nonperforming assets, earn sufficient returns on earning
assets by achieving a proper mix of loans and short-and long-term securities.
Future net interest income levels will also be dependent on future interest rate
levels.

  Provision for Loan Losses. In determining an appropriate provision for
possible loan losses for any period, management evaluates the adequacy of its
allowance for loan losses. Management's periodic evaluation of the adequacy of
the allowance is based on Landmark's past loan loss experience, known and
inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the
borrower's ability to repay (including the timing of future payments), the
estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio,
current economic conditions, and other relevant factors. This evaluation is
inherently subjective as it requires material estimates (including the amounts
and timing of future cash flows expected to be received on impaired loans) that
may be susceptible to significant change.

  Loan loss provisions for the six months ended June 30, 1996 were $317,000 as
compared to $48,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1995. Charge-offs were
$120,000 and $11,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1995,
respectively. The increase in the provision was a result of additional
provisions for impaired loans. During the six months ended June 30, 1996,
Landmark realized recoveries of previously charged-off amounts totaling $2,000.
At June 30, 1996, the allowance for loan losses was $858,000, or 1.99% of total
loans, compared to $659,000, or 1.51%, at December 31, 1995. See Notes 1 and 5
of Notes to the Landmark Financial Statements.

                                       80
<PAGE>
 
  Other Income and Expenses. Customer service fees decreased slightly to $43,000
for the six months ended June 30, 1996 as compared to $48,000 for the comparable
period in 1995. The small net decrease, despite increases in total deposit
balances, results from decreases in fees on transaction accounts.

  Other expenses decreased by $193,000, or 14.86%, for the six months ended June
30, 1996 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 1995.

  Income Taxes. Landmark's income tax benefit  for the six months ended June 30,
1996 was $86,000, or 37.07% of pretax earnings, as compared to income tax
expense of $27,000, or 44.26%, for the comparable period in 1995. The effective
tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate of 34% primarily due to
additional accruals for state income taxes.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

  Loans.  Net loans were $42,307,000, or 73.23% of total assets at June 30,
1996, compared with $42,862,000, or 70.54% of total assets at December 31, 1995.
During the 1996 period, Landmark  commercial real estate loans decreased by
$6,000 to $10,566,000 at June 30, 1996 from $10,572,000 at December 31, 1995.
Commercial loans decreased by $782,000, or 11.40%, and totaled $6,078,000 at
June 30, 1996, compared to $6,860,000 at December 31, 1995. Residential
construction loans decreased by $1,205,000, or 42.27%, and totaled $1,646,000 at
June 30, 1996, compared to $2,851,000 at December 31, 1995. Installment loans
increased by $342,000, or 8.84%, and totaled $4,210,000 at June 30, 1995,
compared to $3,868,000 at December 31, 1995. See "CERTAIN  STATISTICAL AND OTHER
INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO LANDMARK--Loan Portfolio" and Note 4 of Notes to the
Landmark Financial Statements.

  Asset Quality. The aggregate amount of non-accrual loans and other loans past
due 90 days and still accruing totaled $1,200,000 at June 30, 1996 compared to
$572,000 at December 31, 1995. During the period from December 31, 1995 to June
30, 1996, management placed a commercial real estate loan with a balance of
$640,000 on non-accrual and provided an allowance for loan losses of $290,000
for that loan based on management's belief that the collectibility of principal
and/or interest on this loan is questionable.  In addition there is a related
allowance for loan losses on the other aggregate non-accrual balances of
$360,000 totalling $128,000, or 35.55% as of June 30, 1996. Landmark had no
"other real estate owned" as of June 30, 1996 or December 31, 1995. Non-
performing assets as a percent of net loans increased to 2.84% at June 30, 1996
from 1.33% at December 31, 1995.

  It is Landmark management's policy to discontinue the accrual of interest on a
loan when there is reasonable doubt as to its collectibility. The accrual of
income on some loans, however, may continue even though they are more than 90
days past due if the loans are both well secured and in the process of
collection and if management deems it appropriate.

  While Landmark considers the allowance for loan losses to be adequate at June
30, 1996, it is not able to predict the future of the local economy. Given this
uncertainty, any declines in the local economy could result in additional
provisions for loan losses, additional charge-offs, changes in the level of the
allowance for loan losses, and increases in the level of non-performing assets.

  See "CERTAIN STATISTICAL AND OTHER INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO LANDMARK--Non-
accrual, Past Due, Restructured, and Potential Problem Loans," "--Summary of
Loan Loss Experience" and "--Allowance for Loan Loss Allocation" and Notes 1 and
5 of Notes to the Landmark Financial Statements.

                                       81
<PAGE>
 
  Securities.  Securities  totaled $7,939,000 and $10,335,000 at June 30, 1996
and December 31, 1995, respectively. The portfolio is comprised primarily of
mortgage-backed and U.S. Treasury securities. The total securities portfolio had
an expected average life of approximately three and one fourth years at June 30,
1996.

  At June 30, 1996, securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity totaled
$7,111,000 and $828,000 respectively, which represented 89.57% and 10.43%,
respectively, of total securities.  Unrealized net losses on securities
available-for-sale, net of applicable taxes, amounted to $87,000 at June 30,
1996.

  See "CERTAIN STATISTICAL AND OTHER INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO LANDMARK--
Securities Portfolio" and Note 3 of Notes to the Landmark Financial Statements.

  Deposits. Interest-bearing deposit balances at June 30, 1996 totaled
$50,613,000 compared to $52,492,000 at year-end 1995, a decrease of $1,879,000,
or 3.58%. Regular savings balances totaled $12,243,000 at June 30, 1996 compared
to $10,619,000 at December 31, 1995, an increase of $1,624,000, or 15.29%.  Time
certificates of deposit totaled $33,222,000 at June 30, 1996 compared to
$36,780,000 at December 31, 1995, a decrease of $3,558,000, or 9.67%. Demand
deposits totaled $3,123,000 at June 30, 1996 compared to $3,867,000 at December
31, 1995, a decrease of $744,000, or 19.24%. Due to normal fluctuations in
demand deposit balances, consistent with the cash flow needs of commercial
customers, average volumes more accurately reflect growth in demand deposits
than do period-end balances. The average balance of demand deposits totaled
$3,455,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1996 compared to $3,187,000 for the
year ended December 31, 1995, an increase of $268,000, or 8.41%.  See "CERTAIN
STATISTICAL AND OTHER INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO LANDMARK--Deposits" and Note 7
of Notes to the Landmark Financial Statements.

LIQUIDITY AND INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY MANAGEMENT

  Landmark maintains numerous sources of liquidity in the form of marketable
assets and borrowing capacity. Sources of liquidity include interest-bearing
deposits with other banks, federal funds sold, available-for-sale securities,
and regular cash flows from loan and securities portfolios. The investment
portfolio is predominantly made up of securities which can be readily utilized
for the repurchase agreement market.

  Landmark evaluates its sensitivity to changes in interest rates by monitoring
the timing of repricing of interest-sensitive assets compared to interest-
sensitive liabilities. This is commonly known as an interest rate sensitivity
analysis. The interest rate sensitivity gap is the difference between rate
sensitive assets and rate sensitive liabilities. A positive gap exists when rate
sensitive assets exceed rate sensitive liabilities and indicates that a greater
volume of assets than liabilities will be impacted by changes in interest rates
during the stated period. With a positive gap, earnings will generally increase
when rates rise and decrease when rates decline within the period. Conversely,
when rate sensitive liabilities exceed rate sensitive assets, the gap is
referred to as negative and indicates that a greater volume of liabilities than
assets will be impacted by changes in interest rates during the period. With a
negative gap, earnings will generally decrease when rates rise and increase when
rates decline within the  period. Landmark seeks to insulate itself from
interest rate risk .  Toward that end, Landmark monitors the relative volume,
maturity and yields of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities
over various time horizons, with particular emphasis on the immediate one year
time horizon.

                                       82
<PAGE>
 
  The following table illustrates the excess (or deficiency) of interest-earning
assets over interest-bearing liabilities at June 30, 1996. Due to Landmark's
positive gap, increases in interest rates would generally enhance earnings and
decreases in rates would generally inhibit earnings.

                       INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
                                AT JUNE 30, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                  1         1-3        3-6        6-12     OVER 1     
                                                MONTH      MONTHS     MONTHS     MONTHS     YEAR      TOTAL
                                               -------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                   (Dollars in thousands)
INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS
   Loans and Mortgages Held for Resale.......   $16,206    $ 5,259    $ 6,752    $11,289    $ 3,659    $43,165
   Securities................................        48         81        119        409      7,282      7,939
   Federal Funds.............................     1,240         --         --         --         --      1,240
                                                -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
     TOTAL                                      $17,494    $ 5,340    $ 6,871    $11,698    $10,941    $52,344
                                                =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES
   NOW and MMDA..............................   $   172    $   343    $   515    $ 1,030    $ 3,089    $ 5,149
   Savings...................................       408        816      1,224      2,448      7,346     12,242
   Time Deposits Including IRA...............     1,588      3,156      6,838     15,764      5,876     33,222
   Borrowings (Repurchase Agreement).........       309         --         --         --         --        309
                                                -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
     TOTAL                                      $ 2,477    $ 4,315    $ 8,577    $19,242    $16,311    $50,922
                                                =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
 
Period Sensitivity Gap.......................   $15,017    $ 1,025    $(1,706)   $(7,544)   $(5,370)   $ 1,422
                                                =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Cumulative Sensitivity Gap...................   $15,017    $16,042    $14,336    $ 6,792    $ 1,422
                                                =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Cumulative Excess/(Deficiency) as a Percent       
   of Total Rate Sensitive Assets............     28.69%     30.65%     27.39%     12.98%      2.72%
</TABLE>

   Loan Maturity and Repricing. The following table shows the maturity or period
to repricing of Landmark's loan portfolio at June 30, 1996. Loans that have
adjustable rates are shown as being due in the period during which the interest
rates are next subject to change. The table does not include prepayments or
scheduled principal amortization. Prepayments and scheduled principal
amortization on Landmark's loan portfolio totaled $9,786,000 for the six months
ended June 30, 1996.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                      AT JUNE 30, 1996
                                          -----------------------------------------
                                              MORTGAGE LOANS
                                          ----------------------
                                                    MULTI-FAMILY                   
                                          ONE- TO    AND OTHER                     
                                           FOUR-    REAL ESTATE    OTHER    TOTAL  
                                           FAMILY      LOANS       LOANS    LOANS 
                                          --------  ------------  -------  --------
<S>                                       <C>       <C>           <C>      <C>
                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
AMOUNT DUE:
   One year or less.....................   $20,125       $11,416   $7,965   $39,506
                                           -------       -------   ------   -------
 
AFTER ONE YEAR:
   One to three years...................     1,352           986      473     2,811
   More than three years to five years..       134            --      283       417
   More than five years to ten years....       245           186       --       431
   More than ten years..................        --            --       --        --
                                           -------       -------   ------   -------
TOTAL DUE OR REPRICING AFTER ONE YEAR...     1,731         1,172      756     3,659
                                           -------       -------   ------   -------
 
TOTAL AMOUNTS DUE OR REPRICING, GROSS...   $21,856       $12,588   $8,721   $43,165
                                           =======       =======   ======   =======
 
</TABLE>

                                       83
<PAGE>
 
     The following table sets forth the dollar amounts in each loan category at
June 30, 1996 that are due after June 30, 1997, and whether such loans have
fixed or adjustable interest rates.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                DUE AFTER JUNE 30, 1997
                                              ----------------------------
                                               FIXED   ADJUSTABLE   TOTAL
                                              -------  ----------  -------
<S>                                           <C>      <C>         <C>
                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
MORTGAGE LOANS:
  One- to four-family.......................   $  461      $1,270   $1,731
  Multi-family and other Real Estate Loans..      287         885    1,172
OTHER LOANS.................................      756          --      756
                                               ------      ------   ------
     Total loans............................   $1,504      $2,155   $3,659
                                               ======      ======   ======
</TABLE>

CAPITAL

     At June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995, the FDIC required minimum total and
Tier I risk-based capital ratios for "well-capitalized" banks of 10% and 6%,
respectively. Landmark's total risk-based capital ratios at June 30, 1996 and
December 31, 1995 were 10.42% and 10.95%, respectively, and its Tier I risk-
based capital ratios were 9.16% and 9.69%, respectively.

     To complement risk-based capital guidelines, the FDIC adopted a Tier 1
leverage capital of 3% for the most highly rated banks and up to 5% for other
banks. The leverage ratios are used in tandem with the risk-based capital
requirements as the minimum capital standards for banks. Landmark's Tier I
leverage capital ratios were 6.19% and 6.40% at June 30, 1996 and December 31,
1995, respectively.

     See "CERTAIN STATISTICAL AND OTHER INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO LANDMARK--
Return on Shareholders' Equity and Assets" and Note 11 of Notes to the
Landmark Financial Statements.

                      THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995

HIGHLIGHTS

     Landmark had net income from operations of $21,000, or $0.06 per share of
common stock, for the year ended December 31, 1995. Net income from operations
for the year ended December 31, 1994 was $226,000 or $0.64 per share of common
stock. Net income from operations for the year ended December 31, 1993 was
$476,000 or $1.15 per fully diluted share of common stock. Net income from
operations for the three years were computed without deducting any preferred
stock dividends paid.

     At December 31, 1995, Landmark had total assets of $60,763,000, an increase
of $4,433,000, or 7.87%, from $56,330,000 at December 31, 1994. Loans (primarily
commercial and commercial real estate) provided $2,591,000 of the asset growth
for the year ended December 31, 1995. In addition, Landmark purchased the
building housing its main office and operations center in August, 1995 for
$2,000,000.

     At December 31, 1995, Landmark's equity to assets ratio was 6.40%, its Tier
I leverage ratio was 9.69% and its total risk-based capital ratio was 10.95%,
all of which exceeded published regulatory minimums. The comparable capital
ratios for December 31, 1994 were 6.73%, 10.42% and 11.67%, respectively.

                                       84
<PAGE>
 
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET

     The following table sets forth certain information relating to Landmark's
average balance sheet, including interest-earning assets, interest-bearing
liabilities and net interest income for the periods indicated:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                         
                                       -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1995                           1994                           1993  
                                       -----------------------------   ----------------------------   ----------------------------
                                                            AVERAGE                        AVERAGE                        AVERAGE
                                        AVERAGE              YIELD/    AVERAGE              YIELD/    AVERAGE              YIELD/
                                        BALANCE   INTEREST    COST     BALANCE   INTEREST    COST     BALANCE   INTEREST    COST
                                       ---------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  --------
<S>                                    <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
                                                                         (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                              
ASSETS:                                                                                                                      
  Interest-earning assets:                                                                                                   
    Loans(1).........................   $42,320     $4,269    10.09%   $33,629     $3,197     9.51%   $25,976     $2,417     9.30%
    Securities(2)....................    10,596        676     6.38%     4,878        343     7.03%     3,133        142     4.53%
    Federal funds sold...............     3,895        218     5.60%     1,384         53     3.83%     1,337         35     2.62%
                                        -------     ------             -------     ------             -------     ------     
      Total interest-earning assets..    56,811     $5,163     9.09%    39,891     $3,593     9.01%    30,446     $2,594     8.52%
                                                    ------                         ------                         ------     
  Non-interest-earning assets:                                                                                               
      Cash and due from banks........     1,444                          1,314                            887                
      Premises and equipment, net....     1,339                            536                            493                
      Other assets...................     1,105                            694                            586                
  Less allowance for loan losses.....      (473)                          (309)                          (165)               
                                        -------                        -------                        -------                
      Total assets...................   $60,226                        $42,126                        $32,247                
                                        =======                        =======                        =======                
                                                                                                                             
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:                                                                                        
  Interest-bearing liabilities:                                                                                              
    NOW..............................   $ 3,443     $   65     1.89%   $ 3,553     $   77     2.17%   $ 2,812     $   66     2.35%
    Money market accounts............     2,368         77     3.25%     3,668        112     3.05%     3,143         97     3.09%
    Regular savings and other........    12,560        532     4.24%    11,188        480     4.29%     4,046        118     2.92%
    Time certificates of deposit.....    34,236      2,174     6.35%    16,551        704     4.25%    16,157        660     4.08%
    Repurchase agreements............       259          9     3.47%       164          5     3.05%       259          8     3.09%
    Lease obligations................        10          1    10.00%        80         14    17.50%       157         22    14.01%
                                        -------     ------             -------     ------             -------     ------     
        Total interest-bearing                                                                                               
         liabilities.................    52,876     $2,858     5.41%    35,204     $1,392     3.95%    26,574     $  971     3.65%
                                                    ------                         ------                         ------     
  Non-interest-bearing liabilities:                                                                                          
    Demand deposits..................     3,187                          2,908                          2,270                
    Other liabilities................       278                            148                            124                
                                        -------                        -------                        -------                
       Total liabilities.............    56,341                         38,260                         28,968                
  Shareholders' equity...............     3,885                          3,866                          3,279                
                                        -------                        -------                        -------                
       Total liabilities and            $60,226                        $42,126                        $32,247                
         shareholders' equity........   =======                        =======                        =======                
                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                             
 Net interest income/interest rate                                                                                           
  spread(3)..........................               $2,305     3.68%               $2,201     5.06%               $1,623     4.87%
                                                    ======    =====                ======    =====                ======    =====
 Net interest margin(4)..............                          4.06%                          5.52%                          5.33%
                                                              =====                          =====                          =====
 Ratio of interest-earning assets to                                                                                         
  interest-bearing liabilities.......      1.07%                          1.13%                          1.15%               
                                        =======                        =======                        =======                 
- ------------------
</TABLE>

(1) Includes non-accrual loans.
(2) Securities are shown at average amortized cost.
(3) Interest rate spread is the average yield earned on total earning assets
    less the average cost paid for total interest-bearing liabilities.
(4) Net interest margin equals net interest income for the period divided by
    average interest-earning assets.

                                       85
<PAGE>
 
RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS

     Net interest income can also be analyzed in terms of the impact of changing
interest rates on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and
changing the volume or amount of these assets and liabilities. The following
table represents the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in
the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have
affected Landmark's interest income and interest expense during the periods
indicated. Information is provided in each category with respect to (i) changes
attributable to changes in volume (change in volume multiplied by prior rate),
(ii) changes attributable to rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume),
and (iii) the net change. Changes attributable to the combined impact of volume
and rate have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to the volume
and the changes due to rate.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                  YEAR ENDED                             YEAR ENDED
                                               DECEMBER 31, 1995                      DECEMBER 31, 1994
                                                  COMPARED TO                            COMPARED TO
                                                  YEAR ENDED                             YEAR ENDED
                                               DECEMBER 31, 1994                      DECEMBER 31, 1993
                                         -----------------------------           ---------------------------
                                          INCREASE/(DECREASE) DUE TO             INCREASE/(DECREASE) DUE TO
                                         -----------------------------           ---------------------------
                                          VOLUME     RATE       NET     VOLUME       RATE           NET
                                         --------  --------  ---------  -------  ------------  -------------
<S>                                      <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>           <C>
                                                               (Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
   Loans...............................   $  826     $ 246     $1,072     $712           $ 68          $780
   Securities..........................      403       (70)       333       79            122           201
   Federal Funds Sold..................       96        69        165        1             17            18
                                          ------     -----     ------     ----           ----          ----
        Total interest-earning assets..    1,325       245      1,570      792            207           999
                                          ------     -----     ------     ----           ----          ----
Interest-bearing liabilities:
   Deposits............................      769       706      1,475      258            174           432
   Borrowed Funds......................       (9)       --         (9)     (14)             3           (11)
                                          ------     -----     ------     ----           ----          ----
         Total interest-bearing              760      (706)     1,466      244            177           421
           liabilities.................   ------     -----     ------     ----           ----          ----
 
Net change in net interest income......   $  565     $(461)    $  104     $548           $ 30          $578
                                          ======     =====     ======     ====           ====          ====
 
</TABLE>

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AS COMPARED TO YEAR
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994

     Net Income. Landmark had net income from operations of $21,000, or $0.06
per share of common stock, for the year ended December 31, 1995 as compared to
$226,000, or $0.64 per share of common stock, for the year ended December 31,
1994. Net income from operations was computed without deducting any preferred
stock dividends paid. For the year ended December 31, 1995, Landmark recorded
net interest income of $2,305,000, resulting in a net interest margin on average
earning assets of 4.06%, compared to $2,201,000 and 5.52%, respectively, for the
year ended December 31, 1994. Average interest-earning assets for the year ended
December 31, 1995 were $56,811,000 with an average yield of 9.09%, compared to
$39,891,000 and 9.01%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1994.
Average interest-bearing liabilities for the year ended December 31, 1995 were
$52,876,000 with an average cost of funds of 5.41%, compared to $35,204,000 and
3.95%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1994.

      Net Interest Income. During 1995, interest income and fees on loans
increased by $1,072,000, or 33.54%, over amounts earned in 1994. Loan interest
and fee income increased due to growth in the average balance of loans
outstanding combined with an increase in average interest rates earned on such
loans. The average balance of loans outstanding increased by $8,691,000 or
25.84%, in 1995 over 1994, resulting in an increase of interest and fee income
on loans due to volume of $826,000. The average

                                       86
<PAGE>
 
interest rates earned on loans increased from 9.51% in 1994 to 10.09% in 1995,
resulting in an increase of interest and fee income on loans due to rates of
$246,000.

     During 1995, interest income on securities increased by $333,000, or
97.08%, from amounts earned in 1994. The increase in securities interest income
was due to the growth in the average balance of securities outstanding partially
offset by a slight decrease in rates. The 1995 average balance of securities
increased by $5,718,000, or 117.22% from the 1994 average balance resulting in
an increase in income due to volume increases of $403,000. The average interest
rates earned on securities decreased from 7.03% in 1994 to 6.38% in 1995
resulting in a decrease of income due to average rate decreases of $70,000.
Interest income on federal funds sold increased by $165,000, or 311.32%, in 1995
over 1994. The increase in interest income on federal funds as a result of
increases in interest rates was $69,000. The average balance invested in federal
funds sold increased $2,511,000 from $1,384,000 in 1994 to $3,895,000 in 1995.
The increase in federal funds income due to increased average volume was
$96,000.

     Interest expense on deposits increased by $1,475,000, or 107.43%, in 1995
as compared to 1994. The increase was due to growth in the average balance of
interest-bearing deposits to $52,607,000 during 1995 from $34,960,000 during
1994, an increase of $17,647,000 or 50.48%. The total average yield on interest-
bearing deposits increased to 5.41% in 1995 from 3.93% in 1994, an increase of
1.48% or 37.66%. These increases are primarily due to an increase in the average
balances of time certificates of deposit from an average of $16,551,000 bearing
interest at an average rate of 4.25% in 1994 to average balances of $34,236,000
bearing interest at an average rate of 6.35% in 1995.

     Interest expense on borrowed funds, consisting of repurchase agreements and
capitalized lease obligations, decreased by $9,000, or 47.37%, in 1995 from
1994. The average balance on borrowings outstanding increased by $25,000, or
10.25%, in 1995 over 1994, resulting in a decrease of interest expense on
borrowings due to volume of $9,000. The average interest rates paid on
borrowings in 1995 was 3.72% compared to 7.79% in 1994, resulting in an decrease
of interest expense on borrowings due to rates of $0.

     The above factors contributed to an overall increase of net interest income
of $104,000, or 4.73%, for 1995 as compared to 1994.

     Future net interest income levels will be dependent on Landmark's ability
to control levels of non-performing assets, earn sufficient returns on earning
assets by achieving a proper mix of loans and short- and long-term securities.
Future net interest income levels will also be dependent on future interest rate
levels.

     Provision For Loan Losses. In determining an appropriate provision for
possible loan losses for any period, management evaluates the adequacy of its
allowance for loan losses. Management's periodic evaluation of the adequacy of
the allowance is based on Landmark's past loan loss experience, known and
inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the
borrower's ability to repay (including the timing of future payments), the
estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio,
current economic conditions, and other relevant factors. This evaluation is
inherently subjective as it requires material estimates (including the amounts
and timing of future cash flows expected to be received on impaired loans) that
may be susceptible to significant change. The allowance for loan losses is
maintained at a level believed adequate by management to absorb estimated
probable loan losses.

                                       87
<PAGE>
 
     Loan loss provisions during 1995 were $205,000 as compared to $203,000 for
1994. Charge-offs were $11,000 and $3,000 in 1995 and 1994, respectively. The
increase in the provision was primarily a result of the decision by the Board of
Directors to increase the general allowance on commercial loans from 1.00% to
1.50%. See Notes I and 5 of Notes to the Landmark Financial Statements. There
were no realized recoveries of previously charged-off loans in 1995 or 1994. At
year end 1995, the allowance for loan losses was $659,000 or 1.51%, of total
loans, compared to $465,000, or 1.14%, at year-end 1994. Landmark had no "other
real estate owned" as of December 31, 1995 or 1994.

     Other Income and Expenses. During the years ended December 31, 1995 and
1994, securities available-for-sale were sold with a fair value at the date of
sale of $0 and $120,000, respectively. The gross realized gains on such sales in
1995 and 1994 were $0 and $1,000, respectively, and there were no gross realized
losses. These securities were sold in order to manage Landmark's asset-liability
and liquidity positions.

     Customer service fees were $90,000 in 1995 as compared to $86,000 in 1994,
representing an increase of $4,000 or 4.65%. These fee increases resulted from
more uniform collection of service charges.

     Other expenses increased by $292,000, or 13.32%, in 1995 as compared to
1994. The increase was primarily the result of additional personnel expense and
the costs of additional internal controls and planning efforts.

     Income Taxes. Landmark's income tax expense for 1995 was $5,000, or 19.23%
of pretax earnings. The effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory
rate of 15.0%. Income tax expense for 1994 was $141,000 or 38.42% of pretax
earnings. See Note 9 of Notes to the Landmark Financial Statements.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 AS COMPARED TO YEAR
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993

     Net Income. Landmark had net income from operations of $226,000, or $0.64
per share of common stock, for the year ended December 31, 1994 as compared to
$476,000, or $1.15 per fully diluted share of common stock, for the year ended
December 31, 1993. Net income from operations was computed without deducting any
preferred stock dividends paid. For the year ended December 31, 1994, Landmark
recorded net interest income of $2,201,000, resulting in a net interest margin
on average earning assets of 5.52%, compared to $1,623,000 and 5.33%,
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1993. Average interest-earning
assets for the year ended December 31, 1994 were $39,891,000 with an average
yield of 9.01%, compared to $30,446,000 and 8.52%, respectively, for the year
ended December 31, 1993. Average interest-bearing liabilities for the year ended
December 31, 1994 were $35,204,000 with an average cost of funds of 3.95%,
compared to $26,574,000 and 3.65%, respectively, for the year ended December 31,
1993.

     Net Interest Income. During 1994, interest and fees on loans increased by
$780,000, or 32.27%, over amounts earned in 1993. The increase in loan interest
and fee income was due to the growth in the average balance of loans outstanding
and a slight increase in the average rates earned on such loans. The average
balance of loans outstanding increased by $7,653,000, or 29.46%, in 1994 over
1993 resulting in an increase of interest and fee income on loans due to volume
of $712,000. The average interest rates earned on loans increased from 9.30% in
1993 to 9.51% in 1994, resulting in an increase in interest and fee income on
loans due to rates of $68,000.

                                       88
<PAGE>
 
     During 1994, interest income on securities increased by $201,000, or
141.55% from amounts earned in 1993. The increase was due both to increased
average balances and to higher average interest rates in 1994 compared to 1993.
Average balances increased to $4,878,000 in 1994 from $3,133,000 in 1993, an
increase in average balances of $1,745,000 or 55.70% The average earnings rate
on securities was 7.03% in 1994 up from an average rate of 4.53% earned on
securities in 1993.

     Interest expense on deposits increased by $432,000, or 45.91%, in 1994 as
compared to 1993. The average balance of interest-bearing deposits increased by
$8,802,000 or 33.64% in 1994 in comparison to 1993, which resulted in increased
interest expense due to volume of $258,000. The average cost of interest rates
paid on interest-bearing deposits increased to 3.93% in 1994 as compared to
3.60% in 1993, which resulted in an increase in interest expense due to rates of
$174,000. The average balance on savings accounts increased $7,142,000 from an
average balance in 1993 of $4,046,000 bearing interest at an average rate of
2.92% to an average balance of $11,188,000 bearing interest at an average rate
of 4.29%.

     Interest expense on borrowed funds decreased by $11,000, or 36.66%, in 1994
from 1993. The decrease was due to a decrease in the average balances of
borrowed funds partially offset by an increase in the average rate paid on those
funds.

     The above factors contributed to an overall increase in net interest
income of $578,000, or 35.61%, for 1994 as compared with 1993.

     Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses during 1994 was
$203,000, compared to $145,000 during 1993. The increase in the provision was a
result of growth in the loan portfolio. Loans of $3,000 and $22,000 were charged
to the allowance for loan losses during 1994 and 1993, respectively. There were
no recoveries in 1994 or 1993. At year end 1994, the allowance for loan losses
was $465,000, or 1.14% of total loans, compared to $265,000, or .95%, at year
end 1993. See Notes 1 and 5 of Notes to the Landmark Financial Statements.

     Other Income and Expenses. Gross gains from securities transactions in 1994
were $1,000 on sales of $120,000, as compared to gross gains in 1993 of $5,000
on sales of $556,000. Gross losses from securities transactions in 1994 were $0
as compared to gross losses in 1993 of $1,000 on gross sales of $755,000. In
1993, $570,000 of gross sales had no gain or loss. These securities matured in
accordance with their terms.

     Gains on sales of the guaranteed portions of Small Business Administration
("SBA") loans amounted to $163,000 in 1994 in comparison to $421,000 in 1993.

     Fees on origination of loans for the secondary mortgage market totaled
$137,000 in 1994 in comparison to $255,000 in 1993.

     Customer service fees were $86,000 in 1994 as compared to $71,000 in 1993.
The $15,000, or 21.12%, increase was primarily due to increases in transaction
volumes resulting from balance sheet growth.

     Other expenses increased by $605,000, or 38.12%, in 1994 as compared to
1993. The increase was primarily attributable to the combined effects of higher
transaction volumes due to balance sheet growth and increased staffing costs.

                                       89
<PAGE>
 
     Income Taxes. Income tax expense amounted to $141,000, or 38.42% on pretax
income of $367,000 in 1994 in comparison to $278,000, or 36.87% on pretax income
of $754,000 in 1993 . Income tax expense differs from that computed at the
statutory rate of 34% primarily because of expenses deductible for financial
reporting purposes that are not deductible for income tax reporting purposes.
See Notes to the Landmark Financial Statements.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

     Loans. Loan growth was moderate in 1995 as net loans increased to
$42,862,000, or 70.54% of total assets at December 31, 1995 from $40,465,000, or
71.84% of total assets at December 31,1994, an increase of $2,397,000 or
5.92%.The majority of the asset growth in 1994 was in the loan portfolio. Net
loans were $40,465,000, or 71.84% of total assets at December 31, 1994, compared
with $27,582,000, or 81.82% of total assets at December 31, 1993. During 1995,
Landmark experienced loan growth in commercial and commercial real estate and
residential loans. Commercial real estate loans increased by $483,000, or 4.78%,
and totaled $10,572,000 at December 31, 1995, compared to $10,089,000 at
December 31, 1994. Commercial loans increased by $1,021,000, or 17.49%, and
totaled $6,860,000 at December 31, 1995, compared to $5,839,000 at December 31,
1994. Additionally, Landmark's residential real estate and residential
construction loans increased by $1,649,000, or 8.17%, and totaled $21,839,000 at
December 31, 1995, compared to $20,190,000 at December 31, 1994. These increases
can be attributed to management's referral network and providing additional
services to businesses and professionals with whom Landmark has existing
relationships. See "CERTAIN STATISTICAL AND OTHER INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO
LANDMARK--Loan Portfolio" and Note 4 of Notes to the Landmark Financial
Statements.

     Asset Quality. The aggregate amount of non-accrual loans and other loans
past due 90 days and still accruing totaled $572,000 at the end of 1995 compared
to $4,000 at the end of 1994. Landmark had no "other real estate owned" as of
December 31, 1995, 1994 or 1993. Non-performing assets as a percent of net loans
increased to 1.33 % at December 31, 1995 from 0.01% at December 31, 1994.

     It is management's policy to discontinue the accrual of interest on a loan
when there is reasonable doubt as to its collectibility. The accrual of some
loans, however, may continue even though they are more than 90 days past due if
the loans are both well secured and in the process of collection and if
management deems it appropriate.

     While Landmark considers the allowance for loan losses to be adequate at
December 31, 1995, it is not able to predict the future direction of the local
economy. Given this uncertainty, any declines in the local economy could result
in additional provisions for loan losses, additional charge-offs, changes in the
level of the allowance for loan losses, and increases in the level of non-
performing assets.

     See "CERTAIN STATISTICAL AND OTHER INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO LANDMARK--
Non-accrual, Past Due, Restructured, and Potential Problem Loans," "--Summary of
Loan Loss Experience" and "--Allowance for Loan Loss Allocation" and Notes 1 and
5 of Notes to the Landmark Financial Statements.

     Securities. Securities totaled $10,335,000 and $10,931,000 at December 31,
1995 and 1994, respectively. The other major increase in assets during 1994 was
securities. Total securities increased to $10,931,000 at December 31,1994 from
$1,788,000 at December 31, 1993, an increase of $9,143,000 or 511.35%. The
average balance invested in securities increased to an average balance of
$4,878,000 in 1994 from an average balance of $3,133,000 in 1993, an increase in
average balances of $1,745,000, or 55.70%. The portfolio is comprised primarily
of mortgage-backed and U.S. Treasury securities. The

                                       90
<PAGE>
 
total securities portfolio had an expected average life of approximately three
and one fourth years at December 31, 1995.

     Effective December 31, 1993, Landmark adopted SFAS No. 115 "Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities". In accordance with the
Statement, management determines the appropriate classification of debt
securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each
balance sheet date. Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity when
Landmark has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity.
Held-to-maturity securities are carried at amortized historical cost.

     Debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity are classified as
available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and
losses, net of taxes, on available-for-sale securities are reported as a
separate component of shareholders' equity. Landmark does not have a trading
account and has no derivative financial instruments.

     Prior to December 31, 1993, Landmark's securities were held-for-investment
and carried at amortized cost.

     At December 31, 1995, securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity
totaled $9,523,000 and $812,000, respectively, which represented 92.14% and
7.86%, respectively, of total securities. Unrealized net gains on securities
available-for-sale, net of applicable taxes, amounted to $92,000 at December 31,
1995.

     See "CERTAIN STATISTICAL AND OTHER INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO LANDMARK--
Securities Portfolio" and Note 3 of Notes to the Landmark Financial
Statements.

     Deposits. Interest-bearing deposit balances at December 31, 1995 totaled
$52,492,000 compared to $47,902,000 at year-end 1994, an increase of $4,590,000,
or 9.58%. Demand deposits decreased by $223,000 in 1995 from the 1994 year-end
balance of $4,090,000 to $3,867,000 at December 31, 1995. Regular savings
decreased by $6,173,000, or 36.76%, from the 1994 year-end balance of
$16,792,000 to $10,619,000 at December 31, 1995. This decline can be attributed
to customers transferring funds from relatively low rate savings accounts to
relatively higher rate certificates of deposit. Time certificates of deposit
increased by $13,328,000, or 56.83% to $36,780,000 at December 31, 1995 from the
1994 year-end balance of $23,452,000. This increase can be primarily attributed
to a certificate of deposit promotion utilized to generate funds to replace out
of area certificates. See "CERTAIN STATISTICAL AND OTHER INFORMATION WITH
RESPECT TO LANDMARK--Deposits" and Note 7 of Notes to the Landmark Financial
Statements.

LIQUIDITY AND INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY MANAGEMENT

     Liquidity management involves Landmark's ability to meet the cash flow
requirements of customers who may be either depositors wanting to withdraw funds
or borrowers needing assurance that sufficient funds will be available to meet
their credit needs. Interest rate sensitivity management seeks to avoid
fluctuating net interest margins and to enhance consistent growth of net
interest income through periods of changing interest rates.

     Landmark's most important liquidity source is liability liquidity, the
ability to raise new funds and to renew maturing liabilities in a variety of
markets. The most important factor in assuring liability liquidity is
maintaining the confidence of Landmark depositors. Out of area deposits have
been used when they are a low cost and controllable funding source. Funds are
primarily generated locally and regionally.

                                       91
<PAGE>
 
Other types of assets, such as federal funds sold, repurchase agreements and
maturing loans, are supplemental sources of liquidity.

     Landmark evaluates its sensitivity to changes in interest rates by
monitoring the timing of repricing of interest-sensitive assets compared to
interest-sensitive liabilities. This is commonly known as an interest rate
sensitivity analysis. The interest rate sensitivity gap is the difference
between rate sensitive assets and rate sensitive liabilities. A positive gap
exists when rate sensitive assets exceed rate sensitive liabilities and
indicates that a greater volume of assets than liabilities will be impacted by
changes in interest rates during the stated period. With a positive gap,
earnings will generally increase when rates rise and decrease when rates decline
within the period. Conversely, when rate sensitive liabilities exceed rate
sensitive assets, the gap is referred to as negative and indicates that a
greater volume of liabilities than assets will be impacted by changes in
interest rates during the period. With a negative gap, earnings will generally
decrease when rates rise and increase when rates decline within the period.
Landmark seeks to insulate itself from interest rate risk over the near term.
Toward that end, Landmark monitors the relative volume, maturity and yields of
interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities over various time
horizons, with particular emphasis on the immediate one year time horizon. As
evidenced by the following interest sensitivity table, due to Landmark's
positive gap, increases in rates would generally enhance earnings and decreases
in rates would generally inhibit earnings.

                       INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
                              AT DECEMBER 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                  1         1-3        3-6       6-12      OVER 1
                                                MONTH     MONTHS     MONTHS     MONTHS      YEAR     TOTAL
                                               -------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                            <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                   (Dollars in thousands)
INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS:
   Loans and Mortgages Held for Resale.......   $2,486    $18,409    $ 7,043    $11,948    $ 3,635    $43,521
   Securities................................      306        586        816      2,375      6,252     10,335
   Federal Funds.............................    1,980         --         --         --         --      1,980
                                                ------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
     TOTAL                                      $4,772    $18,995    $ 7,859    $14,323    $ 9,887    $55,836
                                                ======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES:
   NOW and MMDA..............................   $  170    $   340    $   509    $ 1,019    $ 3,055    $ 5,093
   Savings...................................      350        701      1,052      2,103      6,413     10,619
   Time Deposits Including IRA...............    3,171      4,726     13,732      8,215      6,936     36,780
   Borrowings (Repurchase Agreement).........      304         --         --         --         --        304
                                                ------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
     TOTAL                                      $3,995    $ 5,767    $15,293    $11,337    $16,404    $52,796
                                                ======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
 
Period Sensitivity Gap.......................   $  777    $13,228    $(7,434)   $ 2,986    $(6,517)   $ 3,040
                                                ======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Cumulative Sensitivity Gap...................   $  777    $14,005    $ 6,571    $ 9,557    $ 3,040
                                                ======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Cumulative Excess/(Deficiency) as a Percent       1.39%     25.08%     11.77%     17.12%      5.45%
   of Total Rate Sensitive Assets............
 
</TABLE>

CAPITAL

     Landmark is subject to regulation by the FDIC, which has adopted certain
risk-based capital guidelines. The guidelines, which establish a risk-adjusted
ratio relating capital to different categories of balance sheet assets and off-
balance sheet obligations, require Landmark to maintain a minimum risk-based
capital ratio.

                                       92
<PAGE>
 
     The guidelines define two categories of capital: Tier I or core capital
(primarily, common shareholders' equity and a limited amount of perpetual
preferred stock, less intangible assets) and Tier 2 or supplementary capital
(primarily, a limited amount of loan loss reserves, perpetual preferred stock in
excess of the amounts included in Tier 1 capital and certain "hybrid
instruments," including mandatory convertible debt). Qualifying (or total)
capital is the sum of Tier I and Tier 2 capital. According to the guidelines,
Tier I capital must represent at least 50% of qualifying total capital. Risk-
based capital ratio guidelines assign both balance sheet assets and off-balance
sheet obligations to one of four risk categories. At December 31, 1995 and 1994,
the minimum total and Tier 1 risk-based capital ratios required for "well-
capitalized" banks were 10% and 6%, respectively. Landmark Preferred Stock
qualifies for both risk based capital calculations. Landmark's total risk-based
capital ratios at December 31, 1995 and 1994 were 10.95 % and 11.67%,
respectively, and its Tier 1 risk-based capital ratios were 9.69% and 10.42%
respectively. To complement risk-based guidelines, the FDIC adopted a Tier 1
leverage capital ratio of 3% for the most highly rated banks and up to 5% for
other banks which would represent the minimum capital to total assets standard
for banks. The leverage ratios are used in tandem with the risk-based capital
requirements as the minimum capital standards for banks. Landmark's Tier I
leverage capital ratios were 6.40% and 6.73% at December 31, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.

     See "CERTAIN STATISTICAL AND OTHER INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO LANDMARK--
Return on Shareholders' Equity and Assets" and Note 11 of Notes to the Landmark
Financial Statements.

RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS

     On January 1, 1995, Landmark adopted SFAS No. 114 "Accounting by Creditors
for Impairment of a Loan," and SFAS No. 118, "Accounting by Creditors for
Impairment of a Loan--Income Recognition and Disclosure." These statements
generally require all creditors to account for impaired loans, except those
loans accounted for at fair value or at the lower of cost or fair value, at the
present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's
effective interest rate or, alternatively, at the fair value of the loan's
collateral. In addition, criteria for classification of a loan as in-substance
foreclosure has been modified so that such classification need be made only when
the lender is in possession of the collateral.

     These statements also require troubled debt restructuring to be measured
for impairment using the pre-modification rate of interest as a discount rate.
Adoption of these statements had no material impact on Landmark's financial
position or results of operations.

                                       93
<PAGE>
 
     CERTAIN STATISTICAL AND OTHER INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO LANDMARK

               Set forth below is certain statistical and other information
     relating to Landmark. This information should be used in conjunction with
     "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
     OPERATIONS OF LANDMARK" and the Landmark Financial Statements.

     INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

               The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value
     of Landmark's securities, by accounting classification and by type of
     security, at the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                     AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                               ------------------------------------------------------------
                                            AT JUNE 30, 1996          1995                 1994                 1993
                                           ------------------  -------------------  -------------------  ------------------
                                           AMORTIZED   FAIR    AMORTIZED    FAIR    AMORTIZED    FAIR    AMORTIZED   FAIR
                                             COST      VALUE     COST      VALUE      COST      VALUE      COST      VALUE
                                           ---------  -------  ---------  --------  ---------  --------  ---------  -------
<S>                                        <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>
                                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
HELD-TO-MATURITY:
   U.S. Government treasury and
     agency obligations..................     $  828   $  756    $   812   $   824    $   808   $   715      $  --    $  --
   Mortgage-backed securities............         --       --         --        --      7,725     7,381         --       --
                                              ------   ------    -------   -------    -------   -------     ------   ------
               Total held-to-maturity....        828      756        812       824      8,533     8,096         --       --
                                              ------   ------    -------   -------    -------   -------     ------   ------
 
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:
   U.S. Government treasury and
     agency obligations..................      1,495    1,482      1,999     2,004      1,986     1,948      1,093    1,062
   Mortgage-backed securities............        302      306      7,348     7,490        421       415        520      540
   Collateralized mortgage obligations...      5,452    5,323         29        29         36        35        185      186
                                              ------   ------    -------   -------    -------   -------     ------   ------
               Total available-for-sale..      7,249    7,111      9,376     9,523      2,443     2,398      1,798    1,788
                                              ------   ------    -------   -------    -------   -------     ------   ------
 
TOTAL SECURITIES, NET....................     $8,077   $7,867    $10,188   $10,347    $10,976   $10,494     $1,798   $1,788
                                              ======   ======    =======   =======    =======   =======     ======   ======
</TABLE>

                                       94
<PAGE>
 
               The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
     amortized cost, fair value and weighted average yield of Landmark's debt
     securities at June 30, 1996, by remaining period to contractual maturity.
     With respect to mortgage-backed securities, the entire amount is reflected
     in the maturity period that includes the final security payment date and,
     accordingly, no effect has been given to periodic repayments or possible
     prepayments.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                                   AT JUNE 30, 1996
                                              -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                   HELD-TO-MATURITY            AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
                                              ---------------------------  -----------------------------
                                                                WEIGHTED                        WEIGHTED
                                              AMORTIZED  FAIR    AVERAGE   AMORTIZED    FAIR     AVERAGE
                                                COST     VALUE    YIELD      COST      VALUE      YIELD
                                              ---------  -----  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------
<S>                                           <C>        <C>    <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>
                                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Mortgage-backed securities:
     Due within 1 year......................  $      --  $  --        --%     $   57    $   58      8.38%
     Due after 1 year but within 5 years....         --     --        --         146       148      8.35%
     Due after 5 years but within 10 years..         --     --        --          41        42      8.42%
     Due after 10 years.....................         --     --        --          58        58      7.75%
                                              ---------  -----                ------    ------
        Total...............................  $      --  $  --        --%     $  302    $  306      8.25%
                                              =========  =====                ======    ======
 
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations:
     Due within 1 year......................  $      --  $  --        --%     $  612    $  600      6.46%
     Due after 1 year but within 5 years....         --     --        --       3,903     3,813      6.42%
     Due after 5 years but within 10 years..         --     --        --         937       910      6.38%
     Due after 10 years.....................         --     --        --          --        --      6.69%
                                              ---------  -----                ------    ------
        Total...............................  $      --  $  --        --%     $5,452    $5,323      6.42%
                                              =========  =====                ======    ======
 
U.S. Treasury and Agency:
     Due within 1 year......................  $      --  $  --        --%  $      --  $     --        --%
     Due after 1 year but within 5 years....        500    438      4.37%      1,495     1,482      5.58%
     Due after 5 years but within 10 years..         --     --        --          --        --        --
     Due after 10 years.....................        328    318      3.41%         --        --        --
                                              ---------  -----                ------    ------
        Total...............................       $828   $756      3.99%     $1,495    $1,482      5.58%
                                              =========  =====                ======    ======
 
Total:
     Due within 1 year......................  $      --  $  --        --%     $  669    $  658      6.62%
     Due after 1 year but within 5 years....        500    438      4.37%      5,544     5,443      6.24%
     Due after 5 years but within 10 years..         --     --        --         978       952      6.47%
     Due after 10 years.....................        328    318      3.41%         58        58      7.75%
                                              ---------  -----                ------    ------
         Total..............................       $828   $756      3.99%     $7,249    $7,111      6.32%
                                              =========  =====                ======    ======
 
</TABLE>

               At June 30, 1996, all of Landmark's mortgage-backed securities
     ("MBSs") and collateralized mortgage-backed securities ("CMOs") were
     guaranteed by Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"), Federal
     National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") or Government National Mortgage
     Association ("GNMA"). All of Landmark's MBSs and CMOs bear a fixed interest
     rate. The market values of MBSs and CMOs change with market and economic
     conditions. The most significant factors affecting market value are
     prepayments of the underlying loans and interest rates. As interest rates
     increase, prepayments generally decline, causing an extension of the
     expected maturity and a decline in market value. The converse is generally
     true when interest rates decrease. The market value of fixed-rate MBSs and
     CMOs are generally more sensitive to market interest rate changes than
     variable or adjustable rate MBSs and CMOs. MBSs and CMOs are expected to
     have shorter average lives than their contractual

                                       95
<PAGE>
 
     maturities because borrowers may repay obligations without prepayment
     penalties.  Landmark's investment portfolio is managed by Landmark in
     accordance with the investment policy established by the Investment
     Committee of Landmark's Board of Directors and with the advice of
     professional investment advisors. The objectives of Landmark's investment
     policy are to provide liquidity, diversification of assets and earnings.

                                       96
<PAGE>
 
     LOAN PORTFOLIO


               The following table sets forth the composition of Landmark's loan
     portfolios in dollar amounts and percentages at the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                             AT JUNE 30,                              AT DECEMBER 31,
                               ----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------
                                      1996                 1995                 1995                 1994
                               -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------
                                          PERCENT              PERCENT              PERCENT              PERCENT
                                AMOUNT   OF TOTAL    AMOUNT   OF TOTAL    AMOUNT   OF TOTAL    AMOUNT   OF TOTAL
                               --------  ---------  --------  ---------  --------  ---------  --------  ---------
<S>                            <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
COMMERCIAL...................   $ 6,078     14.08%   $ 7,389     17.24%   $ 6,860     15.76%   $ 5,839     14.27%
                                -------              -------              -------              -------
MORTGAGE LOANS:
  One-to-four family.........    20,289     47.00%    17,873     41.70%    18,988     43.63%    17,547     42.87%
  Multi-family...............       376      0.87%       387      0.90%       382      0.88%       540      1.32%
  Commercial.................    10,566     24.48%    11,002     25.67%    10,572     24.29%    10,089     24.65%
  Construction...............     1,646      3.81%     2,233      5.21%     2,851      6.55%     2,643      6.46%
                                -------              -------              -------              -------
     Total mortgage loans....    32,877               31,495               32,793               30,819
                                -------              -------              -------              -------
 
OTHER LOANS:
  Consumer installment.......     2,005      4.65%     1,409      3.29%     1,390      3.19%     1,676      4.09%
  Home equity loans..........     1,567      3.63%     1,989      4.64%     1,821      4.19%     2,037      4.98%
  Credit card loans..........       606      1.41%       579      1.35%       647      1.49%       552      1.35%
  All other consumer loans...        32      0.07%         1        --         10      0.02%         7      0.01%
                                -------    ------    -------    ------    -------    ------    -------    ------
     Total other loans.......     4,210                3,978                3,868                4,272
                                -------              -------              -------              -------
 
          Gross loans........    43,165    100.00%    42,862    100.00%    43,521    100.00%    40,930    100.00%
                                           ======               ======               ======               ======
 
LESS:
  Allowance for loan losses..       858                  502                  659                  465
                                -------              -------              -------              -------
          Loans, net.........   $42,307              $42,360              $42,862              $40,465
                                =======              =======              =======              =======
 
 
</TABLE>

                                       97
<PAGE>
 
     NON-ACCRUAL, PAST DUE, RESTRUCTURED, AND POTENTIAL PROBLEM LOANS

   The following table sets forth information regarding Landmark's non-
performing assets at the dates indicated. During the periods shown in the table
below there were no non-performing assets other than non-performing loans and
there were no troubled debt restructurings.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                AT JUNE 30,      AT DECEMBER 31,
                                              ----------------  -----------------
                                                1996     1995     1995     1994
                                              --------  ------  --------  -------
<S>                                           <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>
                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Non-performing loans:
Non-accrual loans:
  One to four family........................   $  122   $  --     $  --    $   3
  Multi-family and commercial real estate...      810      --       365       --
  Commercial Loans..........................       68     185       201       --
  Consumer & Other Loans....................       --       3        --        1
  Loans 90 days or more past due............      200       1         6       --
                                               ------   -----     -----    -----
             Total..........................   $1,200   $ 189     $ 572    $   4
                                               ======   =====     =====    =====
 
Total non-performing loans to loans, net         2.84%   0.45%     1.33%    0.01%
                                               ======   =====     =====    =====
 
Total non-performing loans to total assets..     2.08%   0.28%     0.94%    0.01%
                                               ======   =====     =====    =====
 
</TABLE>

       Generally, a loan is classified as non-accrual and the accrual of
     interest on such loan is discontinued when the contractual payment of
     principal or interest has become 90 days past due or management has serious
     doubts about further collectibility of principal or interest, even though
     the loan currently is performing. A loan may remain on accrual status if it
     is in the process of collection and is either guaranteed or well secured.
     When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, unpaid interest credited to
     income in the current year is reversed and unpaid interest accrued in prior
     years is charged against the allowance for loan losses. Interest received
     on non-accrual loans generally is either applied against principal or
     reported as interest income, according to management's judgment as to the
     collectibility of principal. Generally, loans are restored to accrual
     status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance
     with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time and the ultimate
     collectibility of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer
     in doubt.

       Management is not aware of any other loans not included in the table or
     discussed above where known information about the possible credit problems
     of borrowers caused management to have doubts as to the abilities of the
     borrowers to comply with present loan repayment terms and which may result
     in disclosure of such loans in the future.


     SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE

       The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level believed adequate
     by management to absorb estimated probable loan losses. Management's
     periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on Landmark's
     past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio,
     adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay
     (including the timing of future payments), the estimated value of any
     underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic
     conditions, and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently
     subjective as it requires material estimates, including the amounts and
     timing of future cash flows expected to be received on impaired loans that
     may be susceptible to significant change.

                                       98
<PAGE>
 
       The following table sets forth activity in Landmark's allowance for loan
     losses at or for the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                  AT OR FOR THE                                               
                                                 SIX MONTHS ENDED                                             
                                                     JUNE 30,         AT OR FOR THE YEAR ENDED December 31,  
                                               --------------------  ---------------------------------------- 
                                                 1996       1995         1995          1994          1993
                                               ---------  ---------  ------------  -------------  -----------
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>            <C>
                                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
Total loans outstanding at end of period(1)..   $43,165    $42,862       $43,521     $   40,930    $  27,847
                                                =======    =======       =======     ==========    =========
Average total loans outstanding(1)...........   $43,547    $41,460       $42,320     $   33,629    $  25,976
                                                =======    =======       =======     ==========    =========
 
Balance at beginning of period...............   $   659    $   465       $   465     $      265    $     142
                                                -------    -------       -------     ----------    ---------
Provision for loan losses....................       317         48           205            203          145
                                                -------    -------       -------     ----------    ---------
Charge-offs:
  Commercial.................................       106         --            --              1            2
  Real Estate................................        --         --            --             --           --
  Installment and Other......................        14         11            11              2           20
                                                -------    -------       -------     ----------    ---------
     Total charge-offs.......................       120         11            11              3           22
                                                -------    -------       -------     ----------    ---------
Recoveries:
  Commercial.................................        --         --            --             --           --
  Real Estate................................         2         --            --             --           --
  Installment and other......................        --         --            --             --           --
                                                -------    -------       -------     ----------    ---------
     Total recoveries........................         2         --            --             --           --
                                                -------    -------       -------     ----------    ---------
     Net charge-offs.........................       118         11            11              3           22
                                                -------    -------       -------     ----------    ---------
Balance of allowance at end of period........   $   858    $   502       $   659     $      465    $     265
                                                =======    =======       =======     ==========    =========
 
Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans          0.27%      0.03%         0.03%          0.01%        0.08%
     outstanding.............................   =======    =======       =======     ==========    =========
 
Allowance for loan losses to total                 1.99%      1.17%         1.51%          1.14%        0.95%
     loans at end of period..................   =======    =======       =======     ==========    =========
 
Allowance for loan losses to total                85.80%    267.02%       116.43%     11,625.00%    1,558.82%
     non-performing loans at end of             =======    =======       =======     ==========    =========
     period..................................
 
</TABLE>
____________________
(1)  Total loans represent gross loans less deferred fees (costs) and deferred
     gain on sales of SBA loans.

                                       99
<PAGE>
 
     ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES ALLOCATION

     The following table sets forth the breakdown of the allowance for loan
losses by loan type and the percentage of loans in each type at the dates
indicated. The allocation of the allowance to each loan type is not
necessarily indicative of future losses and does not restrict the use of
the allowance to absorb losses in any type.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                               AT JUNE 30, 1996         AT JUNE 30, 1995       AT DECEMBER 31, 1995     AT DECEMBER 31, 1994
                            -----------------------  -----------------------  -----------------------  -----------------------
                                        PERCENT OF               PERCENT OF               PERCENT OF               PERCENT OF
                                         LOANS IN                 LOANS IN                 LOANS IN                 LOANS IN
                                           EACH                     EACH                     EACH                     EACH
                            ALLOWANCE  CATEGORY TO   ALLOWANCE  CATEGORY TO   ALLOWANCE  CATEGORY TO   ALLOWANCE  CATEGORY TO
                             AMOUNT    TOTAL LOANS    AMOUNT    TOTAL LOANS    AMOUNT    TOTAL LOANS    AMOUNT    TOTAL LOANS
                            ---------  ------------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ------------
<S>                         <C>        <C>           <C>        <C>           <C>        <C>           <C>        <C>
                                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE
 LOANS:...................       $533        14.08%       $192        17.24%       $342        15.76%       $150        14.27%
 
 
  Residential.............        121        47.00%         93        41.70%        103        43.63%         94        42.87%
  Commercial..............        157        25.35%        172        26.57%        163        25.17%        164        25.97%
  Construction............          2         3.81%          2         5.21%          1         6.55%          3         6.46%
OTHER LOANS:
  Consumer & home equity..         26         8.35%         29         7.93%         30         7.40%         34         9.08%
  Credit card loans.......         12         1.41%         11         1.35%         13         1.49%         19         1.35%
  Unallocated.............          7           --           3           --           7           --           1           --
                                 ----       ------        ----       ------        ----       ------        ----       ------
     Total................       $858       100.00%       $502       100.00%       $659       100.00%       $465       100.00%
                                 ====       ======        ====       ======        ====       ======        ====       ======
 
</TABLE>

                                      100
<PAGE>
 
     DEPOSITS

  The following table sets forth the distribution of Landmark's daily average
deposit accounts and the related weighted average interest rates at the dates
indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                                                                                                
                                                                            FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                    
                          FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED      --------------------------------------------------------------             
                       ------------------------------                1995                            1994                          
                               JUNE 30, 1996                                                                                       
                      -------------------------------   -----------------------------   ------------------------------             
                                   PERCENT                         PERCENT                         PERCENT                         
                        AVERAGE   OF TOTAL   AVERAGE    AVERAGE   OF TOTAL   AVERAGE    AVERAGE   OF TOTAL    AVERAGE              
                        AMOUNT    DEPOSITS     RATE     AMOUNT    DEPOSITS     RATE     AMOUNT    DEPOSITS      RATE               
                       ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------   --------             
<S>                    <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>                   
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Demand accounts.......   $ 3,455      6.11%       --     $ 3,187      5.71%       --     $ 2,908      7.68%       --               
NOW accounts..........     3,585      6.35%     2.01%      3,443      6.17%     1.89%      3,553      9.38%     2.17%              
Money market accounts.     1,580      2.80%     3.29%      2,368      4.25%     3.25%      3,668      9.69%     3.05%              
Savings & Other.......    11,911     21.09%     4.23%     12,560     22.51%     4.24%     11,188     29.54%     4.29%              
Certificate accounts..    35,955     63.65%     6.34%     34,236     61.36%     6.35%     16,551     43.71%     4.25%              
                         -------    ------               -------    ------               -------    ------                         
     Totals...........   $56,486    100.00%     5.15%    $55,794    100.00%     5.04%    $37,868    100.00%     3.63%              
                         =======    ======               =======    ======               =======    ======                         
                      
<CAPTION> 
                        FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                      -------------------------------
                                1993
                       -----------------------------
                                   PERCENT
                        AVERAGE   OF TOTAL   AVERAGE
                        AMOUNT    DEPOSITS     RATE
                       ---------  ---------  --------
                      
<S>                    <C>        <C>        <C>
                      
Demand accounts.......   $ 2,270      7.99%       --
NOW accounts..........     2,812      9.89%     2.35%
Money market accounts.     3,143     11.06%     3.09%
Savings & Other.......     4,046     14.23%     2.92%
Certificate accounts..    16,157     56.83%     4.08%
                         -------    ------
     Totals...........   $28,428    100.00%     3.31%
                         =======    ======
                      
</TABLE>

                                      101
<PAGE>
 
     The average interest rates paid on total deposits, excluding non-interest
bearing deposits, at June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995 and 1994, were 5.11%,
5.71%, and 4.98%, respectively.

     At June 30, 1996, Landmark had $7,045,000 in Jumbo certificate of deposits
(accounts in amounts over $100,000) maturing as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
                                        AT JUNE 30, 1996
                                     -----------------------
                                                 WEIGHTED
                                      AMOUNT   AVERAGE RATE
                                     --------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>       <C>
                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
MATURITY PERIOD
Within three months................    $  842          5.70%
After three but within six months..       828          5.75%
After six but within 12 months.....     3,354          6.47%
After 12 months....................     2,021          6.78%
                                       ------
   Total...........................    $7,045          6.38%
                                       ======
 
</TABLE>

SHORT-TERM BORROWING

     The following table outlines Landmark's short-term borrowing and the
weighted average interest rate for the indicated periods. Also provided are the
maximum amount of the borrowing and the average amount outstanding as well as
weighted average interest rate.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                            SECURITIES
                                                            SOLD UNDER
                                                             AGREEMENT
                                                           TO REPURCHASE
                                                      -----------------------
<S>                                                   <C>
                                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Balance at June 30, 1996............................        $  309
  Weighted average interest rate at period end......          3.31%
  Maximum amount outstanding during the period......        $  359
  Average amount outstanding during the period......        $  269
  Weighted average interest rate during the period..          2.97%
                                                      
Balance at December 31, 1995........................        $  304
  Weighted average interest rate at year end........          3.10%
  Maximum amount outstanding during the year........        $  392
  Average amount outstanding during the year........        $  259
  Weighted average interest rate during the year....          3.09%
                                                      
Balance at December 31, 1994........................        $  220
  Weighted average interest rate at year end........          3.10%
  Maximum amount outstanding during the year........        $  994
  Average amount outstanding during the year........        $  164
  Weighted average interest rate during the year....          3.05%
                                                      
Balance at December 31, 1993........................        $  351
  Weighted average interest rate at year end........          3.05%
  Maximum amount outstanding during the year........        $1,109
  Average amount outstanding during the year........        $  259
  Weighted average interest rate during the year....          3.09%
 
 
</TABLE>

                                      102
<PAGE>
 
                       DESCRIPTION OF NHTB CAPITAL STOCK

GENERAL

     NHTB is authorized to issue 5,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share, and 2,500,000 shares of Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock"),
par value $.01 per share. No shares of Preferred Stock have been issued.

COMMON STOCK

     Each holder of NHTB Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share for all
purposes and does not have the right to cumulate his votes in the election of
directors. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding
Preferred Stock, each holder of NHTB Common Stock is entitled to receive such
dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors in its discretion from
funds legally available therefor. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of NHTB, each holder of NHTB Common Stock will be entitled to share
in the assets of NHTB pro rata in accordance with his holdings, after payment of
liabilities and the liquidation preference of any outstanding Preferred Stock.
The NHTB Common Stock has no preemptive rights. Except as otherwise determined
by the Board of Directors or by applicable law, all voting rights are vested
exclusively in the holders of the NHTB Common Stock.

PREFERRED STOCK

     The NHTB Board of Directors is authorized to issue 2,500,000 shares of
Preferred Stock in one or more series and to fix the voting powers,
designations, preferences or other rights of the shares of each such series and
the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereon.

CERTAIN ANTITAKEOVER PROVISIONS

     Certain provisions of the NHTB Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws may
be deemed to have an "anti-takeover" effect. A discussion of these provisions
follows.

     Classified Board of Directors. Pursuant to the NHTB Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws, the NHTB Board is divided into three classes with
staggered terms, each class comprising approximately one third of the members of
the Board. The classification of directors will have the effect of making it
more difficult for shareholders to change the composition of the Board in a
relatively short period of time. At least two annual meetings of shareholders,
instead of one, will generally be required to effect a change in a majority of
the Board. This delay will provide the Board with additional time to evaluate
proposed takeover efforts and other extraordinary corporate transactions, to
consider appropriate alternatives to such proposals and to act in what it
believes to be the best interests of the shareholders. The classification of
directors could have the effect of discouraging a third party from making a
tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of NHTB.

     Special Meetings. Moreover, special meetings of shareholders of NHTB may be
called only by the chairman of the board or the president of NHTB, or a majority
of the Board of Directors of NHTB.

     Authorized Shares. The Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance
of 5,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 2,500,000 shares of Preferred Stock. The
shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock were authorized in an amount greater
than intended to be issued to provide NHTB's Board of Directors with as much
flexibility as possible to effect, among other transactions, financings,
acquisitions, stock dividends, stock splits and employee stock options. However,
these additional authorized shares may also be used by the Board of Directors
consistent with its fiduciary duty to deter future attempts to gain control of
NHTB. The Board of Directors also has sole authority to determine the terms of
any one or more series of Preferred Stock, including voting rights, conversion
rates, and liquidation preferences.

                                      103
<PAGE>
 
As a result of the ability to fix voting rights for a series of Preferred Stock,
the Board has the power, to the extent consistent with its fiduciary duty, to
issue a series of Preferred Stock to persons friendly to management in order to
attempt to block a post-tender offer merger or other transaction by which a
third party seeks control, and thereby assist management to retain its position.

     Shareholder Vote Required to Approve Business Combinations with Principal
Shareholders. The Certificate of Incorporation requires the affirmative vote of
at least 75% of the holders of NHTB's outstanding shares of voting stock, not
beneficially owned by an Interested Shareholder (as defined below) to approve
certain "Business Combinations," as defined therein, and related transactions.
Under Delaware law, absent this provision, Business Combinations, including
mergers, consolidations and sales of all or substantially all of the assets of a
corporation must, subject to certain exceptions, be approved by the vote of the
holders of only a majority of the outstanding shares of NHTB Common Stock and
any other affected class of stock. Under the Certificate of Incorporation, the
affirmative vote of at least 75% approval of shareholders entitled to vote
generally for the election of directors (the "Voting Stock") is required in
connection with any transaction involving an Interested Shareholder except (i)
in cases where the proposed transaction has been approved in advance by a
majority of those members of NHTB Board of Directors who are unaffiliated with
the Interested Shareholder and were directors prior to the time when the
Interested Shareholder became an Interested Shareholder or (ii) if the proposed
transaction meets certain conditions set forth therein which are designed to
afford the shareholders a fair price in consideration for their shares in which
case, if a shareholder vote is required, approval of only a majority of the
outstanding shares of voting stock would be sufficient. The term "Interested
Shareholder" is defined to include any individual, firm, corporation, or other
entity (other than NHTB or subsidiary thereof) who or which is (a) the
beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of
the outstanding Voting Stock; (b) an affiliate of NHTB at any time within the
two-year period immediately prior to the date in question was the beneficial
owner of 10% or more of voting power of the then outstanding Voting Stock or (c)
is an assignee of or has otherwise succeeded to any shares of Voting Stock which
were at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in
question beneficially owned by any Interested Shareholder, if such assignment or
succession shall have occurred in the course of a transaction or series of
transactions not involving a public offering within the meaning of the
Securities Act, as amended.

     The Certificate of Incorporation further provides that Article 8 thereof,
entitled "Certain Business Combinations," may not be amended unless such
amendment is first proposed by the NHTB Board of Directors and thereafter
approved by the shareholders by no less than 75% of the total votes eligible to
be cast at a legal meeting.

     Evaluation of Offers. The Certificate of Incorporation of NHTB further
provides that the NHTB Board of Directors, when evaluating any offer to NHTB
from another party to (i) make a tender or exchange offer for the NHTB Common
Stock, (ii) merge or consolidate NHTB with another corporation or entity or
(iii) purchase or otherwise acquire all or substantially all of the properties
and assets of NHTB, may, in connection with the exercise of its judgment in
determining what is in the best interest of NHTB and its shareholders, give due
consideration to the extent permitted by law to all relevant factors, including,
without limitation, the possible effects on the business of NHTB and its
subsidiaries and on the depositors, borrowers, employees, it financial
institution subsidiary, and the effects on the communities in which NHTB's and
its subsidiaries' facilities are located. By having these standards in the
Certificate of Incorporation of the NHTB, the Board of Directors may be in a
stronger position to oppose such a transaction if the Board concludes that the
transaction would not be in the best interest of NHTB, even if the price offered
is significantly greater than the then market price of the NHTB Common Stock.

                                      104
<PAGE>
 
     Excess Shares not voted. The NHTB Certificate of Incorporation generally
provides any person who acquires more than 10% of the stock of NHTB without
approval of the NHTB Board of Directors and the applicable regulatory agency is
not entitled to vote such shares in excess of the 10% limit.

     Anti-Greenmail. The Certificate of Incorporation provides that any direct
or indirect purchase or other acquisition by NHTB of any Voting Stock from the
beneficial owner of more than 5% of NHTB Common Stock who has been the
beneficial owner of such common stock for less than two years shall require the
vote of at least a majority of the total number of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock (excluding shares held by such beneficial owner), except with
respect to a purchase or other acquisition of Voting Stock made as part of a
tender or exchange offer on the same terms from all holders of the same class of
Voting Stock and complying with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act,
as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder or with respect to any
purchase of Voting Stock determined by the NHTB Board of Directors to not exceed
the fair market value of the Voting Stock.

     Certain Bylaw Provisions. The NHTB Bylaws also require a shareholder who
intends to nominate a candidate for election to the Board of Directors, or to
raise new business at a shareholder meeting, to give 30 to 90 days advance
notice to the Secretary of the Company. The notice provision requires a
shareholder who desires to raise new business to provide certain information to
the Company concerning the nature of the new business, the shareholder and the
shareholder's interest in the business matter. Similarly, a stockholder wishing
to nominate any person for election as a director must provide the Company with
certain information concerning the nominee and the proposing shareholder.


                          COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF NHTB
                           AND LANDMARK SHAREHOLDERS

     The rights of holders of Landmark Common Stock are currently governed by
the Landmark Articles, the Landmark Bylaws, RSA 384 (General Provisions as to
Savings Banks, Trust Companies and Depositories), RSA 386 (Savings Banks) and
RSA 392 (Incorporation and Management of Trust Companies). These rights differ
in certain respects from the rights that shareholders of Landmark Common Stock
would have as shareholders of NHTB Common Stock. The rights of shareholders of
NHTB Common Stock are governed by the NHTB Certificate of Incorporation, NHTB
Bylaws, and the DGCL. This summary contains a list of the material differences
of the rights of NHTB and Landmark shareholders, but is not intended to be
relied upon as an exhaustive list or a detailed description of the provisions
discussed and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the NHTB Certificate
of Incorporation and Bylaws, the Landmark Articles and Bylaws, the DGCL and RSA
384, 386 and 392.

VOTING REQUIREMENTS TO REMOVE DIRECTORS

     NHTB. The NHTB Bylaws permits removal of a director only for cause and then
upon by an affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast
at a meeting of shareholders, held upon 30 days notice, expressly for such
purpose.

     Landmark. The Landmark Bylaws provide that a director may be removed from
office with or without cause upon the affirmative vote therefor of the holders
of two-thirds of the shares entitled to vote at an annual meeting held inter
alia, for the purpose of electing directors, or for cause by a majority of the
Directors then in office, after reasonable notice and opportunity to be heard
before a meeting duly called for such purpose.

                                      105
<PAGE>
 
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS

     NHTB. The NHTB Certificate of Incorporation provides that in addition to
any vote required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the approval or
authorization of any business combination of the corporation with any Interested
Shareholder (as defined above) requires the affirmative vote of the holders of
outstanding shares of stock of NHTB representing not less than 75% of the votes
entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors, all such shares
voting together as a single class for this purpose (not including the votes held
by the Interested Shareholder); provided, however, that this requirement is not
applicable if the Continuing Directors have approved the business combination or
if the transaction meets certain Fair Price Provisions set forth in the NHTB
Certificate of Incorporation. For these purposes, the term "business
combination" generally includes, without limitation, any (i) merger or
consolidation of the corporation with an Interested Shareholder or affiliate
thereof; (ii) any sale, lease, exchange mortgage or other disposition to or with
any Interested Share or Affiliate thereof of any assets of NHTB of any
subsidiary thereof having an aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or more;
(iii) the issuance or transfer by NHTB or any subsidiary thereof of any
securities of NHTB or any subsidiary thereof to any Interested Shareholder or
any affiliate of any Interested Shareholder in exchange for cash, securities or
other property for a combination thereof having an aggregate Fair Market Value
of $1,000,000 or more; (iv) the adoption of any plan or proposal for the
liquidation or dissolution of NHTB proposed by or on behalf of an Interested
Shareholder or any Affiliate thereof; or (v) any reclassification of securities
(including any reverse stock split), or recapitalization of NHTB, or any merger
or consolidation of NHTB with any of its subsidiaries or any other transaction
(whether or not with or into or otherwise involving an Interested Shareholder)
which has the effect, directly or indirectly, or increasing the proportionate
share of the outstanding shares of any class of equity or convertible securities
of NHTB or any subsidiary thereof which is directly or indirectly owned by any
Interested Shareholder or any Affiliate thereof. The term "Continuing Director"
generally means any NHTB Board member who is unaffiliated with the Interested
Shareholders and was a member of the NHTB Board of Directors prior to the time
when Interested Shareholder became an Interested Shareholder, and any successor
of a Continuing Directors recommended for such succession by a majority of
Continuing Director then on the NHTB Board of Directors.

     Landmark. There is no analogous provision in the Landmark Articles. A
"business combination" such as the ones described above would generally require
the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors and, in some cases, a
majority of the shareholders present at a meeting. In other cases, dependent
primarily on the nature of the charter of the banking entity with which Landmark
seeks to merge, such a merger or consolidation would require the vote of two-
thirds of the outstanding shares eligible to vote. A merger, consolidation,
issuance of capital stock and dissolution would also require the approval of
certain regulators, particularly the New Hampshire Bank Commissioner.

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP LIMITATION
          
     NHTB. NHTB's Certificate of Incorporation does not restrict beneficial
ownership. The NHTB Certificate of Incorporation, however, provides generally
any person who acquires more than 10% of the stock of NHTB without approval of
the NHTB Board of Directors and the applicable regulatory agency is not entitled
to vote such shares in excess of the 10% limit.

     Landmark. For a period of five years from January 22, 1996, the Landmark
Articles restricts any person from directly or indirectly offering to acquire or
acquiring beneficial ownership in excess of 15% of the issued and outstanding
capital stock of Landmark entitled to vote on a matter for which a meeting of
shareholders is called. In the event shares are acquired or held in violation of
such restriction, all shares beneficially owned by any person in excess of 15%
shall be considered "excess shares" and

                                      106
<PAGE>
 
shall not be counted as shares entitled to vote and shall not be voted by any
person or counted as voting shares in connection with any matter submitted to
the shareholder for a vote.

AMENDMENTS TO CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

     NHTB. The NHTB Certificate of Incorporation provides that, except as
otherwise required by law, amendments alterations, change or repeal of the NHTB
Certificate of Incorporation must be first proposed by the NHTB Board of
Directors and thereafter approved by a vote of a majority of shareholders,
except for the provision described above in "Business Combinations With Related
Persons," which requires the affirmative vote of 75% of shareholders.

     Landmark. Any amendments to the Landmark Articles must be approved by a
majority of shares entitled to vote except for the provisions applicable to
amendments to the Landmark Articles and Bylaws, the classified Board of
Directors and the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, described above, which
require a two-thirds shareholder vote.

EVALUATION OF CERTAIN OFFERS

     NHTB. The Certificate of Incorporation of NHTB further provides that the
NHTB Board of Directors, when evaluating any offer to NHTB from another party to
engage in certain business combinations, the NHTB may give due consideration to
the extent permitted by law to all relevant factors, including, without
limitation, the possible effects on the business of NHTB and its subsidiaries
and on the depositors, borrowers, employees, it financial institution
subsidiary, and the effects on the communities in which NHTB's and its
subsidiaries' facilities are located. By having these standards in the
Certificate of Incorporation of the NHTB, the Board of Directors may be in a
stronger position to oppose such a transaction if the Board concludes that the
transaction would not be in the best interest of NHTB, even if the price offered
is significantly greater than the then market price of the NHTB Common Stock.

     Landmark.  There is no analogous provision in the Landmark Articles.

ANTI-GREENMAIL

     NHTB. The Certificate of Incorporation provides that any direct or indirect
purchase or other acquisition by NHTB of any Voting Stock from the beneficial
owner of more than 5% of NHTB Common Stock who has been the beneficial owner of
such common stock for less than two years shall require the vote of at least a
majority of the total number of the outstanding shares of Voting Stock
(excluding shares held by such beneficial owner), except with respect to a
purchase or other acquisition of Voting Stock made as part of a tender or
exchange offer on the same terms from all holders of the same class of Voting
Stock and complying with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act, as
amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder or with respect to any
purchase of Voting Stock determined by the NHTB Board of Directors to not exceed
the fair market value of the Voting Stock.

     Landmark.  There is no analogous provision in the Landmark Articles.

SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS

     NHTB. The NHTB Certificate of Incorporate provides that special meetings of
shareholders may be called by the Chairman of the Board, the President or a
majority of the Board of Directors.

     Landmark. The Landmark Bylaws provide that a special meeting of
shareholders may be called at any time by the President, Chairman of the Board
of Directors, by a majority of the Board of Directors or by holders of not less
than 10% of all outstanding shares entitled to vote at the proposed meeting.

                                      107
<PAGE>
 
ACTIONS WITHOUT A MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

     NHTB. Section 228 of the DGCL generally provides that NHTB shareholders may
take any action without a meeting if it is evidenced by one or more written
consents signed by shareholders representing the number of votes required to
approve such the action.

     Landmark. The Landmark Bylaws provide that any action which may be taken at
a meeting of the shareholders may be taken without a meeting (and without
notice), if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken,
are signed by the holders of record of all of the outstanding shares entitled to
vote on such matter.

QUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS

     NHTB. The NHTB Bylaws provide that each director shall hold at least 100
shares of the capital stock of NHTB.

     Landmark. The Landmark Bylaws, provide that each director shall at all
times be a shareholder of Landmark, owning in his or her own right or on a
jointly held basis as husband and wife, unencumbered shares of Landmark Common
Stock having an aggregate fair market value at time of acquisition of not less
than $10,000; provided however, that the Board, by affirmative vote of a
majority of the full Board, may waive such requirement in the case of a finding
of hardship to an individual director. New Hampshire banking laws, however,
require each director to own in his or her own right or on a jointly held basis,
not less than $1000 in aggregate fair market value of Landmark Common Stock
valued at the time of acquisition.

AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS

     NHTB. The NHTB Articles and Bylaws provide that the Bylaws may be amended
at any time by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the full Board of Directors
then in office or by vote of the holders of two-thirds of the shares entitled to
vote in the election of directors at a meeting expressly called for that
purpose.

     Landmark. The Landmark Bylaws provide that the Bylaws may be amended by a
majority of the full Board of Directors subject to repeal, or change by the vote
of the holders of two-thirds of the shares entitled to vote at a meeting
expressly held for that purpose.

CUMULATIVE VOTING

     NHTB. Delaware statutory law applicable to NHTB provides that shareholders
do not have a right to cumulate their votes for directors unless the Certificate
of Incorporation so provides. The NHTB Certificate of Incorporation does not
provide for cumulative voting.

     Landmark. There is no analogous statutory law applicable to Landmark. The
Landmark Articles expressly provide that there shall be no cumulative voting
rights in the election of Directors or in respect to any other matter.

                                      108
<PAGE>
 
                   TRANSACTIONS WITH CERTAIN RELATED PERSONS

     In the ordinary course of business, the Bank makes loans to its and NHTB's
directors and officers and parties related to them. Such transactions are on
substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those
prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons, and do
not involve more than normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable
features.

                     COMPARATIVE STOCK PRICES AND DIVIDENDS

     The shares of NHTB Common Stock are quoted on the Nasdaq National Market
System. The shares of Landmark Common Stock are not listed on any exchange and
has traded sporadically in private sales at prices that are not reported. The
table below sets forth high and low sales prices for NHTB Common Stock as quoted
on the Nasdaq National Market System, respectively, and the cash dividends
declared, for the periods indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                   NHTB
                        ---------------------------
    QUARTER ENDED        HIGH      LOW    DIVIDENDS
    -------------       -------  -------  ---------
<S>                     <C>      <C>      <C>
1994
  March 31, 1994......  $ 9.500   $8.750      $.125
  June 30, 1994.......   10.750    8.875       .125
  September 30, 1994..   10.500    9.500       .125
  December 31, 1994...   10.250    8.500       .125
1995
  March 31, 1995......   10.000    8.875       .125
  June 30, 1995.......   10.250    8.750       .125
  September 30, 1995..   11.000    9.500       .125
  December 31, 1995...   11.000    9.750       .125
1996
  March 31, 1996......   10.500    9.250       .125
  June 30, 1996.......   10.437    9.500       .125
</TABLE>

     On July 25, 1996, the business day immediately preceding the public
announcement of the proposed Merger, the high and low sales prices for NHTB
Common Stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market System were $10.125 and
$9.875 per share. Shares of Landmark Common Stock were offered and sold at a
price of $10 per share in Landmark's initial capitalization offering in March
1991. Since that date, shares of Landmark Common Stock have been exchanged only
in private transactions. Landmark does not have available to it reliable
information regarding the prices at which such shares were traded.


                                    EXPERTS

     NHTB. The consolidated financial statements of NHTB as of December 31, 1995
and the year ended December 31, 1995 have been included in this Joint Proxy
Statement-Prospectus in reliance upon the report of Berry, Dunn, McNeil &
Parker, independent

                                      109
<PAGE>
 
certified public accountants, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority
of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The consolidated financial 
statements of NHTB as of December 31, 1994 and for each of the years ended 
December 31, 1994 and 1993 have been included in this Joint Proxy Statement - 
Prospectus in reliance upon the report of Smith, Batchelder & Rugg, independent 
certified public accountants, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority
of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

     Landmark. The financial statements of Landmark at December 31, 1995 and
1994, and for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31,
1995, included in this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus, have been audited by
A.M. Peisch & Company, independent auditors, as set forth in their report
appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given
upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

                                 LEGAL MATTERS

     The legality of the shares of NHTB Common Stock to be issued to the
Landmark shareholders pursuant to the Merger, will be passed upon by Thacher
Proffitt & Wood, New York, New York and Washington, D.C. Certain tax
consequences to NHTB and the Landmark shareholders of the Merger, and certain
legal matters in connection with the Merger, will be passed upon by Thacher
Proffitt & Wood, Washington, D.C. and Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, P.A.,
Concord, New Hampshire.


                        ADJOURNMENT OF SPECIAL MEETINGS

     The proxies solicited hereby requests approval of the proposals to adjourn
each Special Meeting. NHTB or Landmark may seek an adjournment of their
respective Special Meetings for not more than 29 days in order to solicit
additional votes in favor of the proposal to approve and adopt the Agreements in
the event that such proposal has not received the requisite affirmative vote of
shareholders at the Special Meeting. If either NHTB or Landmark desires to
adjourn its Special Meeting, it will request a motion that the meeting be
adjourned for up to 29 days, and no vote will be taken on the proposal to
approve and adopt the Agreements at the originally scheduled Special Meeting. An
adjournment for 29 days or less would not require either the setting of a new
record date or notice of the new meeting date, so long as the time and place of
the new meeting is announced at such Special Meeting. The proxy solicited by
each of NHTB and Landmark hereby, if properly signed and returned to NHTB or
Landmark, as the case may be, on or before ___________, 1996 and not revoked
prior to its use, will be voted on any motion for adjournment in accordance with
the instructions contained therein. If no contrary instructions are given, each
proxy received will be voted for any motion to adjourn the applicable Special
Meeting. Unless revoked prior to its use, an proxy solicited for a Special
Meeting will continue to be valid for any adjourned meeting, and will be voted
in accordance with the instructions contained therein and, if no contrary
instructions are given, for the proposal to approve and adopt the Agreements.

     Any adjournment will permit NHTB and Landmark to solicit additional proxies
and will permit a greater expression of the views of their shareholders with
respect to the Merger. Such an adjournment would be disadvantageous to
shareholders who are against the proposal to approve and adopt the Agreements
because an adjournment will give NHTB and Landmark additional time to solicit
favorable votes and increase the chances of approving such proposal NHTB and
Landmark have no reason to believe that an adjournment of a Special Meeting will
be necessary at this time.

     If a quorum is not present at either Special Meeting, no proposal will be
acted upon and the Board of Directors will adjourn such Special Meeting to an
alternate date in order to solicit additional proxies on each of the proposals
being submitted to shareholders.

     BECAUSE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NHTB AND LANDMARK EACH RECOMMEND THAT
SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE AGREEMENTS, EACH OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE ADJOURNMENT
PROPOSAL. THE HOLDERS OF A

                                      110
<PAGE>
 
MAJORITY OF THE SHARES VOTING IN PERSON OR BY PROXY AT THE SPECIAL MEETING
WILL BE REQUIRED TO APPROVE THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL.


                         INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     A representative of Shatswell, MacLeod & Company, P.C. independent public
accountants, is expected to be present at the NHTB Special Meeting, will have an
opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so and will be
available to respond to questions raised at the NHTB Special Meeting.

     A representative of A.M. Peisch & Company, certified public accountants, is
expected to be present at the Landmark Special Meeting, will have an opportunity
to make a statement if he or she desires to do so and will be available to
respond to questions raised at the Landmark Special Meeting.


                             SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

     In the event the Merger is not consummated, any shareholder who wishes to
have a proposal considered for inclusion in NHTB's proxy statement for its 1997
Annual Meeting of Shareholders must have delivered such proposal in writing to
the main office of NHTB no later than November 8, 1996 (or depending on the date
of such meeting, such later date as determined pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the
Securities Act).

     The Board of Directors of each of NHTB and Landmark are not aware of any
other matters to be presented at their respective Special Meeting. If any
additional matters are properly presented, the persons named in the proxy will
have discretion to vote in accordance with their own judgment on such matters.

                                      111
<PAGE>
 
                                   APPENDICES


     APPENDIX A

     (1)  THE PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
          EXHIBIT A (2)  VOTING AGREEMENTS BETWEEN LANDMARK AND NHTB
     (3)  THE MERGER AGREEMENT

     APPENDIX B

     (1)  OPINION OF HAS ASSOCIATES, INC.
     (2)  OPINION OF MCCONNELL, BUDD & DOWNES, INC.

     APPENDIX C

     STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

     APPENDIX D

     DISSENTERS' RIGHTS - NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT

     APPENDIX E

     (1)  NHTB 1995 ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS AND ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-
     KSB FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
     (2)  NHTB QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-QSB FOR QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 1996

                                      112
<PAGE>
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     NHTB:

          Audited Financial Statements for NHTB are included in the Annual
     Report to Report to Shareholders annexed hereto as Appendix E.  Unaudited
     financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 1996 and 1995 are
     included in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June
     30, 1996, annexed hereto as Appendix E.
 
LANDMARK BANK


                                      113
<PAGE>

                                   CONTENTS

                                                                  PAGE


INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT                                        1

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  Consolidated balance sheets                                       2
  Consolidated statements of income                                 3
  Consolidated statements of changes in stockholders' equity        4
  Consolidated statements of cash flows                       5 and 6
  Notes to consolidated financial statements                   7 - 24



                          INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT


To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Landmark Bank
Lebanon, New Hampshire


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Landmark Bank
and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the related consolidated
statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the
years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993.  These consolidated financial
statements are the responsibility of the Bank's management.  Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our
audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Landmark Bank and
Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and
1993 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Bank
adopted a new method of accounting for investment securities effective December
31, 1993.



February 2, 1996
White River Junction, Vermont                   /s/ A.M. Peisch & Company
<PAGE>
 
                         LANDMARK BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES

                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1995              1994
        ASSETS
<S>                                                                   <C>                <C>
Cash and due from banks (Note 2)                                      $ 1,743,476        $ 2,013,670
Federal funds sold                                                      1,980,000          1,330,000
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value (Note 3)                   9,523,269          2,397,668
Securities, held-to-maturity (approximate fair value
  1995 $823,916; 1994 $8,095,604) (Note 3)                                812,357          8,533,151
Loans, net (Notes 4 and 5)                                             42,861,602         40,464,680
Premises and equipment, net (Note 6)                                    2,652,038            556,886
Accrued interest receivable                                               341,795            305,752
Deferred income taxes (Note 9)                                            203,312            278,995
Investment in real estate                                                 158,308            157,372
Other assets                                                              486,887            291,934
                                                                      -----------        -----------
 
                                                                      $60,763,044        $56,330,108
                                                                      ===========        ===========
 
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
LIABILITIES
  Deposits:
   Demand                                                             $ 3,867,185        $ 4,089,808
   NOW accounts                                                         3,616,980          4,007,414
   Savings                                                             12,094,967         20,441,327
   Time, $100,000 and over (Note 7)                                     7,986,106          4,626,522
   Other time (Note 7)                                                 28,793,757         18,825,832
                                                                      -----------        -----------
                                                                       56,358,995         51,990,903
 
  Securities sold under repurchase agreements (Note 11)                   303,953            220,202
  Capital lease obligations (Note 12)                                         -0-             38,910
  Accrued interest and other liabilities                                  209,137            288,645
                                                                      -----------        -----------
                                                                       56,872,085         52,538,660
                                                                      -----------        -----------
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 12, 13 and 14)
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Preferred stock, $1 par value, $20 stated value (Note 15)             1,094,004          1,059,824
  Common stock, $1 par value; 865,658 shares
   authorized; 354,138 shares issued and outstanding (Note 16)            354,138            354,138
  Additional paid-in capital                                            2,826,281          2,826,281
  Accumulated deficit                                                     (33,210)          (260,584)
  Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale, net             91,899           ( 28,581)
  Unrealized loss on securities held-to-maturity, net                    (143,153)          (159,630)
                                                                      -----------        -----------
                                                                        3,890,959          3,791,448
                                                                      -----------        -----------
 
                                                                      $60,763,044        $56,330,108
                                                                      ===========        ===========
</TABLE>

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these
statements.
<PAGE>
 
                         LANDMARK BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES

                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                        1995         1994        1993
<S>                                                                  <C>          <C>         <C>
Interest income:
  Interest and fees on loans                                         $4,268,442   $3,196,571  $2,417,396
  Interest on investment securities:
    U.S. Treasury                                                       145,979       58,346       2,333
    U.S. government agencies and mortgage-backed securities             530,277      285,109     125,452
    Other                                                                   -0-          -0-      14,089
  Interest on federal funds sold                                        217,962       52,910      34,970
                                                                     ----------   ----------  ----------
                                                                      5,162,660    3,592,936   2,594,240
                                                                     ----------   ----------  ----------
Interest expense:
  Interest on deposits                                                2,847,901    1,373,080     940,778
  Other interest expense                                                  9,662       18,478      29,963
                                                                     ----------   ----------  ----------
                                                                      2,857,563    1,391,558     970,741
                                                                     ----------   ----------  ----------
     Net interest income                                              2,305,097    2,201,378   1,623,499
Provision for possible loan losses (Note 5)                             205,483      203,013     145,500
                                                                     ----------   ----------  ----------
     Net interest income after provision for possible loan losses     2,099,614    1,998,365   1,477,999
                                                                     ----------   ----------  ----------
 
Other income:
  Service fees                                                           89,707       85,877      70,834
  Net gains on sales of securities available-for-sale (Note 3)              -0-          841       3,735
  Gains on sales of loans                                                63,989      162,550     421,534
  Secondary market loan fees                                            111,408      137,265     255,231
  Other                                                                 146,713      174,663     111,249
                                                                     ----------   ----------  ----------
                                                                        411,817      561,196     862,583
                                                                     ----------   ----------  ----------
Other expenses:
  Salaries and employee benefits                                      1,165,997    1,056,710     738,145
  Advertising and promotion                                             135,297      138,503      91,216
  Occupancy expenses                                                    243,049      214,875     131,484
  Equipment rentals, depreciation and maintenance                       250,553      193,791     168,577
  Other operating expenses                                              690,237      588,696     457,535
                                                                     ----------   ----------  ----------
 
                                                                      2,485,133    2,192,575   1,586,957
                                                                     ----------   ----------  ----------
 
     Income before income taxes                                          26,298      366,986     753,625
 
Income tax expense (Note 9)                                               5,315      140,632     277,751
                                                                     ----------   ----------  ----------
 
     Net income                                                      $   20,983   $  226,354  $  475,874
                                                                     ==========   ==========  ==========
 
Earnings per share on weighted average number
  of common and common equivalent shares                            ($      .20)  $      .34  $     1.15
                                                                     ==========   ==========  ==========
 
Weighted average number of common and common
  equivalent shares                                                  $  354,138   $  354,138  $  414,127
                                                                     ==========   ==========  ==========
</TABLE>

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these
statements.
<PAGE>
 
                         LANDMARK BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities
                                                         Additional                    Available-         Held-to-
                               Preferred      Common      Paid-in     Accumulated       for-Sale         Maturity,
                                 Stock         Stock      Capital       Deficit           Net               Net           Totals
<S>                            <C>             <C>       <C>          <C>             <C>                <C>               <C>
Balances, December 31, 1992    $  150,000      $354,038  $2,825,381   ($  814,297)              -0-       $       -0-   $2,515,122
Net income, as restated 
 (Note 19)                            -0-           -0-         -0-       475,874               -0-               -0-      475,874
Issuance of preferred stock       900,000           -0-         -0-           -0-               -0-               -0-      900,000
Conversion of 50 shares of
 preferred
  stock to 100 shares of
   common stock               (     1,000)          100         900           -0-               -0-               -0-          -0-
Preferred stock offering
 costs (Note 15)              (    99,276)          -0-         -0-           -0-               -0-               -0-   (   99,276)
Preferred stock dividends
 declared                             -0-           -0-         -0-   (    42,178)              -0-               -0-   (   42,178)
Reinvested preferred stock
 dividends (Note 15)                7,140           -0-         -0-           -0-               -0-               -0-        7,140
Unrealized loss on
 securities available-
  for-sale, net of tax                -0-           -0-         -0-           -0-     (       9,841)              -0-   (    9,841) 

                               ----------      --------  ----------    ----------     -------------       -----------   ----------
Balances, December 31, 1993       956,864       354,138   2,826,281   (   380,601)    (       9,841)              -0-    3,746,841
                                                                          
Net income                            -0-           -0-         -0-       226,354               -0-               -0-      226,354
Issuance of preferred stock        60,000           -0-         -0-           -0-               -0-               -0-       60,000
Preferred stock dividends
 declared                             -0-           -0-         -0-   (   106,337)              -0-               -0-   (  106,337)
Reinvested preferred stock
 dividends (Note 15)               42,960           -0-         -0-           -0-               -0-               -0-       42,960
Unrealized loss on
 securities
  available-for-sale, net             -0-           -0-         -0-           -0-     (     182,490)              -0-   (  182,490)
Transfer of securities
 available-
  for-sale to
   held-to-maturity, (Note 3)         -0-           -0-         -0-           -0-           163,750      (    163,750)         -0-
Amortization of unrealized
 loss on
  securities
   held-to-maturity                   -0-           -0-         -0-           -0-               -0-             4,120        4,120
                               ----------      --------  ----------    ----------        ----------       -----------   ----------
Balances, December 31, 1994     1,059,824       354,138   2,826,281   (   260,584)    (      28,581)     (    159,630)   3,791,448
                                                                          
Net income                            -0-           -0-         -0-        20,983               -0-               -0-       20,983
Preferred stock dividends
 declared                             -0-           -0-         -0-   (    92,609)              -0-               -0-   (   92,609)
Reinvested preferred stock
 dividends (Note 15)               34,180           -0-         -0-           -0-               -0-               -0-       34,180
Unrealized gain on
 securities
  available-for-sale, net             -0-           -0-         -0-           -0-           120,480               -0-      120,480
Amortization of unrealized
 loss on
  securities
   held-to-maturity                   -0-           -0-         -0-           -0-               -0-            16,477       16,477
                               ----------      --------  ----------    ----------        ----------       -----------   ----------
Balances, December 31, 1995    $1,094,004      $354,138  $2,826,281   ($  332,210)           91,899      ($   143,153)  $3,890,959
                               ==========      ========  ==========    ==========        ==========       ===========   ==========
</TABLE> 

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these
statements.
<PAGE>
 
                         LANDMARK BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                           1995                1994                1993
<S>                                                                  <C>                <C>                 <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net income                                                             $     20,983       $     226,354        $    475,874
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to
   net cash provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization                                             178,485             133,179             107,387
    Provision for loan losses                                                 205,483             203,013             145,500
    Securities gains, net                                                         -0-       (         841)       (      3,735)
    Gains on sales of loans                                            (       63,989)      (     162,550)       (    421,534)
    Decrease in loans held for sale                                               -0-             174,898             438,918
    Accretion, net of amortization                                     (       94,615)      (      43,426)             65,805
    Provision for deferred income taxes                                (       10,615)             23,548             248,481
    Increase in accrued interest receivable and other assets           (      243,097)      (     190,080)       (     59,074)
    (Increase) decrease in deferred loan costs                         (       33,357)      (      27,908)             16,962
    (Decrease) increase in accrued interest and other liabilities      (       97,451)            140,785              13,872
                                                                                            -------------        ------------
 
     Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities               (      138,173)            476,972           1,028,456
                                                                       --------------       -------------        ------------
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  (Increase) decrease in federal funds sold                            (      650,000)            529,000        (    974,000)
  Purchases of securities available-for-sale                           (      499,766)      (   1,977,929)                -0-
  Proceeds from sales and maturities of securities
    available-for-sale                                                        581,443             241,921                 -0-
  Purchases of securities held-to-maturity                                        -0-       (   7,807,934)                -0-
  Proceeds from maturities of securities held-to-maturity                     827,263             146,229                 -0-
  Purchases of investment securities                                              -0-                 -0-        (  1,452,505)
  Proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities                     -0-                 -0-           3,449,492
  Net increase in loans                                                  (  2,505,059)       ( 13,070,481)       (  6,772,215)
  Purchase of premises and equipment                                     (  2,257,413)       (    129,159)       (    140,557)
  Purchase of real estate held for investment                            (        936)       (    157,383)                -0-
                                                                       --------------        ------------      --------------
 
     Net cash used in investing activities                              (   4,504,468)       ( 22,225,736)       (  5,889,785)
                                                                       --------------        ------------      --------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Net (decrease) increase in demand deposits,
    NOW accounts and savings accounts                                   (   8,959,417)         15,157,463           1,100,146
  Net increase in time deposits                                            13,327,509           7,488,351           3,127,133
  Net increase (decrease) in repurchase agreements                             83,751        (    130,695)            321,564
  Decrease in capital lease obligations                                 (      38,910)       (     81,876)       (     66,815)
  Proceeds from sales of preferred stock                                          -0-              60,000             900,000
  Stock issuance costs                                                            -0-                 -0-        (     25,903)
  Dividends paid, net of reinvestment                                   (      40,486)       (     63,377)       (     35,038)
                                                                       --------------        ------------      --------------
     Net cash provided by financing activities                              4,372,447          22,429,866           5,321,087
                                                                         ------------       -------------        ------------
     Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents               (     270,194)            681,102             459,758
Cash and cash equivalents:
 Beginning                                                                  2,013,670           1,332,568             872,810
                                                                         ------------       -------------        ------------
 Ending                                                                  $  1,743,476       $   2,013,670        $  1,332,568
                                                                         ============       =============        ============
</TABLE>
                                  (Continued)

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these
statements.
<PAGE>
 
                         LANDMARK BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
                                  (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1995          1994         1993
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>          <C>
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
  Cash payments for:
    Interest                                                  $2,859,592   $1,288,156   $ 969,697
                                                              ----------   ----------   ---------
 
    Income taxes                                                 183,980       78,969         -0-
                                                              ----------   ----------   ---------
 
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING
 AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Increase in unrealized gain (loss) on securities
    available-for-sale                                        $  192,769  ($   35,888) ($   9,841)
                                                              ==========  ===========  ==========
 
  Transfer of securities available-for-sale to securities
    held-to-maturity (fair value)                             $      -0-   $  838,000   $     -0-
                                                              ==========   ==========   =========
 
  Conversion of 50 shares of preferred stock to
    100 shares of common stock                                $      -0-   $      -0-   $   1,000
                                                              ==========   ==========   =========
</TABLE>

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these
statements.
<PAGE>
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

       The accounting policies of Landmark Bank and Subsidiaries (the Bank) are
       in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and general
       practices within the banking industry.  The following is a description of
       the more significant policies.

         BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION

         The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Landmark
         Bank and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Landmarkbanc Realty Holdings
         Corp. and Landmark Bank Mortgage Corporation.  These subsidiaries were
         established in 1995 for the purposes of holding the bank building and
         opening a loan production office in Vermont.  All significant
         intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

         NATURE OF OPERATIONS

         The Bank provides a variety of financial services through its two
         branch locations to individuals and corporate customers in the City of
         Lebanon and the surrounding towns of Hanover, Enfield, and Plainfield,
         New Hampshire, as well as the Vermont towns of Norwich and Hartford.
         The Bank's primary deposit products are checking and savings accounts
         and certificates-of-deposit.  Its primary lending products are
         commercial, real estate and consumer loans.

         CONCENTRATION OF RISK

         The Bank's operations are affected by various risk factors, including
         interest rate risk, credit risk and risk from geographic concentration
         of lending activities.  Management attempts to manage interest rate
         risk through various asset/liability management techniques designed to
         match maturities of assets and liabilities.  The Bank is a community
         bank and, as such, is mandated by the Community Reinvestment Act and
         other regulations to conduct most of its lending activities within the
         geographic area where it is located.   Although the Bank has a
         diversified loan portfolio and economic conditions are stable, a
         substantial portion of the loans are secured by real estate.  As a
         result, the Bank and its borrowers may be especially vulnerable to
         changes in the local economy.  Loan policies and administration are
         designed to provide assurance that loans will only be granted to credit
         worthy borrowers, although credit losses are expected to occur because
         of factors beyond the control of the Bank.

         EARNINGS PER SHARE

         Earnings per share are computed based on the weighted average number of
         common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the year.
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

         USE OF ESTIMATES

         The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
         accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
         and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
         liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
         date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues
         and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ
         from those estimates.

         A material estimate that is particularly susceptible to significant
         change relates to the determination of the allowance for losses on
         loans.  In connection with the determination of the allowances for
         losses on loans, management obtains independent appraisals for
         significant properties.  Accordingly, the ultimate collectibility of a
         substantial portion of the Bank's loan portfolio are susceptible to
         changes in local market conditions.

         While management uses available information to recognize losses on
         loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on
         changes in local economic conditions.  In addition, regulatory
         agencies, as an integral part of their examination process,
         periodically review the Bank's allowance for losses on loans.  Such
         agencies may require the Bank to recognize additions to the allowance
         based on their judgments about information available to them at the
         time of their examination.

         PRESENTATION OF CASH FLOWS

         For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents
         includes cash on hand, cash items in the process of clearing, and
         amounts due from banks.  The statements of cash flows for the years
         ended December 31, 1994 and 1993 have been restated using the indirect
         method to conform with the December 31, 1995 presentation.

         INVESTMENT SECURITIES

         In April, 1993, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
         Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115, Accounting
         for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.  SFAS No. 115
         established new standards of accounting and reporting for debt
         securities held as assets and for equity securities having readily
         determinable fair values.  SFAS Statement No. 115 is effective for
         fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1993, with early adoption
         permitted.  The Bank elected to adopt SFAS 115 as of December 31, 1993.
         Retroactive restatement of prior years' statements was not permitted.
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

         Debt securities that management has the ability and intent to hold to
         maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at cost,
         adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discounts using
         methods approximating the interest method.  Other marketable securities
         are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value.
         Unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale are
         recognized as direct increases or decreases in stockholders' equity,
         net of tax.  Cost of securities sold is recognized using the specific
         identification method.

         LOANS HELD FOR SALE

         Loans originated and intended for sale are carried at the lower of cost
         or estimated market value in the aggregate.  Net unrealized losses are
         recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income.

         LOANS

         The Bank adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 114
         (as amended by SFAS No. 118), Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of
         a Loan, effective January 1, 1995.  This statement is considered the
         primary source of authoritative guidance for determining allowances
         relating to specific loans.  The effect of adoption of this statement
         was immaterial to the Bank's financial statements.

         Loans are stated at the amount of unpaid principal, increased by
         deferred costs and reduced by an allowance for possible loan losses and
         deferred gains on loan sales.

         Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct loan
         origination  costs  are being deferred and the net amount amortized as
         an adjustment of the related loan's yield.  The Bank is generally
         amortizing these amounts over the contractual life.

         The Bank periodically sells certain interests (for example, the
         guaranteed portions) in U.S. Small Business Administration loans.  At
         the time the portion of the loan is sold, the Bank allocates its
         recorded investment in the loan between the portion of the loan sold
         and the portion retained, including any excess servicing, based on
         their relative fair values.  This allocation is used to determine the
         gain or loss on the portion of the loan sold and the carrying amount of
         the portion retained.

         The excess servicing receivables and deferred loan gains resulting from
         such sales are amortized over the estimated life using a method
         approximating the interest method.

         Loan interest income is accrued daily on the outstanding balances.
         Accrual of interest is discontinued when a loan is specifically
         determined to be impaired or management believes, after considering
         collection efforts and other factors, that the borrower's financial
         condition is such that collection of interest is doubtful.
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

         Any unpaid interest previously accrued on those loans is reversed from
         income.  Interest income generally is not recognized on specific
         impaired loans unless the likelihood of further loss is remote.
         Interest payments received on such loans are applied as a reduction of
         the loan principal balance.  Interest income on other nonaccrual loans
         is recognized only to the extent of interest payments received.

         ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES

         The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level which, in
         management's judgment, is adequate to absorb credit losses inherent in
         the loan portfolio.  The amount of the allowance is based on
         management's evaluation of the collectibility of the loan portfolio,
         including the nature of the portfolio, credit concentrations, trends in
         historical loss experience, specific impaired loans, and economic
         conditions.  Allowances for impaired loans are generally determined
         based on collateral values or the present value of estimated cash
         flows.  The allowance is increased by a provision for loan losses,
         which is charged to expense, and reduced by charge-offs, net of
         recoveries.

         PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

         Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated
         depreciation.  The provision for depreciation is computed over the
         estimated useful life of the related asset, principally by the
         straight-line method.  Improvements to leased property are amortized
         over the lesser of the term of the lease or the life of the
         improvements.  The cost of assets sold or otherwise disposed of and the
         related allowance for depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and
         the resulting gains or losses are reflected in the income statement.
         Maintenance and repairs are charged to current expenses as incurred and
         the cost of major renewals and betterments are capitalized.

         INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE

         Investment in real estate consists of two residential properties
         adjacent to the Bank's main office.  The properties are carried at the
         lower of cost or net realizable value and are currently for sale by the
         Bank.

         PENSION COSTS

         Pension costs relating to the Bank's 401(k) plan are charged to
         employee benefits expense and are funded as accrued.

         ADVERTISING COSTS

         The Bank expenses advertising costs as incurred.
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

         INCOME TAXES

         The Bank recognizes income taxes under the asset and liability method.
         Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are established
         for the temporary differences between the accounting basis and the tax
         basis of the Bank's assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates
         expected to be in effect when the amounts related to such temporary
         differences are realized or settled.  Adjustments to the Bank's
         deferred tax assets are recognized as deferred income tax expense or
         benefit based on management's judgments relating to the realizability
         of such asset.

         OFF-BALANCE-SHEET FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

         In the ordinary course of business the Bank has executed off-balance-
         sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit,
         commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit.  Such
         financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when
         they become payable.

         FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

         Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, Disclosures about
         Fair Value of Financial Instruments, requires disclosure of fair value
         information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in
         the statement of financial condition.  SFAS No. 107 is effective for
         the Bank beginning in 1995.  In cases where quoted market prices are
         not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value
         or other valuation techniques.  Those techniques are significantly
         affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and
         estimates of future cash flows.  In that regard, the derived fair value
         estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets
         and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of
         the instruments.  SFAS No. 107 excludes certain financial instruments
         and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements.
         Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not
         represent the underlying value of the Bank.

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

          CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS AND FEDERAL FUNDS SOLD:  The carrying amounts
          reported in the balance sheet for cash and due from banks and federal
          funds sold approximate those assets' fair values.

          INVESTMENT SECURITIES:  Fair values for securities available-for-sale
          and held-to-maturity are based on quoted market prices, where
          available.  If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are
          based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments.  The carrying
          amount of accrued interest receivable approximates its fair value.
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

          LOANS:  For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no
          significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying
          amounts.  The fair values for other loans (for example, fixed rate
          commercial real estate and rental property mortgage loans and
          commercial and industrial loans) are estimated using discounted cash
          flow analysis, based on interest rates currently being offered for
          loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.  Loan
          fair value estimates include judgments regarding future expected loss
          experience and risk characteristics.  The carrying amount of accrued
          interest receivable approximates its fair value.

          DEPOSITS:  The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (for example,
          checking and savings accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount
          payable on demand at the reporting date (that is, their carrying
          amounts).  The fair values for certificates of deposit are estimated
          using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates
          currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated
          contractual maturities on such time deposits.  The carrying amount of
          accrued interest payable approximates fair value.

          REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS:  The carrying amount reported in the balance
          sheet for repurchase agreements approximates those liabilities' fair
          values.

          OTHER LIABILITIES:  Commitments to extend credit were evaluated and
          fair value was estimated using the fees currently charged to enter
          into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of
          the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties.
          For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the
          difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed
          rates.

         RECLASSIFICATIONS

         Certain amounts in the 1994 and 1993 financial statements have been
         reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.  The
         composition of net loans for 1995 and 1994 in Note 4 has been
         reclassified to conform with regulatory call reporting requirements.


NOTE 2.  RESTRICTIONS ON CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

       The Bank is required to maintain reserve balances in cash with the
       Federal Reserve Bank.  The total of those reserve balances was
       approximately $98,000 and $50,000 at December 31, 1995 and 1994.
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 3.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES


       Securities available-for-sale (AFS) and held-to-maturity (HTM) consist of
       the following at December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        Gross       Gross
                                          Amortized   Unrealized  Unrealized     Fair
                                             Cost       Gains       Losses      Value
<S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
                  SECURITIES AFS:
                   December 31, 1995:
                    U.S. Treasury         $1,999,279    $  5,321    $    -0-  $2,004,600
                    Mortgage-backed
                     securities            7,348,236     143,454       1,895   7,489,795
                    Collateralized
                     mortgage
                     obligations              28,714         160         -0-      28,874
                                          ----------    --------    --------  ----------
                                          $9,376,229    $148,935    $  1,895  $9,523,269
                                          ==========    ========    ========  ==========
 
                   December 31, 1994:
                    U.S. Treasury         $1,985,883    $    -0-    $ 38,461  $1,947,422
                    Mortgage-backed
                     securities              421,297       2,706       9,123     414,880
                    Collateralized
                     mortgage
                     obligations              36,217         -0-         851      35,366
                                          ----------    --------    --------  ----------
                                          $2,443,397    $  2,706    $ 48,435  $2,397,668
                                          ==========    ========    ========  ==========
                  SECURITIES HTM:
 
                    December 31, 1995:
                     U.S. Gov't.
                      agencies            $  812,357    $ 11,559    $    -0-  $  823,916
                                          ==========    ========    ========  ==========
 
                    December 31, 1994:
                     U.S. Gov't.
                      agencies            $  808,093    $    -0-    $ 92,996  $  715,097
                     Mortgage-backed
                      securities           7,725,058         -0-     344,551   7,380,507
                                          ----------    --------    --------  ----------
 
                                          $8,533,151    $    -0-    $437,547  $8,095,604
                                          ==========    ========    ========  ==========
</TABLE>

       U.S. Gov't. agencies at December 31, 1995 and 1994 consist of two Federal
       Home Loan Bank notes.  The interest rates on these investments, which are
       considered structured notes, fluctuate based on changes in the LIBOR
       rate.  These notes were transferred from the available-for-sale category
       to the held-to-maturity category at fair value in 1994.  The unrealized
       loss of $163,750 (net of tax) at the time of the transfer is being
       amortized using a method approximating the interest method.
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 3.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

       The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an implementation guide
       to SFAS No. 115 on Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
       Securities. This guide allows the one time transfer of securities in the
       held-to-maturity classification to the available-for-sale classification
       between the period November 15, 1995 and December 31, 1995.  In December,
       1995 the Bank transferred mortgage-backed securities with an approximate
       amortized cost and fair value of $7,033,500 and $7,173,500, respectively
       from the held-to-maturity classification to the available-for-sale
       classification.  Under the implementation guide, this one time transfer
       does not call into question the intent of the Bank to hold other debt
       securities to maturity in the future.

       Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during 1995 and
       1994 were $-0- and $119,776, respectively.  Gross realized gains on sales
       of securities available-for-sale were $-0- and $841 for the years ended
       December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

       Proceeds from the sale of investment securities during 1993 (prior to the
       adoption of SFAS No. 115) were $1,883,983.  Gross realized gains and
       losses on sales of securities during 1993 (prior to adoption of SFAS 115)
       were:

         Gross realized gains                                        $    5,198
         Gross realized losses                                         (  1,463)
                                                           
           Net realized gains                                        $    3,735
                                                                     ==========
 
The maturities of investment securities at December 31, 1995 were as follows:
 
                                                          Amortized        Fair
                                                               Cost       Value
 SECURITIES AFS:                                       
  Due in one year or less                                $  999,513  $1,001,350
  Due from one to five years                              6,674,164   6,779,311
  Due from five to ten years                              1,474,632   1,509,854
  Due after ten years                                       227,920     232,754
                                                         ----------  ----------
                                                       
                                                         $9,376,229  $9,523,269
                                                         ==========  ==========
                                                       
 SECURITIES HTM:                                       
  Due from one to five years                             $  445,805  $  455,000
  Due after ten years                                       366,552     368,916
                                                         ----------  ----------
                                                       
                                                         $  812,357  $  823,916
                                                         ==========  ==========


       Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities on mortgage-
       backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations because
       borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations without call
       or prepayment penalties.  The expected average lives of such securities
       are substantially less than the contractual lives of the underlying
       mortgage products.
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 3.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

         Investment securities with an amortized cost of $7,070,335 and
         $7,638,287 and a fair value of $7,200,120 and $7,247,873 at December
         31, 1995 and 1994, respectively, were pledged as collateral on public
         deposits and for other purposes as required or permitted by law.

 
NOTE 4.  LOANS

         The composition of net loans (rounded to the nearest thousand) is as
         follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   -------------December 31,------------
                                                           1995                 1994
<S>                                                <C>                  <C>
         Commercial and commercial real estate           $17,844,000         $16,500,000
         Real estate                                      18,953,000          17,546,000
         Construction loans                                2,851,000           2,643,000
         Consumer                                          3,868,000           4,272,000
                                                         -----------         -----------
                                                          43,516,000          40,961,000
 
         Allowance for loan losses                      (    659,000)       (    465,000)
         Net deferred loan costs                              35,000               1,000
         Deferred gains on loan sales                   (     30,000)       (     32,000)
 
               Loans, net                                $42,862,000         $40,465,000
                                                         ===========         ===========
</TABLE>

       The Bank had loans amounting to $302,393 (which approximates the average
       balance of the loans) that were specifically classified as impaired at
       December 31, 1995.  These loans were subject to allowances for loan
       losses of $167,635, which represented the total allowance for loan losses
       related to impaired loans at December 31, 1995.  There were no cash
       receipts on impaired loans during 1995.

       In addition, the Bank had other nonaccrual loans of approximately
       $143,600 for which impairment had not been recognized.  If interest on
       these loans had been recognized at the original interest rates, interest
       income would have increased approximately $5,793 for the year ended
       December 31, 1995.

       The Bank has no commitments to loan additional funds to borrowers with
       impaired or nonaccrual loans.
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 5.  ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES

       Changes in the allowance for possible loan losses are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               --------------------December 31,------------------
                                                      1995               1994              1993
<S>                                           <C>                <C>               <C>
 
         Balance, beginning                          $ 465,000          $264,971         $ 141,656
         Provision charged to
          operating expense                            205,483           203,013           145,500
         Recoveries of amounts charged off                  20               -0-               -0-
                                                    ----------         ---------        ----------
                                                       670,503           467,984           287,156
         Amounts charged off                       (    11,076)      (     2,984)      (    22,185)
                                                    ----------         ---------        ---------- 
         Balance, ending                             $ 659,427          $465,000         $ 264,971
                                                    ==========         =========        ==========
</TABLE>

NOTE 6.  PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

       Premises and equipment at December 31, 1995 and 1994 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                          ----------December 31,---------
                                                  1995             1994
<S>                                       <C>              <C>
 
         Buildings                             $1,999,965        $    -0-
         Building improvements                    235,925         209,394
         Furniture and equipment                  945,494         715,019
                                               ----------        --------
                                                3,181,384         924,413
         Less accumulated depreciation            529,346         367,527
                                               ----------        --------
 
                                               $2,652,038        $556,886
                                               ==========        ========
</TABLE>

       Depreciation included in occupancy and equipment expense amounted to
       $162,261, $115,572 and $87,314 for the years ended December 31, 1995,
       1994 and 1993 respectively, of which $152,969, $109,931 and $83,099,
       respectively, represented equipment depreciation.

       Included in furniture and equipment at December 31, 1994 are assets held
       under capital leases of $338,075 (Note 12).  Amortization of assets held
       under capital leases is included in depreciation expense for 1994 and
       1993; accumulated amortization for these assets amounted to $201,290 and
       $156,453 as of December 31, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 7.    DEPOSITS

       The following is a maturity distribution of time certificates of deposit:

                                             December 31,
                                                 1995

 
         Maturing in one year or less        $29,844,020
         Maturing from one to five years       6,881,930
         Maturing from five to ten years          53,913
                                             -----------

                                             $36,779,863
                                             ===========

       Included in time deposits on the balance sheets at December 31, 1995 and
       1994 are out-of-area certificates of deposit (brokered deposits) of
       $2,179,420 and $14,506,440, respectively, which are considered volatile
       liabilities.  Interest rates on these deposits, typically one-half
       percent higher than those offered in the normal course of business, range
       from 5.5% to 6.6%.  These certificates mature in one year or less.


NOTE 8.  DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN

         The Bank has established a 401(k) profit sharing plan which covers all
         employees who are at least 21 years of age and who have completed three
         months of service. Eligible employees may contribute a percentage of
         their annual compensation to the plan each year. The Bank matches a
         certain portion of employee contributions. For the years ended December
         31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, the Bank matched $5,948, $6,277 and 3,106,
         respectively, of employee contributions under this plan.

         The Bank may also make additional discretionary contributions to the
         plan on behalf of employees who meet the eligibility requirements.
         These contributions are allocated based on the annual salary of the
         participants and amounted to $-0-, $-0-and $8,300 in 1995, 1994 and
         1993, respectively.

         All plan members become fully vested after five years of service.


NOTE 9.  INCOME TAXES

         The Bank prepares its federal income tax return on a consolidated basis
         (Note 1). Federal income taxes are allocated to members of the
         consolidated group based on taxable income. State income tax returns
         are filed individually by each member of the consolidated group.
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 9.  INCOME TAXES (Continued)

       Income taxes for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 were as
       follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        ------------------December 31,-----------------
                                                 1995             1994            1993
<S>                                           <C>               <C>             <C>
                  Currently payable:
                   Federal                    $  15,930         $103,932        $    -0-
                   State                            -0-           13,152          29,270
                   Deferred                   (  10,615)          23,548         248,481
                                              ---------         --------        --------
 
                                              $   5,315         $140,632        $277,751
                                              =========         ========        ========
</TABLE>

       Income tax expense included in the statements of income differs from that
       computed at the statutory rate of 34% primarily because of expenses
       deductible for financial reporting purposes that are not deductible for
       tax purposes and the effect of the surtax exemption.

       Temporary differences giving rise to deferred taxes consist primarily of
       start-up costs capitalized for tax purposes but expensed for financial
       reporting purposes and nondeductible provisions for loan losses.

       At December 31, 1995 and 1994 gross deferred tax assets and gross
       deferred tax liabilities were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1995      1994
<S>                                                       <C>       <C>
                                         
         Gross deferred tax assets                        $288,650  $298,147
         Less:  Valuation allowance                            -0-       -0-
                                                          --------  --------
                                                           288,650   298,147
         Gross deferred tax liabilities                     85,338    19,152
                                                          --------  --------
                                         
               Net deferred tax asset                     $203,312  $278,995
                                                          ========  ========
</TABLE>

          There was no change in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance
          during 1995 and 1994.


NOTE 10.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

          The Bank has had, and may be expected to have in the future, banking
          transactions in the ordinary course of business with directors,
          principal officers, their immediate families and affiliated companies
          in which they are principal stockholders (commonly referred to as
          related parties), all of which have been, in the opinion of
          management, on the same terms, including interest rates and
          collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable
          transactions with others.
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 10.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued)

       Aggregate loan transactions with related parties were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                ---------December 31,----------
                                      1995              1994
<S>                             <C>              <C>
 
         Balance, beginning        $1,114,272        $  392,497
         New loans                    665,716           808,647
         Repayments               (   601,691)      (    86,872)
                                   ----------        ---------- 
         Balance, ending           $1,178,297        $1,114,272
                                   ==========        ==========
</TABLE>

         Deposit accounts with related parties approximated $316,000 at December
         31, 1995.

         The Bank formerly leased its offices from an affiliated corporation, of
         which most of its stockholders were directors of the Bank (Note 12). In
         August, 1995, the Bank's wholly owned subsidiary, Landmarkbanc Realty
         Holdings Corp., purchased the building from the affiliated corporation
         for $1,999,965, including closing costs.


NOTE 11. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

         Repurchase agreements generally mature within one to four days from the
         transaction date and are secured by securities in the Bank's investment
         portfolio.

         The maximum amount of repurchase agreements outstanding at any month-
         end during 1995 was $392,200; the monthly average amount of repurchase
         agreements outstanding during 1995 was $259,111.

         All securities collateralizing repurchase agreements are held in the
         Bank's name.


NOTE 12. LEASES

         The Bank was the lessee of certain computer equipment under capital
         leases which expired in 1995. The assets and liabilities under capital
         leases are recorded at the lower of the present value of the minimum
         lease payments or the fair value of the asset. The Bank purchased the
         computer equipment upon expiration of the leases.

         The Bank leased its main office space from a related party (Note 10)
         under an operating lease until August, 1995. Subsequent to that date,
         the Bank leases its main office space from Landmarkbanc Realty Holdings
         Corp., a wholly- owned subsidiary. The lease has a term of fifteen
         years. All costs and expenses relating to the leased property,
         including taxes, insurance, and repairs and maintenance are paid by the
         Bank.
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 12.  LEASES (Continued)

       The Bank also leases branch office facilities in West Lebanon, New
       Hampshire.  The lease has an initial term of ten years which commenced on
       October 1, 1995, with two five year renewal periods.  The Bank is
       responsible for the payment of utilities and taxes relating to the leased
       property.

       Approximate minimum future lease payments as of December 31, 1995,
       assuming no renewal options are exercised, for each of the next ten years
       and in the aggregate are:

         1996                                               $ 47,400
         1997                                                 47,400
         1998                                                 47,400
         1999                                                 47,400
         2000                                                 47,400
         Subsequent to 2000                                  225,150
                                                            --------

                                                            $462,150
                                                            ========

         Rent expense paid in connection with these leases for the years ended
         December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 amounted to $119,357, $123,185 and
         81,989, respectively.


NOTE 13. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK

         The Bank 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 and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuations in
         interest rates. These financial instruments include commitments to
         extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees, and
         interest rate caps and floors written on adjustable rate loans. Such
         instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and
         interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance
         sheet. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect
         the extent of involvement the Bank has in particular classes of
         financial instruments.

         The Bank's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by
         the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend
         credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees is
         represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Bank
         uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional
         obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments. For interest
         rate caps and floors written on adjustable rate loans, the contractual
         amounts or notional amounts do not represent exposure to credit loss.
         The Bank controls the risk of interest rate cap agreements through
         credit approvals, limits and monitoring procedures.
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 13. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK (Continued)

         Contractual or notional amounts of off-balance-sheet financial
         instruments as of December 31 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                             1995        1994
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>
            Financial instruments whose contract       
              amounts represent credit risk:           
                Commitments to extend credit              $8,529,323  $6,360,597
                                                          ==========  ==========
                                                      
                Standby letters of credit and          
                  commercial letters of credit            $  152,741  $   24,237
                                                          ==========  ==========
</TABLE>

         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 may require 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 Bank evaluates each customer's
         creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral
         obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit, is
         based on management's credit evaluation of the counter-party.
         Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory,
         property and equipment, residential real estate and income-producing
         commercial properties.

         Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees are conditional
         commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a
         customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to
         support private borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in
         issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in
         extending loans to customers.

         The Bank enters into a variety of interest rate contracts, including
         interest rate caps and floors written on adjustable rate loans in
         managing its interest rate exposure. Interest rate caps and floors on
         loans written by the Bank enables customers to transfer, modify, or
         reduce their interest rate risk.


NOTE 14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

         In the normal course of business, the Bank is involved in various legal
         proceedings. In the opinion of management, after consulting with the
         Bank's legal counsel, any liability resulting from such proceedings
         would not have a material adverse effect on the Bank's financial
         statements.

         The Bank has executed an agreement allowing it to obtain credit from
         the Federal Reserve Bank. Should the Bank utilize this credit, certain
         portions of the investment and loan portfolios would be pledged as
         collateral against the borrowings.
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 15. PREFERRED STOCK

         During the period October, 1992 to January, 1994, the Bank offered for
         sale 100,000 shares of Series A $20 convertible, noncumulative,
         perpetual preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, stated value $20
         per share, in which a total of 55,500 shares were issued. Offering
         costs of $99,276 were charged to the preferred stock account in
         connection with the offerings.

         At their option, holders of Series A preferred stock have the right to
         convert any share of preferred stock into two fully-paid shares of
         common stock. Noncumulative dividends may be paid quarterly on this
         preferred stock, subject to declaration of the Board of Directors of
         the Bank. Any dividends declared may be automatically reinvested at the
         option of the holders of the preferred stock.

         A total of 600,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized, with
         100,000 shares reserved for the dividend reinvestment plan. The total
         number of shares of preferred stock outstanding at December 31, 1995
         and 1994, including shares issued pursuant to the dividend reinvestment
         plan, was 59,664 and 57,955, respectively.

         In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Bank,
         the liquidation preference of the preferred stock shareholders, if any,
         would be fixed by the Board of Directors in accordance with applicable
         law and the terms of the resolution which established the Series A
         preferred stock.


NOTE 16. WARRANTS

         The Bank has issued and delivered warrants to purchase shares of common
         stock to certain of its organizers and to the underwriter of its
         initial public offering.

         Transferable warrants to purchase an aggregate of 59,000 shares of
         common stock at a purchase price of $10.00 per share were issued on
         July 31, 1992 to certain organizers of the Bank, pursuant to a Warrant
         Resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on June 13, 1991. Further,
         pursuant to the terms of a Warrant Agreement dated March 28, 1991 among
         the Bank and the underwriter, the Bank is obligated to issue and
         deliver, upon payment of consideration of $100, transferable warrants
         to purchase an aggregate of 2,620 shares of common stock at a purchase
         price of $12.00 per share. The warrants expire in 1996.
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 17.  FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

       The estimated fair values of the Bank's financial instruments at December
       31, 1995, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Estimated
                                                      Carrying       Fair
                                                       Amount        Value
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>          
                  Financial assets:
                    Cash and due from banks          $ 1,743,476  $ 1,743,476  
                    Federal funds sold                 1,980,000    1,980,000
                    Securities available-for-sale      9,523,269    9,523,269
                    Securities held-to-maturity          812,357      823,916
                    Loans, net                        42,861,602   42,630,482
                    Accrued interest receivable          341,795      341,795
 
                  Financial liabilities:
                    Deposits                          56,358,995   56,751,657
                    Securities sold under
                      repurchase agreements              303,953      303,953
                    Accrued interest payable              25,125       25,125
</TABLE>

         The estimated fair values of commitments to extend credit and letters
         of credit were immaterial at December 31, 1995.

         The carrying amounts in the preceding table are included in the balance
         sheet under the applicable captions.
 

NOTE 18. REGULATORY MATTERS

         In conjunction with the FDIC's approval of the Bank's application for
         federal deposit insurance, the Bank agreed to maintain a total equity
         capital and reserves to total assets ratio, as determined in accordance
         with applicable FDIC policy and regulations, of at least 10 percent
         during the first three years of its operations. After March 28, 1994,
         the Bank became subject to the FDIC's risk-based capital standards.
         These standards require the Bank to meet specific capital adequacy
         guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank's assets,
         liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under
         regulatory accounting practices. The Bank's capital classification is
         also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about
         components, risk weightings, and other factors. According to these
         guidelines, the Bank is considered well-capitalized at December 31,
         1995.

         New Hampshire law places restrictions on the Bank's ability to pay
         dividends. The Board of Directors may declare and pay dividends only to
         the extent that there is no impairment of the Bank's guaranty fund. The
         Bank must maintain a guaranty fund equal to 3 percent of the amount of
         all deposits in excess of $1,000,000. The guaranty fund consists of all
         capital stock in excess of $100,000 plus such additional amounts,
         transferred from net earnings, as may be necessary to make up the
         required amount.
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 19. PRIOR PERIOD ADJUSTMENTS

         The accompanying financial statements for 1993 have been restated to
         correct errors in accounting for sales of loans and income recognition
         on a structured note. The effect of the restatement was to decrease net
         income for 1993 by $17,986, net of income tax of $6,519.


NOTE 20. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

         In January, 1996, the Bank sold the mortgage-backed securities in its
         investment portfolio. The realized gain (before income taxes) on the
         sale amounted to $135,306. The Bank purchased collateralized mortgage
         obligations with the proceeds from the sale.
<PAGE>
 
              NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


     NOTE 1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

           The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have
           been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
           principles for interim financial information and accordingly do not
           include all the information and footnotes required by generally
           accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  In
           the opinion of the management of Landmark Bank, all adjustments
           (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a
           fair presentation have been included.


     NOTE 2.  ACCOUNTING POLICIES

           The accounting principles followed by Landmark Bank and Subsidiaries
           and the methods of applying these principles which materially affect
           the determination of financial position, results of operations and
           cash flows are consistent throughout.
<PAGE>
 
                         LANDMARK BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES

                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                             JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1995
                                  (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996               1995
       ASSETS
<S>                                                                   <C>               <C>
Cash and due from banks                                                $ 1,571,608       $ 1,384,504
Federal funds sold                                                       1,240,000        10,280,000
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value                             7,111,206         2,418,986
Securities held-to-maturity                                                827,696         8,250,149
Loans, net                                                              42,307,270        42,360,058
Premises and equipment, net                                              2,644,303           576,173
Accrued interest receivable                                                281,034           315,795
Deferred income taxes                                                      304,535           253,218
Investment in real estate                                                  115,671           163,387
Cash surrender value of life insurance                                     265,000               -0-
Accounts receivable - SBA                                                  512,191               -0-
Other assets                                                               590,179           400,586
                                                                       -----------       -----------
 
                                                                       $57,770,693       $66,402,856
                                                                       ===========       ===========
 
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
LIABILITIES
  Deposits:
   Demand                                                              $ 3,123,629       $ 3,342,521
   NOW accounts                                                          5,148,238         3,804,806
   Savings                                                              12,242,705        14,162,568
   Time, $100,000 and over                                               7,044,843         3,431,841
   Other time                                                           26,176,671        37,192,840
                                                                       -----------       -----------
                                                                        53,736,086        61,934,576
 
  Securities sold under repurchase agreements                              308,944           392,200
  Capital lease obligations                                                    -0-             4,639
  Accrued interest and other liabilities                                   151,095           233,791
                                                                       -----------       -----------

                                                                        54,196,125        62,565,206
                                                                       -----------       -----------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Series A convertible, noncumulative, perpetual
    preferred stock, $1 par value, $20 stated value;
    600,000 shares authorized, 59,667 and
    59,015 issued and outstanding in 1996 and
    1995, respectively                                                   1,094,064         1,080,964
  Common stock, $1 par value; 354,138 shares
   authorized, 354,138 issued and outstanding                              354,138           354,138
  Additional paid-in capital                                             2,826,281         2,826,281
  Accumulated deficit                                                 (    478,119)     (    276,731)
  Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale, net        (     86,882)            4,390
  Unrealized loss on securities held-to-maturity, net                 (    134,914)     (    151,392)
                                                                       -----------       -----------
                                                                         3,574,568         3,837,650
                                                                       -----------       -----------
 
                                                                       $57,770,693       $66,402,856
                                                                       ===========       ===========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                         LANDMARK BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES

                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1995
                                  (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                          1996           1995
<S>                                                                  <C>              <C>
Interest income:
  Interest and fees on loans                                            $ 1,993,203   $2,077,263
  Interest on investment securities:
    U.S. Treasury                                                            54,811       89,489
    U.S. government agencies and mortgage-backed securities                 215,130      253,402
  Interest on federal funds sold                                             81,619       57,869   
                                                                        -----------   ----------
                                                                          2,344,763    2,478,023
                                                                        -----------   ----------
Interest expense:
  Interest on deposits                                                    1,453,198    1,253,525
  Other interest expense                                                      4,341        4,751   
                                                                        -----------   ----------
                                                                          1,457,539    1,258,276
                                                                        -----------   ----------
 
     Net interest income                                                    887,224    1,219,747
 
Provision for possible loan losses                                          317,000       47,930
                                                                        -----------   ----------

     Net interest income after provision for possible loan losses           570,224    1,171,817
                                                                        -----------   ----------
Other income:
  Service fees                                                               43,137       48,411
  Net gains on sales of securities available-for-sale                       135,330          -0-
  Gains on sales of loans                                                       -0-       21,516
  Gain on sale of bank owned real estate                                     14,789          -0-
  Secondary market loan fees                                                 41,006       39,829
  Other                                                                      69,962       77,714
                                                                        -----------   ----------
                                                                            304,224      187,470
                                                                        -----------   ----------
Other expenses:
  Salaries and employee benefits                                            570,189      567,964
  Advertising and promotion                                                  70,708       80,578
  Occupancy expenses                                                         65,014      142,591
  Equipment rentals, depreciation and maintenance                           139,966      117,268
  Other operating expenses                                                  260,180      390,198
                                                                        -----------   ----------
                                                                          1,106,057    1,298,599
                                                                        -----------   ----------
 
     Income (loss) before income taxes                                 (    231,609)      60,688
 
Income tax expense                                                     (     85,700)      27,314
                                                                        -----------   ----------
 
     Net income (loss)                                                 ($   145,909)  $   33,374
                                                                        ===========   ==========
 
Earnings (loss) per share on weighted average
  number of common and common equivalent shares                        ($       .41) ($      .05)
                                                                        ===========   ==========
 
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares              354,138      354,138
                                                                        ===========   ==========
 
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                         LANDMARK BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES

           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996, DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1995
                                  (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   --Unrealized Loss on Securities--
                                                           Additional                  Available-      Held-to-
                                  Preferred     Common      Paid-in     Accumulated     for-Sale       Maturity
                                    Stock        Stock      Capital       Deficit      Net of Tax     Net of Tax        Totals
<S>                               <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Balances, December 31, 1994       $1,059,824     $354,138  $2,826,281  ($   260,584)  ($    28,581)  ($ 159,630)     $3,791,448

Net income                               -0-          -0-         -0-        33,374            -0-            -0-        33,374
Preferred stock dividends
 declared                                -0-          -0-         -0-   (    49,521)           -0-            -0-   (    49,521)
Reinvested preferred stock
 dividends                            21,140          -0-         -0-           -0-            -0-            -0-        21,140
Unrealized gain on securities
 available-for-sale, net of tax 
                                         -0-          -0-         -0-           -0-         32,971            -0-        32,971
Amortization of unrealized loss
 on securities held-to-maturity 
                                         -0-          -0-         -0-           -0-            -0-          8,238         8,238
                                  ----------  -----------  ----------    ----------    -----------    -----------    ----------

Balances, June 30, 1995            1,080,964      354,138   2,826,281   (   276,731)         4,390   (    151,392     3,837,650

Net income (loss)                        -0-          -0-         -0-   (    12,391)           -0-            -0-   (    12,391)
Preferred stock dividends
 declared                                -0-          -0-         -0-   (    43,088)           -0-            -0-   (    43,088)
Reinvested preferred stock
 dividends                            13,040          -0-         -0-           -0-            -0-            -0-        13,040
Unrealized gain on securities
 available-for-sale, net of tax 
                                         -0-          -0-         -0-           -0-         87,509            -0-        87,509
Amortization of unrealized loss
  on securities held-to-maturity         -0-          -0-         -0-           -0-            -0-          8,239         8,239
                                  ----------  -----------  ----------    ----------    -----------    -----------    ----------

Balances, December 31, 1995        1,094,004      354,138   2,826,281   (   332,210)        91,899   (    143,153)    3,890,959

Net income (loss)                        -0-          -0-         -0-   (   145,909)           -0-            -0-   (   145,909)
Issuance of preferred stock               60          -0-         -0-           -0-            -0-            -0-            60
Unrealized loss on securities
 available-for-sale,
  net of tax                             -0-          -0-         -0-           -0-   (    178,781)           -0-   (   178,781)
Amortization of unrealized loss
  on securities held-to-maturity         -0-          -0-         -0-           -0-            -0-          8,239         8,239
                                  ----------  -----------  ----------    ----------    -----------    -----------    ----------

Balances, June 30, 1996           $1,094,064     $354,138  $2,826,281   ($  478,119)  ($    86,882)  ($   134,914)   $3,574,568
                                  ==========  ===========  ==========    ==========    ===========    ===========    ==========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                        LANDMARK BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1995
                                  (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               1996               1995
<S>                                                                      <C>                <C>
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH PROVIDED
  BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    Net income (loss)                                                      ($     145,909)     $      33,374
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
     net cash used in operating activities:
      Depreciation and amortization                                                85,372             74,573
      Provision for loan losses                                                   317,000             47,930
      Securities gains, net                                                (      135,330)               -0-
      Gains on sales of loans                                                         -0-    (        21,516)
      Net amortization (accretion)                                                 17,018    (        62,040)
      Provision for deferred income taxes                                  (        2,157)            44,782
      Decrease in deferred loan fees                                       (       15,947)   (        10,291)
      Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable                           60,761    (        10,043)
      Increase in other assets and receivables                             (      880,483)   (       108,652)
      Decrease in accrued interest and other liabilities                   (       58,042)   (        54,854)
      Gain on sale of real estate                                          (       14,789)               -0-
                                                                            -------------     --------------

       Net cash used in operating activities                               (      772,506)   (        66,737)
                                                                            -------------     --------------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Decrease (increase) in federal funds sold                                       740,000    (     8,950,000)
  Purchases of securities available-for-sale                               (    6,973,462)               -0-
  Proceeds from sales and maturities of securities available-for-sale           9,218,890             40,722
  Proceeds from maturities of securities held-to-maturity                             -0-            305,206
  Net decrease (increase) in loans                                                251,535    (     1,911,521)
  Purchases of premises and equipment                                      (       76,437)   (        92,635)
  Recoveries of loans charged off                                                   1,744                 20
  Proceeds from sale of bank-owned real estate                                     56,226                -0-
  Purchase of real estate held for investment                                         -0-    (         7,240)
                                                                            -------------     --------------

       Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities                      3,218,496    (    10,615,448)
                                                                            -------------     --------------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Net increase (decrease) in demand deposits,
    NOW accounts and savings deposits                                             935,440    (     7,228,654)
  Net (decrease) increase in time deposits                                  (   3,558,349)        17,172,327
  Net increase in repurchase agreements                                             4,991            171,998
  Decrease in capital lease obligations                                               -0-    (        34,271)
  Proceeds from sale of preferred stock                                                60                -0-
  Dividends paid, net of reinvestment                                                 -0-    (        28,381)
                                                                            -------------     --------------

     Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities                    (   2,617,858)        10,053,019
                                                                            -------------     --------------

     Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                              (     171,868)   (       629,166)

Cash and cash equivalents:
 Beginning                                                                      1,743,476          2,013,670
                                                                            -------------     --------------

 Ending                                                                      $  1,571,608      $   1,384,504
                                                                            =============     ==============

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
  Cash payments for:
    Interest                                                                 $  1,464,224      $   1,294,933
                                                                            =============     ==============
    Income taxes                                                             $     25,000      $     128,480
                                                                            =============     ==============

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING
 AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Increase in unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale       ($    284,947)     $      52,753
                                                                            =============     ==============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      APPENDIX A



                      AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION



                           DATED AS OF JULY 26, 1996



                                  BY AND AMONG



                                 LANDMARK BANK,

                     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.

                                      AND

                             LAKE SUNAPEE BANK, fsb
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS                                         Page
                                                                                         ----

                                   ARTICLE 1.

                              CERTAIN DEFINITIONS


                                   ARTICLE 2.

                   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF LANDMARK
 
<C>    <S>                                                                               <C>
 2.1.  Capital Structure of Landmark...................................................   A-3
 2.2.  Organization, Standing and Authority of Landmark................................   A-4
 2.3.  Ownership of Landmark Subsidiaries; Capital Structure of Landmark Subsidiaries..   A-4
 2.4.  Organization, Standing and Authority of Landmark Subsidiaries...................   A-4
 2.5.  Authorized and Effective Agreement..............................................   A-5
 2.6.  Regulatory Filings..............................................................   A-6
 2.7.  Financial Statements; Books and Records; Minute Books...........................   A-6
 2.8.  Material Adverse Change.........................................................   A-6
 2.9.  Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities..............................................   A-6
2.10.  Properties......................................................................   A-6
2.11.  Loans; Allowance for Loan Losses................................................   A-7
2.12.  Tax Matters.....................................................................   A-7
2.13.  Employee Benefit Plans..........................................................   A-8
2.14.  Certain Contracts...............................................................   A-9
2.15.  Legal Proceedings...............................................................   A-9
2.16.  Compliance with Laws............................................................  A-10
2.17.  Labor Matters...................................................................  A-10
2.18.  Brokers and Finders.............................................................  A-10
2.19.  Insurance.......................................................................  A-10
2.20.  Environmental Liability.........................................................  A-11
2.21.  Administration of Trust Accounts................................................  A-11
2.22.  Intellectual Property...........................................................  A-11
2.23.  Certain Information.............................................................  A-11
2.24.  Takeover Provisions.............................................................  A-12

<CAPTION> 
                                   ARTICLE 3.

                       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
                                 NHTB AND BANK
<C>    <S>                                                                              <C> 
 3.1.  Capital Structure of NHTB.......................................................  A-12
 3.2.  Organization, Standing and Authority of NHTB....................................  A-13
 3.3.  Ownership of NHTB Subsidiaries; Capital Structure of NHTB Subsidiaries..........  A-13
 3.4.  Organization, Standing and Authority of NHTB Subsidiaries.......................  A-13
</TABLE> 

                                      A-i
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                         Page
                                                                                         ----
<C>    <S>                                                                              <C> 
 3.5.  Authorized and Effective Agreement..............................................  A-13
 3.6.  SEC Documents; Regulatory Filings...............................................  A-14
 3.7.  Financial Statements............................................................  A-15
 3.8.  Material Adverse Change.........................................................  A-15
 3.9.  Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities..............................................  A-15
3.10.  Brokers and Finders.............................................................  A-15
3.11.  Certain Information.............................................................  A-15
3.12.  Legal Proceedings..............................................................   A-16
3.13.  Compliance with Laws; Regulatory Examinations...................................  A-16
3.14.  Environmental Issues............................................................  A-16

<CAPTION> 
                                   ARTICLE 4.

                                   COVENANTS
<C>    <S>                                                                               <C>
 4.1.  Shareholders' Meeting...........................................................  A-17
 4.2.  Proxy Statement; Registration Statement.........................................  A-17
 4.3.  Applications....................................................................  A-17
 4.4.  Best Efforts; Certain Notices and Information...................................  A-18
 4.5.  Investigation and Confidentiality...............................................  A-19
 4.6.  Press Releases..................................................................  A-19
 4.7.  Covenants of Landmark...........................................................  A-19
 4.8.  Closing; Articles of............................................................  A-21
 4.9.  Affiliates......................................................................  A-22
4.10.  Landmark Employees; Directors and Management; Indemnification...................  A-22

<CAPTION>  
                                   ARTICLE 5.

                              CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
<S>     <C>                                                                 <C>
5.1.    Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of NHTB, Bank and Landmark.............  A-23
5.2.    Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of Landmark............................  A-25
5.3.    Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of NHTB and Bank.......................  A-26
</TABLE>

                                      A-ii
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                         Page
                                                                                         ----

                                 ARTICLE 6.

                       TERMINATION, WAIVER AND AMENDMENT
<C>   <S>                                                                                <C>
6.1.  Termination......................................................................  A-27
6.2.  Effect of Termination............................................................  A-28
6.3.  Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants........................  A-28
6.4.  Waiver...........................................................................  A-28
6.5.  Amendment or Supplement..........................................................  A-28

<CAPTION> 
                                   ARTICLE 7.

                                 MISCELLANEOUS
<C>   <S>                                                                                <C>
7.1.  Expenses.........................................................................  A-29
7.2.  Entire Agreement.................................................................  A-29
7.3.  No Assignment....................................................................  A-29
7.4.  Notices..........................................................................  A-29
7.5.  Captions.........................................................................  A-30
7.6.  Counterparts.....................................................................  A-30
7.7.  Governing Law....................................................................  A-30
</TABLE>

                                     A-iii
<PAGE>
 
                      AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION



     AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION ("Reorganization Agreement" or
"Agreement") dated as of July 26, 1996, by and among LANDMARK BANK ("Landmark"),
a New Hampshire state chartered bank, New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.
("NHTB"), a Delaware corporation and Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb, a federally
chartered savings bank ("Bank").

                                   WITNESSETH

     WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire that Landmark shall be merged with and
into Bank ("Merger") pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger in the form
attached hereto as Annex A ("Plan of Merger"); and

     WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to provide for certain undertakings,
conditions, representations, warranties and covenants in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
representations, warranties and covenants herein contained and intending to be
legally bound hereby, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE 1.
                              CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

     1.1. "NHTB Financial Statements" shall mean (i) the consolidated balance
sheets of NHTB as of March 31, 1996 and as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and the
related consolidated statements of income, cash flows and changes in
shareholders' equity (including related notes, if any) for the three months
ended March 31, 1996 and each of the three years ended December 31, 1995, 1994
and 1993 as filed by NHTB in SEC Documents and (ii) the consolidated balance
sheets of NHTB and related consolidated statements of income, cash flows and
changes in shareholders' equity (including related notes, if any) as filed by
NHTB in SEC Documents with respect to periods ended subsequent to March 31,
1996.

     1.2. "Closing Date" shall mean the date specified pursuant to Section 4.8
hereof as the date on which the parties hereto shall close the transactions
contemplated herein.

     1.3. "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

     1.4. "Commission" or "SEC" shall mean the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

     1.5. "Effective Date" shall mean the date specified pursuant to Section 4.8
hereof as the effective date of the Merger.
<PAGE>
 
     1.6. "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended.

     1.7. "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

     1.8. "FDIA" shall mean the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.

     1.9. "FDIC" shall mean the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

     1.10. "Intellectual Property" means domestic and foreign letters patent,
patents, patent applications, patent licenses, software licensed or owned, know-
how licenses, trade names, common law and other trademarks, service marks,
licenses of trademarks, trade names and/or service marks, trademark
registrations and applications, service mark registrations and applications and
copyright registrations and applications.

     1.11. "Investment Company Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended.

     1.12. "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean, with respect to Landmark or
NHTB, as the case may be, a material adverse effect on the business, results of
operations or financial condition of such party and, in the case of NHTB, its
subsidiaries taken as a whole; provided, however, that the following shall not
constitute or contribute to a Material Adverse Effect: (i) changes in the
financial condition, business, or results of operations of a party resulting
directly or indirectly from (1) changes in interest rates (provided that each
party is in compliance with its asset/liability management policy as disclosed
to the other party prior to the date of this Agreement, as Landmark's asset
liability management policy may be revised thereafter with NHTB's concurrence),
(2) changes in state and federal regulations or legislation affecting New
Hampshire banks or federally chartered savings banks or (3) assessments which
may be imposed on financial institutions whose deposits are insured by the
Savings Association Insurance Fund; (ii) or matters related to changes in
federal, state or local tax laws or changes in federal, state or local tax
status, characteristics, or attributes or the ability to use such attributes.

     1.13. "Landmark Financial Statements" shall mean (i) the balance sheets of
Landmark as of March 31, 1996 and as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 and the
related statements of income, cash flows and changes in shareholders' equity
(including related notes, if any) for the three months ended March 31, 1996 and
each of the three years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 and (ii) the
balance sheets of Landmark and related statements of income, cash flows and
changes in shareholders' equity (including related notes, if any) with respect
to quarterly periods ended subsequent to March 31, 1996.

     1.14. "OTS" shall mean the Office of Thrift Supervision of the Department
of the Treasury.

     1.15. "Previously Disclosed" shall mean disclosed prior to the execution
hereof in (i) an SEC Document filed with the SEC subsequent to January 1, 1995
and prior to the date hereof or (ii) a letter dated of even date herewith from
the party making such disclosure and delivered to the other party prior to the
execution hereof.

                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
     1.16. "Proxy Statement" shall mean the proxy statement/prospectus (or
similar documents) together with any supplements thereto sent to the
shareholders of NHTB or Landmark to solicit their votes in connection with this
Agreement and the Plan of Merger.

     1.17. "Registration Statement" shall mean the registration statement with
respect to the NHTB Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Merger as
declared effective by the Commission under the Securities Act.

     1.18. "Rights" shall mean warrants, options, rights, convertible securities
and other arrangements or commitments which obligate an entity to issue or
dispose of any of its capital stock, and stock appreciation rights, performance
units and other similar stock-based rights whether they obligate the issuer
thereof to issue stock or other securities or to pay cash.

     1.19. "SEC Documents" shall mean all reports and registration statements
filed, or required to be filed, by a party hereto pursuant to the Securities
Laws.

     1.20. "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

     1.21. "Securities Laws" shall mean the Securities Act; the Exchange Act;
the Investment Company Act; the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended; and the rules and regulations of the
Commission promulgated thereunder.

     1.22. "Stock Option Agreement" shall mean the Stock Option Agreement dated
as of even date herewith by and between Landmark and NHTB pursuant to which
Landmark will grant NHTB the right to purchase certain shares of Landmark Common
Stock (as defined below).

     1.23.  "Tier 1 capital" shall mean the sum of (i) the par value of
outstanding Landmark Common Stock, (ii) surplus, (iii) the par value of
outstanding Landmark Preferred Stock, (iv) less cumulative dividends paid on
Landmark Preferred Stock, (v) plus or minus any gains/loss on held to maturity
and available for sale investments net of applicable tax adjustments, (vi) plus
or minus any retained earnings/deficit, determined in accordance with Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles.

     Other terms used herein are defined in the preamble and the recitals to
this Reorganization Agreement and in Articles 2, 3 and 4 hereof.


                                   ARTICLE 2.
                   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF LANDMARK

     Landmark hereby represents and warrants to NHTB and Bank as follows:

2.1. CAPITAL STRUCTURE OF LANDMARK

     As of the date hereof, (i) the authorized capital stock of Landmark
consists of 865,658 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Landmark
Common Stock"), of which not more than 354,138 shares are issued and outstanding
and 600,000 shares of preferred stock, par

                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
value $1.00 per share ("Landmark Preferred Stock") of which not more than 59,667
shares are issued and outstanding and which upon conversion pursuant to Section
4.7(d) hereof will be converted into 119,334 shares of Landmark Common Stock.
No shares of Landmark Common Stock or Landmark Preferred Stock are held in its
treasury.  No shares of Landmark Common Stock are reserved for issuance except
as Previously Disclosed and except for 94,221 shares of Landmark Common Stock
reserved for issuance under the Stock Option Agreement (as such number of shares
may be adjusted pursuant to the terms of the Stock Option Agreement).  All
outstanding shares of Landmark Common Stock have been duly issued and are
validly outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable. Except as Previously
Disclosed and except for options to acquire shares of Landmark Common Stock
pursuant to the Stock Option Agreement, Landmark does not have and is not bound
by any Rights which are authorized, issued or outstanding with respect to the
capital stock of Landmark. None of the shares of Landmark's capital stock has
been issued in violation of the preemptive rights of any person.

2.2. ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF LANDMARK

     Landmark is a duly organized bank, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of New Hampshire with full power and authority to own, lease and
operate its properties and to carry on its business as now conducted and is duly
licensed or qualified to do business in the states of the United States and
foreign jurisdictions where its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct
of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so
licensed or qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Landmark.
Except as Previously Disclosed, Landmark does not own, directly or indirectly,
five percent or more of the outstanding capital stock or other voting securities
of any corporation, bank or other organization.

2.3. OWNERSHIP OF LANDMARK SUBSIDIARIES; CAPITAL STRUCTURE OF LANDMARK
     SUBSIDIARIES

     Landmark does not own, directly or indirectly, 25 percent or more of the
outstanding capital stock or other voting securities of any corporation, bank or
other organization except as Previously Disclosed (collectively the "Landmark
Subsidiaries" and individually a "Landmark Subsidiary"). The outstanding shares
of capital stock or other equity interests of the Landmark Subsidiaries are
validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable and all such shares
or interests are directly or indirectly owned by Landmark free and clear of all
liens, claims and encumbrances. No Landmark Subsidiary has or is bound by any
Rights which are authorized, issued or outstanding with respect to the capital
stock or other equity interests of any Landmark Subsidiary, and there are no
agreements, understandings or commitments relating to the right of Landmark to
vote or to dispose of said shares or interests. None of the shares of capital
stock or other equity interests of any Landmark Subsidiary has been issued in
violation of the preemptive rights of any person.

2.4. ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF LANDMARK SUBSIDIARIES

     Each Landmark Subsidiary is a duly organized corporation or banking
association, validly existing and in good standing under applicable laws. Each
Landmark Subsidiary (i) has full power and authority to carry on its business as
now conducted, and (ii) is duly licensed or qualified to do business in the
states of the United States and foreign jurisdictions where its

                                      A-4
<PAGE>
 
ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires such
licensing or qualification and where failure to be licensed or qualified would
have a Material Adverse Effect on Landmark. Each Landmark Subsidiary has all
federal, state, local and foreign governmental authorizations necessary for it
to own or lease its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is
now being conducted, except where the failure to be so authorized would not have
a Material Adverse Effect on Landmark.

2.5. AUTHORIZED AND EFFECTIVE AGREEMENT

     (a) Landmark has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into
and perform all its obligations under this Reorganization Agreement, the Plan of
Merger and the Stock Option Agreement.  The execution and delivery of this
Reorganization Agreement, the Plan of Merger and the Stock Option Agreement and
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been
duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action in respect thereof
on the part of Landmark, including without limitation the approval of a majority
of the disinterested directors of Landmark, except that the affirmative vote of
the holders of at least a majority of the shares of Landmark Common Stock is the
only shareholder vote required to approve the Plan of Merger pursuant to Chapter
393 of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated and Landmark's Amended
Articles of Agreement and Bylaws. The Board of Directors of Landmark has
directed that this Agreement and the Plan of Merger be submitted to Landmark's
stockholders for approval at an annual or special meeting to be held as soon as
practicable.

     (b) Assuming the accuracy of the representation contained in Section 3.5(b)
hereof, this Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger constitute legal,
valid and binding obligations of Landmark, enforceable against it in accordance
with their respective terms, subject as to enforceability, to bankruptcy,
insolvency and other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting
creditors' rights and to general principles of equity.

     (c) Neither the execution and delivery of this Reorganization Agreement,
the Plan of Merger or the Stock Option Agreement nor consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, nor compliance by Landmark with any
of the provisions hereof or thereof shall (i) conflict with or result in a
breach of any provision of the Amended Articles of Agreement or Bylaws of
Landmark, (ii) constitute or result in a breach of any term, condition or
provision of, or constitute a default under, or give rise to any right of
termination, cancellation or acceleration with respect to, or result in the
creation of any lien, pledge, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon any
property or asset of Landmark pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture,
license, agreement or other instrument or obligation, or (iii) violate any
order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to
Landmark, except for such violations, rights, conflicts, breaches, creations or
defaults which, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a
Material Adverse Effect on Landmark.

     (d) Other than as contemplated by Sections 4.1 and 4.3 hereof and as
expressly referred to in this Reorganization Agreement, no consent, approval or
authorization of, or declaration, notice, filing or registration with, any
governmental or regulatory authority, or any other person, is required to be
made or obtained by Landmark on or prior to the Closing Date in connection with
the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Plan of

                                      A-5
<PAGE>
 
Merger or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby
other than the filing of a certificate or articles of merger or similar document
with the appropriate New Hampshire state authorities.

2.6. REGULATORY FILINGS

     Landmark has filed all reports required by statute or regulation to be
filed with any federal or state bank regulatory agency, and such reports were
prepared in all material respects in accordance with the applicable statutes,
regulations and instructions in existence as of the date of filing of such
reports.

2.7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS; BOOKS AND RECORDS; MINUTE BOOKS

     The Landmark Financial Statements fairly present the financial position of
Landmark as of the dates indicated and the results of operations, changes in
shareholders' equity and cash flows of Landmark for the periods then ended in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to financial
institutions applied on a consistent basis except as disclosed therein. The
books and records of Landmark fairly reflect in all material respects the
transactions to which it is a party or by which its properties are subject or
bound. Such books and records have been properly kept and maintained and are in
compliance in all material respects with all applicable legal and accounting
requirements. The minute books of Landmark contain records which are accurate in
all material respects of all corporate actions of its shareholders and Board of
Directors (including committees of its Board of Directors).

2.8. MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE

     Except as Previously Disclosed, Landmark has not suffered any material
adverse change that would have a Material Adverse Effect on its financial
condition, results of operations or business since December 31, 1995.

2.9. ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES

     Landmark has no liability (contingent or otherwise), excluding
contractually assumed contingencies, that is material to Landmark, or that, when
combined with all similar liabilities, would be material to Landmark, except as
Previously Disclosed or as disclosed in the Landmark Financial Statements issued
prior to the date hereof and except for liabilities incurred in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice subsequent to December 31,
1995.

2.10.  PROPERTIES

     Landmark has good and marketable title free and clear of all liens,
encumbrances, charges, defaults or equitable interests to all of the properties
and assets, real and personal, which, individually or in the aggregate, are
material to the business of Landmark and which are reflected on the Landmark
Financial Statements as of December 31, 1995 or acquired after such date, except
(i) liens for taxes not yet due and payable, (ii) pledges to secure deposits and
other liens incurred in the ordinary course of banking business, (iii) such
imperfections of title, easements and encumbrances, if any, as are not material
in character, amount or extent and

                                      A-6
<PAGE>
 
(iv) dispositions and encumbrances for adequate consideration in the ordinary
course of business. All leases pursuant to which Landmark, as lessee, leases
real and personal property which, individually or in the aggregate, are material
to the business of Landmark are valid and enforceable in accordance with their
respective terms and Landmark is not in default or in violation of any such
lease.

2.11.  LOANS; ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

     (a) Except as Previously Disclosed, each loan reflected as an asset in the
Landmark Financial Statements (i) for all loans with an original principal
amount in excess of $50,000 represents a first lien position with respect to the
collateral securing the loan, (ii) is in all material respects evidenced by
notes, agreements or other evidences of indebtedness which are true, genuine and
what they purport to be, (iii) to the extent secured, has been secured by valid
liens and security interests which have been perfected, and (iv) is not subject
to any known material defenses, set-off or counterclaims except as may be
provided under bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance and other laws of
general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general
principles of equity.

     (b) Except as Previously Disclosed, as of June 30, 1996, Landmark was not a
party to any loan, including any loan guaranty, with any director, executive
officer or 5% shareholder of Landmark or any person, corporation or enterprise
controlling, controlled by or under common control with any of the foregoing.
All loans and extensions of credit that have been made by Landmark and that are
subject to Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act, as amended, comply
therewith.

     (c) In Landmark's reasonable judgement, the allowance for possible losses
reflected in the Landmark's audited statement of condition at December 31, 1995
was, and the allowance for possible losses shown on the balance sheets for
periods ending after December 31, 1995 have been and will be, adequate, as of
the dates thereof, under generally accepted accounting principles consistently
applied.

2.12.  TAX MATTERS

     (a) All references to Landmark in this Section 2.12 shall include Landmark
and each Landmark Subsidiary, either individually or collectively, as the
context may require.

     (b) Landmark has timely filed federal income tax returns for each year
through December 31, 1995 and has timely filed all other federal, state, local
and foreign tax returns (including, without limitation, estimated tax returns,
returns required under Sections 1441-1446 and 6031-6060 of the Code and the
regulations thereunder and any comparable state, foreign and local laws, any
other information returns, withholding tax returns, FICA and FUTA returns and
back-up withholding returns required under Section 3406 of the Code and any
comparable state, foreign and local laws) required to be filed with respect to
Landmark. All taxes due in respect of the periods covered by such tax returns
have been paid or adequate reserves have been established for the payment of
such taxes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  As of
the Closing Date, all taxes due in respect of any subsequent periods ending on
or prior to the Closing Date (or that portion of any period that is prior to the
Closing Date)

                                      A-7
<PAGE>
 
will have been paid or adequate reserves will have been established for the
payment thereof in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Except as Previously Disclosed, no (i) audit examination, (ii) deficiency or
(iii) refund litigation with respect to any tax is pending. Landmark will not
have any material liability for any taxes in excess of amounts paid or reserves
or accruals established.

     (c) All federal, state and local (and, if applicable, foreign) tax returns
filed by Landmark are complete and accurate in all material respects. Landmark
is not delinquent in the payment of any tax, assessment or governmental charge,
and has not requested any extension of time within which to file any tax returns
in respect of any fiscal year or portion thereof which have not since been
filed. No deficiencies for any tax, assessment or governmental charge have been
proposed, asserted or assessed (tentatively or otherwise) against Landmark which
have not been settled and paid. There are currently no agreements in effect with
respect to Landmark to extend the period of limitations for the assessment or
collection of any tax.

     (d) Neither the transactions contemplated hereby nor the termination of the
employment of any employees of Landmark prior to or following consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby could result in Landmark making or being
required to make any "excess parachute payment" as that term is defined in
Section 280G of the Code.

2.13.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

     (a) Prior to the Closing Date, Landmark will make available to NHTB true
and complete copies of (i) all qualified pension or profit-sharing plans, any
deferred compensation, consulting, bonus or group insurance contract or any
other incentive, welfare or employee benefit plan or agreement maintained for
the benefit of employees or former employees of Landmark, (ii) the most recent
actuarial and financial reports prepared with respect to any qualified plans,
(iii) the most recent annual reports filed with any government agency, and (iv)
all rulings and determination letters and any open requests for rulings or
letters that pertain to any qualified plan.

     (b) Neither Landmark nor any pension plan maintained by Landmark has
incurred or reasonably expects to incur any material liability to the Pension
Benefit Guaranty Corporation or to the Internal Revenue Service with respect to
any pension plan qualified under Section 401 of the Code except liabilities to
the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation pursuant to Section 4007 of ERISA, all
of which have been fully paid. No reportable event under Section 4043(b) of
ERISA has occurred with respect to any such pension plan.

     (c) Landmark does not participate in, and has not incurred any liability
under Section 4201 of ERISA for a complete or partial withdrawal from, a
multiemployer plan as such term is defined in ERISA.

     (d) Except as Previously Disclosed, a favorable determination letter has
been issued by the Internal Revenue Service with respect to each "employee
pension plan" (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) of Landmark which is
intended to be a qualified plan to the effect that such plan is qualified under
Section 401 of the Code and tax exempt under Section 501 of the Code. No such
letter has been revoked or threatened to be revoked and Landmark knows of no

                                      A-8
<PAGE>
 
reasonable ground on which such revocation may be based. Such plans have been
operated in all material respects in accordance with their terms and applicable
law.

     (e) No prohibited transaction (which shall mean any transaction prohibited
by Section 406 of ERISA and not exempt under Section 408 of ERISA) has occurred
with respect to any "employee benefit plan" (as defined in Section 3(3) of
ERISA) maintained by Landmark which would result in the imposition, directly or
indirectly, of an excise tax under Section 4975 of the Code that would have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Landmark.

     (f) The actuarial present value of accrued benefit obligations, whether or
not vested, under each "employee pension plan" maintained by Landmark did not
exceed as of the most recent actuarial valuation date the then current fair
market value of the assets of such plan and no material adverse change has
occurred with respect to the funded status of any such plan since such date.

2.14.  CERTAIN CONTRACTS

     (a) Except as Previously Disclosed, Landmark is not a party to, or bound
by, (i) any material contract, arrangement or commitment whether or not made in
the ordinary course of business (other than loans or loan commitments and
funding transactions in the ordinary course of Landmark's banking business) or
any agreement restricting the nature or geographic scope of its business
activities in any material respect, (ii) any agreement, indenture or other
instrument relating to the borrowing of money by Landmark or the guarantee by
Landmark of any such obligation, other than instruments relating to transactions
entered into in the customary course of business, (iii) any written or oral
agreement, arrangement or commitment relating to the employment of a consultant
or the employment, election, retention in office or severance of any present or
former director or officer, or (iv) any contract, agreement or understanding
with a labor union.

     (b) Landmark is not in default in any material respect under any material
agreement, commitment, arrangement, lease, insurance policy or other instrument
whether entered into in the ordinary course of business or otherwise, and there
has not occurred any event that, with the lapse of time or giving of notice or
both, would constitute such a default.

2.15.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     There are no actions, suits or proceedings instituted, pending or, to the
knowledge of Landmark, threatened (or unasserted but considered probable of
assertion and which if asserted would have at least a reasonable probability of
an unfavorable outcome) against Landmark or against any asset, interest or right
of Landmark that, if determined adversely to Landmark, would, individually or in
the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Landmark. To the knowledge of
Landmark, there are no actual or threatened actions, suits or proceedings which
present a claim to restrain or prohibit the transactions contemplated herein or
to impose any material liability in connection therewith. There are no actions,
suits or proceedings instituted, pending or, to the knowledge of Landmark,
threatened (or unasserted but considered probable of assertion and which if
asserted would be reasonably expected to have an unfavorable outcome) against
any present or former director or officer of Landmark, that might give rise to a
claim

                                      A-9
<PAGE>
 
for indemnification and that, in the event of an unfavorable outcome, would,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Landmark
and, to the knowledge of Landmark, there is no reasonable basis for any such
action, suit or proceeding.

2.16.  COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

     Except as Previously Disclosed, Landmark is in compliance in all material
respects with all statutes and regulations applicable to the conduct of its
business except for violations which, individually or in the aggregate, would
not have a Material Adverse Effect on Landmark, and Landmark has not received
notification from any agency or department of federal, state or local government
(i) asserting a material violation of any such statute or regulation, (ii)
threatening to revoke any license, franchise, permit or government authorization
or (iii) restricting or in any way limiting its operations. Landmark is not
subject to any regulatory or supervisory cease and desist order, agreement,
directive, memorandum of understanding or commitment, and has not received any
communication requesting that it enter into any of the foregoing.

2.17.  LABOR MATTERS

     With respect to its employees, Landmark is not a party to any labor
agreement with any labor organization, group or association and has not engaged
in any unfair labor practice as defined under applicable federal law. Since
January 1, 1996, Landmark has not experienced any attempt by organized labor or
its representatives to make Landmark conform to demands of organized labor
relating to their employees or to enter into a binding agreement with organized
labor that would cover the employees of Landmark. There is no unfair labor
practice charge or other complaint by any employee or former employee of
Landmark against it pending before any governmental agency arising out of
Landmark's activities; there is no labor strike or labor disturbance pending or,
to the knowledge of Landmark, threatened against it; and Landmark has not
experienced a work stoppage or other labor difficulty.  Landmark is in
compliance with applicable laws regarding employment of employees and retention
of independent contractors, and is in compliance with applicable employment tax
laws.

2.18.  BROKERS AND FINDERS

     Neither Landmark nor any of its officers, directors or employees, has
employed any broker, finder or financial advisor or incurred any liability for
any fees or commissions in connection with the transactions contemplated herein
or the Plan of Merger, except that Landmark has engaged and will pay a fee to
McConnell, Budd & Downes, Inc. as Previously Disclosed.

2.19.  INSURANCE

     Landmark currently maintains insurance in amounts reasonably necessary for
its operations. Landmark has not received any notice of a premium increase or
cancellation with respect to any of its insurance policies or bonds, and within
the last three years, Landmark has not been refused any insurance coverage
sought or applied for, and Landmark has no reason to believe that existing
insurance coverage cannot be renewed as and when the same shall expire, upon
terms and conditions as favorable as those presently in effect, other than
possible increases

                                      A-10
<PAGE>
 
in premiums or unavailability in coverage that have not resulted from any
extraordinary loss experience of Landmark. The deposits of Landmark are insured
by the Bank Insurance Fund of the FDIC in accordance with the FDIA, and Landmark
has paid all assessments and filed all reports required by the FDIA.

2.20.  ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY

     Landmark has not received any written notice of any legal, administrative,
arbitral or other proceeding, claim or action and, to the knowledge of Landmark,
there is no governmental investigation of any nature ongoing, in each case that
could reasonably be expected to result in the imposition, on Landmark of any
liability arising under any local, state or federal environmental statute,
regulation or ordinance including, without limitation, the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended,
which liability would have a Material Adverse Effect on Landmark; there are no
facts or circumstances which could reasonably be expected to form the basis for
any such proceeding, claim, action or governmental investigation that would
impose any such liability; and Landmark is not subject to any agreement, order,
judgment, decree or memorandum by or with any court, governmental authority,
regulatory agency or third party imposing any such liability.

2.21.  ADMINISTRATION OF TRUST ACCOUNTS

     Except as Previously Disclosed, Landmark does not currently and has not
previously administered any accounts for which it acts as a fiduciary or agent,
including but not limited to accounts for which it serves as a trustee, agent,
custodian, personal representative, guardian, conservator or investment advisor.

2.22.  INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

     Landmark owns the entire right, title and interest in and to, or has valid
licenses with respect to, all the Intellectual Property necessary in all
material respects to conduct the business and operations of Landmark as
presently conducted, except where the failure to do so would not, individually
or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Landmark. None of such
Intellectual Property is subject to any outstanding order, decree, judgment,
stipulation, settlement, lien, charge, encumbrance or attachment, which order,
decree, judgment, stipulation, settlement, lien, charge, encumbrance or
attachment would have a Material Adverse Effect on Landmark.

2.23.  CERTAIN INFORMATION

     At all times subsequent to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement
or any post-effective amendment thereto and up to and including the time of the
Landmark shareholders' meeting to vote upon the Merger, and at all times
subsequent to the mailing of any Proxy Statement or any amendment thereto and up
to and including the time of the Landmark shareholders' meeting to vote upon the
Merger, such Registration Statement or Proxy Statement and all amendments or
supplements thereto, with respect to all information set forth therein furnished
by Landmark relating to Landmark shall (i) comply in all material respects with
the applicable provisions of the Securities Laws, and (ii) not contain any
untrue statement of a

                                      A-11
<PAGE>
 
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading.

2.24.  TAKEOVER PROVISIONS

     The transactions contemplated by this Reorganization Agreement are exempt
from any applicable state takeover law.


                                   ARTICLE 3.
                       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
                                 NHTB AND BANK

     NHTB and Bank hereby jointly and severally represent and warrant to
Landmark as follows:

3.1. CAPITAL STRUCTURE OF NHTB

     (a) As of the date hereof, (i) the authorized capital stock of NHTB
consists solely of 5,000,000 shares of common stock ("NHTB Common Stock") and
2,500,000 shares of preferred stock ("NHTB Preferred Stock"), (ii) there are not
more than 1,689,503 shares of NHTB Common Stock issued and outstanding, 457,779
shares of NHTB Common Stock held in its treasury, and no shares of NHTB
Preferred Stock issued and outstanding, and (iii) 112,490 shares of NHTB Common
Stock are reserved for issuance under employee stock option plans ("NHTB Stock
Option Plans").

     (b) As of the date hereof, except for shares of NHTB Common Stock subject
to options under the NHTB Stock Option Plans, NHTB is not bound by any
outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, commitments or agreements
of any character calling for the transfer, purchase or issuance of, or
representing the right to purchase, subscribe for or otherwise receive, any
shares of its capital stock or any securities convertible into or representing
the right to receive, purchase or subscribe for any such shares of NHTB. There
are no agreements or understandings to which NHTB is a party with respect to the
voting of any shares of NHTB Common Stock or which restrict the transfer of such
shares.

     (c) All outstanding shares of NHTB Common Stock have been duly issued and
are validly outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable. None of the shares of
NHTB's capital stock has been issued in violation of the preemptive rights of
any person. The shares of NHTB Common Stock to be issued in connection with the
Merger have been duly authorized and, when issued in accordance with the terms
of this Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger, will be validly issued,
fully paid, nonassessable and free and clear of any preemptive rights.

                                      A-12
<PAGE>
 
3.2. ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF NHTB

     NHTB is a duly organized corporation, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of Delaware, with full corporate power and authority to carry on
its business as now conducted and is duly licensed or qualified to do business
in the states of the United States and foreign jurisdictions where its ownership
or leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires such
qualification, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified would not
have a Material Adverse Effect on NHTB. NHTB is registered as a savings and loan
holding company under the Savings and Loan Holding Company Act, as amended.

3.3. OWNERSHIP OF NHTB SUBSIDIARIES; CAPITAL STRUCTURE OF NHTB SUBSIDIARIES

     NHTB does not own, directly or indirectly, 25 percent or more of the
outstanding capital stock or other voting securities of any corporation, bank or
other organization except as Previously Disclosed (collectively the "NHTB
Subsidiaries" and individually a "NHTB Subsidiary"). The outstanding shares of
capital stock or other equity interests of the NHTB Subsidiaries are validly
issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable and all such shares or
interests are directly or indirectly owned by NHTB free and clear of all liens,
claims and encumbrances. No NHTB Subsidiary has or is bound by any Rights which
are authorized, issued or outstanding with respect to the capital stock or other
equity interests of any NHTB Subsidiary, and there are no agreements,
understandings or commitments relating to the right of NHTB to vote or to
dispose of said shares or interests. None of the shares of capital stock or
other equity interests of any NHTB Subsidiary has been issued in violation of
the preemptive rights of any person.

3.4. ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF NHTB SUBSIDIARIES

     Each NHTB Subsidiary is a duly organized corporation or banking
association, validly existing and in good standing under applicable laws. Each
NHTB Subsidiary (i) has full power and authority to carry on its business as now
conducted, and (ii) is duly licensed or qualified to do business in the states
of the United States and foreign jurisdictions where its ownership or leasing of
property or the conduct of its business requires such licensing or qualification
and where failure to be licensed or qualified would have a Material Adverse
Effect on NHTB. Each NHTB Subsidiary has all federal, state, local and foreign
governmental authorizations necessary for it to own or lease its properties and
assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, except where
the failure to be so authorized would not have a Material Adverse Effect on
NHTB.

3.5. AUTHORIZED AND EFFECTIVE AGREEMENT

     (a) Each of NHTB and Bank has all requisite corporate power and authority
to enter into and perform all of its obligations under this Reorganization
Agreement, the Plan of Merger and the Stock Option Agreement.  The execution and
delivery of this Reorganization Agreement; the Plan of Merger and the Stock
Option Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
and thereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate
action in respect thereof on the part of NHTB and Bank, other than the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast by the holders
of NHTB Common Stock

                                      A-13
<PAGE>
 
eligible to vote thereon, which is required to authorize the issuance of NHTB
Common Stock pursuant to this Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger in
accordance with National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation
("NASDAQ") policy. The Board of Directors of NHTB has directed that this
Agreement and the Plan of Merger be submitted to NHTB's stockholders for
approval at an annual or special meeting to be held as soon as practicable.

     (b) Assuming the accuracy of the representation contained in Section 2.5(b)
hereof, this Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger constitute legal,
valid and binding obligations of NHTB and Bank, in each case enforceable against
it in accordance with their respective terms subject, as to enforceability, to
bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws of general applicability relating to or
affecting creditors' rights and to general principles of equity.

     (c) Neither the execution and delivery of this Reorganization Agreement,
the Plan of Merger or the Stock Option Agreement nor consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, nor compliance by NHTB or Bank with
any of the provisions hereof or thereof shall (i) conflict with or result in a
breach of any provision of the articles or certificate of incorporation or
association, charter or bylaws of NHTB or any NHTB Subsidiary, (ii) constitute
or result in a breach of any term, condition or provision of, or constitute a
default under, or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or
acceleration with respect to, or result in the creation of any lien, charge or
encumbrance upon any property or asset of NHTB or any NHTB Subsidiary pursuant
to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license, agreement or other instrument
or obligation, or (iii) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute,
rule or regulation applicable to NHTB or any NHTB Subsidiary, except for such
violations, rights, conflicts, breaches, creations or defaults which, either
individually or in the aggregate, will not have a Material Adverse Effect on
NHTB.

     (d) Except for approvals specified in Sections 4.1 and 4.3 hereof, and
except as expressly referred to in this Reorganization Agreement, no consent,
approval or authorization of, or declaration, notice, filing or registration
with, any governmental or regulatory authority, or any other person, is required
to be made or obtained by NHTB or Bank on or prior to the Closing Date in
connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and
the Plan of Merger or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
or thereby.

3.6. SEC DOCUMENTS; REGULATORY FILINGS

     NHTB has filed all SEC Documents required by the Securities Laws and such
SEC Documents complied, as of their respective dates, in all material respects
with the Securities Laws. NHTB and each of the NHTB Subsidiaries has filed all
reports required by statute or regulation to be filed with any federal or state
bank regulatory agency, and such reports were prepared in accordance with the
applicable statutes, regulations and instructions in existence as of the date of
filing of such reports in all material respects.

                                      A-14
<PAGE>
 
3.7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     The NHTB Financial Statements fairly present the consolidated financial
position of NHTB and the consolidated NHTB Subsidiaries as of the dates
indicated and the consolidated results of operations, changes in shareholders'
equity and cash flows of NHTB and the consolidated NHTB Subsidiaries for the
periods then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
applicable to financial institutions applied on a consistent basis except as
disclosed therein.

3.8. MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE

     NHTB has not, on a consolidated basis, suffered any material adverse change
that would have a Material Adverse Effect on its financial condition, results of
operations or business since December 31, 1995.

3.9. ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES

     Neither NHTB nor any NHTB Subsidiary has any liability (contingent or
otherwise), excluding contractually assumed contingencies, that is material to
NHTB on a consolidated basis, or that, when combined with all similar
liabilities, would be material to NHTB on a consolidated basis, except as
Previously Disclosed, as disclosed in the NHTB Financial Statements filed with
the SEC prior to the date hereof and except for liabilities incurred in the
ordinary course of business subsequent to December 31, 1995.

3.10.  BROKERS AND FINDERS

     Neither NHTB nor any NHTB Subsidiary, nor any of their respective officers,
directors or employees, has employed any broker, finder or financial advisor or
incurred any liability for any fees or commissions in connection with the
transactions contemplated herein or the Plan of Merger, except that NHTB has
engaged and will pay a fee to HAS Associates, Inc.

3.11.  CERTAIN INFORMATION

     At all times subsequent to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement
or any post-effective amendment thereto and up to and including the time of the
NHTB shareholders' meeting to vote upon the Merger, and at all times subsequent
to the mailing of any Proxy Statement or any amendment thereto and up to and
including the time of the NHTB shareholders' meeting to vote upon the Merger,
such Registration Statement or Proxy Statement and all amendments or supplements
thereto, with respect to all information set forth therein furnished by NHTB
relating to NHTB and the NHTB Subsidiaries shall (i) comply in all material
respects with the applicable provisions of the Securities Laws, and (ii) not
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 contained
therein not misleading.

                                      A-15
<PAGE>
 
3.12.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     Except for matters which, individually or in the aggregate, would not have
a Material Adverse Effect on NHTB and the NHTB Subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
neither NHTB nor any of the NHTB Subsidiaries is a party to any, and there are
no pending or, to the best of NHTB's knowledge, threatened, legal,
administrative, arbitral or other proceedings, claims, actions or governmental
investigations of any nature by or against NHTB or any of the NHTB Subsidiaries;
and neither NHTB nor any of the NHTB Subsidiaries is a party to or subject to
any order, judgment or decree.

3.13.  COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS; REGULATORY EXAMINATIONS

     (a) NHTB and each of the NHTB Subsidiaries holds, and has at all times
held, all licenses, franchises, permits, approvals, consents, qualifications and
authorizations material for the lawful conduct of its business under and
pursuant to, and has complied with, and is not in default under, any applicable
law, statute, order, rule, regulation, policy, ordinance, reporting or filing
requirement and/or guideline of any federal, state or local governmental
authority relating to NHTB or any of the NHTB Subsidiaries, except for
violations which, either individually or in the aggregate, do not or would not
have a Material Adverse Effect on NHTB and the NHTB Subsidiaries taken as a
whole, and neither NHTB or any of the NHTB Subsidiaries has knowledge of any
violation of any of the above.

     (b) Except for normal examinations conducted by a regulatory agency in the
regular course of the business of NHTB and the NHTB Subsidiaries, no regulatory
agency has initiated any proceeding or, to the best knowledge of NHTB,
investigation into the business or operations of NHTB or any of the NHTB
Subsidiaries since December 31, 1995. NHTB has not received any objection from
any regulatory agency to NHTB's response to any violation, criticism or
exception with respect to any report or statement relating to any examinations
of NHTB or any of the NHTB Subsidiaries.

3.14.  ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

     Except where such violation, liability or noncompliance would not have a
Material Adverse Effect on NHTB and the NHTB Subsidiaries, taken as a whole: (i)
neither NHTB nor any of the NHTB Subsidiaries has violated during the last five
years or is in violation of any federal, state or local environmental law; (ii)
none of the properties owned or leased by NHTB or any NHTB Subsidiary
(including, without limitation, soils and surface and ground waters) are
contaminated with any hazardous substance; (iii) neither NHTB nor any of the
NHTB Subsidiaries is liable for any off-site contamination; (iv) neither NHTB
nor any of the NHTB Subsidiaries is liable under any federal, state or local
environmental law; and (v) NHTB and each of the NHTB Subsidiaries is, and has
during the last five years been, in compliance with, all of their respective
permits, licenses and other authorizations referred to under any environmental
laws. For purposes of the foregoing, all references to "properties" include,
without limitation, any owned real property or leased real property.

                                      A-16
<PAGE>
 
                                 ARTICLE 4.
                                 COVENANTS

4.1.  SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING

          NHTB and Landmark shall submit this Reorganization Agreement and the
Plan of Merger and, in the case of NHTB, the issuance of NHTB Common Stock
thereunder, to their respective shareholders for approval at annual or special
meetings to be held as soon as practicable. Subject to the fiduciary duties of
the respective boards of directors of Landmark and NHTB as determined by each
after consultation with such board's counsel, the boards of directors of NHTB
and Landmark shall recommend at the respective shareholders' meetings that the
shareholders vote in favor of such approval.  The Boards of Directors of NHTB
and Landmark in discharging their respective fiduciary duties, may request and
take into consideration a letter from each of their respective financial
consultants to the effect that in such financial consultant's opinion, the
consideration to be received by holders of Landmark Common Stock in connection
with the Merger is fair to their respective shareholders from a financial point
of view.

4.2.  PROXY STATEMENT; REGISTRATION STATEMENT

          As promptly as practicable after the date hereof, NHTB and Landmark
shall cooperate in the preparation of a Proxy Statement to be mailed to the
shareholders of Landmark and NHTB in connection with the Merger and the
transactions contemplated thereby and to be filed by NHTB as part of the
Registration Statement.  It is anticipated that NHTB and Landmark will present
the Merger to their respective shareholders pursuant to the Proxy Statement.
NHTB will advise Landmark, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the
time when the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has
become effective or any supplement or amendment has been filed, of the issuance
of any stop order, of the suspension of qualification of the NHTB Common Stock
issuable in connection with the Merger for offering or sale in any jurisdiction,
or the initiation or threat of any proceeding for any such purpose, or of any
request by the SEC for the amendment or supplement of the Registration Statement
or for additional information. NHTB shall take all actions necessary to register
or qualify the shares of NHTB Common Stock to be issued in the Merger pursuant
to all applicable state "blue sky" or securities laws and shall maintain such
registrations or qualifications in effect for all purposes hereof. NHTB shall
apply for approval to list the shares of NHTB Common Stock to be issued in the
Merger on the NASDAQ, subject to official notice of issuance, prior to the
Effective Date.

4.3.  APPLICATIONS

          As promptly as practicable after the date hereof, NHTB shall submit
any requisite applications or petitions for prior approval of the transactions
contemplated herein and in the Plan of Merger (i) to the OTS pursuant to the
Bank Merger Act and 12 C.F.R. (S) 563.22, and (ii) to the New Hampshire Bank
Commissioner pursuant to Chapter 393 or other applicable section of the New
Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, and the regulations promulgated
thereunder. Each of the parties hereto shall, and they shall cause their
respective subsidiaries to, submit any applications, notices or other filings to
any other state or federal government agency, department or body the approval of
which is required for consummation of the Merger.

                                      A-17
<PAGE>
 
Landmark and NHTB each represents and warrants to the other that all information
concerning it and its directors, officers, shareholders and subsidiaries
included (or submitted for inclusion) in any such application and furnished by
it shall be true, correct and complete in all material respects.

4.4.  BEST EFFORTS; CERTAIN NOTICES AND INFORMATION

          (a) NHTB, Bank, and Landmark shall each use its best efforts in good
faith, and NHTB shall cause its subsidiaries to use their best efforts in good
faith, to (a) furnish such information as may be required in connection with the
preparation of the documents referred to in Sections 4.2 and 4.3 above, and (b)
take or cause to be taken all action necessary or desirable on its part so as to
permit consummation of the Merger at the earliest possible date, including,
without limitation, (i) obtaining the consent or approval of each individual,
partnership, corporation, association or other business or professional entity
whose consent or approval is required for consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, provided that Landmark shall not agree to make any payments
or modifications to agreements in connection therewith without the prior written
consent of NHTB, and (ii) requesting the delivery of appropriate opinions,
consents and letters from its counsel and independent auditors. No party hereto
shall take or fail to take, or cause or permit its subsidiaries to take or fail
to take, or to the best of its ability permit to be taken or omitted to be taken
by any third persons, any action that would substantially impair the prospects
of completing the Merger pursuant to this Reorganization Agreement and the Plan
of Merger.  In the event that any party has taken any action, whether before, on
or after the date hereof, that would adversely affect such qualification, each
party shall take such action as the other party may reasonably request to cure
such effect to the extent curable without a Material Adverse Effect on any of
the parties.

          (b) Landmark shall give prompt notice to NHTB, and NHTB shall give
prompt notice to Landmark, in each case within five (5) business days of (i) the
occurrence, or failure to occur, of any event which occurrence or failure would
be likely to cause any representation or warranty contained in this Agreement to
be untrue or inaccurate in any material respect at any time from the date hereof
to the Closing Date, and (ii) any material failure of Landmark, NHTB or the
Bank, as the case may be, to comply with or satisfy any covenant, condition or
agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it hereunder, and each party shall
use all reasonable efforts to remedy such failure.

          (c) Landmark shall provide and shall request its auditors to provide
NHTB with such historical financial information regarding it (and related audit
reports and consents) as NHTB may reasonably request for securities disclosure
purposes.

          (d) During the period from the date of this Agreement until the
earlier to occur of the Effective Date or the termination of this Agreement
pursuant to Section 6.1 hereof, NHTB shall, from time to time when deemed
appropriate by NHTB or when requested by Landmark, cause one or more of its
representatives to confer with representatives of Landmark and report any
relevant information relating to any material transactions outside of NHTB's
ordinary course of business.

                                      A-18
<PAGE>
 
4.5.  INVESTIGATION AND CONFIDENTIALITY

          Landmark and NHTB each will keep the other advised of all material
developments relevant to its business and to consummation of the transactions
contemplated herein and in the Plan of Merger. NHTB and Landmark each may make
or cause to be made such investigation of the financial and legal condition of
the other as such party reasonably deems necessary or advisable in connection
with the transactions contemplated herein and in the Plan of Merger; provided,
however, that such investigation shall be reasonably related to such
transactions and shall not interfere unnecessarily with normal operations. NHTB
and Landmark agree to furnish the other and the other's advisors with such
financial data and other information with respect to its business and properties
as such other party shall from time to time reasonably request. No investigation
pursuant to this Section 4.5 shall affect or be deemed to modify any
representation or warranty made by, or the conditions to the obligations to
consummate the Merger of, any party hereto. Each party hereto shall hold all
information furnished by the other party or any of such party's subsidiaries or
representatives pursuant to Section 4.5 in confidence to the extent required by,
and in accordance with, the provisions of the confidentiality agreement dated
February 15, 1996 by and between Landmark and NHTB (the "Confidentiality
Agreement").

4.6.  PRESS RELEASES

          Landmark and NHTB shall agree with each other as to the form and
substance of any press release related to this Reorganization Agreement, the
Plan of Merger, the Stock Option Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby or thereby, and shall consult each other as to the form and substance of
other public disclosures related thereto; provided, however, that nothing
contained herein shall prohibit any party, following notification to the other
parties, from making any disclosure which its counsel deems necessary.

4.7.  COVENANTS OF LANDMARK

          (a) Prior to the Closing Date, and except as otherwise provided for by
this Reorganization Agreement, the Plan of Merger, the Stock Option Agreement or
consented to or approved by NHTB, Landmark shall use its best efforts to
preserve its properties, business and relationships with customers, employees
and other persons.

          (b) Except with the prior written consent of NHTB or except as
Previously Disclosed or except as expressly contemplated or permitted by this
Reorganization Agreement, the Plan of Merger, or the Stock Option Agreement
Landmark shall not:

          (1) carry on its business other than in the usual, regular and
ordinary course in substantially the same manner as heretofore conducted;

          (2) declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution
in respect of its capital stock;

          (3) issue any shares of its capital stock (except for the issuance of
the Landmark Common Stock pursuant to Section 4.7(d) hereof) or permit any
treasury shares to become outstanding other than pursuant to the Stock Option
Agreement;

                                      A-19
<PAGE>
 
          (4) incur any additional debt obligation or other obligation for
borrowed money other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practice;

          (5) issue, grant or authorize any Rights or effect any
recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split or like change
in capitalization, or redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire any shares of its
capital stock;

          (6) amend its Articles of Agreement or bylaws;

          (7) merge with any other corporation, savings association or bank or
permit any other corporation, savings association or bank to merge into it or
consolidate with any other corporation, savings association or bank; acquire
control over any other firm, bank, corporation, savings association or
organization or create any subsidiary;

          (8) except in the ordinary course of business, waive or release any
material right or cancel or compromise any material debt or claim;

          (9) fail to comply in any material respect with any laws, regulations,
ordinances or governmental actions applicable to it and to the conduct of its
business;

          (10) enter into any material swap, hedge or other similar off-balance
sheet transaction;

          (11) liquidate or sell or dispose of any material assets or acquire
any material assets; make any capital expenditure in excess of $25,000 in any
instance or in the aggregate; or, except as Previously Disclosed, establish new
branches or other similar facilities or enter into or modify any leases or other
contracts relating thereto that involve annual payments that exceed $10,000 in
any instance or $25,000 in the aggregate;

          (12) increase the rate of compensation of, pay or agree to pay any
bonus to, or provide any other employee benefit or incentive to, any of its
directors, officers or employees;

          (13) enter into, modify or extend any employment or severance
contracts with any of its present or former directors, officers or employees;

          (14) enter into or substantially modify (except as may be required by
applicable law) any pension, retirement, stock option, stock purchase, stock
appreciation right, savings, profit sharing, deferred compensation, consulting,
bonus, group insurance or other employee benefit, incentive or welfare contract,
plan or arrangement, or any trust agreement related thereto, in respect of any
of its directors, officers or other employees;

          (15) change its lending, investment, asset/liability management or
other material banking policies in any material respect except as may be
required by changes in applicable law;

          (16) change its methods of accounting in effect at December 31, 1995,
except as required by changes in generally accepted accounting principles
concurred in by its independent certified public accountants, or change any of
its methods of reporting income and deductions

                                      A-20
<PAGE>
 
for federal income tax purposes from those employed in the preparation of its
federal income tax returns for the year ended December 31, 1995, except as
required by law;

          (17) solicit or initiate inquiries or proposals with respect to any
acquisition or purchase of all or a substantial portion of the assets of, or a
substantial equity interest in, Landmark or any business combination with
Landmark other than as contemplated by this Reorganization Agreement; or
authorize or permit any officer, director, agent or affiliate of it to do any of
the above; or fail to notify NHTB as soon as practicable if any such inquiries
or proposals are received by Landmark, or if Landmark or any officer, director,
agent or affiliate thereof is requested to or does furnish any confidential
information relating to, or participates in any negotiations or discussions
concerning, any transaction of a type described in this paragraph; or

          (18) agree to do any of the foregoing.

          (c) Landmark agrees to approve, execute and deliver any amendment to
this Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger and any additional plans
and agreements requested by NHTB to modify the structure of, or to substitute
parties to, the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that no
such change shall (i) alter or change the amount or kind of consideration to be
delivered to the shareholders of Landmark in connection with the Merger, (ii)
adversely affect the tax treatment to the shareholders of Landmark as a result
of receiving such merger consideration, or (iii) materially impede or delay
receipt of any approval referred to in Section 4.3 hereof or the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of
Merger.

          (d) Prior to the Effective Date, Landmark agrees to take any and all
action necessary to cause all outstanding shares of Landmark Preferred Stock to
be converted into shares of Landmark Common Stock pursuant to the provisions of
the Statement of Designation adopted by the Board of Directors of Landmark on
October 14, 1992.

          (e) Contemporaneous with the signing of this Agreement, the directors
of Landmark will enter into an agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
A, whereby they will vote all shares of Landmark Common Stock held by them for
the approval of the Merger.

4.8.  CLOSING; ARTICLES OF COMBINATION

          The transactions contemplated by this Reorganization Agreement and the
Plan of Merger shall be consummated at a closing ("Closing") to be held at the
offices of New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, 9 Main Street, Newport, New
Hampshire, at 10:00 a.m. on the first business day that is at least 10 calendar
days after the date on which the last of all required approvals for the Merger
has been obtained and the last of all required waiting periods under such
approvals has expired, or at such other place, date or time as NHTB and Landmark
may mutually agree upon, with the Merger to be consummated after such
intermediate steps as NHTB may specify. The Merger shall be effective at the
time and on the date specified in the articles of combination to be filed with
the Secretary of the Office of Thrift Supervision (the "Effective Date").

                                      A-21
<PAGE>
 
4.9.  AFFILIATES

          Landmark and NHTB shall cooperate and use their best efforts to
identify those persons who may be deemed to be "affiliates" of Landmark within
the meaning of Rule 145 promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Act.
Landmark shall use its best efforts to cause each person so identified to
deliver to NHTB, no later than 30 days prior to the Effective Date, a written
agreement providing that such person will not dispose of any NHTB Common Stock
received in the Merger except in compliance with the Securities Act, the rules
and regulations promulgated thereunder.

4.10.  LANDMARK EMPLOYEES; DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT; INDEMNIFICATION

          (a) All employees of Landmark as of the Effective Date shall become
employees of NHTB or a NHTB Subsidiary as of the Effective Date. Nothing in this
Agreement shall give any employee of Landmark a right to continuing employment
with NHTB after the Effective Date. As soon as practicable after the Effective
Date, NHTB shall provide or cause to be provided to all employees of Landmark
who remain employed by NHTB or any NHTB Subsidiary after the Effective Date with
employee benefits which, in the aggregate, are no less favorable than those
generally afforded to other employees of NHTB or NHTB's Subsidiaries holding
similar positions, including without limitation employee benefits provided in
accordance with NHTB's severance policy, subject to the terms and conditions
under which those employee benefits are made available to such employees;
provided that, for purposes of determining eligibility for and vesting of such
employee benefits only (and not for pension benefit accrual purposes), service
with Landmark (including service with a predecessor corporation) prior to the
Effective Date shall be treated as service with an "employer" to the same extent
as if such persons had been employees of NHTB, and provided further that this
Section 4.10(a) shall not be construed to limit the ability of NHTB and its
affiliates to terminate the employment of any employee or to review employee
benefits programs from time to time and to make such changes as they deem
appropriate.

          (1) In the event any employee of NHTB who was employed by Landmark at
the Effective Date is terminated from NHTB within one year after the Effective
Date, in addition to any severance payment, each such employee shall be
reimbursed for the costs they incur for COBRA coverage during such employee's
severance period (for purposes hereof, the term severance period shall mean that
period of time for which severance pay is paid), provided, however, that on or
prior to any payment by NHTB pursuant to this provision, each such employee
executes a release of claim in favor of NHTB in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit B.

          (2) NHTB or Bank agrees to make a payment, in the amount Previously
Disclosed to Landmark, on the Effective Date to an employee of Landmark who is a
party to an employment agreement with Landmark.  Such payment shall be made in
complete satisfaction of all liabilities and obligations of Landmark, NHTB and
Bank under such employment agreement; provided, however, that there shall have
been delivered to NHTB, at or prior to the Effective Date, a written
acknowledgment signed by such person that the payment to be made to him is in
full and complete satisfaction of all liabilities and obligations of Landmark,
NHTB and Bank, and each of their affiliates, officers, directors and agents
under such employment

                                      A-22
<PAGE>
 
agreement and a release signed by such person of all such parties from further
liability in connection with the employment agreement and provided further, that
such payment shall not be in violation of 12 C.F.R. (S) 359.

          (b) As Previously Disclosed, NHTB's Board of Directors shall take all
requisite action to appoint as directors of NHTB, effective as of the Effective
Date, one director for a three year term and a second director to a two year
term, and Bank's Board of Directors shall take all requisite action to elect as
directors of Bank, effective as of the Effective Date, one director for a three
year term, a second director for a two year term and a third director for a one
year term.  Both NHTB's Board of Directors and Bank's Board of Directors shall,
prior to the expiration of each such person's initial appointed term, use their
respective reasonable efforts consistent with their fiduciary duties to nominate
such persons and seek such person's election to their respective Boards of
Directors for an additional term after each person's original term expires.

          (c) From and after the Effective Date, Bank shall indemnify persons
who served as directors and officers of Landmark on or before the Effective Date
in accordance with and subject to the provisions of Landmark's Amended Articles
of Agreement and Bylaws as delivered to NHTB prior to the execution of this
reorganization Agreement.  From and after the Effective Date, NHTB will cause
the persons who served as directors or officers of Landmark on or before the
Effective Date to be covered by Landmark's existing directors' and officers'
liability insurance policy (or policies of at least the same coverage and
amounts and containing terms and conditions which are not less advantageous than
such policy); provided that no such person shall be entitled to insurance
coverage more favorable than that provided to the person in such capacity at the
date hereof with respect to acts or omissions resulting from the person's
service as such on or prior to the Effective Date, and provided further that
NHTB shall not be required to expend in any year more than 150 percent of the
current per annum amount expended by Landmark to maintain or procure insurance
coverage pursuant hereto.  Such insurance coverage shall commence on the
Effective Date and will be provided for a period of no less than 3 years after
the Effective Date.


                                   ARTICLE 5.
                              CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

5.1.  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF NHTB, BANK AND LANDMARK

          The respective obligations of the parties to effect the Merger shall
be subject to satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions at or prior to
the Closing Date:

          (a) All corporate action necessary to authorize the execution,
delivery and performance of this Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger
and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall have
been duly and validly taken;

          (b) The parties hereto shall have received all regulatory approvals
required or mutually deemed necessary in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger, all notice
periods and waiting periods required after the granting of any such approvals
shall have passed and all conditions contained

                                      A-23
<PAGE>
 
in any such approval required to have been satisfied prior to consummation of
such transactions shall have been satisfied, provided, however, that no such
approval shall have imposed any condition or requirement which, in the
reasonable good faith opinion of the Board of Directors of NHTB materially and
adversely affects the anticipated economic and business benefits to NHTB of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement as to render consummation of such
transactions inadvisable;

          (c) A Registration Statement (including any post-effective amendment
thereto) shall have been filed with the Commission and shall be effective under
the Securities Act, and no proceeding shall be pending or to the knowledge of
NHTB threatened by the Commission to suspend the effectiveness of such
Registration Statement;

          (d) NHTB shall have received all state securities or "Blue Sky"
permits or other authorizations, or confirmations as to the availability of an
exemption from registration requirements as may be necessary;

          (e) To the extent that any lease, license, loan, financing agreement
or other contract or agreement to which Landmark is a party requires the consent
of or waiver from the other party thereto as a result of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, such consent or waiver shall have been obtained,
unless the failure to obtain such consents or waivers, individually or in the
aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Landmark;

          (f) None of the parties hereto shall be subject to any order, decree
or injunction of a court or agency of competent jurisdiction which enjoins or
prohibits the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger;

          (g) The shares of NHTB Common Stock that may be issued in the Merger
shall have been approved for listing on the NASDAQ, subject to official notice
of issuance; and

          (h) Landmark and NHTB shall have received opinions of their respective
counsels substantially to the effect that, on the basis of facts,
representations and assumptions set forth in such opinions which are consistent
with the state of facts existing on the Effective Date, for federal income tax
purposes:

          (1) The Merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning 
of section 368(a) of the Code;

          (2) No gain or loss will be recognized by Landmark on the transfer of
its assets to Bank pursuant to the Merger;

          (3) No gain or loss will be recognized by NHTB or by Bank on the
issuance of shares of NHTB Common Stock to shareholders of Landmark pursuant to
the Merger;

          (4) No gain or loss will be recognized by a shareholder of Landmark
who exchanges shares of Landmark stock for shares of NHTB Common Stock (except
with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share interest in NHTB
Common Stock);

                                      A-24
<PAGE>
 
          (5) The tax basis of the shares of NHTB Common Stock received by a
shareholder of Landmark who exchanges pursuant to the Merger shares of Landmark
stock for shares of NHTB Common Stock will be the same as the tax basis of the
shares of Landmark stock surrendered in exchange therefor (reduced by any amount
allocable to a fractional share interest for which cash is received); and

          (6) The holding period of the shares of NHTB Common Stock to be
received by a shareholder of Landmark pursuant to the Merger will include the
period during which such shareholder held the shares of Landmark stock
surrendered in exchange therefor, provided that the shares of Landmark stock
surrendered is held as a capital asset as of the Effective Date.

5.2.  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF LANDMARK

          The obligations of Landmark to effect the Merger shall be subject to
satisfaction of the following additional conditions at or prior to the Closing
Date unless waived by Landmark pursuant to Section 6.4 hereof:

          (a) The representations and warranties of NHTB and Bank set forth in
Article 3 hereof shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the
date of this Reorganization Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made
on and as of the Closing Date (or on the date when made in the case of any
representation and warranty which specifically relates to an earlier date),
except as otherwise contemplated by this Reorganization Agreement or consented
to in writing by Landmark; provided, however, that the condition contained in
this paragraph (a) shall be deemed to be satisfied unless the failure of such
representations and warranties to be so true and correct constitute,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on NHTB;

          (b) NHTB and Bank shall have in all material respects performed all
obligations and complied with all covenants required by this Reorganization
Agreement and the Plan of Merger prior to the Effective Date;

          (c) NHTB and Bank each shall have delivered to Landmark a certificate,
dated the Closing Date and signed by its President or Chief Financial Officer to
the effect that the conditions set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this
section have been satisfied;

          (d) Landmark shall have received from Shatswell, MacLeod & Company a
"comfort letter" dated not more than five days prior to (i) the effective date
of the Registration Statement, if any, and, otherwise, the mailing date of the
Proxy Statement, and (ii) the Closing Date, with respect to certain financial
information regarding NHTB, in form and substance which is customary in
transactions of the nature contemplated by this Agreement; and

          (e) Landmark shall have received an opinion of Thacher Proffitt &
Wood, counsel to NHTB, dated the Closing Date, as to such matters as Landmark
may reasonably request with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.

          (f) Landmark shall have received a letter from its financial
consultants, dated as of a date not more than five (5) days prior to the date
the Proxy Statement contemplated by Section

                                      A-25
<PAGE>
 
4.2 is mailed to stockholders, containing its opinion that the consideration to
be paid to holders of Landmark Common Stock in connection with the Merger is
fair to such shareholders from a financial point of view.

5.3.  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF NHTB AND BANK

          The respective obligations of NHTB and Bank to effect the Merger shall
be subject to satisfaction of the following additional conditions at or prior to
the Closing Date unless waived by NHTB pursuant to Section 6.4 hereof:

          (a) The representations and warranties of Landmark set forth in
Article 2 hereof shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the
date of this Reorganization Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made
on and as of the Closing Date (or on the date when made in the case of any
representation and warranty which specifically relates to an earlier date),
except as otherwise contemplated by this Reorganization Agreement or consented
to in writing by NHTB; provided, however, that the condition contained in this
paragraph (a) shall be deemed to be satisfied unless the failure of such
representations and warranties to be so true and correct constitute,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Landmark;

          (b) Landmark shall have, in all material respects, performed all
obligations and complied with all covenants required by this Reorganization
Agreement and the Plan of Merger;

          (c) Landmark shall have delivered to NHTB and Bank a certificate,
dated the Closing Date and signed by its President and Chief Executive Officer
to the effect that the conditions set forth in paragraphs (a), (b) and (f) of
this section have been satisfied;

          (d) NHTB shall have received from A.M. Peisch & Company a "comfort
letter" dated not more than five days prior to (i) the effective date of the
Registration Statement, if any, and, otherwise, the mailing date of the Proxy
Statement, and (ii) the Closing Date, with respect to certain financial
information regarding Landmark, in form and substance which is customary in
transactions of the nature contemplated by this Agreement; and

          (e) NHTB and Bank shall have received an opinion of Gallagher,
Callahan & Gartrell, counsel to Landmark, dated the Closing Date, as to such
matters as NHTB and Bank may reasonably request with respect to the transactions
contemplated hereby.

          (f) Landmark's allowance for loan losses on the balance sheet of
Landmark as of the last month immediately preceding the Effective Date shall be
at least $600,000 and Landmark's Tier 1 capital ratio (determined in accordance
with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, including any adjustments
required under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting
for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities") shall be at least 6%,
provided, however, that if such capital ratio is between 6% and 5.8%, NHTB shall
be obligated to consummate the Merger only upon the adjustments to the Exchange
Ratio and the Cash Election Price provided in Section 5.1(f) of the Plan of
Merger.

          (g) Any Landmark shareholder who after the Closing Date would become
beneficial owner of more than 3% of the outstanding shares of NHTB Common Stock
has entered into an

                                      A-26
<PAGE>
 
agreement in the form of Exhibit C hereto that such stockholder, for a period of
2 years after the Closing Date, will not vote any shares beneficially owned by
him in excess of 3% of the outstanding shares of NHTB.

          (h) NHTB shall have received a letter from its financial consultants,
dated as of a date not more than five (5) days prior to the date the Proxy
Statement contemplated by Section 4.2 is mailed to stockholders, confirming its
oral opinion delivered prior to the date of this Agreement, that the Merger is
fair to NHTB's shareholders from a financial point of view.


                                   ARTICLE 6.
                       TERMINATION, WAIVER AND AMENDMENT

6.1.  TERMINATION

          This Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger may be
terminated, either before or after approval by the shareholders of NHTB and
Landmark:

          (a) At any time on or prior to the Effective Date, by the mutual
consent in writing of the parties hereto.

          (b) At any time on or prior to the Closing Date, by NHTB in writing,
if Landmark has, or by Landmark in writing, if NHTB or Bank has, in any material
respect, breached (i) any covenant or agreement contained herein or in the Plan
of Merger, or (ii) any representation or warranty contained herein, and in
either case if such breach has not been cured by the earlier of 30 days after
the date on which written notice of such breach is given to the party committing
such breach or the Closing Date.

          (c) At any time, by any party hereto in writing, if the applications
for prior approval or consents referred to in Section 4.3 hereof have been
denied, and the time period for appeals and requests for reconsideration has
run, or if any governmental entity of competent jurisdiction shall have issued a
final non-appealable order enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger.

          (d) At any time, by any party hereto in writing, if the shareholders
of NHTB or Landmark do not approve the transactions contemplated herein at the
annual or special meetings duly called for that purpose.

          (e) By any party hereto in writing, if the Closing Date has not
occurred by the close of business on June 30, 1997, unless the failure of the
Closing to occur by such date shall be due to the failure of the party seeking
to terminate this Agreement to perform or observe the covenants and agreements
set forth herein.

          (f) By Landmark, if the NHTB price (as that term is defined in the
Plan of Merger) is less than $6.50 and Landmark provides written notice to NHTB
prior to the third business day immediately preceding the Closing Date of its
intent to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 6.1(f) and NHTB does
not elect to increase the Exchange Ratio (as that term is defined in the Plan of
Merger), as agreed to by Landmark.

                                      A-27
<PAGE>
 
6.2.  EFFECT OF TERMINATION

          In the event this Reorganization Agreement or the Plan of Merger is
terminated pursuant to Section 6.1 hereof, this Agreement and the Plan of Merger
shall become void and have no effect, except that (i) the provisions relating to
confidentiality, press releases and expenses set forth in Sections 4.5, 4.6, 7.1
and 7.7 hereof, respectively, shall survive any such termination and (ii) a
termination pursuant to Section 6.1(b)(i) shall not relieve the breaching party
from liability for an uncured willful breach of such covenant or agreement
giving rise to such termination.

6.3.  NON-SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS

          All representations, warranties and covenants in this Reorganization
Agreement and the Plan of Merger or in any instrument delivered pursuant hereto
or thereto shall expire on, and be terminated and extinguished at, the Effective
Date other than covenants that by their terms are to survive or be performed
after the Effective Date, provided that no such representations, warranties or
covenants shall be deemed to be terminated or extinguished so as to deprive
NHTB, Bank or Landmark (or any director, officer or controlling person thereof)
of any defense in law or equity which otherwise would be available against the
claims of any person, including, without limitation, any shareholder or former
shareholder of either NHTB or Landmark, the aforesaid representations,
warranties and covenants being material inducements to the consummation by NHTB,
Bank and Landmark of the transactions contemplated herein.

6.4.  WAIVER

          Except with respect to any required shareholder or regulatory
approval, NHTB and Landmark, respectively, by written instrument signed by an
executive officer of such party, may at any time (whether before or after
approval of this Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger by the
shareholders of NHTB and Landmark) extend the time for the performance of any of
the obligations or other acts of Landmark, on the one hand, or NHTB or Bank, on
the other hand, and may waive (i) any inaccuracies of such parties in the
representations or warranties contained in this Agreement, the Plan of Merger or
any document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto, (ii) compliance with any of
the covenants, undertakings or agreements of such parties, or satisfaction of
any of the conditions precedent to its obligations, contained herein or in the
Plan of Merger, or (iii) the performance by such parties of any of its
obligations set out herein or therein; provided, however, that, after any such
approval by the shareholders of Landmark, no such modification shall (i) alter
or change the amount or kind of Merger consideration to be received by holders
of Landmark Common Stock as provided in the Plan of Merger, or (ii) adversely
affect the tax treatment to Landmark shareholders as a result of the receipt of
such Merger consideration.

6.5.  AMENDMENT OR SUPPLEMENT

          This Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger may be amended or
supplemented at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto or thereto.
Any such amendment or supplement must be in writing and approved by their
respective boards of directors and/or officers authorized thereby and shall be
subject to the proviso in Section 6.4 hereof.

                                      A-28
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE 7.
                                 MISCELLANEOUS

7.1.  EXPENSES

          Each party hereto shall bear and pay all costs and expenses incurred
by it in connection with the transactions contemplated in this Reorganization
Agreement, including fees and expenses of its own financial consultants,
accountants and counsel, except that NHTB and Landmark each shall bear and pay
50 percent of all printing and mailing costs and filing fees associated with the
Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement.

7.2.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT

          This Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger contain the
entire agreement between the parties with respect to the transactions
contemplated hereunder and thereunder and supersede all prior arrangements or
understandings with respect thereto, written or oral, other than documents
referred to herein or therein and the Confidentiality Agreement. The terms and
conditions of this Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger shall inure
to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and thereto and their
respective successors. Except as specifically set forth herein, or in the Plan
of Merger, nothing in this Reorganization Agreement or the Plan of Merger,
expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any party, other than the
parties hereto and thereto, and their respective successors, any rights,
remedies, obligations or liabilities.

7.3.  NO ASSIGNMENT

          No party hereto may assign any of its rights or obligations under this
Reorganization Agreement to any other person.

7.4.  NOTICES

          All notices or other communications which are required or permitted
hereunder shall be in writing and sufficient if delivered personally or sent by
facsimile transmission or overnight express or by registered or certified mail,
postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

          If to Landmark:

                  Landmark Bank
                  106 Hanover Street
                  Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766-1006
                  Attention: Paul P. Tierney
                  Facsimile No.:  603-448-8956

                                      A-29
<PAGE>
 
          With a copy to:

                  Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, P.A.
                  214 North Main Street
                  Concord, New Hampshire 03301
                  Attention:  Denis Maloney, Esquire
                  Facsimile No.:  603-224-7588

          If to NHTB or Bank:

                  New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.
                  9 Main Street
                  Newport, New Hampshire  03773
                  Attention: Stephen W. Ensign
                  Facsimile No.:  603-863-5025

          With a copy to:

                  Thacher Proffitt & Wood
                  1500 K Street, N.W.
                  Suite 200
                  Washington, D.C. 20005
                  Attention: Richard A. Schaberg, Esquire
                  Facsimile No.: (202) 347-5862 or (202) 347-6238


7.5. CAPTIONS

          The captions contained in this Reorganization Agreement are for
reference purposes only and are not part of this Reorganization Agreement.

7.6.  COUNTERPARTS

          This Reorganization Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original
instrument, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one
agreement.

7.7.  GOVERNING LAW

          This Reorganization Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New Hampshire applicable to agreements
made and entirely to be performed within such jurisdiction without regard to
conflicts of laws principles, except to the extent Delaware or federal law may
be applicable.

                                      A-30
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound
hereby, have caused this Reorganization Agreement to be executed in counterparts
by their duly authorized officers and their corporate seal to be hereunto
affixed and attested by their officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of the
day and year first above written.


                             LANDMARK BANK

                             By:

                                    /s/ Paul P. Tierney
                                    -------------------------------------------
                                    Paul P. Tierney
                                    President and Chief Executive Officer

                             NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.

                             By:

                                    /s/ Stephen W. Ensign
                                    -------------------------------------------
                                    Stephen W. Ensign,
                                    President and Chief Executive Officer


                             LAKE SUNAPEE BANK, fsb

                             By:

                                    /s/ Stephen W. Ensign
                                    -------------------------------------------
                                    Stephen W. Ensign,
                                    President and Chief Executive Officer

                                      A-31
<PAGE>
 
                                             July 26, 1996



New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.
9 Main Street
P. O. Box 29
Newport, NH   03773-0029

Dear Sirs:

     The undersigned is a director of Landmark Bank ("Landmark") and is the
beneficial holder of shares of common stock of Landmark ("Landmark Common
Stock").

     Landmark, New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. ("NHTB") and Lake Sunapee
Bank, fsb ("Bank") are considering the execution of an Agreement and Plan of
Merger ("Merger Agreement") and an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
("Reorganization Agreement") contemplating the merger of Landmark with and into
Bank ("Merger"), such execution being subject in the case of NHTB to the
execution and delivery of this letter agreement ("Agreement").  In consideration
of the substantial expenses that NHTB and the Bank will incur in connection with
the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and the Reorganization
Agreement and in order to induce NHTB and Bank to execute the Merger Agreement
and the Reorganization Agreement and to proceed to incur such expenses, the
undersigned agrees and undertakes, in his/her capacity as a shareholder of
Landmark and not in his capacity as a director of Landmark, as follows:

     1.   The undersigned will vote or cause to be voted for approval of the
Merger Agreement and the Reorganization Agreement all of the shares of Landmark
Common Stock the undersigned is entitled to vote with respect thereto.

     2.   Except as NHTB may otherwise agree in its sole discretion, the
undersigned will not effect any transfer or other disposition of any of the
undersigned's shares of Landmark Common Stock until Landmark's shareholders have
voted to approve the Merger Agreement and the Reorganization Agreement or until
such agreements have been terminated pursuant to the terms thereof.  In the case
of any transfer by operation of law or otherwise, this Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the transferee.  An transfer or other
disposition in violation of the terms of this paragraph 2 shall be null and
void.

     3.   The undersigned will not vote any of his or her shares of Landmark
Common Stock in favor of any other merger, sale of all or substantially all the
equity interests or assets of Landmark to any person other than NHTB or its
affiliates, or similar transaction until the earliest to occur of the Merger,
the termination of the Reorganization Agreement and the Merger Agreement, or the
abandonment of the Merger by mutual agreement of Landmark and NHTB.

                                      A-32
<PAGE>
 
New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.
Jul 26, 1996
                                                                         Page 2.

     4.   The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that any remedy at law for
breach of the foregoing provisions shall be inadequate and that, in addition to
any other relief which may be available, NHTB shall be entitled to temporary and
permanent injunctive relief without the necessity of proving actual damages.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Agreement as of the
date first above written.

                                               Very truly yours,


                                               ________________________________



Accepted and agreed to as of
the date first above written:

NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.



By:  ____________________________________________
     Stephen W. Ensign
     President and Chief Executive Officer

                                      A-33
<PAGE>
 
                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER


     AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER ("Plan of Merger") dated as of July 26, 1996,
by and between LANDMARK BANK ("Landmark"), a New Hampshire state chartered bank,
and LAKE SUNAPEE BANK, fsb ("Bank"), a federally chartered savings bank, and
joined in by New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. ("NHTB"), a Delaware
corporation.

                                   WITNESSETH

     WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of Landmark, NHTB and Bank deem
the merger of Landmark with and into Bank, under and pursuant to the terms and
conditions herein set forth or referred to, desirable and in the best interests
of the respective corporations and their respective shareholders, and the
respective Boards of Directors of Landmark, NHTB and Bank have adopted
resolutions approving this Plan of Merger and an Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization dated of even date herewith ("Reorganization Agreement").

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
agreements herein contained, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE 1.
                                     MERGER

     Subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan of Merger, on the
Effective Date (as defined in Article 1. of the Reorganization Agreement),
Landmark shall be merged with and into Bank, pursuant to the provisions of, and
with the effect provided in, Title 35 of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes
Annotated (the "Merger") and the regulations of the Office of Thrift
Supervision. On the Effective Date, the separate existence of Landmark shall
cease and Bank, as the surviving entity, shall continue unaffected and
unimpaired by the Merger. (Bank, as existing on and after the Effective Date,
being hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Surviving Bank.")  The home and
other offices of the Surviving Bank shall be as listed in Exhibit A to this Plan
of Merger.

                                  ARTICLE 2.
                              CHARTER AND BY-LAWS

     The Amended Charter and the By-Laws of Bank in effect immediately prior to
the Effective Date shall be the Charter and the By-Laws of the Surviving Bank,
in each case until amended in accordance with applicable law.

                                      A-34
<PAGE>
 
                                 ARTICLE 3.
                             BOARD OF DIRECTORS

      On the Effective Date, the Board of Directors of the Surviving Bank shall 
consist of those persons serving as directors of Bank immediately prior to the 
Effective Date together with three directors to be designated by Landmark
subject to the Bank's approval.  The Directors of the Surviving Bank shall be
those persons listed in Exhibit B to this Plan of Merger.  On the Effective
Date, the Board of Directors of NHTB shall consist of those persons serving as
directors of NHTB immediately prior to the Effective Date together with two
directors to be designated by Landmark subject to NHTB's approval and who are
listed in Exhibit C to this Plan of Merger.

                                   ARTICLE 4.
                                    CAPITAL

          The shares of capital stock of the Surviving Bank issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date shall, on the Effective
Date, continue to be issued and outstanding.

                                   ARTICLE 5.

                  CONVERSION AND EXCHANGE OF LANDMARK SHARES;
                           FRACTIONAL SHARE INTERESTS


          5.1.  (a)  On the Effective Date, each share of the common stock of
Landmark, par value $1.00 per share ("Landmark Common Stock"), outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Date (except as provided in Paragraph 5.1(d)
of this Article) shall, by virtue of the Merger, be converted into an amount of
common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of NHTB ("NHTB Common Stock") or cash,
as set forth below.

          (b)  Subject to Section 5.1(f) hereof, each outstanding share of
Landmark Common Stock which under the terms of Article 5.2 is to be converted
into the right to receive NHTB Common Stock shall be converted into an amount of
NHTB Common Stock equal to one share multiplied by the Exchange Ratio.

          For purposes of this Plan of Merger, the Exchange Ratio shall be:

          (1) 1.221, if the NHTB Price is equal to or greater than $8.25 and is
no greater than $11.75;

          (2) 14.00 / NHTB Price, if the NHTB Price is greater than $11.75; or

          (3) 10.00 / NHTB Price, if the NHTB Price is less than $8.25.

          As used herein, the term "NHTB Price" means the average bid price of
NHTB Common Stock on the NASDAQ (as reported by the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System) for the thirty consecutive
trading days ending on the business day before the

                                      A-35
<PAGE>
 
date on which the last regulatory approval required to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Plan of Merger and the Reorganization
Agreement is obtained.

          (c)  Subject to Section 5.1(f) hereof, each outstanding share of
Landmark Common Stock which under the terms of Article 5.2 is to be converted
into the right to receive cash shall be converted into the right to receive
$12.00 in cash (the "Cash Election Price").
                     -------------------   

          (d)  On the Effective Date, all shares of Landmark Common Stock held
in the treasury of Landmark or owned beneficially by any subsidiary of Landmark
other than in a fiduciary capacity or in connection with a debt previously
contracted shall be canceled and no cash, stock or other property shall be
delivered in exchange therefor.

          (e)  Each outstanding share of Landmark Common Stock the holder of
which has perfected his right to dissent under applicable law and has not
effectively withdrawn or lost such right as of the Effective Date (the
"Dissenting Shares") shall not be converted into or represent a right to receive
shares of NHTB Common Stock or cash hereunder, and the holder thereof shall be
entitled only to such rights as are granted by applicable law.  Landmark shall
give NHTB prompt notice upon receipt by Landmark of any such written demands for
payment of the fair value of such shares of Landmark Common Stock and of
withdrawals of such notice and any other instruments provided pursuant to
applicable law (any shareholder duly making such demand being hereinafter called
a "Dissenting Shareholder").  Any payments made in respect of Dissenting Shares
shall be made by NHTB.

          (f)  As referenced in Section 5.3(f) of the Reorganization Agreement,
in the event that Landmark's Tier 1 capital ratio (determined in accordance with
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, including any adjustments required
under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities") for the month immediately
prior to the Closing Date is (1) between 6.00% and 5.90%, the Exchange Ratio
provided in Section 5.1(b)(1) shall be adjusted to 1.208, the Exchange Ratio
provided in Section 5.1(b)(2) shall be determined by the quotient of 13.875
divided by NHTB Price and the Exchange Ratio provided in Section 5.1(b)(3) shall
be determined by the quotient of 9.875 divided by NHTB Price, and the Cash
Election Price provided in Section 5.1(c) shall be adjusted to $11.875 or (2)
between 5.89% and 5.80%, the Exchange Ratio provided in Section 5.1(b)(1) shall
be adjusted to 1.195, the Exchange Ratio provided in Section 5.1(b)(2) shall be
determined by the quotient of 13.75 divided by NHTB Price and the Exchange Ratio
provided in Section 5.1(b)(3) shall be determined by the quotient of 9.75
divided by NHTB Price, and the Cash Election Price provided in Section 5.1(c)
shall be adjusted to $11.75.

          5.2(a).  An election form and other appropriate transmittal materials
("Election Form") will be sent within 3 business days after the Effective Date
to each holder of record of Landmark Common Stock as of the Effective Date
permitting such holder (or in the case of nominee record holders, the beneficial
owner through proper instructions and documentation) (i) to elect to receive
NHTB Common Stock with respect to such holder's Landmark Common Stock as
hereinabove provided (the "Landmark Stock Election Shares"), (ii) to elect to
receive cash with respect to such holder's Landmark Common Stock as hereinabove
provided (the "Landmark Cash Election Shares"), or (iii) to indicate that such
holder makes no such election (the

                                      A-36
<PAGE>
 
"Landmark No-Election Shares").  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in order to
elect to receive NHTB Common Stock, the number of shares of Landmark Common
Stock a Landmark stockholder elects to convert must equal or exceed 100 shares.
Any shares of Landmark Common Stock with respect to which the holder thereof
shall not, as of the Election Deadline, have made such an election by submission
to an exchange agent appointed by NHTB (the "Exchange Agent"), of an effective,
properly completed Election Form shall be deemed to be Landmark No-Election
Shares.  Any Dissenting Shares shall be deemed to be Landmark Cash Election
Shares, and with respect to such shares the holders thereof shall in no event be
classified as Stock Designees (as hereinafter defined).

          The term "Election Deadline," as used herein, shall mean 5:00 p.m.,
Eastern Standard Time, on the 20th business day following but not including the
date of mailing of the Election Form or such other date as Landmark and NHTB
shall mutually agree upon.

          Any election to receive NHTB Common Stock or cash shall have been
properly made only if the Exchange Agent shall have actually received a properly
completed Election Form by the Election Deadline.  An Election Form will be
properly completed only if accompanied by certificates representing all shares
of Landmark Common Stock converted thereby.  The Exchange Agent shall have
reasonable discretion to determine when any election, modification or revocation
is received and whether any such election, modification or revocation has been
properly made.

          Within three business days after the Election Deadline, the Exchange
Agent shall effectuate the allocation among holders of Landmark Common Stock of
rights to receive NHTB Common Stock or cash in the Merger in accordance with the
Election Forms as follows:

               (i) If the number of Landmark Stock Election Shares is less than
          a number (the "Stock Conversion Number") equal to 60% of the number of
          shares of Landmark Common Stock outstanding on the Effective Date of
          the Merger (excluding such shares which are to be cancelled and
          retired in accordance with Section 5.1(d)), then:

                    (1) all Landmark stock Election Shares will be converted
               into the right to receive NHTB Common Stock,

                    (2) the Exchange Agent will select first from among the
               holders of Landmark No-Election Shares and then (if necessary)
               from among the holders of Landmark Cash Election Shares, by
               random selection (as described below), a sufficient number of
               such holders ("Stock Designees") such that the number of shares
               of Landmark Common Stock held by the Stock Designees will, when
               added to the number of Landmark Stock Election Shares, equal as
               closely as practicable the Stock Conversion Number, and all
               shares held by the Stock Designees will be converted into the
               right to receive NHTB Common Stock, and

                    (3) the Landmark Cash Election Shares (subject to the
               provisions of Section 5.1(e) with respect to any Dissenting
               Shares) and the

                                      A-37
<PAGE>
 
               Landmark No-Election Shares not held by Stock Designees will be
               converted into the right to receive cash; or

               (ii) If the number of Landmark Stock Election Shares is greater
          than the Stock Conversion Number, then:

                    (1) all Landmark Cash Election Shares (subject to the
               provisions of Section 5.1(e) with respect to any Dissenting
               Shares) will be converted into the right to receive cash,

                    (2) the Exchange Agent will select first from among the
               holders of Landmark No-Election Shares and then (if necessary)
               from among the holders of Landmark Stock Election Shares, by
               random selection (as described below), a sufficient number of
               such holders ("Cash Designees") such that the number of shares of
               Landmark Common Stock held by the Cash Designees will, when added
               to the number of Landmark Cash Election Shares (including any
               Dissenting Shares), equal as closely as practicable a number (the
               "Cash Conversion Number") equal to 40.0% of the shares of
               Landmark Common Stock outstanding on the Effective Date of the
               Merger (excluding such shares which are to be cancelled and
               retired in accordance with Section 5.1(d)) and all shares held by
               the Cash Designees will be converted into the right to receive
               cash, and

                    (3) the Landmark Stock Election Shares and Landmark No-
               Election Shares not held by Cash Designees will be converted into
               the right to receive NHTB Common Stock; or

               (iii)  If the number of Landmark Stock Election Shares is equal
          or nearly equal (as determined by the Exchange Agent) to the Stock
          Conversion Number, then subparagraphs (i) and (ii) above and
          subparagraph (iv) below shall not apply and all Landmark Stock
          Election Shares will be converted into the right to receive NHTB
          Common Stock and all Landmark Cash Election Shares (subject to the
          provisions of Section 5.1(e)) and Landmark No-Election Shares will be
          converted into the right to receive cash; or

               (iv) If the number of Landmark Cash Election Shares is equal or
          nearly equal (as determined by the Exchange Agent) to the Cash
          Conversion Number, then subparagraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) above shall
          not apply and all Landmark Cash Election Shares (subject to the
          provisions of Section 5.1(e)) will be converted into the right to
          receive cash and all Landmark Stock Election Shares and Landmark No-
          Election Shares will be converted into the right to receive NHTB
          Common Stock.

     5.2(b).  In the event the Closing Date does not occur within one (1) month
after all required regulatory approvals are obtained, including the expiration
of any applicable waiting periods, NHTB shall increase the consideration to be
paid to holders of Landmark Common Stock by (1) accruing interest on the 40%
cash component of the consideration to be paid to

                                      A-38
<PAGE>
 
holders of Landmark Common Stock at a rate equal to the then current yield on
the Bank Treasury Account and (2) crediting the 60% stock component of the
consideration to be paid to holders of Landmark Common Stock with any and all
dividends declared on the NHTB Common Stock during such period.

     5.3.  The selection process to be used by the Exchange Agent shall consist
of such processes as shall be mutually determined by Landmark and NHTB, in a
manner designed to select shareholders on a fair and equitable basis, and as
shall be further described in the Election Form.  On the Effective Date of the
Merger, NHTB shall issue to the Exchange Agent the number of shares of NHTB
Common Stock issuable and the amount of cash payable in the Merger.  Upon
completion of the allocation procedure described above, NHTB shall, if
necessary, issue to the Exchange Agent any additional shares of NHTB Common
Stock in exchange for cash or issue to the Exchange Agent any additional cash in
exchange for NHTB Common Stock, as may be required to effect the conversion of
Landmark Common Stock as contemplated hereby and by Section 5.6.  Within five
business days after the Election Deadline, the Exchange Agent shall distribute
NHTB Common Stock and cash as provided herein.  The Exchange Agent shall not be
entitled to vote or exercise any rights of ownership with respect to the shares
of NHTB Common Stock held by it from time to time hereunder, except that it
shall receive and hold all dividends or other distributions paid or distributed
with respect to such shares for the account of the persons entitled thereto.

     5.4.  After the completion of the foregoing allocation, each holder of an
outstanding certificate or certificates which prior thereto represented shares
of Landmark Common Stock who surrender such certificates or certificates to the
Exchange agent will, upon acceptance thereof by the Exchange Agent, be entitled
to a certificate or certificates representing the number of full shares of NHTB
Common Stock or the amount of cash into which the aggregate number of shares of
Landmark Common Stock previously represented by such certificate or certificates
surrendered shall have been converted pursuant to this Agreement and, if such
holder's shares of Landmark Common Stock have been converted into NHTB Common
Stock, any other distribution theretofore paid with respect to the NHTB Common
Stock issuable in the Merger, in each case without interest.  The Exchange Agent
shall accept such certificates upon compliance with such reasonable terms and
conditions as the Exchange Agent may impose to effect an orderly exchange
thereof in accordance with normal exchange practices.  Each outstanding
certificate which prior to the Effective Date of the Merger represented Landmark
Common Stock and which is not surrendered to the Exchange Agent in accordance
with the procedures provided for herein shall, except as otherwise herein
provided, until duly surrendered to the Exchange Agent be deemed to evidence
ownership of the number of shares of NHTB Common Stock or the right to receive
the amount of cash into which such Landmark Common Stock shall have been
converted.  After the Effective Date of the Merger, there shall be no further
transfer on the records of Landmark of certificates representing Landmark shares
and if such certificates are presented to Landmark for transfer, they shall be
cancelled against delivery of certificates for NHTB Common Stock or cash as
hereinabove provided.  No dividends which have been declared will be remitted to
any person entitled to receive shares of NHTB Common Stock under Section 5.2
until such person surrenders the certificate or certificates representing
Landmark Common Stock, at which time such dividends shall be remitted to such
persons, without interest.

                                      A-39
<PAGE>
 
     5.5.  Certificates surrendered for exchange by any person who is an
"affiliate" of Landmark for purposes of Rule 145(c) under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, shall not be exchanged for certificates representing shares of
NHTB Common Stock until NHTB has received the written agreement of such person
contemplated by Section 4.9 of the Reorganization Agreement. If any certificate
for shares of Landmark Common Stock is to be issued in a name other than that in
which a certificate surrendered for exchange is issued, the certificate so
surrendered shall be properly endorsed and otherwise in proper form for transfer
and the person requesting such exchange shall affix any requisite stock transfer
tax stamps to the certificate surrendered or provide funds for their purchase or
establish to the reasonable satisfaction of NHTB or its agent that such taxes
are not payable.

     5.6.  Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, each holder of shares who
would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fraction of a share of NHTB
Common Stock (after taking into account all Certificates delivered by such
holder) shall receive (by check from the Exchange Agent, mailed to the
shareholder with the certificate(s) for NHTB Common Stock for which such holder
is to receive pursuant to the Merger), in lieu thereof, cash in an amount equal
to such fractional part of a share of NHTB Common Stock multiplied by the
"market value" of such Common Stock. The "market value" of one share of NHTB
Common Stock shall be the bid price of NHTB Common Stock on the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (as reported by the
National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System) on the
last business day preceding the Effective Date. No such holder shall be entitled
to dividends, voting rights or any other shareholder right in respect of any
fractional share.

     5.7  Neither the Exchange Agent nor any party to this Agreement shall be
liable to any holder of stock represented by any Certificate for any
consideration paid to a public official pursuant to applicable abandoned
property, escheat or similar laws.  NHTB and the Exchange Agent shall be
entitled to rely upon the stock transfer books of Landmark to establish the
identity of those persons entitled to receive consideration specified in this
Agreement, which books shall be conclusive with respect thereto.  In the event
of a dispute with respect to ownership of stock represented by any Certificate,
NHTB and the Exchange Agent shall be entitled to deposit any consideration
represented thereby in escrow with an independent third party and thereafter be
relieved with respect to any claims thereto.

                                   ARTICLE 6.

                          EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE MERGER

     Articles of combination evidencing the transactions contemplated herein
shall be delivered in accordance with applicable law. The Merger shall be
effective at the time and on the date specified in such articles of combination
(such date and time being herein referred to as the "Effective Date").

                                      A-40
<PAGE>
 
                                 ARTICLE 7.

                             FURTHER ASSURANCES

          If at any time the Surviving Bank shall consider or be advised that
any further assignments, conveyances or assurances are necessary or desirable to
vest, perfect or confirm in the Surviving Bank title to any property or rights
of Landmark, or otherwise carry out the provisions hereof, the proper officers
and directors of Landmark, as of the Effective Date, and thereafter the officers
of the Surviving Bank acting on behalf of Landmark, shall execute and deliver
any and all proper assignments, conveyances and assurances, and do all things
necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or confirm title to such property or
rights in the Surviving Bank and otherwise carry out the provisions hereof.

                                   ARTICLE 8.

                             CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

          The obligations of Bank, NHTB and Landmark to effect the Merger as
herein provided shall be subject to satisfaction, unless duly waived, of the
conditions set forth in the Reorganization Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE 9.

                                  TERMINATION

          Anything contained in the Plan of Merger to the contrary
notwithstanding, and notwithstanding adoption hereof by the shareholders of
Landmark, this Plan of Merger may be terminated and the Merger abandoned as
provided in the Reorganization Agreement.

                                  ARTICLE 10.

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

          10.1.  This Plan of Merger may be amended or supplemented at any time
prior to its Effective Date by mutual agreement of NHTB, Bank and Landmark.  Any
such amendment or supplement must be in writing and approved by their respective
Boards of Directors and/or by officers authorized thereby and shall be subject
to the proviso in Section 4.7(c) of the Reorganization Agreement.

          10.2.  Any notice or other communication required or permitted under
this Plan of Merger shall be given, and shall be effective, in accordance with
the provisions of the Reorganization Agreement.

          10.3.  The headings of the several Articles herein are inserted for
convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect
the meaning or interpretation of this Plan of Merger.

                                      A-41
<PAGE>
 
          10.4.  This Plan of Merger shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of New Hampshire applicable to the internal affairs of
Landmark, NHTB and the Bank.

                                      A-42
<PAGE>
 
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound
hereby, have caused this Agreement and Plan of Merger to be executed in
counterparts by their duly authorized officers and their corporate seals to be
hereunto affixed and attested by their officers thereunto duly authorized, all
as of the day and year first above written.

                              LANDMARK BANK

                              By:    /s/ Paul P. Tierney
                                    ------------------------------------------
                                    Paul P. Tierney
                                    President and Chief Executive Officer

                              NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.

                              By:   /s/ Stephen W. Ensign
                                    ------------------------------------------
                                    Stephen W. Ensign,
                                    President and Chief Executive Officer


                              LAKE SUNAPEE BANK, fsb

                              By:   /s/ Stephen W. Ensign
                                    ------------------------------------------
                                    Stephen W. Ensign,
                                    President and Chief Executive Officer

                                      A-43
<PAGE>

                                                                      Appendix B
                                                                      ----------
================================================================================

HAS ASSOCIATES, INC.             [Letter Head]


_______ ___, 199_



Board of Directors
New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.
Newport Road
New London, NH  03257

     Attn:    Stephen W. Ensign, President

Members of the Board:

     You have requested our opinion as to the fairness to the stockholders of
New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc., New London, New Hampshire ("NHTB"), from
a financial point of view, of the terms of the Plan of Reorganization and the
Merger Agreement ("Agreements") dated July 26, 1996 which will ultimately
provide for the merger of Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb ("the Bank"), a subsidiary of
NHTB, and Landmark Bank, Lebanon, New Hampshire ("Landmark").   Stockholders of
Landmark are expected to receive consideration subject to certain adjustments as
provided in the Agreements.

     In connection with its opinion, HAS Associates, Inc. ("HAS") reviewed,
analyzed and relied upon material relating to the financial and operating
conditions of NHTB and Landmark  including, among other things, the following:
(i) the Agreements; (ii) the Joint Proxy Statement to NHTB and Landmark
Shareholders in draft form;  (iii) Annual Reports to Landmark Stockholders for
the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995, and years ended December 1993, 1994
and 1995 for NHTB; (iv) certain interim reports to NHTB and Landmark
stockholders and certain other communications from Landmark to its stockholders;
(v) other financial information concerning the business and operations of
Landmark furnished to HAS by Landmark for purposes of its analysis, including
certain internal financial analyses and forecasts for Landmark prepared by its
financial advisors; (vi) certain publicly available information concerning the
trading of, and the trading market for, the Common Stock of Landmark and NHTB;
(vii) corporate minutes of Landmark for three years; (viii) audit reports
certified by the independent accountants of Landmark and NHTB for three years;
(ix) regulatory filings of Landmark for three years; (x) all policies and
procedures of Landmark, certain loan files, and its investment portfolio; (xi)
certain required regulatory filings and records required to be made publicly
available by Landmark; and, (xii) certain publicly available information with
respect to banking companies and the nature and terms of certain other
transactions that HAS considered
<PAGE>
 
relevant to its inquiry.  In addition, HAS reviewed certain market information
concerning Landmark, analyzed data concerning private and publicly owned banks
in New England, reviewed stock market data of other banks generally deemed
comparable whose securities are publicly traded, publicly available information
concerning certain recent business combinations, and such additional financial
and other information as HAS deemed necessary.  Furthermore, HAS reviewed the
same type of public financial information available concerning NHTB.  HAS also
held discussions with senior management of Landmark concerning their past and
current operations, financial condition and prospects, as well as the results of
regulatory examinations.

     In conducting its review and arriving at its opinion, HAS relied upon and
assumed the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other
information provided to it or publicly available, and HAS did not attempt to
verify such information independently or undertake an independent appraisal of
the assets and liabilities of NHTB or Landmark.  HAS relied upon the accuracy
and opinion of the audit reports prepared by A. M. Peisch & Company, the Bank's
independent accountants.  HAS assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and
completeness of the financial and other information relied upon.

     In reliance upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as
of the date hereof, the financial terms of the Agreements are fair, from a
financial point of view, to the current stockholders of NHTB.

     This letter is furnished to you in connection with the Agreements.

Sincerely,


HAS Associates, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      APPENDIX B

                                FORM OF OPINION
                                    DRAFT #1

The Board of Directors
Landmark Bank
106 Hanover Street
Lebanon, NH  03766



The Board of Directors:

    You have requested our opinion as to the fairness from a financial point of
view to the shareholders of Landmark Bank, ("Landmark ") of the consideration
to be paid to the shareholders of Landmark in connection with the proposed
acquisition of Landmark  by New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc., ("NHTB")
pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement') dated July
29, 1996 by and between Landmark and NHTB. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement
Landmark will merge into NHTB, and NHTB will be the surviving bank (the
"Merger").

    As is more specifically set forth in the Merger Agreement, upon consummation
of the Merger, each outstanding share of the common stock (either currently
outstanding or converted from outstanding preferred stock) of Landmark, par
value $1.00 per share ("Landmark Common Stock"), except for any dissenting
shares and except for shares held by NHTB and its subsidiaries or by Landmark
(in both cases, other than shares held in a fiduciary capacity or as a result of
debts previously contracted), will be converted into and exchangeable for 1.221
shares of the common stock, par value $0.01 per share of NHTB ("NHTB Common
Stock") or $12.00 in cash.

    The reader is urged to carefully read all the terms of the Merger Agreement
which is reproduced in its entirety elsewhere in the Statement-Prospectus.

    McConnell, Budd & Downes, Inc., as part of its investment banking business,
is engaged exclusively in the valuation of bank holding companies and banks,
thrift holding companies and thrifts and their securities in connection with
mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, private placements,
competitive bidding processes, market making as a NASD market maker, secondary
distributions of listed securities and valuations for corporate, estate and
other purposes.  Our experience arid familiarity with Landmark includes having
worked as a financial advisor to Landmark since February of 1996 on a
contractual basis and specifically includes our participation in the process and
negotiations leading up to the proposed Transaction with NHTB.  In the course of
our role as financial advisor to Landmark in connection with the Transaction, we
have received fees for our services and will receive additional fees contingent
on the occurrence of certain defined events, including the consumation of the
Transaction.

In arriving at our opinion, we have reviewed the Merger Agreement and Proxy
Statement-Prospectus in substantially the form to be mailed to Landmark and NHTB
shareholders.  We have also reviewed publicly available business, financial and
shareholder information relating to Landmark and its subsidiaries, certain
publicly available financial information relating to NHTB and certain financial
information relating to NHTB and its subsidiaries provided to Landmark by NHTB
management.  In addition, we have reviewed certain other information, including
internal reports and documents of Landmark and NHTB and certain management
prepared financial information provided to us by Landmark and NHTB.  We have
also met with and had discussions with members of the senior management of
Landmark and NHTB to discuss their past and current business operations, current
financial condition and future prospects.  In connection with the foregoing, we
have reviewed the annual reports to shareholders and annual report on form 10-K
of NHTB for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1993, 1994 and 1995.  We have
similarly reviewed the annual 
<PAGE>
 
reports of Landmark for the calendar years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and
1995. We have reviewed and studied the historical stock prices and trading
volumes of the common stock of Landmark and NHTB as well as the terms and
conditions of 8 recent acquisition transactions, selected from a larger universe
of 13 transactions involving New England banking institutions, involving
publicly traded financial institutions conducting business in the northeast
which can be compared to the proposed acquisition of Landmark by NHTB. We also
considered the current state of and future prospects for the economy of New
Hampshire generally and the relevant market areas for NHTB and Landmark in
particular. We have also conducted such other studies, analyses and
investigations as we deemed appropriate under the circumstances surrounding this
proposed transaction.

    In the course of our review and analysis we considered, among other things,
such topics as relative capitalization, capital adequacy, profitability,
availability of non-interest income, relative asset quality, adequacy of the
reserve for loan losses and the composition of the loan portfolio of each of
Landmark and NHTB.  We also considered management's estimates of cost savings
and revenue enhancements which might result from a consolidation of Landmark and
NHTB. In the conduct of our review and analysis we have relied upon and assumed,
without independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of the financial
information provided to us by Landmark and NHTB and or otherwise publicly
obtainable.  In reaching our opinion we have not assumed any responsibility for
the independent verification of such information or any independent valuation or
appraisal of any of the assets or the liabilities of either Landmark or NHTB nor
have we obtained from any other source, any current appraisals of the assets or
liabilities of either Landmark or NHTB. We have also relied on the management of
Landmark as to the reasonableness of various financial and operating forecasts
and of the assumptions on which they are based, which were provided to us for
use in our analyses.

    In the course of rendering this opinion, which is being rendered prior to
the receipt of certain required regulatory approvals necessary before
consummation of the Transaction, we have assumed that no conditions will be
imposed by any regulatory agency in connection with its approval of the
Transaction that will have a material adverse effect on the results of
operations, the financial condition or the prospects of NHTB following
consummation of the Transaction.

    Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion, that as of the
date of this letter, the Exchange Ratio and the Cash Election Price of $12.00 
per share are fair to the shareholders of Landmark
from a financial point of view.

Very truly yours,

McConnell, Budd & Downes, Inc.

     DRAFT
By:_____________________
     David A. Budd
     Managing Director

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      APPENDIX C


            THE TRANSFER OF THE OPTION GRANTED BY THIS AGREEMENT IS
        SUBJECT TO RESALE RESTRICTIONS ARISING UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
             OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF
                       THE OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION.

                            STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

          STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT, dated as of the 26th day of July, 1996 (this
"Agreement"), between NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC., a Delaware
corporation ("Grantee"), and LANDMARK BANK, a New Hampshire state chartered
guarantee savings bank ("Issuer").

          Grantee and Issuer have entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization, dated as of the 26th day of July, 1996 (the "Plan"), which was
executed by the parties hereto prior to the execution of this Agreement.

          As a condition and inducement to Grantee's entering into the Plan and
in consideration therefor, Issuer has agreed to grant Grantee the Option (as
defined below).

          In consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and
agreements set forth herein and in the Plan, the parties hereto agree as
follows:

          1.  GRANT OF OPTION.  Issuer hereby grants to Grantee an
unconditional, irrevocable option (the "Option") to purchase, subject to the
terms hereof, up to 19.9% of the fully paid and nonassessable shares of common
stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Common Stock"), of Issuer at an exercise
price of $9.00 per share (the "Initial Price"); provided, however, that in the
event Issuer issues or agrees to issue (other than pursuant to options or other
agreements to issue Common Stock in effect as of the date hereof) any shares of
Common Stock at a price less than the Initial Price (as adjusted pursuant to
Section 5(b)), the Initial Price shall be deemed to be equal to the lowest price
at which any other shares are issued or agreed to be issued (such price, as
adjusted as hereinafter provided, the "Option Price"). The number of shares of
Common Stock that may be received upon the exercise of the Option and the Option
Price are subject to adjustment as herein set forth.

          2.  EXERCISE OF OPTION; TERM.  (a) Grantee may exercise the Option, in
whole or part, at any time and from time to time following the occurrence of a
Purchase Event (as defined below); provided that the Option shall terminate and
be of no further force and effect upon the earliest to occur of:

               (i) the time immediately prior to the Effective Time (as defined
     in the Plan),

               (ii) 12 months after the first occurrence of a Purchase Event,

               (iii)  18 months after the termination of the Plan following the
     occurrence of a Preliminary Purchase Event (as defined below),

                                      C-1
<PAGE>
 
          (iv) termination of the Plan in accordance with the terms thereof
     prior to the occurrence of a Purchase Event or a Preliminary Purchase Event
     (other than a termination of the Plan by Grantee pursuant to Section
     6.1(b)(ii) thereof), or

               (v) 18 months after the termination of the Plan by Grantee
     pursuant to Section 6.1(b)(ii) thereof.

The events described in clauses (i) - (v) in the preceding sentence are
hereinafter collectively referred to as an "Exercise Termination Event."

          (b) The term "Preliminary Purchase Event" shall mean any of the
following events or transactions occurring after the date hereof:

               (i) Issuer or any of its subsidiaries (each an "Issuer
     Subsidiary") without having received Grantee's prior written consent, shall
     have entered into an agreement to engage in an Acquisition Transaction (as
     defined below) with any person (the term "person" for purposes of this
     Agreement having the meaning assigned thereto in Sections 3(a)(9) and
     13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
     "Securities Exchange Act"), and the rules and regulations thereunder) other
     than Grantee or any of its subsidiaries (each a "Grantee Subsidiary") or
     the Board of Directors of Issuer shall have recommended that the
     shareholders of Issuer approve or accept any Acquisition Transaction with
     any person other than Grantee or any Grantee Subsidiary. For purposes of
     this Agreement, "Acquisition Transaction" shall mean (x) a merger or
     consolidation, or any similar transaction, involving Issuer or any Issuer
     Subsidiary, (y) a purchase, lease or other acquisition of all or
     substantially all of the assets of Issuer or any Issuer Subsidiary or (z) a
     purchase or other acquisition (including by way of merger, consolidation,
     share exchange or otherwise) of securities representing 10% or more of the
     voting power of Issuer or any Issuer Subsidiary;  provided that the term
     "Acquisition Transaction" does not include any internal merger or
     consolidation involving only Issuer and/or Issuer Subsidiaries;

               (ii) Any person (other than Grantee or any Grantee Subsidiary)
     shall have acquired beneficial ownership or the right to acquire beneficial
     ownership of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (the
     term "beneficial ownership" for purposes of this Agreement having the
     meaning assigned thereto in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act,
     and the rules and regulations thereunder);

               (iii)  Any person other than Grantee or any Grantee Subsidiary
     shall have made a bona fide proposal to Issuer or its shareholders, by
     public announcement or written communication that is or becomes the subject
     of public disclosure, to engage in an Acquisition Transaction (including,
     without limitation, any situation in which any person other than Grantee or
     any subsidiary of Grantee (x) shall have commenced (as such term is defined
     in Rule 14d-2 under the Securities Exchange Act), or (y) shall have filed a
     registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
     "Securities Act") with the Securities and Exchange Commission, with respect
     to, a tender offer or exchange offer to purchase any shares of Common Stock
     such that, upon consummation of such offer, such person would own or
     control 10% or more of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock (such an
     offer being referred to herein as a "Tender Offer" or an "Exchange Offer",
     respectively)); or

                                      C-2
<PAGE>
 
          (iv) Any person other than Grantee or any Grantee Subsidiary, other
     than in connection with a transaction to which Grantee has given its prior
     written consent, shall have filed an application or notice with the Board
     of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve Board") or
     any other federal or state governmental authority or regulatory or
     administrative agency or commission (each, a "Governmental Authority") for
     approval to engage in an Acquisition Transaction.

          Notwithstanding the foregoing, the beneficial ownership by any current
stockholders of Issuer of greater than 10% of voting stock of Issuer as of the
date of this Agreement shall not constitute a Preliminary Purchase Event.

          (c) The term "Purchase Event" shall mean either of the following
events or transactions occurring after the date hereof:

               (i) The acquisition by any person other than Grantee or any
     Grantee Subsidiary of beneficial ownership of 25% or more of the then
     outstanding Common Stock; or

               (ii) The occurrence of a Preliminary Purchase Event described in
     Section 2(b)(i) except that the percentage referred to in clause (z)
     thereof shall be 25%; or

               (iii)  After a proposal is made by a third party to Issuer or its
     shareholders to engage in an Acquisition Transaction and after such
     proposal any of the following events occurs:

                    (w)  Issuer shall willfully have breached any covenant or
                         obligation contained in the Plan and such breach would
                         entitle Grantee to terminate the Plan;

                    (x)  the holders of Common Stock shall not have approved the
                         Plan at the meeting of such shareholders held for the
                         purpose of voting on the Plan;

                    (y)  the meeting of the shareholders held for the purpose of
                         voting on the Plan shall not have been held or shall
                         have been canceled prior to termination of the Plan; or

                    (z)  Issuer's Board of Directors shall have withdrawn or
                         modified, in a manner adverse to Grantee, the
                         recommendation of Issuer's Board of Directors with
                         respect to the Plan.

          (d) Issuer shall notify Grantee promptly in writing of the occurrence
of any Preliminary Purchase Event or Purchase Event; provided, however, that the
giving of such notice by Issuer to Grantee shall not be a condition to the right
of Grantee to exercise the Option.

          (e) In the event that Grantee is entitled to and wishes to exercise
the Option, it shall send to Issuer a written notice (the "Option Notice" and
the date of which being

                                      C-3
<PAGE>
 
hereinafter referred to as the "Notice Date") specifying (i) the total number of
shares of Common Stock it will purchase pursuant to such exercise and (ii) a
period of time (that shall not be less than three business days nor more than
thirty business days) running from the Notice Date (the "Closing Date") and a
place at which the closing of such purchase shall take place; provided, that, if
prior notification to or approval of the Federal Reserve Board or any other
Governmental Authority is required in connection with such purchase (each, a
"Notification" or an "Approval," as the case may be), (a) Grantee shall promptly
file the required notice or application for approval ("Notice/Application"), (b)
Grantee shall expeditiously process the Notice/Application and (c) for the
purpose of determining the Closing Date pursuant to clause (ii) of this
sentence, the period of time that otherwise would run from the Notice Date shall
instead run from the later of (x) in connection with any Notification, the date
on which any required notification periods have expired or been terminated and
(y) in connection with any Approval, the date on which such approval has been
obtained and any requisite waiting period or periods shall have expired. For
purposes of Section 2(a), any exercise of the Option shall be deemed to occur on
the Notice Date relating thereto. On or prior to the Closing Date, Grantee shall
have the right to revoke its exercise of the Option if the transaction
constituting a Purchase Event that gives rise to such right to exercise shall
not have been consummated.

          (f) At the closing referred to in Section 2(e), Grantee shall pay to
Issuer the aggregate exercise price for the shares of Common Stock specified in
the Option Notice in immediately available funds by wire transfer to a bank
account designated by Issuer; provided, however, that failure or refusal of
Issuer to designate such a bank account shall not preclude Grantee from
exercising the Option.

          (g) At such closing, simultaneously with the delivery of immediately
available funds as provided in Section 2(f), Issuer shall deliver to Grantee a
certificate or certificates representing the number of shares of Common Stock
specified in the Option Notice and, if the Option should be exercised in part
only, a new Option evidencing the rights of Grantee thereof to purchase the
balance of the shares of Common Stock purchasable hereunder.

          (h) Certificates for Common Stock delivered at a closing hereunder
shall be endorsed with a restrictive legend substantially as follows:

          The transfer of the shares represented by this certificate is subject
          to resale restrictions arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as
          amended, and to certain provisions of an agreement between New
          Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. and Landmark Bank ("Issuer") dated
          as of the ___th day of July, 1996. A copy of such agreement is on file
          at the principal office of Issuer and will be provided to the holder
          hereof without charge upon receipt by Issuer of a written request
          therefor.

It is understood and agreed that: (i) the reference to the resale restrictions
of the Securities Act in the above legend shall be removed by delivery of
substitute certificate(s) without such reference if Grantee shall have delivered
to Issuer a copy of a letter from the staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC") or an opinion of counsel, in form and substance
satisfactory to Issuer, to the effect that such legend is not required for
purposes of the Securities Act; (ii) the reference to the provisions of this
Agreement in the above legend shall be removed by delivery of substitute
certificate(s) without such reference if the shares have been

                                      C-4
<PAGE>
 
sold or transferred in compliance with the provisions of this Agreement and
under circumstances that do not require the retention of such reference; and
(iii) the legend shall be removed in its entirety if the conditions in the
preceding clauses (i) and (ii) are both satisfied. In addition, such
certificates shall bear any other legend as may be required by law.

          (i) Upon the giving by Grantee to Issuer of an Option Notice and the
tender of the applicable purchase price in immediately available funds on the
Closing Date, Grantee shall be deemed to be the holder of record of the number
of shares of Common Stock specified in the Option Notice, notwithstanding that
the stock transfer books of Issuer shall then be closed or that certificates
representing such shares of Common Stock shall not then actually be delivered to
Grantee. Issuer shall pay all expenses and any and all federal, state and local
taxes and other charges that may be payable in connection with the preparation,
issue and delivery of stock certificates under this Section 2 in the name of
Grantee.

          3.  CONDITIONS TO EXERCISE OF OPTION.  Issuer agrees: (i) that it
shall at all times until the termination of this Agreement have reserved for
issuance upon the exercise of the Option that number of authorized and unissued
shares of Common Stock equal to the maximum number of shares of Common Stock at
any time and from time to time issuable hereunder, all of which shares will,
upon issuance pursuant hereto, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid,
nonassessable, and delivered free and clear of all claims, liens, encumbrances
and security interests and not subject to any preemptive rights; (ii) that it
will not, by amendment of its Amended Article of Agreement or through
reorganization, consolidation, merger, dissolution or sale of assets, or by any
other voluntary act, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any
of the covenants, stipulations or conditions to be observed or performed
hereunder by Issuer; (iii) promptly to take all action as may from time to time
be required (including (x) complying with all premerger notification, reporting
and waiting period requirements specified in the Federal Deposit Insurance Act,
the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act of 1976, as amended, and
regulations promulgated thereunder and (y) in the event, under the Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended ("BHC Act"), or the Change in Bank Control Act
of 1978, as amended, or any state banking law, prior approval of or notice to
the Federal Reserve Board or to any other Governmental Authority is necessary
before the Option may be exercised, cooperating with Grantee in preparing such
applications or notices and providing such information to each such Governmental
Authority as it may require) in order to permit Grantee to exercise the Option
and Issuer to issue shares of Common Stock duly and effectively pursuant hereto;
and (iv) to take all action provided herein to protect the rights of Grantee
against dilution.

          4.  AGREEMENT AND OPTION EXCHANGEABLE.  This Agreement (and the Option
granted hereby) are exchangeable, without expense, at the option of Grantee,
upon presentation and surrender of this Agreement at the principal office of
Issuer, for other agreements providing for Options of different denominations
entitling the holder thereof to purchase, on the same terms and subject to the
same conditions as are set forth herein, in the aggregate the same number of
shares of Common Stock purchasable hereunder. The terms "Agreement" and "Option"
as used herein include any agreements and related options for which this
Agreement (and the Option granted hereby) may be exchanged. Upon receipt by
Issuer of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction
or mutilation of this Agreement, and (in the case of loss, theft or destruction)
of reasonably satisfactory indemnification, and upon surrender and cancellation
of this Agreement, if mutilated, Issuer will execute and deliver a new Agreement
of like tenor and date. Any such new Agreement executed and delivered shall

                                      C-5
<PAGE>
 
constitute an additional contractual obligation on the part of Issuer, whether
or not the Agreement so lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated shall at any time
be enforceable by anyone.

          5.  ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION.  The number of shares
of Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise of the Option shall be subject to
adjustment from time to time as follows:

          (a) If any change shall occur in the Common Stock by reason of stock
dividends, stock splits, mergers, recapitalizations, combinations, subdivisions,
conversions, exchanges of shares or the like, the type and number of shares of
Common Stock purchasable upon exercise hereof shall be appropriately adjusted
and proper provision shall be made so that, if any additional shares of Common
Stock are to be issued or otherwise to become outstanding as a result of any
such change (other than pursuant to an exercise of the Option), the number of
shares of Common Stock that remain subject to the Option shall be increased so
that, after such issuance and together with shares of Common Stock previously
issued pursuant to the exercise of the Option (as adjusted on account of any of
the foregoing changes in the Common Stock), it equals 19.9% of the number of
shares of Common Stock then issued and outstanding.

          (b) Whenever the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon
exercise hereof is adjusted as provided in this Section 5, the Option Price
shall be adjusted by multiplying the Option Price by a fraction, the numerator
of which shall be equal to the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable
prior to the adjustment and the denominator of which shall be equal to the
number of shares of Common Stock purchasable after the adjustment.

          6.  REGISTRATION OF SHARES.  (a)  Upon the occurrence of a Purchase
Event that occurs prior to an Exercise Termination Event, Issuer shall, at the
request of Grantee (whether on its own behalf or on behalf of any subsequent
holder or holders of the Option (or parts thereof) or any of the shares of
Common Stock issued pursuant hereto), promptly prepare and file a registration
statement under the Securities Act or offering circular under the rules and
regulations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), as
applicable, covering any shares issued and issuable pursuant to the Option and
shall use its best efforts to cause such registration statement or offering
circular to become effective, and to remain current and effective for a period
not in excess of 180 days from the day such registration statement or offering
circular first becomes effective, in order to permit the sale or other
disposition of any shares of Common Stock issued upon total or partial exercise
of the Option ("Option Shares") in accordance with any plan of disposition
requested by Grantee; provided, however, that Issuer may postpone filing a
registration statement or offering circular relating to a registration request
by Grantee under this Section 6 for a period of time (not in excess of 30 days)
if in its judgment such filing would require the disclosure of material
information that Issuer has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as
confidential. Grantee shall have the right to demand [one] such registration.
The foregoing notwithstanding, if, at the time of any request by Grantee for
registration of Option Shares as provided above, Issuer is in the process of
registration with respect to an underwritten public offering of shares of Common
Stock, and if in the good faith judgment of the managing underwriter or managing
underwriters, or, if none, the sole underwriter or underwriters, of such
offering the offering or inclusion of the Option Shares would interfere
materially with the successful marketing of the shares of Common Stock offered
by Issuer, the number of Option Shares otherwise to be covered in the
registration statement or offering circular contemplated hereby may be reduced;
provided, however, that after any such required reduction, the number of Option
Shares to be included in such offering for the account

                                      C-6
<PAGE>
 
of Grantee shall constitute at least 33 1/3% of the total number of shares
covered in such registration statement; provided further, however, that if such
reduction occurs, then Issuer shall file a registration statement or offering
circular for the balance as promptly as practicable thereafter as to which no
reduction pursuant to this Section 6(a) shall be permitted or occur and the
Grantee shall thereafter be entitled to one additional registration statement or
offering circular.  Grantee shall provide all information reasonably requested
by Issuer for inclusion in any registration statement or offering circular to be
filed hereunder.  In connection with any such registration, Issuer and Grantee
shall provide each other with representations, warranties, indemnities and other
agreements customarily given in connection with such registrations. If requested
by Grantee in connection with such registration, Issuer and Grantee shall become
a party to any underwriting agreement relating to the sale of such shares, but
only to the extent of obligating themselves in respect of representations,
warranties, indemnities and other agreements customarily included in such
underwriting agreements.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Grantee revokes any
exercise notice or fails to exercise any Option with respect to any exercise
notice pursuant to Section 2(e), Issuer shall not be obligated to continue any
registration process with respect to the sale of Option Shares issuable upon the
exercise of such Option and Grantee shall not be deemed to have demanded
registration of Option Shares.

          (b) If at any time, and from time to time, the Issuer proposes to
prepare a registration statement or offering circular, the Issuer will give
prompt written notice to the Grantee of its intention to do so.  Upon the
written request of the Grantee made within thirty (30) days after the receipt of
any such notice, the Issuer will include in the registration statement or
offering circular relating to such offering all securities that the Issuer has
been requested to include by the Grantee; provided, that if at any time after
giving written notice under this paragraph the Issuer shall determine for any
reason not to proceed with the proposed offering, the Issuer may, at its
election, give written notice of such determination to the Grantee and thereupon
shall be relieved of its obligations to the Grantee with respect to such
proposed offering under this paragraph (but not from its obligation to pay the
registration expenses in connection therewith).  The Grantee shall be entitled
to withdraw its request for the inclusion of securities in an offering and
withdraw from the offering at any time before the time that the registration
statement is declared effective and the offering has commenced.  The Grantee
shall have the right to request that its securities be included in the Issuer's
registration statement on four occasions.

          (c) If Grantee requests Issuer to file a registration statement or
offering circular following the failure to obtain any approval required to
exercise the Option as described in Section 9, the closing of the sale or other
disposition of the Common Stock or other securities pursuant to such
registration statement or offering circular shall occur substantially
simultaneously with the exercise of the Option.

          7.  MERGER, CONSOLIDATION, ETC.  (a) In the event that prior to an
Exercise Termination Event, Issuer shall enter into an agreement (i) to
consolidate or merge with any person, other than Grantee or a Grantee
Subsidiary, and shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation of such
consolidation or merger, (ii) to permit any person, other than Grantee or a
Grantee Subsidiary, to merge into Issuer and Issuer shall be the continuing or
surviving corporation, but, in connection with such merger, the then outstanding
shares of Common Stock shall be changed into or exchanged for stock or other
securities of any other person or cash or any other property or the then
outstanding shares of Common Stock shall after such merger represent less than
50% of the outstanding shares and share equivalents of the merged company,

                                      C-7
<PAGE>
 
or (iii) to sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its or any
Issuer Subsidiary's assets to any person, other than Grantee or a Grantee
Subsidiary, then, and in each such case, the agreement governing such
transaction shall make proper provision so that the Option shall, upon the
consummation of such transaction and upon the terms and conditions set forth
herein, be converted into, or exchanged for, an option (the "Substitute
Option"), at the election of Grantee, of either (x) the Acquiring Corporation
(as defined below) or (y) any person that controls the Acquiring Corporation
(the Acquiring Corporation and any such controlling person being hereinafter
referred to as the "Substitute Option Issuer").

          (b) The Substitute Option shall be exercisable for such number of
shares of the Substitute Common Stock (as is hereinafter defined) as is equal to
the Market/Offer Price (as defined below) multiplied by the number of shares of
the Issuer Common Stock for which the Option was theretofore exercisable,
divided by the Average Price (as is hereinafter defined). The exercise price of
the Substitute Option per share of the Substitute Common Stock (the "Substitute
Purchase Price") shall then be equal to the Option Price multiplied by a
fraction in which the numerator is the number of shares of the Issuer Common
Stock for which the Option was theretofore exercisable and the denominator is
the number of shares for which the Substitute Option is exercisable.

          (c) The Substitute Option shall otherwise have the same terms as the
Option, provided that if the terms of the Substitute Option cannot, in the
written opinion of counsel for Substitute Option Issuer which shall be
reasonably acceptable to the Grantee, be the same as the Option, such terms
shall be as similar as possible and in no event less advantageous to Grantee.

          (d) The following terms have the meanings indicated:

               (i) "Acquiring Corporation" shall mean (i) the continuing or
     surviving corporation of any consolidation or merger with Issuer (if other
     than Issuer), (ii) Issuer in a merger in which Issuer is the continuing or
     surviving person, and (iii) the transferee of all or any substantial part
     of the Issuer's assets (or the assets of a material Issuer Subsidiary).

               (ii) "Substitute Common Stock" shall mean the common stock issued
     by the Substitute Option Issuer upon exercise of the Substitute Option.

               (iii)  "Average Price" shall mean the average daily closing price
     of a share of the Substitute Common Stock for the one year period
     immediately preceding the consolidation, merger or sale in question, but in
     no event higher than the closing price of the shares of the Substitute
     Common Stock on the day preceding such consolidation, merger or sale;
     provided that if Issuer is the issuer of the Substitute Option, the Average
     Price shall be computed by reference to a share of common stock issued by
     Issuer, the person merging into Issuer or by any company which controls or
     is controlled by such merging person, as Grantee may elect.

               (iv) "Market/Offer Price"  shall mean the highest of (i) the
     price per share of Common Stock at which a tender offer or exchange offer
     therefor has been made after the date hereof, (ii) the price per share of
     Common Stock paid or to be paid by any third party pursuant to an agreement
     with Issuer (whether by way of a merger, consolidation or otherwise), (iii)
     the highest last sale price for shares of Common Stock

                                      C-8
<PAGE>
 
     within the 360 day period ending on the date on which a tender offer or
     exchange offer has been made, as the case may be, (iv) in the event of a
     sale of all or substantially all of Issuer's assets, the sum of the price
     paid in such sale for such assets and the current market value of the
     remaining assets of Issuer as determined by a nationally recognized
     independent investment banking firm selected by Grantee or the Owner, as
     the case may be, divided by the number of shares of Common Stock of Issuer
     outstanding at the time of such sale.  In determining the Market/Offer
     Price, the value of consideration other than cash shall be the value
     determined by a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm
     selected by Grantee or the Owner, as the case may be, whose determination
     shall be conclusive and binding on all parties.

          (e) In no event, pursuant to any of the foregoing paragraphs, shall
the Substitute Option be exercisable for more than 19.9% of the aggregate of the
shares of the Substitute Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
issuance of the Substitute Option. In the event that the Substitute Option would
be exercisable for more than 19.9% of the aggregate of the shares of Substitute
Common Stock but for this clause (e), the Substitute Option Issuer shall make a
cash payment to Grantee equal to the excess of (i) the value of the Substitute
Option without giving effect to the limitation in this clause (e) over (ii) the
value of the Substitute Option after giving effect to the limitation in the
clause (e). This difference in value shall be determined by a nationally
recognized investment banking firm selected by Grantee and reasonably acceptable
to the Substitute Option Issuer.

          8.  EXTENSION OF EXERCISE PERIOD.  Notwithstanding Sections 2 and 6,
if Grantee has given the notice referred to in one or more of such Sections, the
exercise of the rights specified in any such Section shall be extended (a) if
the exercise of such rights requires obtaining regulatory approvals (including
any required waiting periods) to the extent necessary to obtain all regulatory
approvals for the exercise of such rights, and (b) to the extent necessary to
avoid any liability under Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act by reason
of such exercise; provided that in no event shall any Closing Date occur more
than 2 months after the related Notice Date, and, if a Closing Date shall not
have occurred within such period due to the failure to obtain any required
approval by the Federal Reserve Board or any other Governmental Authority
despite the best efforts of Issuer or the Substitute Option Issuer, as the case
may be, to obtain such approvals, the exercise of the Option shall be deemed to
have been rescinded as of the related Notice Date. In the event (a) Grantee
receives official notice that an approval of the Federal Reserve Board or any
other Governmental Authority required for the purchase and sale of the Option
Shares will not be issued or granted or (b) a Closing Date has not occurred
within 12 months after the related Notice Date due to the failure to obtain any
such required approval, Grantee shall be entitled to exercise the Option in
connection with the resale of the Option Shares pursuant to a registration
statement as provided in Section 6. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall
restrict Grantee from specifying alternative means of exercising rights pursuant
to Sections 2 and 6 hereof in the event that the exercising of any such rights
shall not have occurred due to the failure to obtain any required approval
referred to in this Section 8.

                                      C-9
<PAGE>
 
          9.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  Issuer hereby represents and
warrants to Grantee as follows:

          (a) Issuer has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute
and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly approved by the Board of
Directors of Issuer and no other corporate proceedings on the part of Issuer are
necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions so
contemplated. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by, and
constitutes a valid and binding obligation of, Issuer, enforceable against
Issuer in accordance with its terms.

          (b) Issuer has sufficient authorized but unissued shares available for
the exercise of the Option provided for herein and taken all necessary corporate
action to authorize, reserve and to permit it to issue, and at all times from
the date hereof through the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its
terms will have reserved for issuance upon the exercise of the Option, that
number of shares of Common Stock equal to the maximum number of shares of Common
Stock at any time and from time to time issuable hereunder, and all such shares,
upon issuance pursuant hereto, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully
paid, non-assessable, and will be delivered free and clear of all claims, liens,
encumbrances and security interests and not subject to any preemptive rights.

          10.  ASSIGNMENT.  (a) Neither of the parties hereto may assign any of
its rights or delegate any of its obligations under this Agreement or the Option
created hereunder to any other person without the express written consent of the
other party, except that Grantee may assign this Agreement to a wholly owned
subsidiary of Grantee and Grantee may assign its rights hereunder in whole or in
part after the occurrence of a Preliminary Purchase Event set forth in Section
2(b)(i) or a Purchase Event; provided, however, that until the date 30 days
following the date at which the Federal Reserve Board or other Governmental
Authority have approved an application by Grantee under the BHC Act or other
applicable law, to acquire the shares of Common Stock subject to the Option,
Grantee may not assign its rights under the Option except in (i) a widely
dispersed public distribution, (ii) a private placement in which no one party
acquires the right to purchase in excess of 2% of the voting shares of Issuer,
(iii) an assignment to a single party (e.g., a broker or investment banker) for
                                       ----                                    
the purpose of conducting a widely dispersed public distribution on Grantee's
behalf, or (iv) any other manner approved by the Federal Reserve Board or other
Governmental Authority.  The term "Grantee" as used in this Agreement shall also
be deemed to refer to Grantee's assigns as permitted by this Section 10.

          (b) Any assignment of rights of Grantee to any permitted assignee of
Grantee hereunder shall bear the restrictive legend at the beginning thereof
substantially as follows:

          The transfer of the option represented by this assignment and the
          related option agreement is subject to resale restrictions arising
          under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and
          regulations of the OTS, as applicable, and to certain provisions of an
          agreement between New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. and Landmark
          Bank ("Issuer"), dated as of the 26th day of July, 1996. A copy of
          such agreement is on file at the principal office of

                                      C-10
<PAGE>
 
          Issuer and will be provided to any permitted assignee of the Option
          without charge upon receipt by Issuer of a written request therefor.

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

          11.  REASONABLE EFFORTS.  Each of Grantee and Issuer will use its
reasonable efforts to make all filings with, and to obtain consents of, all
third parties and Governmental Authorities necessary to the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation,
making application, if necessary, for listing of the shares of Common Stock
issuable hereunder on the Nasdaq Stock Market and applying to the Federal
Reserve Board under the BHC Act or other Governmental Authority and to state
banking authorities for approval to acquire the shares issuable hereunder.

          12.  SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE.  The parties hereto acknowledge that
damages would be an inadequate remedy for a breach of this Agreement by either
party hereto and that the obligations of the parties hereto shall be enforceable
by either party hereto through injunctive or other equitable relief. Both
parties further agree to waive any requirement for the securing or posting of
any bond in connection with the obtaining of any such equitable relief and that
this provision is without prejudice to any other rights that the parties hereto
may have for any failure to perform this Agreement.

          13.  VALIDITY.  If any term, provision, covenant or restriction
contained in this Agreement is held by a court or a federal or state regulatory
agency of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the
remainder of the terms, provisions and covenants and restrictions contained in
this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, and shall in no way be
affected, impaired or invalidated. If for any reason such court or regulatory
agency determines that Grantee is not permitted to acquire, the full number of
shares of Common Stock provided in Section 1(a) (as adjusted pursuant hereto),
it is the express intention of Issuer to allow Grantee to acquire or to require
Issuer to repurchase such lesser number of shares as may be permissible, without
any amendment or modification hereof.

          14.  NOTICES.  All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered
in person, by cable, telegram, facsimile or telex, or by registered or certified
mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) at the respective addresses of
the parties set forth in the Plan.

          15.  GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of New Hampshire without regard to
conflicts of laws principles.

                                      C-11
<PAGE>
 
          16.  COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
shall constitute one and the same agreement and shall be effective at the time
of execution.

          17.  EXPENSES.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, each of
the parties hereto shall bear and pay all costs and expenses incurred by it or
on its behalf in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder,
including fees and expenses of its own financial consultants, investment
bankers, accountants and counsel.

          18.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein
or in the Plan, this Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties
with respect to the transactions contemplated hereunder and supersedes all prior
arrangements or understandings with respect thereof, written or oral. The terms
and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any
party, other than the parties hereto, and their respective successors except as
assigns, any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of
this Agreement, except as expressly provided herein.

          19.  CAPITALIZED TERMS.  Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and
not defined herein but defined in the Plan shall have the meanings assigned
thereto in the Plan.

          20.  DESCRIPTIVE HEADINGS.  The headings contained in this Agreement
are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.

          21.  NO BREACH OF PLAN.  Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be
deemed to authorize Issuer or Grantee to breach any provision of the Plan.

          22.  SELECTION BY GRANTEE OR OWNER.  In the event that any selection
or determination is to be made by Grantee or the Owner hereunder and at the time
of such selection or determination there is more than one Grantee or Owner, such
selection shall be made by a majority in interest of such Grantees or Owners.

          23.  FURTHER ASSURANCES.  In the event of any exercise of the option
by Grantee, Issuer and such Grantee shall execute and deliver all other
documents and instruments and take all other action that may be reasonably
necessary in order to consummate the transactions provided for by such exercise.

          24.  NO SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS.  Except to the extent Grantee exercises
the Option, Grantee shall have no rights to vote or receive dividends or have
any other rights as a shareholder with respect to shares of Common Stock covered
hereby.

                                      C-12
<PAGE>
 
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Stock Option
Agreement to be executed on its behalf by their officers thereunto duly
authorized, all as of the date first above written.

                                NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.


                                By:   /s/ Stephen W. Ensign
                                      ---------------------
                                Stephen W. Ensign
                                President and Chief Executive Officer
 


                                LANDMARK BANK


                                By:   /s/ Paul P. Tierney
                                      -------------------
                                Paul P. Tierney
                                President and Chief Executive Officer

                                      C-13
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      APPENDIX D


                                   APPENDIX D
                   SECTIONS 293-A:13.01-.31 AND 388:13 OF THE
                     NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT

(S)293-A:13.01 DEFINITIONS.

          In this subdivision:

          (1) "Corporation" means the issuer of the shares held by a dissenter
before the corporate action, or the surviving or acquiring corporation by merger
or share exchange of that issuer.

          (2) "Dissenter" means a shareholder who is entitled to dissent from
corporate action under RSA 293-A:13.02 and who exercises that right when and in
the manner required by RSA 293-A:13.20 through 293-A:13.28.

          (3) "Fair value," with respect to a dissenter's shares, means the
value of the shares immediately before the effectuation of the corporate action
to which the dissenter objects, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in
anticipation of the corporate action, unless exclusion would be inequitable.

          (4) "Interest" means interest from the effective date of the corporate
action until the date of payment, at the average rate currently paid by the
corporation on its principal bank loans or, if none, at a rate that is fair and
equitable under all the circumstances.

          (5) "Record shareholder" means the person in whose name shares are
registered in the records of a corporation or the beneficial owner of shares to
the extent of the rights granted by a nominee certificate on file with a
corporation.

          (6) "Beneficial shareholder" means the person who is a beneficial
owner of shares held in a voting trust or by a nominee as the record
shareholder.

          (7) "Shareholder" means the record shareholder or the beneficial
shareholder.

(S)293-A:13.02 RIGHT TO DISSENT.

          (a) A shareholder is entitled to dissent from, and obtain payment of
the fair value of his shares in the event of, any of the following corporate
actions:

          (1) Consummation of a plan of merger to which the corporation is a
     party:

               (i)   If shareholder approval is required for the merger by RSA
          293-A:11.03 or the articles of incorporation and the shareholder is
          entitled to vote on the merger; or

                                      D-1
<PAGE>
 
               (ii)  If the corporation is a subsidiary that is merged with its
          parent under RSA 293-A:11.04.

          (2) Consummation of a plan of share exchange to which the corporation
     is a party as the corporation whose shares will be acquired, if the
     shareholder is entitled to vote on the plan.

          (3) Consummation of a sale or exchange of all, or substantially all,
     of the property of the corporation other than in the usual and regular
     course of business, if the shareholder is entitled to vote on the sale or
     exchange, including a sale in dissolution, but not including a sale
     pursuant to court order or a sale for cash pursuant to a plan by which all
     or substantially all of the net proceeds of the sale will be distributed to
     the shareholders within one year after the date of sale.

          (4) An amendment of the articles of incorporation that materially and
     adversely affects rights in respect of a dissenter's shares because it:

               (i)   Alters or abolishes a preferential right of the shares.

               (ii)  Creates, alters, or abolishes a right in respect of
          redemption, including a provision respecting a sinking fund for the
          redemption or repurchase, of the shares.

               (iii) Alters or abolishes a preemptive right of the holder of
          the shares to acquire shares or other securities.

               (iv)  Excludes or limits the right of the shares to vote on any
          matter, or to cumulate votes, other than a limitation by dilution
          through issuance of shares or other securities with similar voting
          rights.

               (v)   Reduces the number of shares owned by the shareholder to a
          fraction of a share if the fractional share so created is to be
          acquired for cash under RSA 293-A:6.04.

          (5) Any corporate action taken pursuant to a shareholder vote to the
     extent the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or a resolution of the board
     of directors provides that voting or nonvoting shareholders are entitled to
     dissent and obtain payment for their shares.

     (b) A shareholder entitled to dissent and obtain payment for his shares
under this subdivision shall not challenge the corporate action creating his
entitlement, unless the action is unlawful or fraudulent with respect to the
shareholder or the corporation.

                                      D-2
<PAGE>
 
(S)293-A:13.03 DISSENT BY NOMINEES AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS.

     (a) A record shareholder may assert dissenters' rights as to fewer than all
the shares registered in his name only if he dissents with respect to all shares
beneficially owned by any one person and notifies the corporation in writing of
the name and address of each person on whose behalf he asserts dissenters'
rights. The rights of a partial dissenter under this subsection are determined
as if the shares as to which he dissents and his other shares were registered in
the names of different shareholders.

     (b) A beneficial shareholder may assert dissenters' rights as to shares
held on his behalf only if:

          (1) He submits to the corporation the record shareholder's written
     consent to the dissent not later than the time the beneficial shareholder
     asserts dissenters' rights; and

          (2) He does so with respect to all shares of which he is the
     beneficial shareholder or over which he has power to direct the vote.

(S)293-A:13.20 NOTICE OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS.

     (a) If proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under RSA 293-
A:13.02 is submitted to a vote at a shareholders' meeting, the meeting notice
shall state that shareholders are or may be entitled to assert dissenters'
rights under this subdivision and be accompanied by a copy of this subdivision.

     (b) If corporate action creating dissenters' rights under RSA 293-A:13.02
is taken without a vote of shareholders or by consent pursuant to RSA 293-
A:7.04, the corporation shall notify in writing all shareholders entitled to
assert dissenters' rights that the action was taken and send them the
dissenters' notice described in RSA 293-A:13.22.

(S)293-A:13.21 NOTICE OF INTENT TO DEMAND PAYMENT.

     (a) If proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under RSA 293-
A:13.02 is submitted to a vote at a shareholders' meeting, a shareholder who
wishes to assert dissenters' rights:

          (1) Shall deliver to the corporation before the vote is taken written
     notice of his intent to demand payment for his shares if the proposed
     action is effectuated; and

          (2) Shall not vote his shares in favor of the proposed action.

     (b) A shareholder who does not satisfy the requirements of subsection (a)
is not entitled to payment for his shares under this subdivision.

                                      D-3
<PAGE>
 
(S)293-A:13.22 DISSENTERS' NOTICE.

     (a) If proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under RSA 293-
A:13.02 is authorized at a shareholders' meeting, the corporation shall deliver
a written dissenters' notice to all shareholders who satisfied the requirements
of RSA 293-A:13.21.

     (b) The dissenters' notice shall be sent no later than 10 days after
corporate action was taken, and shall:

          (1) State where the payment demand shall be sent and where and when
     certificates for certificated shares shall be deposited.

          (2) Inform holders of uncertificated shares to what extent transfer of
     the shares will be restricted after the payment demand is received.

          (3) Supply a form for demanding payment that includes the date of the
     first announcement to news media or to shareholders of the terms of the
     proposed corporate action and requires that the person asserting
     dissenters' rights certify whether or not the acquired beneficial ownership
     of the shares before that date.

          (4) Set a date by which the corporation shall receive the payment
     demand, which date shall not be fewer than 30 nor more than 60 days after
     the date the notice is delivered.

          (5) Be accompanied by a copy of this subdivision.

(S)293-A:13.23 DUTY TO DEMAND PAYMENT.

     (a) A shareholder sent a dissenters' notice described in RSA 293-A:13.22
shall demand payment, certify whether he acquired beneficial ownership of the
shares before the date required to be set forth, in the dissenter's notice
pursuant to RSA 293-A:13.22(b)(3), and deposit his certificates in accordance
with the terms of the notice.

     (b) The shareholder who demands payment and deposits his share certificates
under subsection (a) retains all other rights of a shareholder until these
rights are cancelled or modified by the taking of the proposed corporate action.

     (c) A shareholder who does not demand payment or deposit his share
certificates where required, each by the date set in the dissenters' notice, is
not entitled to payment for his shares under this subdivision.

(S)293-A:13.24 SHARE RESTRICTIONS.

     (a) The corporation may restrict the transfer of uncertificated shares from
the date the demand for their payment is received until the proposed corporate
action is taken or the restrictions released under RSA 293-A:13.26.

                                      D-4
<PAGE>
 
     (b) The person for whom dissenters' rights are asserted as to
uncertificated shares retains all other rights of a shareholder until these
rights are cancelled or modified by the taking of the proposed corporate action.

(S)293-A:13.25 PAYMENT.

     (a) Except as provided in RSA 293-A:13.27, as soon as the proposed
corporate action is taken, or upon receipt of a payment demand, the corporation
shall pay each dissenter who complied with RSA 293-A:13.23 the amount the
corporation estimates to be the fair value of his shares, plus accrued interest.

     (b) The payment shall be accompanied by:

          (1) The corporation's balance sheet as of the end of a fiscal year
     ending not more than 16 months before the date of payment, an income
     statement for that year, a statement of changes in shareholders' equity for
     that year, and the latest available interim financial statements, if any;

          (2) A statement of the corporation's estimate of the fair value of the
     shares;

          (3) An explanation of how the interest was calculated;

          (4) A statement of the dissenter's right to demand payment under RSA
     293-A:13.28; and

          (5)  A copy of this subdivision.

(S)293-A:13.26 FAILURE TO TAKE ACTION.

     (a) If the corporation does not take the proposed action within 60 days
after the date set for demanding payment and depositing share certificates, the
corporation shall return the deposited certificates and release the transfer
restrictions imposed on uncertificated shares.

     (b) If after returning deposited certificates and releasing transfer
restrictions, the corporation takes the proposed action, it shall send a new
dissenters' notice under RSA 293-A:13.22 and repeat the payment demand
procedure.

(S)293-A:13.27 AFTER-ACQUIRED SHARES.

     (a) A corporation may elect to withhold payment required by RSA 293-A:13.25
from a dissenter, unless he was the beneficial owner of the shares before the
date set forth in the dissenters' notice as the date of the first announcement
to news media or to shareholders of the terms of the proposed corporate action.

     (b) To the extent the corporation elects to withhold payment under
subsection (a), after taking the proposed corporate action, it shall estimate
the fair value of the shares, plus

                                      D-5
<PAGE>
 
accrued interest, and shall pay this amount to each dissenter who agrees to
accept it in full satisfaction of his demand. The corporation shall send with
its offer a statement of its estimate of the fair value of the shares, an
explanation of how the interest was calculated, and a statement of the
dissenter's right to demand payment under RSA 293-A:13.28.

(S)293-A:13.28 PROCEDURE IF SHAREHOLDER DISSATISFIED WITH PAYMENT OR OFFER.

     (a) A dissenter may notify the corporation in writing of his own estimate
of the fair value of his shares and amount of interest due, and demand payment
of his estimate, less any payment under RSA 293-A:13.25, or reject the
corporation's offer under RSA 293-A:13.27 and demand payment of the fair value
of his shares and interest due, if:

          (1) The dissenter believes that the amount paid under RSA 293-A:13.25
     or offered under RSA 293-A:13.27 is less than the fair value of his shares
     or that the interest due is incorrectly calculated;

          (2) The corporation fails to make payment under RSA 293-A:13.25 within
     60 days after the date set for demanding payment; or

          (3) The corporation, having failed to take the proposed action, does
     not return the deposited certificates or release the transfer restrictions
     imposed on uncertificated shares within 60 days after the date set for
     demanding payment.

     (b) A dissenter waives his right to demand payment under this section
unless he notifies the corporation of his demand in writing under subsection (a)
within 30 days after the corporation made or offered payment for his shares.

(S)293-A:13.30 COURT ACTION.

     (a) If a demand for payment under RSA 293-A:13.28 remains unsettled, the
corporation shall commence a proceeding within 60 days after receiving the
payment demand and petition the court to determine the fair value of the shares
and accrued interest. If the corporation does not commence the proceeding within
the 60-day period, it shall pay each dissenter whose demand remains unsettled
the amount demanded.

     (b) The corporation shall commence the proceeding in the superior court of
the county where a corporation's principal office, or, if none in this state,
its registered office, is located. If the corporation is a foreign corporation
without a registered office in this state, it shall commence the proceeding in
the county in this state where the registered office of the domestic corporation
merged with or whose shares were acquired by the foreign corporation was
located.

     (c) The corporation shall make all dissenters, whether or not residents of
this state, whose demands remain unsettled parties to the proceeding as in an
action against their shares and all parties shall be served with a copy of the
petition Nonresidents may be served by registered or certified mail or by
publication as provided by law.

                                      D-6
<PAGE>
 
     (d) The jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding is commenced
under subsection (b) is plenary and exclusive. The court may appoint one or more
persons as appraisers to receive evidence and recommend decisions on the
question of their value. The appraisers have the powers described in the order
appointing them, or in any amendment to it. The dissenters are entitled to the
same discovery rights as parties in other civil proceedings.

     (e) Each dissenter made a party to the proceeding is entitled to judgment:

          (1) For the amount, if any, by which the court finds the fair value of
     his shares, plus interest, exceeds the amount paid by the corporation; or,

          (2) For the fair value, plus accrued interest, of his after-acquired
     shares for which the corporation elected to withhold payment under RSA 293-
     A:13.27.

(S)293-A:13.31 COURT COSTS AND COUNSEL FEES.

     (a) The court in an appraisal proceeding commenced under RSA 293-A:13.30
shall determine all costs of the proceeding, including the reasonable
compensation and expenses of appraisers appointed by the court. The court shall
assess the costs against the corporation, except that the court may assess costs
against all or some of the dissenters, in amounts the court finds equitable, to
the extent the court finds the dissenters acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not
in good faith in demanding payment under RSA 293-A:13.28.

     (b) The court may also assess the fees and expenses of counsel and experts
for the respective parties, in amounts the court finds equitable:

          (1) Against the corporation and in favor of any or all dissenters if
     the court finds the corporation did not substantially comply with the
     requirements of RSA 293-A:13.20 through RSA 293-A:13.28.

          (2) Against either the corporation or a dissenter, in favor of any
     other party, if the court finds that the party against whom the fees and
     expenses are assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith
     with respect to the rights provided by this subdivision.

     (c) If the court finds that the services of counsel for any dissenter were
of substantial benefit to other dissenters similarly situated, and that the fees
for those services should not be assessed against the corporation, the court may
award to these counsel reasonable fees to be paid out of the amounts awarded the
dissenters who were benefited.

(S)388:13. DISSENTING STOCKHOLDERS

     I.   Any stockholder of a bank shall have the right to dissent from, and to
obtain payment for his shares in the event of any merger, consolidation, or
other union of banks under the provisions of this chapter. Such right shall be
the same as the right provided for in RSA 293-A:13.01 through RSA 293-A:13.31
with respect to mergers and consolidations of business

                                      D-7
<PAGE>
 
corporations and shall be subject to the same limitations. Any stockholder of a
bank electing to assert the right provided for by this section shall do so in
accordance with the provisions of RSA 293-A:13.01 through RSA 293-A: 13.31,
which provisions shall be binding upon the stockholder and upon the bank and
shall in all respects govern the perfection and enforcing of the right provided
for by this section.

     II.  If a proposed merger, consolidation, or other union of banks under the
provisions of this chapter is submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders,
the notice of meeting shall notify all stockholders that they have or may have a
right to dissent and obtain payment for their shares by complying with the terms
of this section and of RSA 293-A:13.01 through RSA 293-A:13.31 and shall be
accompanied by a copy of this section and RSA 293-A:13.01 through RSA 293-
A:13.31.

     III. For purposes of this section, the term "stockholder" shall include the
holder of a special deposit in a guaranty savings bank.

                                      D-8
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      Appendix E


                                                                           [ART]


                                                              ANNUAL REPORT 1995
                                           =====================================
                                           NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.
<PAGE>
 
                                         New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.
                                    is the parent company for Lake Sunapee Bank,
                                    fsb, a federal stock savings bank providing
                                    financial services throughout central and
                                    western New Hampshire.

                                         The Bank encourages and supports the
                                    personal and professional development of its
                                    employees, dedicates itself to consistent
                                    service of the highest level for all
                                    customers, and recognizes its responsibility
                                    to be an active participant in, and advocate
                                    for, community growth and prosperity.
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
<S>                                              <C>
         Selected Financial Highlights.........   3
         Report to Shareholders................   4
         Management's Discussion and Analysis..   7
         Report of Independent Accountants.....  23
         Financial Statements..................  24
         Notes to Financial Statements.........  28
         Form 10-K.............................  47
         Officers and Managers.................  60
         Board of Directors....................  60
         Information on Common Stock...........  61
         Shareholder Information...............  61
 
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>

                         =============================
                         Selected Financial Highlights


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
For the Periods Ended December 31,               1995              1994              1993
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 ($ in thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                             <C>               <C>               <C> 
Net Income                                  $   1,245        $    1,582         $   1,525
Earnings Per Share (1)                      $     .73        $      .93         $     .88
Dividends Declared                          $     .50        $      .50         $    .375
Dividend Payout Ratio                           68.49%            53.76%            42.61%
Return on Average Assets                          .54%              .71%              .74%
Return on Average Equity                         6.95%             8.76%             8.43%



<CAPTION> 
As of December 31,                               1995              1994              1993
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 ($ in thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                          <C>               <C>               <C> 
Total Assets                                $ 258,216        $  233,363         $ 207,105
Total Deposits                              $ 199,971        $  194,533         $ 176,716
Total Securities                            $  28,415        $   20,363         $  17,998
Net Loans                                   $ 208,169        $  193,810         $ 172,834
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances             $  26,936        $   15,211         $   5,441
Shareholders' Equity (2)                    $  19,544        $   18,253         $  18,387
Book Value of Shares Outstanding            $   11.57        $    10.92         $   11.01
Average Equity to Average Assets                 7.72%             8.15%             8.76%
Shares Outstanding                          1,689,503         1,670,986         1,669,303
Number of Branch Locations                         10                10                 8
</TABLE> 

(1) See Note 1 to Consolidated Financial Statements regarding earnings per 
share.

(2) See Note 14 to Consolidated Financial Statements regarding the issuance of
common stock.


                                       3

<PAGE>
 
                            REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS



The underlying
- --------------------
culture of the Bank
- --------------------
has been, and
- --------------------
continues to be,
- --------------------
deeply rooted in the
- --------------------
ongoing development
- --------------------
of our employees.
- --------------------

        Nineteen ninety-five represented a year of strategic implementation as
we moved to fully support our geographically enhanced banking franchise and to
expand upon the early successes of the developing loan origination network.
Continuing to identify areas of opportunity for future growth, we have remained
committed to developing a long-term plan that will provide for an even greater
level of customer satisfaction through the nurturing of relationship banking.

        Consolidated net income at year-end 1995 was $1,244,823, or $0.73 per
share. This compares to $1,582,250, or $0.93 per share, for the most previous
year-end. This change in earnings reflects both the transfer of more than one
million dollars to the loan loss provision and the anticipated impact associated
with the opening of two new offices at the end of 1994. Net interest income
continued to rise, increasing by nearly $400,000 over the prior twelve-month
period. As detailed within the Management Discussion and Analysis section
following this report, positive changes were experienced in a number of areas.

        Total assets on December 31, 1995 stood at $258,216,077, up more than
10.00% over the 1994 year-end of $233,362,786. Shareholders' equity stood at
$19,544,055, or 7.57% of total assets, resulting in a year-end book value of
$11.57 per share. In all cases, the Company continues to be considered well
capitalized by any applicable standard.

        During 1995, the Company built and sold the last of 11 units at the
Highland Ridge condominium development that was taken over from the original
developer in 1990. Additionally, a continuing effort was made to liquidate other
properties from our real estate owned portfolio, ending the year with total non-
performing assets of just over $2,400,000, down more than $800,000 over year-end
1994.

        With our name change behind us, two new offices fully operational and
four loan originators on-the-road, your Company entered 1995 ready to begin the
next step of building upon both new and existing customer relationships. The
underlying culture of the Bank has been, and continues to be, deeply rooted in
the ongoing development of our employees. While the myriad of products and
services available from banks can become almost mind-boggling, it is the
individuals working in the Bank that bring 'added-value' to a customer
relationship and help to distinguish one financial institution from another.
This, then, is the basis for a strategic planning process that will see us move
firmly into the next century. Customers must be able to identify with the bank
and its personnel and respond positively to a level of personal service that
will not only complement, but

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
expand upon, the technological efficiencies of the future.

        Commitment continues for the support and development of our Total
Quality Banking program which is now integrated into the daily activities of the
Bank. This past year, each department within the Bank has worked to develop
their own 'mission statement', which is now being followed by an internal
'service guarantee' program to ensure that the principles behind quality service
become second-nature to our already dedicated staff. Further to this, numerous
educational seminars and self-development programs were planned and conducted
throughout the year that included such topics as business writing, financial
statement analysis, time management and computer training for Windows, Word and
Excel. When coupled with the opening of a new Education Center located in the
Main Office in Newport, these efforts have proven to be both well attended and
well received. As individuals recognize that teamwork is the essence of working
together towards a common goal, then increases in efficiency and profitability
will be the natural by-product.

        A lingering issue, still yet to be resolved at this writing, is the
anticipated special deposit insurance assessment by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation to fully re-capitalize the Savings Association Insurance
Fund. While it was hoped by all involved that this assessment of up to 85 basis
points on deposits would have been imposed during the last quarter of 1995, it
was made part of the passage of the federal budget and, as such, has been
delayed. This will be handled as a direct charge to earnings in 1996, but the
corresponding decrease in annual deposit insurance premiums will clearly enhance
earnings on a prospective basis.

        As in previous years, asset quality remains of utmost concern to the
Company. The weekly monitoring of both existing credits, as well as the new
loans coming into the portfolio, has proven to be a valuable tool in the
management of risk and resulted, once again, in an acknowledgment of these
efforts by the Office of Thrift Supervision during their most recent annual
examination. During 1995, both a Safety & Soundness and a Compliance Examination
were conducted and we are pleased to report to you that the Bank continues to
receive its high-quality rating.

        With an eye to the future, a technology committee now meets regularly to
assess not only the strengths and weaknesses of our existing in-house, on-line
data processing system, but more importantly to initiate the development of a
longer-term planning process that will lead us to the integration of the much
wider variety of products and services now being talked and written about in
almost every media source. We feel that the more traditional branching structure



It is the individuals
- ---------------------
working in the Bank
- ---------------------
that bring 'added-
- ---------------------
value' to a customer
- ---------------------
relationship.
- ---------------------

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
We will remain open
- ----------------------
to seeking out those
- ----------------------
opportunities and
- ----------------------
avenues that will
- ----------------------
provide greater
- ----------------------
returns over time
- ----------------------
and reflect positively
- ----------------------
in your return on
- ----------------------
investment and
- ----------------------
increase in
- ----------------------
shareholder value.
- ----------------------

need not be at odds with the looming wave of technological advances.  Our
current branch network, ten offices in all, serves as a valuable link in the
development and maintenance of complete customer relationships and the offering
of personalized services.  It is clear that many day-to-day transactions can be
more quickly and efficiently managed within the impersonal world of the
computer, ATM machines and so-called 'Smart-Cards', but it is also realized
that, as part of a comprehensive delivery system for products and services, our
branching network will continue to be the backbone of a profitable and
successful franchise.

        The strategic planning process focuses on the elements of the inter-
relationship between customers, employees, products, delivery systems, equipment
and capital. To weave these threads together within the framework of our own
corporate culture requires the full commitment of both the Board and Management.
As we continue our efforts to build upon our strengths, we also want to
recognize you, the shareholder, as an important part of the process and pledge
to you that we will remain open to seeking out those opportunities and avenues
that will provide greater returns over time and reflect positively in your
return on investment and increase in shareholder value.

        We wish to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of both our
employees and directors and to express our sincere appreciation for the support
and confidence shown by both our customers and shareholders.




John J. Kiernan

John J. Kiernan
Chairman of the Board


Stephen W. Ensign

Stephen W. Ensign
President and
Chief Executive Officer


Stephen R. Theroux

Stephen R. Theroux
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
            ======================================================
                     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION




GENERAL

      The Company's profitability is derived from its only subsidiary, Lake
Sunapee Bank, fsb (the "Bank"). The Bank's earnings in turn are generated from
the difference between the yield on its loan and investment portfolios and the
cost of its deposit accounts and borrowings. These core earnings are
supplemented by loan origination fees, retail banking service fees, and gains on
security transactions.

      In 1995, the Company earned $1,244,823, or $.73 per share, compared to
$1,582,250, or $.93 per share in 1994. Earnings declined because the Bank added
to the allowance for loan losses in an effort to rebuild the allowance in the
wake of several unexpected loan write-offs. As a result, the Bank needed to add
$1,170,395 to the allowance for loan losses. The Bank also took on in excess of
$300,000 in new overhead in order to cover the expansion program implemented
during the fourth quarter of 1994. The Bank opened two branches and expanded its
outside loan origination team. The Bank expects the growth in assets experienced
during 1995 to generate the earnings needed to cover the increased expenditures.

      During January 1996, the Bank entered into a purchase and sale agreement
to sell a piece of land adjacent to the New London branch. Although the sale is
subject to the town of New London's Planning Board's approval for a sub-division
and certain other contingencies, the Bank is confident the sale will be
completed during the second quarter of 1996. The Bank expects to realize an
after-tax gain of approximately $200,000.

      As mentioned on page five in the "Report to Shareholders," the United
States Congress is currently debating the Federal budget for 1996. This has
delayed passage of the resolution of the Savings Association Insurance Fund.
When passed, the Bank expects to incur a one-time after-tax expense in the range
of $800,000 to $1,100,000.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

      Total assets increased by $24,853,291, or 10.65% from $233,362,786 to
$258,216,077. This increase was fueled by an increase of $11,900,293, or 5.99%
in total loans from $198,776,032 to $210,676,325. The table on page 54
illustrates the maturities of the loan portfolio at December 31, 1995. Real
estate loans increased by $10,109,807, or 6.09% from $166,043,664 to
$176,153,471. The Bank also increased the level of loans sold into the secondary
market by approximately $18,000,000 due to the increased origination of fixed
rate mortgage loans. At December 31, 1995, the Bank had $43,433,158 in its
servicing portfolio. As a result of the sale of fixed rate loans, the percentage
of loans to assets dropped to 81.59% from 85.18%. The Bank expects to continue
to sell fixed rate loans into the secondary market under the current favorable
interest rate environment.

      Investments increased by $6,799,146, or 31.67% to $28,266,003 from
$21,466,857 (at amortized cost). The Bank's U.S. Treasury Bond portfolio
accounted for 73.14% of the increase. U.S. Treasuries amounted to $11,994,795 at
December 31, 1995 compared to $7,022,116 at December 31, 1994. The Bank's net
unrealized gain of $148,596 at December 31, 1995, compares to last year's net
unrealized loss of $1,104,067, and reflects the year-long drop in interest rates
and the resultant rise in bond values.

      Real estate owned and property acquired in settlement of loans decreased
by $520,695, or 34.60% to $984,185. This total includes $765,408, which
represents the value for the remaining eight lots at Blye Hill Landing in
Newbury, NH. During 1995, seven properties totaling $1,065,166, were sold. This
includes the last unit at Highland Ridge, a real-estate development in New
London, NH.

      Deposits increased by $5,437,855, or 2.80% to $199,970,921 from
$194,533,066. Customers continued to place funds in Certificates of Deposit with
46.6% of total CD versus 40.2% last year. Repurchase agreements increased
$5,954,918 to $9,552,825, as commercial customers utilized the Bank's sweep
account in an effort to maximize their return on overnight deposits. Competition
continues to be intense from mutual funds as a record number of funds flowed
into the mutual fund market.

      Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) increased by $11,725,374,
or 77.09% to $26,936,168 from $15,210,794. The Bank utilized the FHLB's lower
costing Community Investment Program to fund approximately $15,000,000 of
qualifying loans.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
            ======================================================
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)



These funds were applied retroactively to loans made from January 1, 1994.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

      The Bank is required to maintain a 5% ratio of liquid assets to net
withdrawable funds. At year-end 1995, the Bank's ratio of 11.92% exceeded
regulatory requirements for long-term liquidity.

      The Bank's source of funds comes primarily from net deposit inflows, loan
amortizations, principal pay downs from loans, sold loan proceeds, and advances
from the FHLB. At December 31, 1995, the Bank had approximately $51,000,000 in
additional borrowing capacity from the FHLB.

      At December 31, 1995, the Company's shareholders' equity totaled
$19,544,005, or 7.57% of total assets, compared to $18,252,874 or 7.82% of total
assets at year-end 1994. The increase of $1,291,131 reflects net income of
$1,244,823, the payment of $839,413 in common stock dividends, the repurchase of
14,968 shares of stock at a cost of $144,015, the exercise of 33,485 of stock
options in the amount of $146,497, a gain of $56,978 on the sale of treasury
stock, and the recording of $97,594 in net unrealized gains on securities
classified as available for sale. As interest rates moved downward throughout
1995, the Bank's bond portfolio increased in value. Although the Bank normally
intends to hold these bonds to maturity, past practice has been to sell bonds
under certain circumstances. Accordingly, the bonds are classified as available
for sale. These bonds are "marked-to-market" causing the unrealized gain to be
recorded, net of the effect of income taxes, in shareholders' equity.

      On January 24, 1996, the Bank received authorization from the Office of
Thrift Supervision to dividend $1,000,000 to the Company. As a result of this
transaction, approximately $17.5 million in capital remains at the Bank level,
and $2.1 million at the Company. During 1995, $1,000,000 was paid from the Bank
to the Company.

      Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,243,025 in 1995 versus
$2,650,704 in 1994. This change is attributable to a receivable of approximately
$1.2 million from the disposition of available for sale securities as of
December 31, 1995. Proceeds were received January 2, 1996.

      Net cash flows from investing activities amounted to negative $20,810,142
in 1996 compared to negative $26,903,386 in 1994. The majority of the change was
due to a change of $6,154,999 in loans made to customers.

      In 1995, net cash provided by financing activities was $22,306,826
compared to $25,676,716 in 1994. As mentioned above, the Bank utilized the
FHLB's advance program and an increase in customer deposits to finance the
Bank's investing activities.

      The Bank expects to be able to fund loan demand and other investing
activities during 1996 by continuing to use the FHLB's advance program, as well
as funds provided from customer deposits. Management is not aware of any trends,
events, or uncertainties that will have or that are reasonably likely to have a
material effect in the Company's liquidity, capital resources or results of
operations.

      As part of the Financial Institution Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act
of 1989 (FIRREA), banks are required to maintain core capital, leverage ratio,
and total risk based capital of 4.00%, 4.00%, and 8.00%, respectively. As of
December 31, 1995, the Bank's ratios were 7.08%, 7.08%, and 11.88%,
respectively, well in excess of the regulators' requirements.

      Book value per share was $11.57 at December 31, 1995 versus $10.92 per
share at December 31, 1994. The recognition of the unrealized gain on the Bank's
bond portfolio accounted for $.49 of the increase.

IMPACT OF INFLATION

      The financial statements and related data are prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles which require the measurement of
financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars and
current market value, for certain loans and investments, without considering
changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.

      Unlike other companies, virtually all of the assets and liabilities of a
bank are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a far more
significant impact on a bank's performance than the effects of the general level
of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or
with the same magnitude as the price of goods and services, since such prices
are affected by inflation. In the

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
            ======================================================
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)



current interest rate environment, liquidity and the maturity structure of the
Bank's assets and liabilities are important to the maintenance of acceptable
performance levels.

INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY

      Management has continued to utilize asset/liability management as a
strategy in monitoring the interest rate risk. The strategy of matching
rate-sensitive assets with similar liabilities stabilizes profitability during
periods of interest rate fluctuations.

      The Bank's one-year Gap at December 31, 1995 was -6.69%, compared to the
December 31, 1994 Gap position of -7.57%. The Bank continues to offer adjustable
rate mortgages which reprice at one, three, and five year intervals. In
addition, from time to time, the Bank sells fixed-rate mortgages into the
secondary market in order to minimize interest rate risk.

      The Bank's Gap, of approximately negative seven percent at December 31,
1995, means net interest income would increase if interest rates trended
downward. The opposite would occur if interest rates were to rise. Management
feels that maintaining the Gap within ten points of the parity line provides
adequate protection against severe interest rate swings. In an effort to
maintain the Gap within ten points of parity, the Bank utilizes the Federal Home
Loan Bank advance program to control the repricing of a segment of liabilities.

      At December 31, 1995, the Bank's interest earning assets scheduled to
reprice within one year or less totaled $128.8 million, or 53.55% of earning
assets compared to $109.9 million, or 50.03% of earning assets at December 31,
1994. At December 31, 1995, interest bearing liabilities, which were scheduled
to reprice within one year, amounted to $144.9 million, or 64.25% of interest
bearing liabilities as compared to $126.5 million, or 61.66% of interest bearing
liabilities as of December 31, 1994.

NET INTEREST INCOME

      Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 1995 increased by
$371,956, or 4.96%, to $7,867,986. The increase can be attributed to the
increased volume of the Bank's loan portfolio. Total interest income increased
by $2,923,897, or 20.11%, with 56.29% attributed to the increase in volume, and
43.71% related to the change in interest rates.

      Total interest expense increased $2,551,941, or 36.22%, with 52.66.%
attributed to the increased volume of both deposits and FHLB advances, and
47.34% related to interest rates. Despite the drop in interest rates, the Bank's
cost of funds increased to 4.50% during 1995 from 3.67% in 1994, because of the
Bank's lag in increasing rates paid on deposit accounts during 1994. As a
result, the Bank's spread decreased to 3.08% at December 31, 1995 compared to
3.33% at December 31, 1994. The Bank does not anticipate further erosion of its
spread.


The following table sets forth the average yield on loans and investments, the
average interest rate paid on deposits and borrowings, the net interest rate
margin, and the net yield on interest earning assets for the periods indicated:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                       1995        1994       1993       1992       1991
                                   --------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>       <C> 
Yield on loans                        7.71%       7.10%      7.49%      8.68%     10.15%
Yield on investment securities        6.53%       6.14%      5.68%      6.65%      7.46%
Combined yield on loans and     
  investments                         7.58%       7.00%      7.28%      8.42%      9.85%
Cost of deposits                      4.27%       3.63%      3.81%      4.76%      6.53%
Cost of borrowings                    6.42%       4.29%      4.55%      8.00%      8.08%
Combined cost of deposits and   
  borrowings                          4.50%       3.67%      3.83%      4.88%      6.64%
Interest rate spread                  3.08%       3.33%      3.45%      3.54%      3.21%
Net interest margin                   3.42%       3.61%      3.75%      3.79%      3.48%
</TABLE> 

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
            ======================================================
                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)

The following table shows the Bank's interest rate sensitivity table at December
31, 1995:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                          0-3        3-6      6 MONTHS-      1-3       BEYOND
                         MONTHS    MONTHS       1 YEAR      YEARS     3 YEARS      TOTAL
                      --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                ($ in thousands)
<S>                   <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>    
Interest earning
assets:
  Loans               $  32,449  $  20,811  $    60,267  $  51,157  $  44,169   $ 208,846
  Investments             9,559      2,168        3,560      9,977      6,450      31,714
                      --------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                 $  42,008  $  22,979  $    63,827  $  61,134  $  50,619   $ 240,560
                      --------------------------------------------------------------------

Interest bearing
liabilities:
 Deposits             $  69,828  $  22,696  $    31,033  $  34,907  $  30,572   $ 189,036
 Repurchase     
   agreements             9,553         -             -          -          -       9,553

 Borrowings               4,400      7,400            -     14,706        430      26,936
                      --------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                 $  83,781  $  30,096  $    31,033  $  49,613  $  31,002   $ 225,525
                      --------------------------------------------------------------------
Period sensitivity 
  gap                 $ (41,773) $  (7,117) $    32,794  $  11,521  $  19,617   $  15,035

Cumulative        
  sensitivity         $ (41,773) $ (48,890) $   (16,096) $  (4,575) $  15,035   $  15,035

Cumulative
  sensitivity
  gap as a percent of
  earning assets        -17.36%    -20.32%        -6.69%    -1.90%       6.25%      6.25%
</TABLE> 



Note: The Bank has used industry decay formulae in establishing repricing
periods for savings and NOW accounts.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
           ========================================================
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)


The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the total dollar amount
of interest income from earning assets and the resultant yields as well as the
interest paid on interest bearing liabilities, and the resultant costs:


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER       31,      1995                    1994                    1993              
                          ------------------------------------------------------------------------   
                          AVERAGE (1)     YIELD/  AVERAGE (1)     YIELD/  AVERAGE (1)     YIELD/     
                          BALANCE INTEREST COST   BALANCE INTEREST COST   BALANCE INTEREST COST      
                          ------------------------------------------------------------------------   
                                                     ($ in thousands)                                
<S>                       <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>        
Assets:                                                                                              
Interest earning                                                                                     
assets:                                                                                              
  Loans (2)               $205,548 $ 15,846   7.71%  $186,651  $ 13,251   7.10%  $171,739  $ 12,855   7.49%
  Investment                                                                                         
    securities and                                                                                   
    other (3)               24,790    1,620   6.53%    21,033     1,292   6.14%    21,729     1,234   5.68%
                          -----------------          ------------------          ------------------      
  Total interest                                                                                     
    earning                                                                                          
    assets                 230,338   17,466   7.58%   207,684    14,543   7.00%   193,468    14,089   7.28%
                          -----------------          ------------------          ------------------       
                                                                                                     
Non-interest                                                                                         
earning assets:                                                                                      
  Cash                       5,976                      5,782                       4,972                   
  Other                                                                                              
    non-interest earning                                                                         
    assets (4)               8,285                      7,512                       7,801                   
                          --------                   --------                    --------                   
  Total                                                                                              
    non-interest earning                                                                         
    assets                  14,261                     13,294                      12,773                   
                          --------                   --------                    --------                    
Total                     $244,599                   $220,978                    $206,241                   
                          ========                   ========                    ========                  
                                                                                                     
Liabilities and                                                                                      
Shareholders'                                                                                        
     Equity:                                                                                         
Interest bearing                                                                                     
 liabilities:                                                                                         
  Savings deposits        $ 96,698 $  2,855   2.95%  $107,592  $  2,996   2.78%  $102,397  $  2,964   2.89%  
  Time deposits             88,310    5,065   5.74%    68,250     3,344   4.90%    67,804     3,526   5.20%  
  Repurchase                 4,702      177   3.76%     2,218       115   5.18%     2,882        96   3.33%  
    agreements                                                                                       
  Other borrowed                                                                                     
    funds                   23,388    1,501   6.42%    13,815       592   4.29%     5,498       250   4.55%  
                          -----------------          ------------------          ------------------       
  Total interest                                                                                     
    bearing                                                                                          
    liabilities            213,098    9,598   4.50%   191,875     7,047   3.67%   178,581     6,836   3.83%  
                          -----------------          ------------------          ------------------       
Non-interest bearing                                                                                 
     liabilities:                                                                                    
  Demand deposits            7,050                      7,005                       5,865                    
  Other                      5,570                      4,028                       3,724                    
                          --------                   --------                    --------                    
                            12,620                     11,033                       9,589                    
Shareholders' Equity        18,881                     18,070                      18,071                    
                          --------                   --------                    --------                    
Total                     $244,599                   $220,978                    $206,241                   
                          ========                   ========                    ========                  
Net interest                                                                                         
  income/interest                                                                                      
     rate spread                   $  7,868   3.08%            $  7,496   3.33%            $  7,253   3.45%    
                                   ================            ================            ================   
Net earning                                                                                          
  balance/net yield                                                                                    
  on earning                                                                                         
  assets                  $ 17,240           3.42%   $ 15,809             3.61%  $ 14,887             3.75%    
                          ========================   ==========================  ==========================     
</TABLE> 

(1) Monthly average balances have been used for all periods. Management does not
believe that the use of month-end balances instead of daily average balances
caused any material difference in the information presented.

(2) Loans include 90 day delinquent loans which have been placed on a
non-accruing status. Management does not believe that including the 90 day
delinquent loans in loans caused any material difference in the information
presented.

(3) Investment securities and other includes tax -exempt investment securities.
Management does not believe that including tax exempt investment securities in
investments securities and other caused any material difference in the
information presented.

(4) Other non-interest earning assets includes non-earning assets and real
estate owned.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
           ========================================================
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, a summary of the
changes in interest earned and interest paid resulting from changes in volume
and rates. The net change attributable to changes in both volume and rate, which
cannot be segregated, has been allocated proportionately to the change due to
volume and the change due to the rate.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 VS. 1994
                                                  INCREASE (DECREASE)
                                                         DUE TO
                                                VOLUME     RATE       TOTAL
                                                ---------------------------
                                                     ($ in thousands)
<S>                                           <C>      <C>         <C> 
Interest income on loans                      $  1,404 $  1,192    $  2,596
Interest income on investments                     242       86         328
                                              -------------------------------
     Total interest income                       1,646    1,278       2,924
                                              -------------------------------

Interest expense on savings deposits              (356)     215        (141)
Interest expense on time deposits                1,087      634       1,721
Interest expense on repurchase agreements           83      (20)         63
Interest expense on borrowings                     530      379         909
                                              -------------------------------
     Total interest expense                      1,344    1,208       2,552
                                              -------------------------------
     Net interest income                      $    302 $     70    $    372
                                              ===============================


<CAPTION> 

                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 VS. 1993
                                                  INCREASE (DECREASE)
                                                         DUE TO
                                                 VOLUME    RATE      TOTAL
                                               ----------------------------
                                                     ($ in thousands)
<S>                                           <C>      <C>         <C> 
Interest income on loans                      $    990 $   (594)   $    396
Interest income on investments                     (39)      97          58
                                              -------------------------------
     Total interest income                         951     (497)        454
                                              -------------------------------

Interest expense on savings deposits               130      (98)         32
Interest expense on time deposits                   23     (205)       (182)
Interest expense on repurchase agreements          (13)      32          19
Interest expense on borrowings                     355      (13)        342
                                              -------------------------------
     Total interest expense                        495     (284)        211
                                              -------------------------------
     Net interest income                      $    456 $   (213)   $    243
                                              ===============================
</TABLE> 

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
           ========================================================
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)



PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

      The Bank considers many factors in determining the allowance for loan
losses. These include the risk and size characteristics of loans, the prior
years' loss experience, the levels of delinquencies, the prevailing economic
conditions, the number of foreclosures, unemployment rates, interest rates, and
the value of collateral securing the loans. No changes were made to the Bank's
procedures with respect to maintaining the loan loss allowances as a result of
any regulatory examinations. Additionally, the Bank's commercial loan officers
review the financial condition of commercial loan customers on a monthly basis
and perform visual inspections of facilities and inventories. The Bank also has
an internal audit and compliance program. Results of the audit and compliance
programs are reported directly to the Audit Committee of the Bank's Board of
Directors.

      The allowance for loan loss at December 31, 1995 was $1,828,060, compared
to $2,752,885 at year-end 1994. The allowance in 1995 includes $628,060 in
specific reserves for loans classified as loss, and $1,200,000 in general
reserves as compared to $1,045,301 and $1,707,584 in 1994, respectively. As a
result of charge-offs in 1995, the Bank expensed to the provision for loan
losses $1,163,710 in 1995, compared to $761,555 in 1994. Included in the 1995
charge-offs were three loans, amounting to approximately $1 million which were
not previously reserved for. The allowance represented 0.87% of total loans at
year-end 1995 versus 1.38% at year-end 1994. The allowance for loan losses as a
percentage of non-performing assets was 75.36% at December 31, 1995 compared to
85.46% at December 31, 1994. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of
non-performing assets (less real estate owned) and troubled debt restructured
was 96.88% at December 31, 1995 compared to 67.91% at December 31, 1994. Please
refer to Note 4 "Loans receivable", in the Consolidated Financial Statements for
information regarding SFAS 114 and 118.

      Loans classified for regulatory purposes as loss, doubtful, substandard,
or special mention do not result from trends or uncertainties which the Bank
reasonably expects will materially impact future operating results, liquidity,
or capital resources.

      As of December 31, 1995, there were no other loans not included in the
table or discussed above where known information about the possible credit
problems of borrowers caused management to have doubts as to the ability of the
borrower to comply with present loan repayment terms and which may result in
disclosure of such loans in the future.

      Total classified loans, excluding special mention, as of December 31, 1995
and 1994 were $6,049,066 and $9,183,751 respectively. Of this amount, $2,425,650
and $3,221,313 are included in non-performing assets for the respective years.
Loans classified as 90 day delinquent increased to $1,144,293, which includes
$1,132,475 of conventional real estate loans, at December 31, 1995 compared to
$23,825 at December 31, 1994. Since the bulk of delinquents are comprised of
well-secured loans, the Bank does not anticipate material losses in the event
these loans were to result in foreclosure. Further, given the fact that loans
classified as special mention decreased by 34% and total non-performers
decreased by 25%, the Bank's loan loss reserves are considered adequate despite
the decrease in the reserve total. The local economy has remained stable and
there are no known trends or uncertainties which would negatively impact the
local region. However, the Bank intends to maintain a conservative posture in
funding reserves and expects to expense approximately $825,000, to the provision
for loan losses during 1996.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
                ========================================================

                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)

The following table sets forth the breakdown of non-performing loans:


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                       1995        1994        1993        1992        1991
                                 -----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>           <C>        <C>         <C>        <C> 
90 Day delinquent loans (1)      $  1,144,293  $   23,825 $  288,663  $  152,692 $  1,205,120
Non-earning assets (2)                297,172   1,692,608    501,408   1,388,864    1,380,392
Real estate owned                     984,185   1,504,880  1,854,047   2,736,845    4,875,540
                                 ------------------------------------------------------------
Total non-performing assets      $  2,425,650  $3,221,313 $2,644,118  $4,278,401 $  7,461,052
                                 ============================================================
Troubled debt restructured       $    445,417  $2,337,058 $3,466,820  $4,391,549 $  4,023,903
                                 ============================================================
</TABLE> 

(1)  All loans 90 days or more delinquent are placed on a non-accruing status.

(2) Loans considered to be uncollectible, pending foreclosure, or in bankruptcy
proceeding, are placed on a non-earning status.


The following table sets forth 90 day delinquent loans by category:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                       1995        1994        1993        1992        1991
                                      ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C> 
Real estate loans -        
     Conventional                  $ 1,132,475 $        -  $  288,663  $  152,692  $  839,159
     Construction                            -     23,825           -           -     241,323
Consumer loans                           3,983          -           -           -           -
Commercial and municipal loans           7,835          -           -           -     124,638
Other loans                                  -          -           -           -           -
                                   -------------------------------------------------------------
     Total                         $ 1,144,293 $   23,825  $  288,663  $  152,692  $1,205,120
                                   =============================================================
</TABLE> 


The following table sets forth the allocation of the loan loss valuation
allowance and the percentage of loans in each category to total loans as of
December 31:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                          1995             1994             1993             1992             1991
                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>        <C>   <C>         <C>   <C>         <C>  <C>          <C>  <C>        <C> 
Real estate
loans -
  Conventional    $  687,547  83%  $  726,959   81%  $   853,710  79% $ 1,258,635   79% $  699,678  80%
  Construction       201,257        1,598,266    2%    1,245,382   2%     670,378    1%  1,316,247   1%
  Collateral and
    consumer    
    loans              8,067  12%       5,464   12%       22,907  14%      10,684   15%     50,141  16%
Commercial and
  municipal          
  loans              276,526   4%     422,196    4%      252,002   5%     155,234    4%    223,457   2% 
Impaired loans       654,663   1%         N/A                N/A              N/A              N/A
Other                      -                -    1%            -                -    1%          -   1%
                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valuation       
allowance         $1,828,060 100%  $2,752,885  100%  $ 2,374,001 100% $ 2,094,931  100% $2,289,523 100%
                ========================================================================================
Valuation
  allowance
  as a percentage 
  of total 
  loans                 .87%            1.38%              1.35%            1.22%            1.38%
                ========================================================================================
</TABLE> 

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
           ========================================================
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)


OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE

      Total non-interest income decreased by $121,676, or 7.81% to $1,435,556.
Customer service fees increased by $202,541, or 23.65% to $1,058,868. Loan
origination fees decreased by $205,541 due to the effect of a one-time
adjustment to loan fees made in 1994 as a result of a computer conversion.

      Total non-interest expense increased $304,552, or 5.09% to $6,291,009. The
Bank's opening of two branches and the expansion of its loan origination network
during the second half of 1994 created a full year of expenditures for these
items and resulted in the increase.

FAS 109-ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES

      Effective December 31, 1993, the Bank adopted FAS No. 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes," which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be
measured based on the enacted tax rates. Statement No. 109 also requires that
deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely
than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be
realized. As a result of adopting FAS 109, there is no effect on the
consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 1993, and no allowance is
required against the deferred tax debit. The provision for income taxes for the
years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 includes net deferred income tax
expense of $324,909, $75,000, and $64,391, respectively. These amounts were
determined by the deferred method in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles for each year.

      The Bank has provided deferred income taxes on the difference between the
provision for loan losses permitted for income tax purposes and the provision
recorded for financial reporting purposes.

COMPARISON OF YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1993

NET INTEREST INCOME

      Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 1994 was $7,496,030,
compared to $7,254,098 for 1993, an increase of $241,932, or 3.34%. The increase
was the result of increased volume of the Bank's loan portfolio.

      Total interest income increased $453,044, or 3.22%, with over 200% of the
increase attributed to the change in volume.

      Interest expense increased $211,112, or 3.09%, with over 230% attributed
to increased balances on customer deposits and FHLB advances.

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

      The allowance for loan losses was $2,752,885 for the year ended December
31, 1994, compared to $2,374,001 at year-end 1993. Charge-offs were $396,116 for
1994, and $1,119,720 for 1993. The allowance as a percentage of total loans was
1.38% at year-end 1994 versus 1.35% from 1993. Non-performing assets increased
to $3,221,313, or 1.38% of total assets for 1994 compared to $2,644,118, or
1.28% of total assets for year-end 1993.

OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE

      Total non-interest income decreased by $349,835, or 18.34% to $1,557,232.
Most significant was the decrease of $463,359 in the net gain on the sale of
investment securities. As interest rates fell during 1993, the value of the
Bank's bond portfolio grew, creating opportunities for capital gains.

      Total operating expenses increased $458,946 to $5,986,457, reflecting the
Bank's opening of two branches and expansion of the loan origination team.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
                ========================================================
                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)

CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY AVERAGE BALANCES (1)  AND INTEREST RATES


<TABLE>                                                                                   
<CAPTION> 
                                                       1995                                 
                         -----------------------------------------------------------------  
                          4TH QUARTER      3RD QUARTER     2ND QUARTER     1ST QUARTER      
                         AVERAGE YIELD/   AVERAGE YIELD/  AVERAGE YIELD/  AVERAGE   YIELD/    
                         BALANCE  COST    BALANCE  COST   BALANCE  COST   BALANCE    COST     
                         --------------   --------------  --------------  ----------------  
                                                 ($ in thousands)                           
<S>                      <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>       <C>       
Assets:                                                                                     
Interest earning                                                                            
assets:                                                                                     
  Loans (2)              $205,548  8.05% $201,858  8.17%  $197,074  7.91% $ 191,928   7.69% 
  Investment                                                                                
  securities and                                                                            
     other (3)             24,790  7.83%   22,548  6.59%    22,382  7.25%    21,418   6.67% 
                         --------        --------         --------        ---------         
  Total interest                                                                            
     earning                                                                                
     assets               230,338  8.03%  224,406  8.01%   219,456  7.85%   213,346   7.58% 
                         --------        --------         --------        ---------         
                                                                                            
Non-interest                                                                                
earning assets:                                                                             
  Cash                      5,976           5,994            5,744            5,795         
  Other non-                                                                                
    interest earning                                                                   
    assets (4)              8,285           8,271            7,970            7,792         
                         --------        --------         --------        ---------        
  Total non-                                                                                
    interest earning                                                                   
    assets                 14,261          14,265           13,714           13,587         
                         ========        ========         ========        =========        
Total                    $244,599        $238,671         $233,170        $ 226,933         
                         ========        ========         ========        =========        
                                                                                            
Liabilities and                                                                             
Shareholders'                                                                               
     Equity:                                                                                
                                                                                            
Interest bearing                                                                            
liabilities:                                                                                
                                                                                            
  Savings deposits       $ 96,698  2.89% $ 99,712  2.78%  $104,243  2.74% $ 106,558   1.65%  
  Time deposits            88,310  6.26%   83,762  6.27%    78,496  6.38%    73,114   4.88%  
  Repurchase                                                                                
    agreements              4,702  5.28%    3,815  6.32%     2,521  4.69%     2,149    .05%  
  Other borrowed                                                                            
    funds                  23,388  7.34%   20,931  7.01%    18,295  9.12%    16,068   7.14%  
                         --------        --------         --------        ---------          
  Total interest                                                                            
    bearing                                                                                 
    liabilities           213,098  4.83%  208,220  4.68%   203,555  4.74%   197,889   4.40%   
                         --------        --------         --------        ---------          
Non-interest bearing                                                                   
     liabilities:                                                                           
  Demand deposits           7,050           6,846            6,913            6,892          
  Other                     5,570           5,016            4,364            4,010          
                         --------        --------         --------        ---------          
                          12,620           11,862           11,277           10,902          
Shareholders' Equity      18,881           18,589           18,338           18,142          
                        ========         ========         ========        =========          
Total                   $244,599         $238,671         $233,170        $ 226,933          
                        ========         ========         ========        =========          
Net interest                                                                                
income/interest                                                                             
  rate spread                      3.20%           3.33%           3.11%              3.18%   
                                   =====           =====           =====              =====  
Net earning                                                                                 
balance/net yield                                                                           
  on earning                                                                                
     assets             $ 17,240   3.56% $ 16,186  3.67%  $ 15,901 3.45%  $  15,457   3.51%  
                        ================ ===============  ==============  =================   
</TABLE> 

(1) Monthly average balances have been used for all periods. Management does not
believe that the use of month-end balances instead of daily average balances
caused any material difference in the information presented.

(2) Loans include 90 day delinquent loans which have been placed on a
non-accruing status. Management does not believe that including the 90 day
delinquent loans in loans caused any material difference in the information
presented.

(3) Investment securities and other includes tax -exempt investment securities.
Management does not believe that including tax exempt investment securities in
investments securities and other caused any material difference in the
information presented.

(4) Other non-interest earning assets includes non-earning assets and real
estate owned.

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
                ========================================================
                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)

CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY AVERAGE BALANCES (1) AND INTEREST RATES

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                        1994                                 
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------  
                            4TH QUARTER     3RD QUARTER      2ND QUARTER     1ST QUARTER     
                          AVERAGE YIELD/   AVERAGE YIELD/  AVERAGE YIELD/  AVERAGE YIELD/    
                          BALANCE  COST    BALANCE  COST   BALANCE  COST   BALANCE  COST     
                          ---------------- ------------------------------------------------  
                                                  ($ in thousands)                           
<S>                       <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>       
Assets:                                                                                      
Interest earning                                                                             
assets:                                                                                      
  Loans (2)               $186,651  7.64% $181,722  7.46%  $177,058  7.29% $173,946  7.06%  
  Investment                                                                                 
    securities and                                                                           
     other (3)              21,033  6.94%   20,582  6.98%    20,397  6.84%   20,302  5.33%  
                          --------        --------         --------        --------         
  Total interest                                                                             
    earning                                                                                  
    assets                 207,684  7.57%  202,304  7.41%   197,455  7.14%  194,248  6.88%  
                          --------        --------         --------        --------         
                                                                                             
Non-interest                                                                                 
earning assets:                                                                              
  Cash                       5,782           5,662            5,743           5,321         
  Other non-interest 
  earning assets (4)         7,512           7,328            7,380           7,381         
                          --------        --------         --------        --------         
  Total non-interest 
    earning assets          13,294          12,990           13,123          12,712         
                          --------        --------         --------        --------         
Total                     $220,978        $215,294         $210,578        $206,950         
                          ========        ========         ========        ========        
                                                                                             
Liabilities and                                                                              
Shareholders'                                                                                
  Equity:                                                                                    
Interest bearing                                                                             
  liabilities:                                                                               
  Savings deposits        $107,592  2.95% $107,027  3.12%  $104,702  2.71% $103,914  2.52%  
  Time deposits             68,250  5.53%   65,324  5.11%    64,118  5.00%   64,740  4.71%  
  Repurchase                                                                                 
    agreements               2,218  5.39%    2,604  4.06%     3,029  2.66%    2,905  3.18%  
  Other borrowed                                                                             
    funds                   13,815  5.51%   11,679  4.17%    10,051  7.22%    7,145  5.40%  
                          --------        --------         --------        --------         
  Total interest                                                                             
    bearing                                                                                  
    liabilities            191,875  4.08%  186,634  3.90%   181,900  3.77%  178,704  3.44%  
                          --------        --------         --------        --------         
Non-interest bearing                                                                         
     liabilities:                                                                            
  Demand deposits            7,005           6,817            6,587           6,169          
  Other                      4,028           3,759            3,996           3,942          
                          --------        --------         --------        --------         
                            11,033          10,576           10,583          10,111          
Shareholders'                                                                                
  Equity                    18,070          18,084           18,095          18,135          
                          --------        --------         --------        --------         
Total                     $220,978        $215,294         $210,578        $206,950          
                          ========        ========         ========        ========         
Net interest                                                                                 
  income/interest                                                                              
     rate spread                    3.49%           3.51%            3.37%           3.43%  
                                   ======          ======           ======          ======  
Net earning                                                                                  
  balance/net yield                                                                            
     on earning                                                                              
     assets               $ 15,809  3.80% $ 15,670  3.82%  $ 15,555  3.67% $ 15,544  3.71%  
                          =============== ===============  =============== ===============   
</TABLE> 

(1) Monthly average balances have been used for all periods. Management does not
believe that the use of month-end balances instead of daily average balances
caused any material difference in the information presented.

(2) Loans include 90 day delinquent loans which have been placed on a
non-accruing status. Management does not believe that including the 90 day
delinquent loans in loans caused any material difference in the information
presented.

(3) Investment securities and other includes tax -exempt investment securities.
Management does not believe that including tax exempt investment securities in
investments securities and other caused any material difference in the
information presented.

(4) Other non-interest earning assets includes non-earning assets and real
estate owned.

                                       17
                                                                            
<PAGE>
 
           ========================================================
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)

CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY AVERAGE BALANCES (1) AND INTEREST RATES

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                  1993
                    ---------------------------------------------------------------
                      4TH QUARTER     3RD QUARTER      2ND QUARTER     1ST QUARTER
                    AVERAGE YIELD/   AVERAGE YIELD/  AVERAGE YIELD/  AVERAGE YIELD/
                    BALANCE  COST    BALANCE  COST   BALANCE  COST   BALANCE  COST
                    --------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
                                            ($ in thousands)
<S>                 <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>  
Assets:
Interest earning
assets:
  Loans (2)         $171,739  7.23% $170,310  7.37%  $169,853  7.75% $168,842  7.86%
  Investment
  securities and
     other (3)        21,729  5.22%   23,282  5.23%    24,088  4.83%   24,616  5.77%
                    --------        --------         --------        --------
  Total interest
    earning
     assets          193,468  7.01%  193,592  7.12%   193,941  7.39%  193,458  7.60%
                    --------        --------         --------        --------

Non-interest
earning assets:
  Cash                 4,972           4,706            4,313           4,093
  Other
non-interest earning
     assets (4)        7,801           8,588            9,277           9,999
                    --------        --------         --------        --------
  Total
non-interest earning
     assets           12,773          13,294           13,590          14,092
                    --------        --------         --------        --------
Total               $206,241        $206,886         $207,531        $207,550
                    ========        ========         ========        ========

Liabilities and
Shareholders'
     Equity:
Interest bearing
 liabilities:
  Savings deposits  $102,397  2.70% $100,844  3.01%  $ 98,812  3.05% $ 96,895  3.15%
  Time deposits       67,804  4.62%   71,017  4.50%    74,300  4.95%   76,397  5.39%
  Repurchase    
    agreements         2,882  5.11%    2,627  4.01%     2,443  1.95%    2,249  3.61%
  Other borrowed  
    funds              5,498  5.47%    5,104  5.12%     5,216  2.66%    6,071  4.74%
                    --------        --------         --------        --------
  Total interest
    bearing
     liabilities     178,581  3.55%  179,592  3.67%   180,771  3.81%  181,612  4.15%
                    --------        --------         --------        --------
Non-interest bearing
     liabilities:

  Demand deposits      5,865           5,624            5,380           5,151
  Other                3,724           3,642            3,379           2,819
                    --------        --------         --------        --------
                       9,589           9,266            8,759           7,970
Shareholders' Equity  18,071          18,028           18,001          17,968
                    --------        --------         --------        --------
Total               $206,241        $206,886         $207,531        $207,550
                    ========        ========         ========        ========
Net interest
 income/interest
     rate spread              3.46%           3.45%            3.58%           3.45%
                             ======          ======           ======          ====== 
Net earning
 balance/net yield
  on earning       
  assets             $14,887  3.73% $ 14,000  3.71%  $ 13,170  3.84% $ 11,846  3.70%
                    =============== ===============  =============== =============== 
</TABLE> 

(1) Monthly average balances have been used for all periods. Management does not
believe that the use of month-end balances instead of daily average balances
caused any material difference in the information presented.

(2) Loans include 90 day delinquent loans which have been placed on a
non-accruing status. Management does not believe that including the 90 day
delinquent loans in loans caused any material difference in the information
presented.

(3) Investment securities and other includes tax -exempt investment securities.
Management does not believe that including tax exempt investment securities in
investments securities and other caused any material difference in the
information presented.

(4) Other non-interest earning assets includes non-earning assets and real
estate owned.

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
           ========================================================
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
AS OF DECEMBER 31,                1995        1994        1993        1992        1991
                            -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                  ($ in thousands)
<S>                         <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C> 
Total assets                $  258,216  $  233,363   $ 207,105   $  208,981  $ 203,229
Net loans                      208,169     193,810     172,834      166,967    162,053
Total securities                28,415      20,363      17,998       23,680     22,450
Deposits                       199,971     194,533     176,716      182,404    172,671
Advances from Federal Home
  Loan Bank                     26,936      15,211       5,441        3,000      8,000
Shareholders' equity            19,544      18,253      18,387       18,036     17,645


<CAPTION> 

OPERATING DATA:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,           1995        1994        1993        1992         1991
                            ------------------------------------------------------------
                                      ($ in thousands, except per share data)
<S>                         <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C> 
Interest income:
     Interest on loans      $   15,846  $   13,251   $  12,855   $  14,530   $   17,060
     Interest on        
       investments               1,620       1,291       1,234       1,659        1,577
                            -------------------------------------------------------------
        Total interest  
          income                17,466      14,542      14,089      16,189       18,637
     Interest expense:           9,598       7,046       6,835       8,902       12,057
                            -------------------------------------------------------------
         Net interest   
           income                7,868       7,496       7,254       7,287        6,580

Provision for loan losses, 
  net                            1,164         762       1,373       2,165          895
Other income:
  Gain (loss) on sale of
    investments                    (89)         36         499         960          150
     Other income                1,525       1,521       1,408       1,272        1,108
                            -------------------------------------------------------------
         Total other income      1,436       1,557       1,907       2,232        1,258
Other expense:
     Salaries and benefits       2,917       2,861       2,404       2,334        2,529
     Occupancy expense           1,196       1,101       1,083       1,180          963
     Other expenses              2,178       2,024       2,040       2,004        2,219
                            -------------------------------------------------------------
         Total other    
           expense               6,291       5,986       5,527       5,518        5,711
                            -------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes       1,849       2,305       2,261       1,836        1,232
Applicable income taxes            604         723         736         642          397
                            -------------------------------------------------------------
         Net income         $    1,245  $    1,582   $   1,525   $   1,194   $      835
                            =============================================================

PER SHARE DATA:
     Earnings per common    
       share                $      .73  $      .93   $     .88   $     .68   $      .45
     Cash dividends
       declared on
       common stock         $      .50  $      .50   $    .375   $     .35   $      .14
     Weighted average
       number of
       common shares    
       outstanding           1,699,536   1,693,259   1,731,185   1,762,966    1,836,154

FINANCIAL RATIOS:

     Return on average  
       assets                     .54%        .71%        .74%        .58%         .40%
     Return on average
       shareholders'
       equity                    6.95%       8.76%       8.43%       6.56%        4.59%
     Dividend payout ratio      68.49%      53.76%      42.61%      51.47%       31.11%
     Average equity to  
       average assets            7.72%       8.15%       8.76%       8.69%        8.80%
</TABLE> 

                                       19
                                                                                
<PAGE>
 
                ========================================================
                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)

1995 QUARTERLY DATA

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                               -------------------------------------------------
                                  FOURTH       THIRD       SECOND       FIRST
                                  QUARTER     QUARTER      QUARTER     QUARTER
                               -------------------------------------------------
                                    ($ in thousands, except per share data)
<S>                            <C>         <C>          <C>         <C> 
Interest income:

     Interest on loans         $    4,137  $   4,122    $    3,899  $    3,688
     Interest and dividends on
       investments                    486        371           406         357
                               -------------------------------------------------
         Total interest income      4,623      4,493         4,305       4,045
Interest expense:
     Interest on deposits           2,160      2,084         1,990       1,863
     Interest on borrowed       
       funds                          432        370           416         283
                               -------------------------------------------------
         Total interest 
           expense                  2,592      2,454         2,406       2,146
                               -------------------------------------------------
         Net interest income        2,031      2,039         1,899       1,899
Provision for loan losses, net        336        248           280         300
                               -------------------------------------------------
     Net interest income
       after provision
       for loan losses              1,695      1,791         1,619       1,599
Other income:
     Net gain (loss) on sale of
       investments                    (57)       (53)           15           6
     Other income                     496        338           314         377
                               -------------------------------------------------
         Total other income           439        285           329         383
Other expense                       1,506      1,522         1,565       1,698
                               -------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes            628        554           383         284
Provision for income taxes            201        183           126          94
                               -------------------------------------------------
Net income                     $      427  $     371    $      257  $      190
                               =================================================

Earnings per common share (1)  $      .25  $     .22    $      .15  $      .11
Annualized returns (2)
     Return on average assets        .54%       .49%          .38%        .33%
     Return on average
       shareholders'
       equity                       6.95%      6.35%         4.87%       4.17%
</TABLE> 
                               
(1) Earnings per common share are calculated by dividing net earnings by the
average common shares outstanding for each quarter. Therefore, the sum of
earnings per common share may not equal total earnings per share for the year.

(2) Returns are based on annualized net earnings.

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
           ========================================================
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)

1994 QUARTERLY DATA

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                               -------------------------------------------------
                                  FOURTH       THIRD       SECOND       FIRST
                                  QUARTER     QUARTER      QUARTER     QUARTER
                               -------------------------------------------------
                                    ($ in thousands, except per share data)
<S>                            <C>         <C>          <C>         <C> 
Interest income:

     Interest on loans         $    3,564  $   3,389    $    3,228  $   3,069
     Interest and dividends on
       investments                    365        359           298        270
                               -------------------------------------------------
         Total interest income      3,929      3,748         3,526      3,339
Interest expense:
     Interest on deposits           1,780      1,709         1,528      1,437
     Interest on borrowed 
       funds                          192        123           181         96
                               -------------------------------------------------
         Total interest         
           expense                  1,972      1,832         1,709      1,533
                               -------------------------------------------------
         Net interest income        1,957      1,916         1,817      1,806
Provision for loan losses, net        149        373           166         74
                               -------------------------------------------------
     Net interest income
       after provision
       for loan losses              1,808      1,543         1,651      1,732
Other income:
     Net gain (loss) on sale of
       investments                      2         68             6        (40)
     Other income                     336        517           343        325
                               -------------------------------------------------
         Total other income           338        585           349        285
Other expense                       1,616      1,534         1,427      1,409
                               -------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes            530        594           573        608
Provision for income taxes            137        196           189        201
                               -------------------------------------------------
Net income                     $      393  $     398    $      384  $     407
                               =================================================

Earnings per common share (1)  $      .23  $     .23    $      .23  $     .24
Annualized returns (2)
     Return on average assets        .71%       .73%          .75%       .79%
     Return on average 
       shareholders' equity         8.76%      8.77%         8.75%      9.00%
</TABLE> 

(1) Earnings per common share are calculated by dividing net earnings by the
average common shares outstanding for each quarter. Therefore, the sum of
earnings per common share may not equal total earnings per share for the year.

(2) Returns are based on annualized net earnings.

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
           ========================================================
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)

1993 QUARTERLY DATA


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                               -------------------------------------------------
                                  FOURTH       THIRD       SECOND       FIRST
                                  QUARTER     QUARTER      QUARTER     QUARTER
                               -------------------------------------------------
                                    ($ in thousands, except per share data)
<S>                            <C>         <C>          <C>         <C> 
Interest income:
     Interest on loans         $   3,106   $   3,139    $    3,291  $   3,319
     Interest and dividends on
       investments                   283         305           291        355
                               -------------------------------------------------
         Total interest income     3,389       3,444         3,582      3,674
Interest expense:
     Interest on deposits          1,522       1,597         1,679      1,787
     Interest on borrowed       
       funds                          76          66            37         71
                               -------------------------------------------------
         Total interest 
           expense                 1,598       1,663         1,716      1,858
                               -------------------------------------------------
         Net interest income       1,791       1,781         1,866      1,816
Provision for loan losses, net        68         404           421        480
                               -------------------------------------------------
     Net interest income
       after provision
       for loan losses             1,723       1,377         1,445      1,336
Other income:
     Net gain (loss) on sale of
       investments                   (43)        148           106        288
     Other income                    326         344           420        318
                               -------------------------------------------------
         Total other income          283         492           526        606
Other expense                      1,429       1,287         1,394      1,418
                               -------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes           577         582           577        524
Provision for income taxes           163         181           214        178
                               =================================================
Net income                     $     414   $     401    $      363  $     346
                               =================================================

Earnings per common share (1)  $      .24  $     .23    $      .21  $     .20
Annualized returns (2)
     Return on average assets        .74%        .74%         .68%       .66%
     Return on average
       shareholders'
       equity                       8.43%       8.46%        7.88%      7.68%
</TABLE> 

(1) Earnings per common share are calculated by dividing net earnings by the
average common shares outstanding for each quarter. Therefore, the sum of
earnings per common share may not equal total earnings per share for the year.

(2) Returns are based on annualized net earnings.

                                       22
<PAGE>
                 [LETTERHEAD OF BERRY, DUNN, MCNEIL & PARKER]


                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT


The Board of Directors
New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries


We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial condition
of New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31,
1995, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in
shareholders' equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1995. 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. The consolidated statement of financial
condition of New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries as of
December 31, 1994 and the consolidated statements of income, changes in
stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the two years then ended were audited
by Smith, Batchelder & Rugg whose report, dated January 24, 1995, expressed an
unqualified opinion on those statements. Included in Notes 3 and 4 to the
financial statements is information included in New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares,
Inc. and subsidiaries financial statements as of December 31, 1993, 1992 and
1991, upon which Smith, Batchelder & Rugg issued their unqualified opinions
dated January 21, 1994 and January 22, 1993.

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 consolidated financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated
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 material respects, the consolidated financial position of New
Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995, and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December
31, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.


/s/ Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker

Lebanon, New Hampshire
January 19, 1996

                                      23

<PAGE>

                   [LETTERHEAD OF SMITH, BATCHELDER & RUGG]


                         INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT


To the Board of Directors of 
New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition
of New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31,
1994 and 1993, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in
shareholders' equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993
and 1992. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of New
Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1994 and
1993, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years
ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

                                                    /s/ Smith, Batchelder & Rugg


Lebanon, New Hampshire
January 24, 1995



                                      24
<PAGE>
 
              ==================================================
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

AS OF DECEMBER 31,                                                      1995            1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>               <C> 
ASSETS

     Cash and due from banks                                $      7,544,297  $    7,197,588
     Federal funds sold                                            3,449,000       1,056,000
     Securities available for sale                                25,718,260      18,518,562
     Securities held to maturity                                     393,054         445,832
     Other investments                                             2,303,285       1,398,396
     Loans held for sale                                           3,095,971       3,753,657
     Loans receivable, net                                       205,073,080     190,056,444
     Accrued interest receivable                                   1,433,882       1,058,442
     Bank premises and equipment, net                              5,955,394       5,944,349
     Real estate owned and property acquired in
      settlement of loans                                            984,185       1,504,880
     Non-earning assets                                              297,172       1,692,608
     Other assets                                                  1,968,497         736,028
                                                            -----------------------------------
          Total assets                                      $    258,216,077  $  233,362,786
                                                            ===================================
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

LIABILITIES

     Deposits                                               $    199,970,921  $  194,533,066
     Repurchase agreements                                         9,552,825       3,597,907
     Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank                         26,936,168      15,210,794
     Accrued expense and other liabilities                         2,212,158       1,768,145
                                                            -----------------------------------
          Total liabilities                                      238,672,072     215,109,912
                                                            -----------------------------------

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 12)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
     Preferred stock, $.01 par value                                       -               -
     Common stock, $.01 par value, 1,689,503 shares
      outstanding as of December 31, 1995 and 1,670,986 
      as of December 31, 1994                                         21,473          21,473
     Paid-in capital                                              13,160,382      13,103,404
     Retained earnings                                             8,673,504       8,268,094
     Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for
      sale, net of $51,000 of deferred taxes in 1995, 
      and $375,400 of deferred tax benefit in 1994                    97,594        (728,667)
                                                            -----------------------------------
                                                                  21,952,953      20,664,304
     Treasury stock, at cost, 457,779 shares as of
      December 31, 1995 and 476,296 shares as of 
      December 31, 1994                                           (2,408,948)     (2,411,430)
                                                            -----------------------------------
          Total shareholders' equity                              19,544,005      18,252,874
                                                            -----------------------------------

          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity        $    258,216,077  $  233,362,786
                                                            ===================================
</TABLE> 
         The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements 
                   are an integral part of these statements.

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
                     =====================================
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

 FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                         1995           1994          1993
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                                              <C>           <C>           <C> 
  INTEREST INCOME

    Interest on loans                             $ 15,846,308  $  13,250,592 $  12,855,492 
    Interest and dividends on investments            1,620,025      1,291,844     1,233,900
                                                  ------------------------------------------- 
           Total interest income                    17,466,333     14,542,436    14,089,392
                                                  -------------------------------------------  

  INTEREST EXPENSE

    Interest on deposits                             8,096,851      6,454,599     6,585,255
    Interest on advances and other borrowed          
     money                                           1,501,496        591,807       250,039 
                                                  -------------------------------------------  
           Total interest expense                    9,598,347      7,046,406     6,835,294
                                                  -------------------------------------------  
           Net interest income                       7,867,986      7,496,030     7,254,098

  PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES, net                     1,163,710        761,555     1,372,674
                                                  -------------------------------------------   

           Net interest income after                 
            provision for loan losses                6,704,276      6,734,475     5,881,424 
                                                  -------------------------------------------    

  OTHER INCOME

    Loan origination fees                               89,632        295,173       279,030
    Customer service fees                            1,058,868        856,327       729,042
    Net gain (loss) on sale of securities     
     and bank property                                 (88,827)        35,706       499,065 
    Rental income                                      227,885        220,460       207,661
    Brokerage service income                           110,705        149,566       174,452
    Other income                                        37,293              -        17,817
                                                  -------------------------------------------    
           Total other income                        1,435,556      1,557,232     1,907,067
                                                  -------------------------------------------    

  OTHER EXPENSES

    Salaries and employee benefits                   2,917,180      2,861,435     2,403,985
    Occupancy expenses                               1,195,834      1,101,198     1,082,501
    Advertising and promotion                          162,745        154,382       169,189
    Depositors' insurance                              440,439        406,630       409,687
    Outside services                                   333,361        350,812       403,858
    Other expenses                                   1,241,450      1,112,000     1,058,291
                                                  -------------------------------------------    
           Total other expenses                      6,291,009      5,986,457     5,527,511
                                                  -------------------------------------------     
  INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR        
   INCOME TAXES                                      1,848,823      2,305,250     2,260,980 

  PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES                           604,000        723,000       736,000
                                                  -------------------------------------------     

  NET INCOME                                      $  1,244,823  $   1,582,250 $   1,524,980                        
                                                  ===========================================     

  Earnings per common share                       $        .73  $         .93 $         .88
                                                  ===========================================     
  Dividends declared per common share             $        .50  $         .50 $         .375
                                                  ===========================================     
</TABLE> 

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

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
        ==============================================================
          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

 FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                             1995         1994         1993
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------         
  <S>                                                 <C>          <C>          <C> 
  COMMON STOCK

      Balance, beginning and end of year              $     21,473 $     21,473 $     21,473                         
                                                      ========================================

  PAID-IN CAPITAL

      Balance, beginning of year                      $ 13,103,404 $ 13,069,785 $ 13,010,657    
      Gain on sale of treasury stock, at cost               56,978       33,619       59,128
                                                      ----------------------------------------

      Balance, end of year                            $ 13,160,382 $ 13,103,404 $ 13,069,785    
                                                      =======================================

  RETAINED EARNINGS

      Balance, beginning of year                      $  8,268,094 $  7,516,147 $  6,621,200                            
      Net income                                         1,244,823    1,582,250    1,524,980
      Cash dividends paid                                 (839,413)    (830,303)    (630,033)
                                                      ---------------------------------------

      Balance, end of year                            $  8,673,504 $  8,268,094 $  7,516,147 
                                                      =======================================

  UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON SECURITIES
    AVAILABLE FOR SALE

      Balance, beginning of year                      $   (728,667)$     95,857 $    131,136                         
      Adjustment to fair value                           1,252,661   (1,199,924)     (35,279)
      Effect of change in deferred taxes                  (426,400)     375,400            -
                                                      ---------------------------------------

      Balance, end of year                            $     97,594 $   (728,667)$     95,857 
                                                      =======================================

  TREASURY STOCK

      Balance, beginning of year                      $ (2,411,430)$ (2,316,293)$ (1,607,383)
      Shares repurchased, (14,968 shares in 1995,
       20,900 shares in 1994, and 103,366 
       shares in 1993)                                    (144,015)    (193,938)    (884,712)
      Exercise of stock options, (33,485 shares in
       1995 and 22,583 shares in 1994, and 
       40,269 shares in 1993)                              146,497       98,801      175,802
                                                      --------------------------------------- 

      Balance, end of year                            $ (2,408,948)$ (2,411,430)$ (2,316,293)
                                                      =======================================
</TABLE> 

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

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
                   =========================================
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

 FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                              1995         1994           1993
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                                                   <C>          <C>          <C> 
 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     Net income                                        $  1,244,823 $  1,582,250 $    1,524,980            
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
      cash provided by operating activities -

     Depreciation and amortization                          435,467      435,124        476,166
     Loans originated for sale                          (18,911,177)  (7,431,617)   (21,482,025)
     Proceeds from sale of loans                         18,874,886    7,355,527     21,502,025
     (Gain) loss from sale of loans                          36,291       76,090        (20,000)
     (Gain) loss from sale of premises and  
      equipment                                              14,603       (2,955)       (58,840)
     (Gain) loss from sale of debt securities       
      available for sale                                      3,957       (1,760)      (310,275)
     (Gain) loss from sale of equity securities            
      available for sale                                     33,975      (65,499)       (33,948)
     Gain from sale of other real estate owned                    -      (41,581)       (76,001)
     Provision for loan losses                            1,163,710      761,555      1,372,674
     Provision for deferred taxes                           324,909       75,000         64,391
     (Increase) decrease in accrued interest and
      other assets                                       (1,718,404)      96,149        873,737
     Increase (decrease) in deferred loan fees             (138,396)    (198,762)        24,217
     Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and    
      other liabilities                                    (121,619)      11,183        353,693
                                                       -----------------------------------------
          Net cash provided by operating        
           activities                                     1,243,025    2,650,704      4,210,794
                                                       -----------------------------------------
 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

     Proceeds from sale of premises and         
      equipment                                              84,400       31,119        193,408
     Capital expenditures                                  (545,515)    (952,379)      (421,562)
     Proceeds from sale of debt securities   
      available for sale                                  3,723,564      999,609     15,092,502
     Proceeds from sale of equity securities    
      available for sale                                    794,170      713,223        232,603
     Principal reduction on securities held to     
      maturity                                               52,778       51,389         50,000
     Purchase of securities available for sale          (13,211,517)  (9,006,732)   (12,552,286)
     Purchase of other investments                         (385,289)           -              -
     (Purchase) sale of Federal Home Loan Bank             
      stock                                                (519,600)    (124,900)       110,300
     Maturities of securities available for sale          2,665,000    3,725,000      3,200,000
     Net increase in loans to customers                 (15,384,264) (21,539,263)    (7,262,640)
     (Increase) decrease in non-earning assets            1,395,436   (1,191,200)       887,456
     Decrease in real estate owned                          520,695      390,748        957,953
                                                       -----------------------------------------
          Net cash provided by (used in)   
           investing activities                         (20,810,142) (26,903,386)       487,734
                                                       -----------------------------------------
 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
     Net increase (decrease) in deposits and     
      repurchase agreements                              11,392,773   16,829,556     (4,920,536)
     Increase in advances from Federal Home              
      Loan Bank                                          11,725,374    9,770,015      2,440,779
     Net change in other borrowed money                     (31,368)     (31,034)       (29,773)
     Payments to acquire treasury stock                    (144,015)    (193,938)      (884,712)
     Dividends paid                                        (839,413)    (830,303)      (630,033)
     Proceeds from exercise of stock options                203,475      132,420        234,930
                                                       -----------------------------------------
          Net cash provided by (used in)                 
           financing activities                          22,306,826   25,676,716     (3,789,345)
                                                       -----------------------------------------
 NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH                    
  EQUIVALENTS                                             2,739,709    1,424,034        909,183
                                                       -----------------------------------------
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning 
  of year                                                 8,253,588    6,829,554      5,920,371
                                                       -----------------------------------------
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year                $ 10,993,297 $  8,253,588 $    6,829,554                         
                                                       =========================================
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW 
 INFORMATION Cash paid during the period for:
      Interest on deposit accounts                     $  8,677,030 $  6,343,205 $    6,726,349 
      Interest on advances and other borrowed  
       money                                              1,418,043      553,577        239,772
                                                       -----------------------------------------
          Total interest paid                          $ 10,095,073 $  6,896,782 $    6,966,121                
                                                       =========================================
      Income taxes                                     $    363,879 $    701,986 $      232,860  
                                                       =========================================
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING 
 AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Transfers from loans to real estate acquired           
 through foreclosure                                   $    320,000 $    305,717 $      620,532   
                                                       =========================================
</TABLE> 

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

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
                ==============================================
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1.       SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

         NATURE OF OPERATIONS - The Bank operates ten branches primarily in
Grafton, Sullivan, and Merrimack Counties in west central New Hampshire.
Although the Bank has a diversified portfolio, a substantial portion of its
debtors' abilities to honor their contracts is dependent on the economic health
of the region. Its primary source of revenue is providing loans to customers who
are predominately small and middle-market businesses and middle-income
individuals.

         PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION - The consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. (NHTB, a unitary
holding company), Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb (LSB, a federal stock savings bank),
Lake Sunapee Group, Inc. (LSGI), and Lake Sunapee Financial Services Corp.
(LSFSC). LSB is owned by the holding company and the other entities are
wholly-owned subsidiaries of LSB. All significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

         CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - For purposes of reporting cash flows, the
Bank considers federal funds sold and due from banks to be cash equivalents.

         SECURITIES HELD TO MATURITY - Bonds, notes, and debentures which the
Bank has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are reported at
cost, adjusted for premiums and discounts recognized in interest income using
the interest method over the period to maturity. Declines that are other than
temporary in the fair value of individual held to maturity securities below
their cost result in write-downs of the individual securities to their fair
value. No write-downs have occurred for securities held to maturity.

         SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE - Available for sale securities consist
of bonds, notes, debentures, and certain equity securities. Unrealized holding
gains and losses, net of tax, on available for sale securities are reported as a
net amount in a separate component of shareholders' equity until realized. Gains
and losses on the sale of available for sale securities are determined using the
specific-identification method. Declines that are other than temporary in the
fair value of individual available for sale securities below their cost have
resulted in write-downs of the individual securities to their fair value. The
related write-downs of $76,590 have been included in earnings as realized losses
for the year ended 1995. There were no related write-downs for the years 1994
and 1993.

         OTHER INVESTMENTS - Other investments are investments which do not have
readily determinable fair values. These types of investments are reported at
cost and are evaluated for other than a temporary decline in value. Other than
temporary declines in value result in write-downs of the individual security. No
write-downs have occurred for securities which are classified as other
investments.

         LOANS RECEIVABLE - Loans receivable that management has the intent and
ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are
reported at their outstanding principal adjusted for any charge-offs, the
allowance for loan losses, and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans.
Loan origination fees and certain direct origination costs are capitalized and
recognized as an adjustment to the yield of the related loan. The accrual of
interest on impaired loans is discontinued when a loan becomes more than 90 days
delinquent. When the interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued
interest is reversed. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the
extent cash payments are received. The allowance for loan losses is increased by
charges to income and decreased by charge-offs (net of recoveries). Management's
periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is an estimate based on the
Bank's past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio,
adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, the
estimated value of any underlying collateral, and current economic conditions.
This material estimate and the estimate of real estate acquired in connection
with foreclosures are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near
term. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses and
the carrying value of real estate owned, management obtains independent
appraisals for significant properties to arrive at its evaluation. For
impairment recognized in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 114, "Accounting by
Creditors for Impairment of a Loan," the entire change in present value of
expected cash flows is reported as bad debt expense in the same manner in which
impairment initially was recognized or as a reduction in the amount of bad debt
expense that otherwise would be reported.

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
                ==============================================
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 1.       SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):


         LOANS HELD FOR SALE - Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale
in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated market
value in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses are recognized through a valuation
allowance by charges to income. No losses have been recorded.

         REAL ESTATE OWNED AND PROPERTY ACQUIRED IN SETTLEMENT OF LOANS - At the
time of foreclosure, the Bank records the repossessed property at the lower of
fair value minus estimated costs to sell or the outstanding balance of the loan.
All properties are periodically reviewed and declines in the value of the
property are charged against income.

         BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT - Bank premises and equipment are stated at
cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using
straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the
assets. Expenditures for replacements or major improvements are capitalized;
expenditures for normal maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as
incurred. Upon the sale or retirement of bank premises and equipment, the cost
and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any
gain or loss is included in income.

         EARNINGS PER SHARE - Earnings per share are calculated using the
weighted average number of shares outstanding at the end of the year plus common
stock equivalents, as appropriate, resulting from the granting of incentive
stock options (Notes 10 and 14). Common stock equivalents are determined using
the treasury method. Common stock equivalents are not included in the
computation of earnings per share if they have an antidilutive effect. The
number of shares used in computing earnings per share was 1,699,536, 1,693,259,
and 1,731,185 for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993,
respectively.

         INCOME TAXES - Deferred income taxes are provided in amounts sufficient
to give effect to temporary differences between financial and tax reporting for
deferred loan origination fees, unrealized loss on securities available for
sale, provision for loan losses and depreciation.

         APPLE COMPUTER PROGRAM - During 1988, the Bank offered depositors an
Apple computer as an inducement to open a certificate of deposit. The cost of
acquiring these computers has been treated as a prepayment of interest and is
being amortized over the period to maturity of the deposit accounts. In the
event of early withdrawal, the prorated value of the prepayment will be deducted
from unpaid interest and principal at the time of withdrawal. As of December 31,
1995 and 1994, other assets include $115,431 and $169,237, respectively, of
unamortized computer costs.

         FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - The following methods and
assumptions were used by the Bank in estimating fair values of financial
instruments as disclosed herein:

         Cash and short-term instruments - The carrying amounts of cash and
         short-term instruments approximate their fair value.

         Available for sale and held to maturity securities - Fair values for
         available for sale securities, are based on quoted market prices. The
         carrying values of held to maturity and other investments approximate
         fair values.

         Loans receivable - For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and
         have no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on
         carrying values. Fair values for all other loans are estimated using
         discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being
         offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit
         quality. Fair values for impaired loans are estimated using discounted
         cash flow analyses or underlying collateral values, where applicable.

         Deposit liabilities - The fair values disclosed for demand deposits
         are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the
         reporting date (that is, their carrying amounts). The carrying amounts
         of variable-rate, fixed term money-market accounts and certificates of
         deposits (CD's) approximate their fair values at the reporting date.
         Fair values for fixed-rate CD's are estimated using a discounted cash
         flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on
         certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on
         time deposits.

         Borrowings - The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased, and other
         borrowings maturing within 90 days approximate their fair values. Fair
         values of other borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow
         analyses based on the Bank's current incremental borrowing rates for
         similar types of borrowing arrangements.

         Accrued interest - The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate
         their fair values. 

         Off-balance sheet instruments - Fair values for loan commitments have
         not been presented as the future revenue derived from such financial
         instruments is not significant.

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
                ==============================================
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 1.       SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):


        USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

         RECLASSIFICATIONS - Certain amounts in the 1994 and 1993 consolidated
financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year's
presentation.

NOTE 2.       DEFERRED LOAN ORIGINATION FEES:

         The Bank follows the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (FAS) No. 91, "Accounting for Non-refundable Fees and Costs Associated
with Originating or Acquiring Loans and Initial Direct Costs of Leases." As of
December 31, 1995 and 1994, the Bank has deferred net loan fees of $382,042 and
$520,438, respectively, which will be recognized as an adjustment to yield over
the life of the related loans.

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
                ==============================================
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 3.       SECURITIES:

The amortized cost and approximate market value of securities are summarized as
follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                         DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                     --------------------------------------------------------
                                                            GROSS       GROSS
                                               FAIR      UNREALIZED  UNREALIZED    AMORTIZED
                                              VALUE          GAIN       LOSS        COST
                                     --------------------------------------------------------
  <S>                                 <C>             <C>          <C>         <C> 
  Held to maturity:
      Bonds and notes -
        Municipal bonds               $       393,054 $          - $           $    393,054
                                     --------------------------------------------------------
  Total held to maturity                      393,054            -          -       393,054
                                     --------------------------------------------------------
  Available for sale:
      Bonds and notes -

        U. S. Treasury Notes               12,139,529      147,900      3,166    11,994,795
        U. S. Government, including      
         agencies                           2,724,130       33,249         40     2,690,921
        Other bonds and debentures          9,352,476      104,119     38,416     9,286,773
                                     --------------------------------------------------------
                                           24,216,135      285,268     41,622    23,972,489

      Equity securities                     1,502,125       11,750    106,800     1,597,175
                                     --------------------------------------------------------
  Total available for sale                 25,718,260      297,018    148,422    25,569,664
                                     --------------------------------------------------------

  Other investments:
       Federal Home Loan Bank   
        stock                               1,861,000            -          -     1,861,000
       Other securities                       442,285            -          -       442,285
                                     --------------------------------------------------------
  Total other investments                   2,303,285            -          -     2,303,285
                                     --------------------------------------------------------
  Total securities                    $    28,414,599 $    297,018 $  148,422  $ 28,266,003
                                     ========================================================
<CAPTION> 

                                                         DECEMBER 31, 1994
                                     --------------------------------------------------------
                                                            GROSS       GROSS
                                               FAIR      UNREALIZED  UNREALIZED    AMORTIZED
                                              VALUE          GAIN       LOSS        COST
                                     --------------------------------------------------------                           
  <S> 
  Held to maturity:
      Bonds and notes -
        Municipal bonds               $      445,832  $          - $        -  $   445,832
                                     --------------------------------------------------------                           
  Total held to maturity                     445,832            -           -      445,832
                                     --------------------------------------------------------                           

  Available for sale:
      Bonds and notes -
        U. S. Treasury Notes               6,687,185            -     334,931    7,022,116
        U. S. Government, including 
         agencies                          1,127,404            -      39,893    1,167,297
        Other bonds and debentures         8,725,898        3,573     379,355    9,101,680
                                     --------------------------------------------------------                           
                                          16,540,487        3,573     754,179   17,291,093
      Equity securities                    1,978,075        5,425     358,886    2,331,536
                                     --------------------------------------------------------                           
  Total available for sale                18,518,562        8,998   1,113,065   19,622,629
                                     --------------------------------------------------------                           

  Other investments:
       Federal Home Loan Bank     
        stock                              1,341,400            -           -    1,341,400
       Other securities                       56,996            -           -       56,996
                                     --------------------------------------------------------                           
  Total other investments                  1,398,396            -           -    1,398,396
                                     --------------------------------------------------------                           
  Total securities                   $    20,362,790 $      8,998 $ 1,113,065 $ 21,466,857
                                     ========================================================
</TABLE> 

                                       32
<PAGE>
 
                ==============================================
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 3.       SECURITIES (continued):

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                         DECEMBER 31, 1993
                                     --------------------------------------------------------                           
                                                         GROSS        GROSS
                                              FAIR      UNREALIZED  UNREALIZED   AMORTIZED
                                             VALUE         GAIN        LOSS         COST
                                     --------------------------------------------------------                           
<S>                                  <C>             <C>          <C>         <C> 
  Held to maturity:
      Bonds and notes -
        Municipal bonds               $      497,221 $          - $         - $    497,221
                                     --------------------------------------------------------                           
  Total held to maturity                     497,221            -           -      497,221
                                     --------------------------------------------------------                           
  Available for sale:
      Bonds and notes -
        U. S. Treasury Notes               7,234,374       77,997           -    7,156,377
        U. S. Government, including     
         agencies                            259,468            -       3,687      263,155
        Other bonds and debentures         6,333,221       74,367      39,460    6,298,314
                                     --------------------------------------------------------                           
                                          13,827,063      152,364      43,147   13,717,846
      Equity securities                    2,399,750       53,120      66,480    2,413,110
                                     --------------------------------------------------------                           
  Total available for sale                16,226,813      205,484     109,627   16,130,956
                                     --------------------------------------------------------                           
  Other investments:
       Federal Home Loan Bank    
        stock                              1,216,500            -           -    1,216,500
       Other securities                       56,996            -           -       56,996
                                     --------------------------------------------------------                           
  Total other investments                  1,273,496            -           -    1,273,496
                                     --------------------------------------------------------                           
  Total securities                   $    17,997,530 $    205,484 $   109,627 $ 17,901,673
                                     ========================================================                           
</TABLE> 

Gross gains of $3,425, $3,536, and $320,714, and gross losses of $7,382, $1,776,
and $10,439 were realized during 1995, 1994, and 1993, respectively, on debt
securities.

Included in other assets is approximately $1,220,000 of a receivable from the
disposition of available for sale securities as of December 31, 1995.

Maturities of debt securities are as follows as of December 31, 1995:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>                                                
                                                                                  WEIGHTED
                                                        AMORTIZED      FAIR       AVERAGE
  AVAILABLE FOR SALE: bonds and notes -                    COST        VALUE       YIELD
                                                   ------------------------------------------
  <S>                                               <C>           <C>          <C> 
        U. S. Treasury Notes                            1,992,034    1,996,249     5.85%
        U. S. Government, including agencies            1,627,068    1,633,866     6.56%
        Other bonds and debentures                      3,666,928    3,662,598     6.40%
                                                   ----------------------------
  Total due in one year or less                         7,286,030    7,292,713     6.29%
                                                   ----------------------------
        U. S. Treasury Notes                           10,002,761   10,143,280     5.79%
        U. S. Government, including agencies              563,853      581,358     6.48%
        Other bonds and debentures                      5,277,884    5,346,362     6.39%
                                                   ----------------------------
  Total due after one year through five years          15,844,498   16,071,000     6.01%
                                                   ----------------------------
        U. S. Government, including agencies              500,000      508,906     6.80%
        Other bonds and debentures                        251,961      253,516     7.46%
                                                   ----------------------------
  Total due after five years through ten years            751,961      762,422     7.02%
                                                   ----------------------------
        Other bonds and debentures                         90,000       90,000     5.84%
                                                   ----------------------------
  Total due after ten years                                90,000       90,000     5.84%
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                    $  23,972,489 $ 24,216,135     6.30%
                                                   ============================
</TABLE> 

A security which has a call date earlier than the maturity date is considered to
mature at the call date.

HELD TO MATURITY: Included in the caption bonds and notes are two municipal
bonds classified as held to maturity. The securities are New Hampshire Higher
Educational and Health Facilities bonds purchased by the Bank with coupon rates
and maturity dates of 7.35%, 12/16/2003 and 6.48%, 6/1/2000. There is no
established trading market for these securities and accordingly, the carrying
amount of these securities has also been reflected as their fair value. The Bank
anticipates no losses on these securities and expects to hold them until their
maturity.

                                       33
<PAGE>
 
                ==============================================
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 4.       LOANS RECEIVABLE:

Loans receivable consisted of the following as of December 31:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                     1995        1994         1993           1992        1991     
                               -------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>          
 Real estate loans -                                                                              
      Conventional             $175,130,966 $161,091,563 $139,580,597 $  135,252,277 $133,549,080 
      Construction                2,456,763    7,793,601    4,301,243      3,478,459    3,388,459 
                               ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                177,587,729  168,885,164  143,881,840    138,730,736  136,937,539 
      Less - Unadvanced    
       portion                    1,434,258    2,841,500    1,222,932        955,860      924,241    
                               -------------------------------------------------------------------  
                                176,153,471  166,043,664  142,658,908    137,774,876  136,013,298 
 Collateral loans                19,524,706   18,776,523   19,584,411     19,768,631   21,172,074 
 Consumer loans                   5,025,818    5,264,449    5,158,271      5,796,200    6,035,546 
 Commercial and municipal     
  loans                           9,301,028    8,066,390    8,049,016      7,132,313    2,565,744    
 Other loans                        671,302      625,006      977,633        673,793      579,498 
                               -------------------------------------------------------------------  
      Total loans               210,676,325  198,776,032  176,428,239    171,145,813  166,366,160 
 Less    - Reserve for loan 
            losses                1,828,060    2,752,885    2,374,001      2,094,931    2,289,523    
         - Deferred loan      
            origination fees        382,042      520,438      719,200        694,983      642,917  
         - Non-earning assets       297,172    1,692,608      501,408      1,388,864    1,380,392 
                               -------------------------------------------------------------------  
 Net loans                     $208,169,051 $193,810,101 $172,833,630 $  166,967,035 $162,053,328 
                               ===================================================================
</TABLE> 

         When, in the opinion of management, a loan becomes delinquent and/or
uncollectible, it is reclassified as a non-earning asset on which interest is
not accrued. These loans are categorized as possible foreclosures. In addition
to non-earning assets, $1,144,293 and $23,825 of delinquent loans were
classified as non-accrual loans as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

The following is a summary of activity in the reserve for loan loss account for
the years ended December 31:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                         1995        1994       1993        1992         1991
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>         <C> 
BALANCE, beginning of          
 year                            $  2,752,885 $ 2,374,001 $2,094,931 $ 2,289,523 $  2,000,000 
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------
Loans charged-off:
Real estate loans -
     Conventional                     141,541     252,258    723,131     475,096      387,592
     Construction                   1,014,670       2,871    333,581   1,666,932      124,042
Collateral and consumer      
 loans                                 25,568         612      5,289       5,869       15,644 
Commercial and municipal      
 loans                                913,441     140,375     57,719     291,695       88,199 
                                --------------------------------------------------------------- 
     Total charged-off loans        2,095,220     396,116  1,119,720   2,439,592      615,477
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------  
Recoveries on loans:
Real estate loans -
     Conventional                       3,300      11,666     24,532      63,045       10,338
Collateral and consumer   
 loans                                  2,099       1,779      1,584         969            - 
Commercial and municipal     
 loans                                  1,286           -          -      15,551            - 
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------  
     Total recoveries                   6,685      13,445     26,116      79,565       10,338
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------  
     Net charged-off loans:         2,088,535     382,671  1,093,604   2,360,027      605,139
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------    
Provision for loan losses
 charged to income:                 1,163,710     761,555  1,372,674   2,165,435      894,662
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------     
BALANCE, end of year             $  1,828,060 $ 2,752,885 $2,374,001 $ 2,094,931 $  2,289,523
                                ===============================================================
Ratios of net charged-off
 loans during the period 
 to average loans outstanding 
 during the period                      1.02%        .20%       .64%       1.41%         .36%
                                ===============================================================
</TABLE> 

                                       34
<PAGE>
 
                ==============================================
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 4.       LOANS RECEIVABLE (continued):

         Non-earning assets as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 were $297,172 and
$1,692,608, respectively. The Company's interest income for the years 1995 and
1994 could have increased by $55,864 and $131,903, respectively, if all
non-earning assets held during the respective periods had continued earning
interest at the interest rates in effect prior to the change in accrual status.
The amount of interest income on non-earning assets as of December 31, 1995 and
1994 that was included in net income was $13,553 in 1995 and $18,613 in 1994.

         The company had no extensions of credit to related parties in excess of
5% of shareholders' equity at any time during the year ended December 31, 1995
and 1994.

         The Company had troubled debt restructured of $445,417 as of December
31, 1995. Since all restructured loans had an interest rate at or above
prevailing market rates during the twelve months ended December 31, 1995, these
loans had no adverse impact on earnings for the years ended December 31, 1995 or
1994.

         During 1995 and 1994, LSB sold properties out of real estate owned.
According to FAS No. 66, "Accounting for Sales of Real Estate," a minimum down
payment must be made by the buyer in order for a sale and a new loan to be
recorded. Until the down payment requirement is met, the loan remains classified
as real estate owned and interest income is not recorded. The effect of FAS No.
66 would be to reclassify $370,672 and $550,500 from loans to real estate owned
and reduce interest income by $23,063 and $30,500 for the years ended December
31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

         Effective January 1, 1995, the Company adopted SFAS No. 114,
"Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan". The FAS as amended SFAS No.
118 requires that impaired loans be measured based on the present value of
expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or,
as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair
value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. The adoption of
the new accounting standard did not have a material effect on the Company's
financial position or results of operation.

         Interest income on impaired loans is recognized on an accrual basis
when the impaired loan is less than 90 days past due and has not been
reclassified to non-accrual status. Interest income on impaired loans over 90
days past due, and on loans placed on non-accrual status, is recognized using a
cash basis accounting method. Cash receipts on impaired loans are recorded as
both interest income and a reduction in the impaired loan balance consistent
with the terms of the underlying contractual agreements.

         The balance of impaired loans is determined by aggregating the fair
value or present value of expected cash flows on individual loans identified as
impaired. Homogeneous groups of loans such as consumer installment loans and
residential mortgage loans are not considered impaired.

         A loan becomes impaired when it appears probable the Company will be
unable to collect all amounts due, including principal and interest, under the
contractual terms of the loan agreement. A loan is placed on non-accrual status
when it appears likely interest income will not be received. Non-accrual loans
are reviewed for possible impairment.

         Impaired loans are written-down or charged-off when it has been
determined the asset has such little value that it no longer warrants remaining
on the books. The decision to charge-off is made on a case-by-case basis.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

IMPAIRED LOANS AS OF DECEMBER 31,                                                  1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                          <C> 
Average recorded investment in impaired loans                                $     934,829
Recorded investment in impaired loans at December 31                         $   1,452,049
Portion of valuation allowance allocated to impaired loans                   $     654,663
Net balance of impaired loans                                                $     797,386
Interest income recognized on impaired loans                                 $     102,449
Interest income on impaired loans on cash basis                              $      97,401
</TABLE> 

There are no impaired loans which do not have a valuation allowance assigned to
them.

                                       35
<PAGE>
 
                ==============================================
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 4.       LOANS RECEIVABLE (continued) :

         In addition to total loans previously shown, the Company services loans
for other financial institutions. Participation loans are loans originated by
the Company for a group of banks. Sold loans are loans originated by the Company
and sold to the secondary market. The Company services these loans and remits
the payments received to the buyer. The Company specifically originates
long-term, fixed-rate loans to sell.

The amount of loans sold and participated out which are serviced by the Company
are as follows as of December 31:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                             1995         1994
                                                                  -----------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>             <C> 
Sold loans                                                        $    43,433,158 $ 27,180,332
                                                                  =============================
Participation loans                                               $     2,763,715 $  2,251,414
                                                                  =============================
</TABLE> 
         The Company has issued letters of credit and has approved line of
credit loans to specific individuals and companies.

The unused portions as of December 31, are as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                            1995          1994
                                                                  -----------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>             <C> 
Letters of credit                                                 $      448,150  $    562,314
                                                                  =============================
Lines of credit                                                   $   11,139,725  $ 12,311,669
                                                                  =============================
</TABLE> 

NOTE 5.       BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT:

Bank premises and equipment are shown on the consolidated statements of
financial condition at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, as follows as of
December 31:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                              1995        1994
                                                                   ----------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>             <C> 
Land                                                               $       899,722 $   894,613
Buildings and premises                                                   5,641,700   5,355,837
Furniture, fixtures and equipment                                        3,464,598   3,322,334
                                                                   ----------------------------
                                                                        10,006,020   9,572,784

Less - Accumulated depreciation                                          4,050,626   3,628,435
                                                                   ----------------------------
                                                                   $     5,955,394 $ 5,944,349
                                                                   ============================
</TABLE> 

The ranges of estimated useful lives used for depreciation purposes are:

                                                         Years
                                                      ------------
Buildings and premises                                   5 - 40
Furniture, fixtures and equipment                        3 - 33

         Depreciation expense was $435,467, $421,374, and $443,162 for the years
ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

                                       36
<PAGE>
 
                ==============================================
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 6.       REAL ESTATE OWNED AND PROPERTY ACQUIRED:

As of December 31, 1995 and 1994, the Bank owned property acquired by
foreclosure. The balances consisted of the following:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                            1995          1994
                                                                   ----------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C> 
Residential real estate                                             $     34,970    $   97,970
Commercial real estate                                                   949,215     1,406,910
                                                                    ===========================
                                                                    $    984,185    $1,504,880
                                                                    ===========================
</TABLE> 

         As of December 31, 1995 and 1994, real estate owned includes $831,215
and $1,406,910, respectively, for two real estate development projects. The
properties have been developed and are ready for individual lots to be sold.
Four lots were sold during 1995.

         It is the policy of the Bank and/or its subsidiaries, upon the
acquisition of real estate by foreclosure, to evaluate the condition of the
property, make any appropriate or necessary structural and/or cosmetic
improvements and place the property as an open listing with all area real estate
agents. Bank employees are also encouraged to participate in the selling of
these properties.

         For 1995, 1994 and 1993, $112,544, $17,629 and $4,662, respectively, of
net cost of other real estate is included in net income.

NOTE 7.       DEPOSITS:

Deposits consisted of the following as of December 31:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                 1995                    1994
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>               <C>     <C>             <C> 
Checking accounts (non-interest-bearing)            $     10,934,512   5.5%   $   11,194,290   5.8%    
NOW accounts                                              26,014,007  13.0%       24,390,457  12.5%
Ever-Ready Money Market                                   13,971,617   7.0%       19,684,667  10.1%
Regular savings accounts                                  11,363,366   5.7%       15,668,317   8.1%
Treasury savings accounts                                 44,388,408  22.2%       45,344,151  23.3%
Club deposits                                                 87,779      -           86,048      -
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
                                                         106,759,689  53.4%      116,367,930  59.8%
                                                    -------------------------------------------------

Time deposits -

 2.00% - 2.99%                                               251,318    .1%          352,143    .2%
 3.00% - 3.99%                                                     -      -        4,374,368   2.2%
 4.00% - 4.99%                                             6,140,501   3.1%       20,925,037  10.8%
 5.00% - 5.99%                                            41,959,447  21.0%       32,719,302  16.8%
 6.00% - 6.99%                                            31,152,885  15.6%       10,425,862   5.4%
 7.00% - 7.99%                                            10,889,340   5.4%        6,243,723   3.2%
 8.00% - 8.99%                                             2,817,741   1.4%        3,124,701   1.6%
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
                                                          93,211,232  46.6%       78,165,136  40.2%
                                                    =================================================
                                                    $    199,970,921 100.0%   $  194,533,066 100.0%  
                                                    =================================================
</TABLE> 

                                       37
<PAGE>
 
                ==============================================
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 7.       DEPOSITS (continued):

The following is a summary of maturities of time deposits as of December 31,
1995:

1996                                                         $    61,528,121
1997                                                               9,261,760
1998                                                              11,042,716
Thereafter                                                        11,378,635
                                                             ---------------
                                                             $    93,211,232
                                                             ===============

As of December 31, 1995, time deposits include $11,924,585 of certificates of
deposit with a minimum balance of $100,000. Maturities of these certificates are
as follows:

Less than 3 months                                           $     3,656,593
Over 3 months and less than 6 months                               2,569,525
Over 6 months and less than 12 months                              3,631,156
Over 12 months                                                     2,067,311
                                                             ---------------
                                                             $    11,924,585
                                                             ===============

         REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS - As of December 31, 1995, sixteen repurchase
agreements were outstanding. The repurchase agreements are secured by U.S.
Treasury Notes with a fair value of $12,139,529 held by a third party in
safekeeping. The maturity dates of the repurchase agreements are from January
27, 1996 to December 29, 1996 on the anniversary date of the repurchase
agreement.

NOTE 8.       ADVANCES FROM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK:

Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank consisted of loans, at various interest
rates ranging from 4.33% to 7.37%, maturing as follows:

                                                            1995          1994
                                                    --------------------------
1995 (4.33% - 6.39%)                                $          -  $  7,242,001 
1996 (4.87% - 6.78%)                                   6,762,143     5,254,411
1997 (4.87% - 7.32%)                                   7,927,707       268,064
1998 (4.87% - 7.37%)                                   7,166,033     2,166,033
1999 and after (5.74% - 5.80%)                         5,080,285       280,285
                                                    --------------------------
                                                    $ 26,936,168  $ 15,210,794
                                                    ==========================
            
         These advances are secured by Federal Home Loan Bank stock (Note 3) and
unspecified first mortgage loans. The Bank is able to borrow up to an additional
$51,000,000 of Federal Home Loan Bank advances.

         In addition to the above advances, the Bank has credit available up to
$4,672,000 under a revolving loan agreement with the Federal Home Loan Bank. No
amounts were borrowed against the line of credit as of December 31, 1995 and
1994. Interest is payable monthly as funds are borrowed.

                                       38
<PAGE>
 
                ==============================================
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 9.        INCOME TAXES:

         The holding company, LSB and its wholly-owned subsidiaries file a
consolidated federal income tax return. Applicable income taxes amounted to
$604,000 in 1995, $723,000 in 1994 and $736,000 in 1993. These amounts differ
from the amounts computed by applying the statutory tax rates to income before
provision for income taxes.

The reasons for these differences are as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>                                                      1995        1994        1993
                                                      ----------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>         <C> 
Tax on income at statutory tax rates                  $     628,600  $  783,785  $  773,833
Tax effect of dividends received deduction                  (35,714)    (39,270)    (20,959)
Tax effect of tax exempt interest, net                      (19,289)    (22,246)    (35,539)
Tax effect of unallowable amortization                            -       3,292       7,903
Other, net                                                   30,403      (2,561)     10,762
                                                      ----------------------------------------
     Tax at effective rate                            $     604,000  $  723,000  $  736,000
                                                      ========================================
<CAPTION> 

Income tax expense is made up of the following components:

                                                               1995        1994        1993
                                                      ----------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>         <C> 
Current tax expense                                   $     279,091  $  648,000  $  671,609
Deferred tax  expense                                       324,909      75,000      64,391
                                                      ----------------------------------------
                                                      $     604,000  $  723,000  $  736,000
                                                      ========================================
</TABLE> 

Deferred taxes result from temporary differences in the recognition of revenue
and expense for tax and financial statement purposes. The source of these
differences were as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                            1995        1994
                                                                  ---------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>             <C> 
Difference between book and tax depreciation                      $       11,533  $   23,391
Deferred loan origination fees included in taxable income                 47,055      67,579
Bad debts deducted for taxable income not for book income                174,852      39,711
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale                  426,400    (375,400)
Other, net                                                                91,469     (55,681)
                                                                  ---------------------------
                                                                  $      751,309  $ (300,400)
                                                                  ===========================
<CAPTION> 

The components of the deferred taxes on the consolidated balance sheet are as
follows as of December 31:

                                                                           1995        1994
                                                                  ---------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>            <C> 
Deferred tax liability                                            $     728,422  $  398,021
Deferred tax asset                                                     (131,422)   (552,330)
                                                                  ---------------------------
                                                                  $     597,000  $ (154,309)
                                                                  ===========================
</TABLE> 

                                       39
<PAGE>
 
              ==================================================
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 10.       STOCK OPTIONS:

                 Prior to the conversion discussed in Note 14, LSB's Board of
Directors adopted an Incentive Stock Option Plan (the 1986 plan). This plan was
approved by the shareholders. Under the terms of the 1986 plan, options were
granted for 106,753 shares to a group of eligible employees. All options were
granted at $11.50 per share, the initial offering price of LSB's common stock.
The number of stock options was adjusted to 213,506 shares to reflect the 2 for
1 stock split in the form of a dividend paid on June 19, 1987. On August 12,
1994, NHTB initiated a stock option redemption program whereby holders of 1986
plan options could elect to relinquish one-sixth of outstanding options. On
January 3, 1995, 30,000 options were granted from previously forfeited shares of
the 1986 plan at an exercise price of $9.00 per share, the fair market value on
that date. As of December 31, 1995, 57,880 of previously forfeited shares
remained available for grant and options to purchase 30,000 shares were
available for exercise.

                 At the Annual Meeting on April 15, 1987, the shareholders
approved the adoption of the "1987 Stock Option Plan" (the 1987 plan). On
November 12, 1987, 106,753 options were authorized to be granted. At that time,
options for 69,897 shares were granted with an exercise price of $7.50, the fair
market value on that date. As of December 31, 1995, 27,666 of previously
forfeited shares remained available for grant and options to purchase 32,590
shares were available for exercise. On January 2, 1996, 49,900 options were
granted and made available from previously ungranted and forfeited shares of the
1987 plan at an exercise price of $10.125 per share, the fair market value on
that date.

The following is a summary of options outstanding as of December 31, 1995:

                                              OPTION       OPTIONS
                                              PRICE     OUTSTANDING
                                         ----------------------------
1986 Stock Option Plan                    $      5.75             -
1986 Stock Option Plan                    $      9.00        30,000
1987 Stock Option Plan                    $      7.50        32,590
1987 Stock Option Plan                    $     10.125       49,900
                                                      --------------- 
                                                            112,490
                                                      ===============

NOTE 11.       EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:

         DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLAN - NHTB and its subsidiaries have a defined
benefit pension plan covering substantially all full-time employees who have
attained age 21 and have completed one year of service. Annual contributions to
the plan are based on actuarial estimates.

Net pension cost for the Bank's defined benefit pension plan consisted of the
following components as of December 31:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                             1995          1994          1993
                                                  ---------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>               <C>           <C> 
Service cost                                      $        88,168   $    77,370   $    74,726
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation             104,325       100,515        87,680
Actual return on plan assets                             (143,671)       55,611       (74,471)
Net amortization and deferral                              85,790      (125,230)       12,001
                                                  ---------------------------------------------
                                                  $       134,612   $   108,266   $    99,936
                                                  =============================================
</TABLE> 

                                       40
<PAGE>
 
                ==============================================
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 11.       EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (continued):

The following table sets forth the plan's funded status and amounts recognized
in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                          1995           1994
                                                                ------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>            <C>  
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:

     Vested benefit obligation                                  $   1,250,767  $    1,165,997
                                                                ==============================
     Accumulated benefit obligation                             $   1,273,735  $    1,240,939
                                                                ==============================
     Projected benefit obligation                               $   1,477,750  $    1,402,188
     Plan assets at fair value                                      1,395,207       1,191,905
                                                                ------------------------------
     Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets            (82,543)       (210,283)
     Unrecognized net loss                                            374,051         460,904
     Unrecognized prior service cost                                  (35,351)        (38,044)
                                                                ------------------------------
     Amount included in other assets                            $     256,157  $      212,577
                                                                =============================
</TABLE> 

Assumptions used by the Bank in the determination of pension plan information
consisted of the following as of December 31:

                                                        1995       1994
                                                     -------------------
Discount rate                                          7.00%      7.00%
Rate of increase in compensation levels                3.00%      3.00%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets       7.00%      7.00%

         PROFIT SHARING - STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN - Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb, adopted
a Profit Sharing - Stock Ownership Plan which became effective January 1, 1987.
The purpose of the Plan is to reward eligible employees for long and loyal
service by providing them with retirement benefits. The Plan is a qualified
defined contribution plan designed to meet the requirements of ERISA and to
conform to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. All employees of Lake
Sunapee Bank, fsb, and its subsidiaries who have attained age 21 and have
completed one year of service are eligible to participate in the Plan.
Participation is not required. Eligible employees electing to participate may
contribute between 2% and 15% of their salary to the Plan up to $9,240 for 1995.
Participants will not be subject to federal income taxation on such
contributions which constitute salary reductions at the time such contributions
are made. Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb may elect, but is not required, to make
discretionary and/or matching contributions to the Plan.

         Discretionary and matching contributions to the Plan will be invested
primarily in company stock. Benefits under the Profit Sharing - Stock Ownership
Plan will be payable upon retirement, death or other separation from service.

         The assets of the Profit Sharing - Stock Ownership Plan are held
pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement with Charter Trust Company as
Agent. The assets are invested as directed by participating employees and the
Bank.

         For 1995, 1994 and 1993, participating employees' contributions totaled
$96,452, $88,682 and $84,305, respectively. The Bank made a matching
contribution of $9,500 for 1995. No matching contributions were made for 1994
and 1993. A participant's retirement benefit will depend on the amount of the
contributions to the Plan together with the gains or losses on the investments.

                                       41
<PAGE>
 
                ==============================================
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 12.      COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

         In the normal course of business, the Bank has outstanding various
commitments and contingent liabilities, such as legal claims, which are not
reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Management does not
anticipate any material loss as a result of these transactions. As of December
31, 1995, the Bank had entered into commitments to fund loans totaling
$4,409,993. The majority of these loans will have adjustable rates.

The following is a schedule, by interest rate, of loan commitments outstanding
as of December 31:

                                            1995          1994
                                  -----------------------------
 5.00%  -  5.99%                  $            -  $    279,000          
 6.00%  -  6.99%                         594,250     1,064,350
 7.00%  -  7.99%                       3,070,875     1,705,650
 8.00%  -  8.99%                         445,118       203,682
 9.00%  -  9.99%                         264,750       360,000
10.00% -  10.99%                          35,000             -
                                  -----------------------------
                                  $    4,409,993  $  3,612,682
                                  =============================


         There are two employment agreements in effect for executive officers.

NOTE 13.      INTEREST ON DEPOSITS:

The Bank records interest on depositors' accounts monthly. Interest is added to
the account balance. The following is a schedule of interest expense by deposit
account type for the year ended December 31:

                                         1995          1994          1993
                                 ----------------------------------------
NOW accounts                     $    126,403  $    141,120  $    280,543
Ever-Ready Money Market               551,302       844,831     1,144,493
Savings and Clubs                   2,354,563     2,116,729     1,634,513
Time deposits                       5,064,583     3,351,919     3,525,706
                                 ----------------------------------------
                                 $  8,096,851  $  6,454,599  $  6,585,255
                                 ========================================

NOTE 14.      SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:

         LIQUIDATION ACCOUNT - On May 22, 1986, Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb received
approval from the Federal Home Loan Bank Board and converted from a
federally-chartered mutual savings bank to a federally-chartered stock savings
bank. At the time of conversion, the Bank established a liquidation account in
an amount of $4,292,510 (equal to the Bank's net worth as of the date of the
latest financial statement included in the final offering circular used in
connection with the conversion). The liquidation account will be maintained for
the benefit of eligible account holders who maintain their deposit accounts in
the Bank after conversion. In the event of a complete liquidation of the Bank
subsequent to conversion (and only in such event), each eligible account holder
will be entitled to receive a liquidation distribution from the liquidation
account before any liquidation distribution may be made with respect to capital
stock. The amount of the liquidation account is reduced to the extent that the
balances of eligible deposit accounts are reduced on any year-end closing date
subsequent to the conversion.

                                       42
<PAGE>
 
                ==============================================
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 14.      SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (continued):

         DIVIDENDS - The Bank may not declare or pay a cash dividend on or
purchase any of its stock if the effect would be to reduce the net worth of the
Bank below either the amount of the liquidation account or the net worth
requirements of the banking regulators. The Board of Directors, at their January
1996 meeting, declared a cash dividend of $.125 per share payable January 29,
1996.

         Since the formation of the holding company in 1989, the Bank has paid
dividends to the holding company totaling $7,170,500. The dividends paid to the
holding company have been used to pay cash dividends to shareholders and to
repurchase NHTB stock to hold as treasury stock. The unexpended balance of the
dividends has been advanced to LSB.

         TREASURY STOCK - On April 3, 1990, NHTB announced a Stock Repurchase
Program to buy back, on the open market, up to a total of 5% of its outstanding
common stock or 107,364 shares. On July 11, 1990, NHTB completed its Stock
Repurchase Program whereby 107,364 shares were repurchased at an average price
of $4.37 per share. On August 9, 1990, NHTB announced a second buy back program
to buy back, on the open market, up to 10% or 203,992 shares of its total
outstanding common stock. On June 11, 1991, a third buy back program was
announced to cover an additional 10% of the then outstanding stock or 183,592
shares. On July 15, 1993, NHTB announced another buy back program whereby the
Company intends to repurchase, on the open market, 10% of its currently
outstanding common stock. As of December 31, 1995, NHTB had repurchased a total
of 539,148 shares at an average price of $4.98 for all programs while 121,033
shares remained to be purchased from the 1993 buy back program.

         Treasury stock is recorded at cost, as purchased. Treasury stock sold
is accounted for on a first-in, first-out basis.

         SPECIAL BAD DEBTS DEDUCTION - The Bank has been allowed a special bad
debts deduction for tax purposes limited generally to 8% of otherwise taxable
income and subject to certain limitations based on aggregate loans and savings
account balances at the end of the year. If the amounts that qualify as
deductions for federal income tax purposes are later used for purposes other
than for bad debt losses, the portion that was deducted for tax purposes after
1987 will be subject to federal income tax at the then current rate. Retained
earnings as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 include approximately $2,044,958
for which federal income tax has not been provided, almost all of which is from
years prior to 1988.

         REGULATORY CAPITAL - As part of the Financial Institutions' Reform,
Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA), banks are required to maintain
total risk-based capital of 8.00% of total risk-adjusted assets effective as of
December 31, 1992. As of December 31, 1995, the Bank's total risk-based capital
was 11.88%, well above the requirement of 8.00%.

                                       43
<PAGE>
 
                ==============================================
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 14.      SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (continued):

The following is a reconciliation of shareholders' equity and net income as
reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and as reflected
in reports filed with the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS):

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                              SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                    NET INCOME (LOSS)
                                       1995        1994        1995         1994       1993
                             -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>            <C>         <C>         <C>          <C> 
Balance reported to OTS      $   18,456,000 $17,372,000 $ 1,258,000 $  1,605,000 $1,578,000

Parent company -
     Net loss                       (12,830)    (20,960)    (12,830)     (20,960)   (54,207)
                                                                               -          -
     Dividends from LSB to
      NHTB                        1,000,000     500,000           -            -          -
     Stock options   
      exercised                     570,825     367,350           -            -          -
     Cash dividends paid to  
       shareholders of NHTB        (839,413)   (830,303)          -            -          -
     Retained earnings            3,199,564   3,550,827           -            -          -
     Treasury stock     
      purchased                  (2,830,048) (2,686,033)          -            -          -
     Other, net                         (93)         (7)       (347)      (1,790)     1,187
                             -----------------------------------------------------------------
Balance per consolidated
     financial statements    $   19,544,005 $18,252,874 $ 1,244,823 $  1,582,250 $1,524,980
                             =================================================================
</TABLE> 

AUTHORIZED SHARES OF STOCK - The authorized, issued and outstanding stock was as
follows as of December 31:

                                                   1995       1994
                                              ---------------------
Preferred stock -
     Authorized shares                        2,500,000  2,500,000
     Issued shares                                    -          -
     Outstanding shares                               -          -
Common stock -
     Authorized shares                        5,000,000  5,000,000
     Issued shares                            2,147,282  2,147,282
     Outstanding shares                       1,689,503  1,670,986

                                       44
<PAGE>
 
                ==============================================
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 15.      FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

         The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments were
as follows as of December 31:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                              1995                               1994             
                                       CARRYING         FAIR              CARRYING         FAIR   
                                        AMOUNT          VALUE              AMOUNT         VALUE   
                                    --------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>          <C>                  <C>            <C>          
Financial assets:                                                                                 
     Cash and cash equivalents      $ 10,993,297 $   10,993,297       $    8,253,588 $   8,253,588
     Securities available for                                                                     
      sale                            25,569,664     25,718,260           19,622,629    18,518,562
                                                                                                  
     Securities held to maturity         393,054        393,054              445,832       445,832
     Other investments                 2,303,285      2,303,285            1,398,396     1,398,396
     Loans                           210,676,324    211,342,000          198,776,032   196,857,000
     Impaired loans                    1,452,049        797,386                    -             -
     Accrued interest receivable       1,433,882      1,433,882            1,058,442     1,058,442
                                                                                                  
Financial liabilities:                                                                            
     Regular savings, NOW, demand                                                                 
      and money market deposits      106,759,689    106,759,689          116,367,930   116,367,930
     Time deposits                    93,211,231     93,677,261           78,165,136    77,273,920
     Repurchase agreements             9,552,825      9,552,825            3,597,907     3,597,907
     Advances from Federal                                                                        
      Home Loan Bank                  26,936,168     27,016,696           15,210,794    15,069,177
</TABLE> 

                                       45
<PAGE>
 
                ==============================================
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 16.      HOLDING COMPANY OPERATIONS:

The following are condensed statements of financial condition, income, retained
earnings and cash flows for NHTB for the years ended December 31:

                  CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

                                                  1995           1994
                                        -----------------------------
ASSETS
     Investment in subsidiary           $   18,358,314 $   18,100,661
     Advances to affiliates (LSB)            1,088,097        880,880
                                        -----------------------------
       Total assets                     $   19,446,411 $   18,981,541
                                        =============================

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

     Common stock                       $       21,473 $       21,473
     Paid-in capital                        13,160,382     13,103,404
     Retained earnings                       8,673,504      8,268,094
     Treasury stock                         (2,408,948)    (2,411,430)
                                        -----------------------------
                                        $   19,446,411 $   18,981,541
                                        =============================


             CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
 
                                                            1995         1994        1993
                                                    --------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>          <C> 
Operating expenses                                  $     12,830  $    20,960  $   54,207
                                                    --------------------------------------
Loss before equity in earnings of subsidiary             (12,830)     (20,960)    (54,207)
Equity in earnings of subsidiary                       1,257,653    1,603,210   1,579,187
                                                    --------------------------------------

Net income                                          $  1,244,823 $  1,582,250  $1,524,980
                                                    ======================================


Retained earnings, beginning of year                $  8,268,094 $  7,516,147 $ 6,621,200
Net income                                             1,244,823    1,582,250   1,524,980
Dividends paid                                          (839,413)    (830,303)   (630,033)
                                                    --------------------------------------
Retained earnings, end of year                      $  8,673,504 $  8,268,094 $ 7,516,147
                                                    ======================================
</TABLE> 

                                       46
<PAGE>
 
                ==============================================
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 16.      HOLDING COMPANY OPERATIONS (continued):

                                 CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                          1995          1994          1993  
                                                  ----------------------------------------  
<S>                                               <C>          <C>           <C>  
Cash flows from operating activities:                                                       
     Net income                                   $  1,244,823 $   1,582,250 $   1,524,980  
     Adjustments to reconcile net income                                                    
      to net cash provided by operating                                                     
      activities -                                                                          
     Equity in earnings of subsidiary (LSB)         (1,257,653)   (1,603,210)   (1,579,187) 
     Amortization                                            -        13,752        33,005  
     Increase (decrease) in dividends payable                -             -      (121,268) 
                                                  ----------------------------------------  
         Net cash provided by (used in)                                                     
          operating activities                         (12,830)       (7,208)     (142,470) 
                                                  ----------------------------------------  
Cash flows from investing activities:                                                       
     Dividends received from subsidiary (LSB)        1,000,000       500,000       500,000  
     Advances from subsidiary                         (207,217)      399,029       922,285  
                                                  ----------------------------------------                             
         Net cash provided by investing                                                     
          activities                                   792,783       899,029     1,422,285  
                                                  ----------------------------------------                             
Cash flows from financing activities:                                                       
     Proceeds from stock options exercised             203,475       132,420       234,930  
     Dividends paid                                   (839,413)     (830,303)     (630,033) 
     Acquisition of treasury stock                    (144,015)     (193,938)     (884,712) 
                                                  ----------------------------------------                             
         Net cash used in financing activities        (779,953)     (891,821)   (1,279,815) 
                                                  ----------------------------------------                             
Net increase in cash                                         -             -             -  
                                                                                            
Cash, beginning of year                                      -             -             -  
                                                  ----------------------------------------                             
                                                                                            
Cash, end of year                                 $          - $              $          -  
                                                  ========================================                             
</TABLE> 

NOTE 17.      SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:

         Statement of Financial Accounting Standards number 121, 122, and 123,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to
be Disposed of, Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights and Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation," respectively, will be adopted. FAS 121 and 122 will
be adopted with financial statements beginning January 1, 1996. FAS 123 will be
adopted for transactions entered into after December 15, 1995. There were no
such transactions in 1995. Management believes the adoption of these standards
will not have a material impact on the financial statements. Management has
decided to continue to apply APB 25 for its accounting of stock-based employee
compensation arrangements and thereby only make disclosure of such arrangements.

         As of December 31, 1995, there is Federal legislation pending which, if
enacted, will impact Bank operations in 1996. One of the pending items is a
one-time deposit insurance assessment. If the legislation is passed as written,
the Bank will record a charge in the range of $800,000 to $1,100,000 after
income tax effect. The other pending item is a charge for taxes not previously
assessed. The affect of this other legislation has been accounted for in
deferred taxes.

                                       47
<PAGE>
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                        
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                  FORM 10-KSB
                                       
                 Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
                    of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
                          SEC Commission Number 17859
                          For the fiscal year ended:
                               DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                       

                     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


DELAWARE                                  02-0430695
(State or other jurisdiction of          (IRS Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

                              THE CARRIAGE HOUSE
                       NEW LONDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE  03257
                            (ADDRESS)     (ZIP CODE)

      Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (603) 526-2116

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

          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
                         COMMON STOCK, $.01 PAR VALUE
                                Title of Class



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                               Yes  X   No _____
                                   ---          

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

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant is between $13,611,298 and $13,489,164 based on a $10.253 average bid
and a $10.161 average asked price, respectively, as of December 31, 1995.

Number of shares of Common Stock Outstanding as of February 12, 1996:  1,689,503

                                       48
<PAGE>
 
                     -------------------------------------
                     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.



                                     INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
PART I
<S>         <C>                                                                                    <C>
Item 1.     Business.............................................................................  49
Item 2.     Properties...........................................................................  55
Item 3.     Legal Proceedings....................................................................  55
Item 4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders..................................  56
 
PART II
Item 5.     Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters.............  56
Item 6.     Selected Financial Data..............................................................  56
Item 7.     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  56
Item 8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Information
            Report of Independent Accountants....................................................  56
            Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.......................................  56
            Consolidated Statements of Income....................................................  56
            Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity...........................  56
            Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows................................................  56
            Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...........................................  56
Item 9.     Disagreements on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.................................  57
 
PART III
Item 10.    Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant...................................  57
Item 11.    Executive Compensation...............................................................  57
Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.......................  57
Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.......................................  57
 
PART IV
Item 14.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
            Financial Statements.................................................................  58
            Supplementary Financial Statements...................................................  58
            Listing of Exhibits..................................................................  58
            Reports on Form 8-K..................................................................  58
            Exhibits.............................................................................  58
            Financial Statement Schedules........................................................  58
            Signatures...........................................................................  58
 
</TABLE>

                                       49
<PAGE>
 
PART I.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

                                      GENERAL

ORGANIZATION

          New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. (NHTB), a Delaware holding
company organized on July 5, 1989, is the parent company of Lake Sunapee Bank,
fsb (LSB), a federally chartered savings bank.  The Bank was originally
chartered by the State of New Hampshire in 1868 as the Newport Savings Bank.
The Bank became a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in
1959 and a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston in 1978.  On December
1, 1980, the Bank was the first bank in the United States to convert from a
state-chartered mutual savings bank to a federally-chartered mutual savings bank
and its deposits became insured by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance
Corporation (FSLIC).  In 1981, the Bank changed its name to "Lake Sunapee
Savings Bank, fsb" and in 1994, refined its name to "Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb."
In 1989, as a result of the Financial Institution Reform, Recovery, and
Enforcement Act (FIRREA), the Bank's deposits were insured by the Savings
Association Insurance Fund (SAIF).  During 1994, the Bank opened two new
branches. A "mini-branch" was opened in Cricenti's Market in Hillsboro and a
branch opened in West Lebanon. The Bank's operations are conducted from its home
office located in Newport, New Hampshire and its branch offices located in
Sunapee, New London, Bradford, Grantham, Guild, Lebanon, West Lebanon,
Hillsboro, and Andover, New Hampshire.  The Bank, with assets of approximately
$258 million as of December 31, 1995, has never been involved in any mergers or
acquisitions.

          Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb is a thrift institution established for the
purposes of providing the public with a convenient and safe place to invest
funds, for the financing of housing, consumer-oriented products and commercial
loans, and for providing a variety of other consumer-oriented financial
services.  The Bank is a full-service community institution promoting the ideals
of thrift, security, home ownership and financial independence for its
customers.

          Through its subsidiary, Lake Sunapee Financial Services Corporation
(LSFSC), the Bank offers brokerage services to its customers.

          The Bank offers trust and investment management services to its
customers through its affiliate, Charter Trust Company, of which the Bank is a
one-sixth owner.  Charter Trust Company was formed in 1984 and services thirteen
community banks.  As of December 31, 1995, Charter Trust Company had
approximately $650 million under investment and custodial management.  The Bank
accounts for its investment in Charter Trust Company at cost.

MARKET AREA

          The Bank's market area consists of west-central New Hampshire in the
counties of Merrimack, Sullivan, Hillsboro, and Grafton.  This area is best
known for its recreational facilities and its resort/retirement environment.
Within the market area are two major ski areas, several lakes, retirement
communities, a four-season recreational development center designed to support
3,500 families, Colby Sawyer, New England, and Dartmouth Colleges and several
industrial manufacturing employers.

          In addition to the year-round regional population, the Upper Valley-
Kearsarge-Lake Sunapee area has a sizable number of seasonal residents.  In
1990, a total of over 3,600 seasonal dwellings were listed by the Census Bureau.
Based on an occupancy rate of five persons per seasonal unit, the regional
seasonal population can be estimated to be over 18,000 persons.

                                      LENDING ACTIVITIES

          The Bank's loan portfolio totaled $210,676,325, including $3,095,971
of loans held for sale at December 31, 1995, representing approximately 82% of
total assets. As of December 31, 1995, approximately 80% of the mortgage loan
portfolio had adjustable rates.  As of December 31, 1995, the Bank had sold
$43,433,158 in fixed rate mortgage loans in an effort to meet customer demands
for fixed rate loans, minimize interest rate risk, and build a servicing
portfolio.

          RESIDENTIAL LOANS.  The Bank's loan origination team solicits
residential mortgage loans in the local real estate marketplace.  Residential
borrowers are frequently referred to the Bank by its existing customers or real
estate agents.  Generally, the Bank makes conventional mortgage loans (loans of
80% of value or less that are neither insured nor partially 

                                       50
<PAGE>
 
guaranteed by government agencies) on one- to four-family owner occupied
dwellings. The Bank also makes residential loans up to 95% of the appraised
value if the top 20% of the loan is covered by private mortgage insurance.
Residential mortgage loans typically have terms up to 30 years and are amortized
on a monthly basis with principal and interest due each month. Currently, the
Bank offers one-year, three-year and five-year adjustable-rate mortgage loans
and long-term fixed rate loans. Borrowers may prepay loans at their option or
refinance their loans on terms agreeable to the Bank. The Bank's management
believes that due to prepayments in connection with refinancings and sales of
property, the average length of the Bank's long-term residential loans is
approximately nine years.

          Since the middle of the 1960's, the terms of conventional residential
mortgage loans granted by the Bank have contained a "due-on-sale" clause which
permits the Bank to accelerate the indebtedness of a loan upon the sale or other
disposition of the mortgaged property.  Due-on-sale clauses are an important
means of increasing the turnover of mortgage loans in the Bank's portfolio.

          CONSUMER LOANS.  The Bank makes various types of secured and unsecured
consumer loans, including home improvement loans.  The Bank offers loans secured
by automobiles, boats and other recreational vehicles.  The Bank believes that
the shorter terms and the normally higher interest rates available on various
types of consumer loans is helpful in maintaining a more profitable spread
between the Bank's average loan yield and its cost of funds.

          COMMERCIAL LOANS.  The Bank's commercial loans are made at rates of
interest indexed to the Bank of Boston Prime Rate and are most commonly adjusted
on a quarterly basis.  While various forms of collateral are acceptable on
commercial loans, a majority of the Bank's commercial loans are secured by real
estate located within its primary lending area in New Hampshire.

          Generally, the interest rates charged to commercial customers by the
Bank are a reflection of both the prevailing market conditions and the
assessment of risk associated with each individual borrower.  Terms of repayment
may vary from loan to loan in relationship to the needs of the borrower.  Since
1991, the Bank has increased its commercial lending division by hiring two
seasoned commercial lenders.  The Bank expects its commercial loan portfolio to
trend toward the regulatory maximum amount of ten per cent of assets or $24
million from its current base of approximately $9 million.

          MUNICIPAL LOANS.  The Bank's activity in the municipal lending market
is limited to those towns and school districts located within our primary
lending area and such loans are extended for the purposes of either tax
anticipation, building improvements or other capital spending requirements.
Municipal lending is considered to be an area of accommodation and part of the
Bank's continuing involvement with the communities it serves.

          HOME EQUITY LOANS.  The Bank provides Home Equity Loans secured by
liens on residential real estate located within the Bank's market area.  These
include loans with regularly scheduled principal and interest payments as well
as revolving credit agreements.  The interest rate on these loans is adjusted
quarterly and tied to the movement of the Prime Rate.

ORIGINATION, PURCHASE AND SALE OF LOANS

          The primary lending activity of the Bank is the origination of
conventional loans (i.e., loans that are neither insured nor guaranteed in whole
or in part by governmental agencies) secured by first mortgage liens on
residential properties, principally single-family residences, substantially all
of which are located in the west-central area of New Hampshire.

          The Bank appraises the security for each new loan made.  Appraisals
are made for the Bank by qualified sub-contracted appraisers.  The appraisal of
the real property upon which the Bank makes a mortgage loan is of particular
significance to the Bank in the event that the loan is foreclosed, since an
improper appraisal may contribute to a loss by or other financial detriment to
the Bank in the disposition of the loan.

          Detailed applications for mortgage loans are verified through the use
of credit reports, financial statements and confirmations.  Depending upon the
size of the loan involved, a varying number of senior officers of the Bank must
approve the application before the loan can be granted.  At times, the Executive
Committee of the Bank is called together to review particularly large loans.

          The Bank requires title certification on all first mortgage loans and
the borrower is required to maintain hazard insurance on the security property.

                                       51
<PAGE>
 
                             SERVICE CORPORATIONS

          The Bank has an expanded service corporation authority because of its
conversion from a state-chartered mutual savings bank to a federal institution
in 1980.  This authority, grandfathered in that conversion, permits the Bank to
invest 15% of its deposits, plus an amount of approximately $825,000, in service
corporation activities permitted by New Hampshire law.  However, the first 3% of
these activities is subject to federal regulation and the remainder is subject
to state law.  This permits a 3% investment in activities not permitted by state
law.

          The Bank currently has two service corporations, the Lake Sunapee
Group, Inc., and the Lake Sunapee Financial Services Corporation.  The Lake
Sunapee Group owns and maintains the Bank's buildings and investment properties.


                                  COMPETITION

          The Bank faces strong competition in the attraction of deposits.  Its
most direct competition for deposits comes from the other thrifts and commercial
banks located in its primary market area.  The Bank faces additional significant
competition for investors' funds from mutual funds and other corporate and
government securities.

          The Bank competes for deposits principally by offering depositors a
wide variety of savings programs, a market rate of return, tax-deferred
retirement programs and other related services. The Bank does not rely upon any
individual, group or entity for a material portion of its deposits.

          The Bank's competition for real estate loans comes from mortgage
banking companies, other thrift institutions and commercial banks. The Bank
competes for loan originations primarily through the interest rates and loan
fees it charges and the efficiency and quality of services it provides
borrowers, real estate brokers and builders. The Bank's competition for loans
varies from time to time depending upon the general availability of lendable
funds and credit, general and local economic conditions, current interest rate
levels, volatility in the mortgage markets and other factors which are not
readily predictable. During 1994, the Bank increased its outside origination
staff to four loan officers. These officers call on real estate agents, follow
leads, and are available seven days a week to service the mortgage loan market.

                                  REGULATION

INSURANCE OF ACCOUNTS

           The Bank's deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation (FDIC) to a maximum of $100,000 for each qualifying depositor of the
Bank. The insurance of deposits obtained from the FDIC requires the Bank to pay
the FDIC premiums, and subjects the Bank to extensive supervision and regulation
by the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS). In addition, the Bank is audited
annually by an independent certified public accountant.

           Insurance of accounts may be terminated by the FDIC after notice and
hearing, upon a finding by the FDIC that the Bank has violated its duty as an
insured institution or is engaging or has engaged in an unsafe or unsound
practice, or is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operating, or has
violated any applicable law, rule, regulation or order of or condition imposed
by the FDIC. In the event of termination, funds then on deposit would continue
to be insured for two years, and due notice of termination would be provided to
the depositors. Termination of insurance, however, has been extremely rare. The
FDIC has, and more often uses, alternative methods to secure compliance with
sound practice and with duly issued regulatory requirements. The Bank knows of
no practice, condition, or violation that might lead to termination of its
deposit insurance.

           The Bank pays the FDIC annual premium charges for insurance of
accounts based on a percentage of the total amount of an institution's deposits.
During 1995, the Bank paid $440,439 in deposit insurance premiums. For
information regarding the resolution of the Savings Association Insurance Fund,
refer to page five of the "Report to Shareholders".

           The Bank is required to maintain, through appropriations of current
income or retained income, certain reserve accounts which may be used only to
absorb losses, and to maintain its net worth at or above certain specified
minimum levels. Under such regulations, the Bank was required to have a core
capital as derived in applicable regulations on December 31, 1995, of 3% of
total assets. The Bank is in compliance with that requirement.

                                       52
<PAGE>
 
           If any insured institution fails to meet or maintain its net worth
requirements, the OTS may require decreased interest rates on such institution's
deposit account, impose limitations upon the opening of new accounts, lending
activities and operational expenditures and/or impose other limitations upon
such institution's business. In cases of flagrant violation, the OTS may take
steps toward termination of insurance.

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

           The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System (FHLB),
which functions in a reserve credit capacity for certain home financing
institutions. Twelve regional Federal Home Loan Banks are contained within the
system. Each member institution is required by the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to
acquire and hold shares of capital stock in its respective district Federal Home
Loan Bank in an amount equal to at least 1% of the aggregate of the unpaid
principal of its home mortgage loans, home purchase contracts and similar
obligations at the beginning of the year. At December 31, 1995, the Bank owned
18,610 shares totaling $1,861,000 of capital stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank
of Boston which is in compliance with regulatory requirements.

           The Office of Thrift Supervision regulations require, among other
things, that member institutions maintain liquid assets equal to a prescribed
percentage of the aggregate of net withdrawable deposit accounts and borrowings
payable in one year or less. At December 31, 1995, the liquid asset long-term
and short-term ratio requirements were 5% and 1%, respectively. The ratio is
divided into short-term liquidity (i.e., cash, time deposits, loans of federal
funds, banker's acceptances, and short-term, i.e., one year or less, treasury
obligations) and long-term liquid assets (i.e., treasury obligations of more
than one year and less than five years, state agency obligations having a term
of 18 months or less, etc.) in accordance with regulations. The liquidity
requirement is varied from time to time depending upon economic conditions and
the flow of money to member institutions. Penalties may be imposed upon member
institutions which are in violation of the liquidity requirements. The Bank is
presently in compliance with the liquidity regulations. For December 31, 1995,
its long-term and short-term liquid asset ratios were 11.92% and 7.54%.

TAXATION

           Under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, (the
"Code"), thrift institutions that meet certain definitional tests relating
primarily to the composition of their assets and the sources of their income are
permitted to establish reserves for bad debts and to make annual reasonable
additions thereto which qualify as deductions from taxable income. A qualifying
institution may elect annually one of the following three methods to compute its
allowable additions to bad debt reserves on qualifying real property loans (i)
the percentage of taxable income method, (ii) the actual experience method, or
(iii) the percentage of eligible loans method. Since the year ended December 31,
1990, the Bank has used the actual experience method to compute its bad debt
deduction. As a result, there have been no additions to the tax bad debt
reserve. For the years ended December 31, 1986, through 1989, the Bank computed
its addition to the tax bad debt reserves using the percentage of taxable income
method to obtain the maximum, allowable deduction.

           The reserve addition under the percentage of taxable income method
for stock savings banks is scaled downward in the event that less than 60% of
the stock savings bank's total assets consist of certain specified qualifying
assets (generally, loans secured by residential real estate or deposits,
educational loans, cash, government obligations and certificates of deposit).
Accumulations of additional non-qualifying assets by the Bank could reduce the
amount of the bad debt reserve deduction available. The bad debt reserve
deduction for reasonable additions is available only to the extent that the
amounts accumulated in total reserves for qualifying real estate loans do not
exceed 6% of such loans at year end. In addition, the annual reserve addition is
further limited to the amount by which 12% of total deposits for withdrawable
accounts of depositors at year end exceeds the sum of surplus, undivided profits
and reserves at the beginning of the year.

           A thrift institution organized in stock form which utilizes the bad
debt reserve method described above will be subject to certain recapture taxes
on such reserves in the event it makes certain types of distributions to its
stockholders. Dividends may be paid out of appropriated retained income without
the imposition of any tax on an institution to the extent that the amounts paid
as dividends do not exceed such current and accumulated earnings and profits as
calculated for federal income tax purposes. Stock redemptions, dividends paid in
excess of an institution's current and accumulated earnings and profits as
calculated for tax purposes, and partial or complete liquidation distributions
made with respect to an institution's stock, however, are deemed under
applicable provisions of the Code to be made from the institution's bad debt
reserve, to the extent that such reserve exceeds the amount that could have been
accumulated under the actual experience method. In the event a thrift
institution makes a distribution that is treated as having been made from the
tax bad debt reserve, the distribution is treated as an after tax distribution
and the institution will be liable for tax on the gross amount before tax at the
then current 

                                       53
<PAGE>
 
tax rate. Amounts added to the bad debt reserves for federal income tax purposes
are also used by the Bank to meet the OTS reserve requirements described under
"Regulation-Insurance of Accounts."

           At December 31, 1995, the Bank's retained earnings included
approximately $2,044,958 for which no provision for federal income taxes has
been made. If such amounts are used for any purpose other than to absorb loan
losses, the Bank will incur a tax liability at the current federal income tax
rate. At this time, the Bank does not anticipate that such amount will be made
available for payment of dividends or for any other purpose that would result in
the payment of federal income taxes.

           The Bank's tax returns have been audited and accepted through
December 31, 1991 by the Internal Revenue Service.

STATE INCOME TAX

           The Bank is subject to an annual Business Profits Tax (BPT) imposed
by the State of New Hampshire at the rate of 7.00% of the total amount of
federal taxable income, less deductions for interest earned on United States
government securities. During 1993, the State of New Hampshire instituted a
Business Enterprise Tax (BET), which places a tax on certain expense items.
Interest, dividends, wages, benefits and pensions are taxed at a rate of 0.25%.
Business Enterprise Taxes are allowed as a credit against the Business Profits
Tax.

           Upon conversion to a holding company, NHTB became subject to a state
franchise tax imposed by Delaware. For the year ended 1995, the tax amounted to
$12,830.

                                       54
<PAGE>
 
The following sets forth the maturities of the loan portfolio at December 31.
1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                    One year      One thru        Over
Maturities:                          or less     five years    five years           Total
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                               <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>
 Real Estate Loans -               $ 7,456,239   $26,734 216   $141,963,016  $   176,153,471
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------
 Real Estate Loans with:
   Predetermined interest rates      1,393,001     6,394,695     17,804,965       25,592,661
   Adjustable interest rates         6,063,238    20,339,521    124,158,051      150,560,810
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------
                                     7 456,239    26,734,216    141,963,016      176,153,471
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------
 Collateral Loans -                  8,500,073     6,866,387      4,158,246       19,524,706
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------
 Collateral Loans with:
   Predetermined interest rates      7,803,880    4,150,938         844,015       12,798,833
   Adjustable interest rates           696,193    2,715,449       3,314,231        6,725,873
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------
                                     8,500,073    6,866,387       4,158,246       19,524,706

 Consumer Loans -                    5,000,039        25,779              -        5,025,818
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------
 Consumer Loans with:
  Predetermined interest rates         119,964        25,779              -          145,743
  Adjustable interest rates          4,880,075             -              -        4,880,075
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------
                                     5,000,039        25,779              -        5,025,818
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------

 Commercial/Municipal Loans-         1,818,188     5,135,300      2,347,540        9,301,028
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------
Commercial/Municipal Loans
  Predetermined interest rates         923,134     1,366,265        137,394        2,426,793
  Adjustable interest rates            895,054     3,769,035      2,210,146        6,874,235
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------
                                     1,818,188     5,135,300      2,347,540        9,301,028
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------

 Other Loans -                         225,840       407,918         37,544          671,302
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------
 Other Loans with:
   Predetermined interest rates        164,438       322,417         15,065          501,920
   Adjustable interest rates            61,402        85,501         22,479          169,382
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------
                                       225,840       407,918         37,544          671,302
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------

 TOTALS                            $23,000,379   $39,169,600   $148,506,346  $   210,676,325
                                   =========================================================
</TABLE>
The preceding schedule includes $297,172 of non-earning assets categorized
within the respective loan types.

                                       55
<PAGE>
 
Item 2. Properties

The following table sets forth the location of the LSB offices and certain
additional information relating to these offices at December 31, 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                    <C>              <C>                             <C>              <C> 

                        YEAR               NET BOOK VALUE                EXPIRATION       LEASE RENEWAL
LOCATION               OPENED            LEASED       OWNED             DATE OF LEASE        OPTION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Corporate Office
9 Main Street
Newport, NH             1868                          $ 1,398,082
                                                                 
Guild Office                                          
Guild Road                                            
Newport, NH             1978                          $    59,463 
                                                                  
Bradford Office                                       
Main Street                                           
Bradford, NH            1975                          $    56,963  
                                                                   
Grantham Office                                      
Route 10                                              
Grantham, NH            1980                          $   248,991   
                                                                    
Lebanon Office                                        
Heater Road                                           
Lebanon, NH             1986                          $   470,312    
                                                                     
New London Office                                     
Route 11                                              
New London, NH          1981                          $   201,494     
                                                                      
Sunapee Office                                        
Route 11                                              
Sunapee, NH             1965                          $    82,722      
                                                                       
Andover Office (l)                                    
Jet Rte 4A and 11                                     
Andover, NH             1987            $    35,941                      1997         
                                                                                      
Hillsboro Office                                                         
15 Antrim Road                                                           
Hillsboro, NH           1994            $    18,563                      1997             7 Years  
                                                                                       
West Lebanon Office (1)                                                  
83 Main Street                                            
West Lebanon, NH        1994            $   162,346                      1999            15 Years  
 
</TABLE>

(1) Operating lease, value of improvements.

Employees: At December 31, 1995, LSB had a total of 82 full-time employees and
22 part-time employees. These employees are not represented by collective
bargaining agents. LSB believes that its relationship with its employees is
good.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

There is no material litigation pending in which the Company is a party or which
the property of the Company is subject.

                                       56
<PAGE>
 
PART II.

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

None.

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

The following table shows the market range for the Company's Common Stock based
on reported sales prices on the NASDAQ Market System. New Hampshire Thrift
Bancshares, Inc. is traded under the symbol NHTB.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
            PERIOD       HIGH            LOW
         -------------  -------        -------
<S>      <C>            <C>            <C>
 1995    First Quarter  $    10         $8 7/8
         Second Quarter      10 1/4      8 3/4
         Third Quarter       11          9 1/2
         Fourth Quarter      11          9 3/4

 1994    First Quarter  $     9 1/2     $8 3/4
         Second Quarter      10 3/4      8 7/8
         Third Quarter       10 1/2      9 1/2
         Fourth Quarter      10 1/4      8 1/2
</TABLE>

The bid quotations set forth above represent prices between dealers and do not
include retail mark-ups, mark-downs or commissions and may not represent actual
transactions. As of December 31, 1995, New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. had
approximately 792 stockholders of record. The number of stockholders does not
reflect the number of persons or entities who held their stock in nominee or
"street" name through various brokerage firms.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding per share
dividends declared on the Company's Common Stock:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                    1995    1994
                    ----    ----
<S>                <C>     <C>
 First Quarter      $.125   $.125
 Second Quarter      .125    .125
 Third Quarter       .125    .125
 Fourth Quarter      .125    .125
</TABLE>

For information regarding limitations of the declaration and payment of
dividends by New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc., see Note 14 of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The information called for by this item is contained on pages 16 through 22 of
this document.

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

The information called for by this item is contained on pages 7 through 22 of
this document.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The report of independent accountants and the financial information called for
by this item are contained on pages 23 through 46 of this document.

                                       57
<PAGE>
 
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure

None.

PART III.

Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

Certain information relating to directors and executive officers of the Company,
executive compensation, security ownership of certain beneficial owners and
management, and certain relationships and related transactions is incorporated
by reference herein from the Company's definitive proxy statement in connection
with its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 10, 1996, which
proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not
later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

Certain information relating to directors and executive officers of the Company,
executive compensation, security ownership of certain beneficial owners and
management, and certain relationships and related transactions is incorporated
by reference herein from the Company's definitive proxy statement in connection
with its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 10, 1996, which
proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not
later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

Certain information relating to directors and executive officers of the Company,
executive compensation, security ownership of certain beneficial owners and
management, and certain relationships and related transactions is incorporated
by reference herein from the Company's definitive proxy statement in connection
with its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 10, 1996, which
proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not
later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

Certain information relating to directors and executive officers of the Company,
executive compensation, security ownership of certain beneficial owners and
management, and certain relationships and related transactions is incorporated
by reference herein from the Company's definitive proxy statement in connection
with its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 10, 1996, which
proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not
later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year.

                                       58
<PAGE>
 
PART IV.

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

       (a) 1.  Financial Statements

           The following consolidated financial statements are included in Item
8:

           Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition for December 31, 1995
           and 1994.

           Consolidated Statements of Income for Years ended December 31, 1995,
           1994 and 1993.

           Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for Years
           ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993.

           Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Years ended December 31,
           1995, 1994 and 1993.

           Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

       (a) 2.  Supplementary Financial Statements

           None.

       (a) 3.  Listing of Exhibits

           Exhibits have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
Commission in connection with this annual report on Form 10-KSB or have been
incorporated into the report by reference.

       (b) Reports on Form 8-K

           There have been no 8-K filings during the three months ended December
31, 1995.

       (c) Exhibits

           None.

       (d) Financial Statement Schedules

           Schedules other than those listed above have been omitted since they
are either not required or the information is otherwise included.

                                       59
<PAGE>
 
SIGNATURES

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

New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.                   Date March 8, 1996

By:  /s/ John J. Kiernan    Chairman of the Board
      ------------------                         
      (John J. Kiernan)

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
           Name                              Title                       Date
<S>                          <C>                                     <C>
 
/s/ John J. Kiernan          Chairman of the Board                   March 8, 1996
- ---------------------------
(John J. Kiernan)
 
/s/ Stephen W. Ensign        Director, President and                 March 8, 1996
- ---------------------------
(Stephen W. Ensign)          Chief Executive Officer
 
/s/ Ralph B. Fifield, Jr.    Director                                March 8, 1996
- ---------------------------
(Ralph B. Fifield, Jr.)
 
/s/ John E. Johannessen      Director                                March 8, 1996
- ---------------------------
(John E. Johannessen)
 
/s/ John A. Kelley, Jr.      Director                                March 8, 1996
- ---------------------------
(John A. Kelley, Jr.)
 
/s/ Dennis A. Morrow         Director                                March 8, 1996
- ---------------------------
(Dennis A. Morrow)
 
/s/ Priscilla W. Ohler       Director                                March 8, 1996
- ---------------------------
(Priscilla W. Ohler)
 
/s/ Perry R. Smith, Jr.      Director                                March 8, 1996
- ---------------------------
(Perry R. Smith, Jr.)
 
/s/ Stephen R. Theroux       Director, Executive Vice President and  March 8, 1996
- ---------------------------
(Stephen R. Theroux)         Chief Financial Officer
 
/s/ Kenneth D. Weed          Director                                March 8, 1996
- ---------------------------
(Kenneth D. Weed)
</TABLE>

                                       60
<PAGE>
 
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.

DIRECTORS
- ---------

John J. Kiernan
Chairman of the Board

Stephen W. Ensign
President and
Chief Executive Officer

Stephen R. Theroux
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Ralph B. Fifield, Jr.
Executive Vice President
Lending and Commercial Finance

John E. Johannessen
Retired Executive
Mobil Corporation

John A. Kelley, Jr.
Real Estate Developer

Dennis A. Morrow
Sales Manager
Cote & Reney Lumber Company

Priscilla W. Ohler
Community Representative

Perry R. Smith, Jr., Retired
Co-owner Lake Sunapee
Realty Company, Inc.

Kenneth D. Weed, Partner
L.E. Weed and Son

Everett R. Reney (Emeritus)
Retired Partner
Cote & Reney Lumber Company

OFFICERS
- --------

John J. Kiernan
Chairman of the Board

Stephen W. Ensign
President and
Chief Executive Officer

Stephen R. Theroux
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Linda L. Oldham
Senior Vice President
and Secretary

Sandra M. Blackington
Assistant Secretary


DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF LAKE SUNAPEE BANK, FSB

DIRECTORS
- ---------

John J. Kiernan
Chairman of the Board

Stephen W. Ensign
President and
Chief Executive Officer

Stephen R. Theroux
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Ralph B. Fifield, Jr.
Executive Vice President
Lending and Commercial Finance

John E. Johannessen
Retired Executive
Mobil Corporation

John A. Kelley, Jr.
Real Estate Developer

Dennis A. Morrow
Sales Manager
Cote & Reney Lumber Company

Priscilla W. Ohler
Community Representative

Perry R. Smith, Jr., Retired
Co-owner Lake Sunapee Realty Company, Inc.

Kenneth D. Weed, Partner
L.E. Weed and Son

Everett R. Reney
(Emeritus)
Retired Partner
Cote & Reney Lumber Company

OFFICERS
- --------

John J. Kiernan
Chairman of the Board

Stephen W. Ensign
President and
Chief Executive Officer

Stephen R. Theroux
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Ralph B. Fifield, Jr.
Executive Vice President
Lending and Commercial Finance


ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATION
Daryl J. Cady
Vice President and
Controller

Sandra M. Blackington
Assistant Secretary


BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Peter R. Lovely
Senior Vice President


COMPLIANCE AND INTERNAL AUDIT
H. Bliss Dayton
Vice President

Linda M. Basher
Assistant Vice President

Arthur W. Phillips
Assistant Vice President and Certified Real Estate Appraiser


EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES
Betty H. Ramspott
Vice President


LENDING
W. Grant MacEwan
Senior Vice President
Commercial Lending

Sharon L. Whitaker
Vice President


LOAN ORIGINATION
Robert C. O'Brien
Senior Vice President

Colin S. Campbell
Vice President

Elizabeth C. Crockford
Assistant Vice President

Stephen B. Ellis
Assistant Vice President

Peter N. Jennings
Loan Officer


OPERATIONS
Robert S. Simpson
Vice President

Sandra J. Luckury
Assistant Vice President

Gail A. Fraser
Assistant Vice President

Francetta Raymond
Assistant Vice President


SHAREHOLDER RELATIONS AND SECRETARY
Linda L. Oldham
Senior Vice President


RETAIL OFFICES
HOME OFFICE
9 Main Street
Newport, NH 03773
(603) 863-5772
(800) 281-5772
Terri G. Spanos
Assistant Vice President

Junction Route 4A and 11
Andover, NH 03216
(603) 735-5772
Sue-Anne C. Bourbeau Supervisor

Main Street
Bradford, NH 03221
(603) 938-2277
Nancy E. Desmarais Supervisor

Route 10
Grantham, NH 03753
(603) 863-5600
Anita G. Sanborn
Manager

15 Antrim Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
(603) 464-4820
Virginia S. Landers
Supervisor

Heater Road
Lebanon, NH 03766
(603) 448-2566
Erik C. Cinquemani
Assistant Vice President

Newport Road
New London, NH 03257
(603) 526-6933
Heather K. Melson
Assistant Vice President

Maxine B. Wiggins
Customer Service Officer

Guild Road
Newport, NH 03773
(603) 863-1428
Sherri A. Cummings
Supervisor

Route 11
Sunapee, NH 03782
(603) 763-2511
Heide Hubert Menard
Supervisor

83 Main Street
West Lebanon, NH 03784
(603) 298-7500
Raymond G. Morin
Supervisor

AFFILIATED COMPANY
Charter Trust Company
90 North Main Street
Concord, NH 03302
(603) 224-1350
(800) 639-5903

<PAGE>
 
=================
BOARD OF ADVISORS

Philip D. Allen /(1)/
Prunella O. Anastos
Benjamin K. Barton
Kenneth O. Barton
George O. Binzel
William A. Bittinger
Paul R. Boucher
James F. Briggs
Robert S. Burgess
Walton W. Chadwick
Earle W. Chandler
F. Read Clarke
Jacqueline C. Cote
Robert J. Cricenti
Richard F. Curtis
Ernest G. Dennis, Jr.
Terri C. Dudley
William J. Faccone, Sr.
Gordon B. Flint, Sr.
John W. Flynn, Jr.
John W. Flynn, Sr.
Charles E. Goyette, Jr.
Sam N. Hale
Sheffield J. Halsey
Louise K. Hastings
Howard T. Heintz
Douglas J. Homan
Rita M. Hurd
Lisa S. Hustis
Alf E. Jacobson
Robert B. Jennings
Michael D. Johnson
John J. Kiernan, Jr.



Jeffrey A. Lantz
Victor W. Laro
Paul J. Linehan
Robert A. MacNeil
Elizabeth W. Maiola
Raymond A. Manning
John J. Marcotte
Jerry N. Mathis
David W. McClintic
Denise A. McClintic
Thomas F. McCormick
J. David McCrillis
John C. McCrillis
Paul S. Olsen
Daniel P. O'Neill
David N. Reney
Genelle M. Richards
J. Barrie Sellers
Edwin G. Sielewicz
Fredric M. Smith
Herbert N. Smith
Fred F. Stockwell
Earl F. Strout
James R. Therrien
Janis H. Wallace
James P. Wheeler
Bradford C. White
John W. Wiggins, Sr.
Peter Wittman
Thomas B. Woodger
Michael J. Work
/(1)/ Honorary


=======================
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.
The Carriage House
PO Box 37
New London, New Hampshire 03257-0037

TRANSFER AGENT

Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.
Overpeck Centre
85 Challenger Road
Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
Tel: 1-800-851-9677

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker
Rivermill Complex, Suite 400
85 Mechanic Street
Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766

=========================== 
INFORMATION ON COMMON STOCK

The common stock is traded over-the-counter and quoted on the NASDAQ National
Market System under the symbol NHTB. There were approximately 792 shareholders
of record on December 31, 1995.

The following table sets forth the Company's high and low prices for the common
stock as reported by NASDAQ for the periods indicated:
 
1995                  HIGH       LOW
- -------------------------------------

First Quarter     $      10  $  8 7/8
Second Quarter       10 1/4     8 3/4
Third Quarter            11     9 1/2
Forth Quarter            11     9 3/4
 

                                       62
<PAGE>
 
                                     =====
                                     NOTES


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

<PAGE>
 
 
                                     =====
                                     NOTES


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


<PAGE>
 






























                     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.
                PO BOX 37, NEW LONDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03257-0037
                                (603) 526-2116
<PAGE>
 
                                  FORM 10-QSB

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                  QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                   OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                      For The Quarter Ended June 30, 1996
                                            -------------
                        Commission File Number 0-17859
                                               -------

                             NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT
                               BANCSHARES, INC.

            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

         State of Delaware                            02-0430695
      (State of Incorporation)                (IRS Employer I.D. Number) 

     New London, New Hampshire                           03257
(Address of principal executive offices)              (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code   603-526-2116

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                                 Yes X        No
                                    ---          ---

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common
stock, $.01 par value per share, as of July 11, 1996 was 1,691,803.
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.
                              INDEX TO FORM 10-Q


PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                             PAGE

Item 1   Financial Statements:                                               

         Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition -                    1
         June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995

         Consolidated Statements of Income -                                 2
         For the Three Months Ended June 30, 1996 and 1995 and 
         the Six Months Ended June 30, 1996 and 1995

         Consolidated Statements of Changes In Shareholders' Equity -        3
         For the Three Months Ended June 30, 1996 and 1995 and the 
         Six Months Ended June 30, 1996 and 1995

         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -                             4
         For the Six Months Ended June 30, 1996 and 1995

         Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements -                        5

Item 2   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
         Condition and Results of Operations -                              13

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION                                                  18

Item 1   Legal Proceedings                                                  18
                                                                         
Item 2   Changes in Securities                                              18
                                                                         
Item 3   Defaults Upon Senior Securities                                    18
                                                                         
Item 4   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Common Shareholders             18
                                                                         
Item 5   Other Information                                                  18
                                                                         
Item 6   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                                   18
                                                                         
         Signatures                                                         19
<PAGE>
 
Part 1. Item 1.

            NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIAR1ES
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                      June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995
                                  (Unaudited)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

<S>                                                                        <C>                          <C> 
                                                                           June 30, 1996                December 31, 1995  
ASSETS                                                                     -------------                ----------------- 
Cash and due from banks                                                      7,660,216                      7,544,297        
Federal funds sold                                                                 -                        3,449,000        
Securities held to maturity                                                    368,054                        393,054          
Securities available for sale                                               25,234,393                     25,718,260       
Other investments                                                            2,307,557                      2,303,285        
Loans held for sale                                                          1,000,855                      3,095,971        
Loans receivable, net                                                      211,438,852                    205,073,080      
Accrued interest receivable                                                  1,550,660                      1,433,882        
Bank premises and equipment, net                                             5,794,351                      5,955,394        
Real estate owned and property acquired in settlement of loans                 819,679                        984,185          
Non-earning assets                                                           1,444,239                        297,172          
Other assets                                                                   907,269                      1,968,497         
                                                                         -------------                  -------------
  Total assets                                                           $ 258,526,125                  $ 258,216,077 
                                                                         =============                  =============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

LIABILITIES
Deposits                                                                 $ 200,303,248                  $ 199,970,921
Repurchase agreements                                                        4,201,001                      9,552,825
Federal funds purchased                                                      1,143,000                            -
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank                                        31,27O,344                     26,936,168    
Accrued expense and other liabilities                                        2,133,405                      2,212,158
                                                                           -----------                    -----------
  Total liabilities                                                        239,050,998                    238,672,072
                                                                           -----------                    -----------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Preferred stock, $.01 par value                                                    -                              -
Common stock, $.01 par value 1,691,803 shares outstanding
  as of June 30, 1996 and 1,689,503 as of December 31, 1995                     21,473                         21,473 
Paid-in capital                                                             13,167,570                     13,167,382 
Retained earnings                                                            9,079,266                      8,673,504 
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale                       (394,297)                        97,594
                                                                           -----------                    ----------- 
                                                                            21,874,012                     21,952,953 
Treasury stock, at cost, 455,479 shares as of                                                                         
  June 30, 1996 and 457,779 as of December 31, 1995                         (2,398,885)                    (2,408,948)
                                                                           -----------                    ----------- 
                                                                                                                     
   Total shareholders' equity                                               19,475,127                     19,544,005
                                                                           -----------                    ----------- 

   Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                            $ 258,526,125                  $ 258,216,077 
                                                                           ===========                    ===========
</TABLE> 

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

                                      1 
<PAGE>
 
            NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
               For the Three Months Ended June 30, 1996 and 1995
                For the Six Months Ended June 30, 1996 and 1995
                                  (Unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Three Months Ended June 30,       Six Month Ended June 30,
                                                     1996            1995            1996            1995
                                                 -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
<S>                                              <C>             <C>             <C>             <C> 
Interest income                                                                  
  Income of loans                                $ 4,176,389     $ 3,899,303     $ 8,243,982     $ 7,587,163
  Interest and dividends on investments              463,931         405,773         953,543         763,011
                                                 -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
    Total interest income                          4,640,320       4,305,076       9,197,525       8,350,174
                                                 -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                                                 
Interest expense                                                                 
  Interest paid to depositors                      2,066,025       1,990,734       4,198,985       3,853,261
  Interest on advances and other borrowed                                        
   money                                             455,074         415,781         855,820         698,806
                                                 -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
    Total interest expense                         2,521,099       2,406,515       5,054,805       4,552,067
                                                 -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                                                 
  Net interest income                              2,119,221       1,898,561       4,142,720       3,798,107
                                                                                 
Provision for loan losses, net                       522,554         280,000         744,191         580,000
                                                 -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
  Net interest income after provision for                                        
   loan losses                                     1,596,667       1,618,561       3,398,529       3,218,107
                                                 -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                                                 
Non-interest income                                                              
  Customer service fees                              327,429         210,118         563,762         471,493
  Loan origination fees                               23,623          15,914          42,062          32,066
  Net gain on sale of securities and bank                                        
   property                                          262,427          15,087         259,873          21,577
  Rental income                                       55,393          55,049         111,392         110,854
  Brokerage service income                            40,924          32,548         107,638          59,477
  Other income                                           671             595           1,966          16,235
                                                 -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
    Total other operating income                     710,467         329,311       1,086,693         711,702
                                                 -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                                                 
Other operating expenses                                                         
  Salaries and employee benefits                     734,965         696,344       1,558,905       1,525,916
  Occupancy expenses                                 327,313         293,518         655,002         603,466
  Advertising and promotion                           50,648          41,519          64,745          99,916
  Depositors insurance                               114,747         109,883         227,775         219,765
  Outside services                                    92,759          80,380         182,381         161,442
  Other expenses                                     271,621         343,052         560,184         652,203
                                                 -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
    Total other operating expenses                 1,592,053       1,564,696       3,248,992       3,262,708
                                                 -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                                                 
Income before provision for income                                               
 taxes                                               715,081         383,176       1,236,230         667,101
                                                                                 
Provision for income taxes                           235,700         126,000         408,000         220,000
                                                 -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                                                 
Net income                                       $   479,381     $   257,176     $   828,230     $   447,101
                                                 ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
                                                                                 
Earnings per common share                        $       .28     $       .15     $       .49     $       .26
                                                 ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
                                                                                 
Dividends declared per common share              $      .125     $      .125     $       .25     $       .25
                                                 ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
</TABLE> 

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

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
            NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               For the Three Months Ended June 30, 1996 and 1995
                and the Six Months Ended June 30, 1996 and 1995
                                  (Unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Three Months Ended June 30,       Six Months Ended June 30,
                                                     1996            1995             1996             1995
                                                 ------------    ------------     ------------     ------------
<S>                                              <C>             <C>              <C>              <C> 
COMMON STOCK                                                                     
  Balance, beginning and end of period           $     21,473    $     21,743     $     21,473     $     21,473
                                                 ============    ============     ============     ============

PAID-IN CAPITAL
  Balance, beginning of period                   $ 13,160,382    $ 13,103,404     $ 13,160,382     $ 13,103,404
  Change during the period                              7,188           1,900            7,188            1,900
                                                 ------------    ------------     ------------     ------------
  Balance, end of period                         $ 13,167,570    $ 13,105,304     $ 13,167,570     $ 13,105,304
                                                 ============    ============     ============     ============

RETAINED EARNINGS
  Balance, beginning of period                   $  8,811,185    $  8,249,145     $  8,673,504     $  8,268,094  
  Net income                                          479,381         257,176          828,230          447,101  
  Cash dividends paid                                (211,280)       (208,949)        (422,468)        (417,823) 
                                                 ------------    ------------     ------------     ------------
  Balance, end of period                         $  9,079,266    $  8,297,372     $  9,079,266     $  8,297,372  
                                                 ============    ============     ============     ============

UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON SECURITIES
  AVAILABLE FOR SALE
  Balance, beginning of period                   $   (167,398)   $   (437,252)    $     97,594     $   (728,667)
  Adjustment to fair value                           (343,899)        144,461         (745,891)         192,876 
  Effect of change in deferred taxes                  117,000         151,000          254,000          394,000 
                                                 ------------    ------------     ------------     ------------
  Balance, end of period                         $   (394,297)   $   (141,791)    $   (394,297)    $   (141,791) 
                                                 ============    ============     ============     ============

TREASURY STOCK
  Balance, beginning of period                   $ (2,408,948)   $ (2,411,430)    $ (2,408,948)    $ (2,411,430)
  Exercise of stock options (2,300 shares at     
   June 30, 1996 and 608 shares at June                                                                         
   30, 1995)                                           10,063           2,660           10,063            2,660 
                                                 ------------    ------------     ------------     ------------
  Balance, end of period                         $ (2,398,885)   $ (2,408,770)    $ (2,398,885)    $ (2,408,770)
                                                 ============    ============     ============     ============
</TABLE> 


  The accompanying note to consolidated financial statements are an integral
                           part of these statements.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
            NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                For the Six Months Ended June 30, 1996 and 1995
                                  (Unaudited)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                        June 30,                June 30,
                                                                                          1996                    1995
                                                                                     ----------------         ---------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
<S>                                                                           <C>                         <C>
    Net income                                                                       $        828,230         $     447,101
                                                                                     ------------------       ---------------
        Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
            cash provided by operating activites-
            Depreciation and amortization                                                     235,558               216,418
            Loans originated for sale                                                      (6,301,226)           (4,931,893)
            Proceeds from sale of loans                                                     6,309,540             4,936,030
            Gain from sale of loans                                                            (8,314)               (4,137)
            Loss from sale of debt securities available for sale                                  731                 4,199
            Gain from sale of equity securities available for sale                                -                 (21,639)
            Gain from sale of bank premises and equipment                                    (253,497)                  -
             Provision for loan losses                                                        744,191               580,000
             Provision for deferred taxes                                                         -                 (64,200)
             (Increase) decrease in accrued interest and other assets                         970,411              (395,420)
              Decrease in deferred loan fees                                                  (42,005)              (74,163)
              Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities                              184,324             1,668,991
                                                                                     ------------------       ---------------
                  Net cash provided by operating activities                                 2,667,943             2,361,287
                                                                                     ------------------       ---------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
    Capital expenditures                                                                     (151,018)             (269,028)
    Proceeds from sale of bank premises and equipment                                         330,000                   -
    Proceeds from sale of debt securities available for sale                                  951,471             1,384,091
    Proceeds from sale of equity securities available for sale                                200,000               448,414
    Principal reductions on securities held to maturity                                        25,000                25,000
    Purchase of securities available for sale                                              (3,842,459)           (3,934,770)
    Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank Stock                                                      -                (247,000)
    Maturities of securities available for sale                                             2,398,000               100,000
    Net increase in loans to customers                                                     (4,972,842)          (10,242,845)
    (Increase) decrease in non-earning assets                                              (1,147,067)              520,154
    Decrease in real estate owned                                                             164,506               223,331
                                                                                     ------------------       ---------------
                   Net cash used in investing activities                                   (6,044,409)          (11,992,653)
                                                                                     ------------------       ---------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
    Net increase (decrease) in deposits and repurchase agreements                          (5,019,497)            3,188,726
    Increase in advances from Federal Home Loan Bank                                        5,477,176             7,763,778
    Net change in other borrowed money                                                         (9,077)               (5,658)
    Dividends paid                                                                           (422,468)             (417,822)
    Exercise of stock options                                                                  17,251                 4,560
                                                                                     ------------------       ---------------
                   Net cash provided by financing activities                                   43,385            10,533,584
                                                                                     ------------------       ---------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                                       (3,333,081)              902,218
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period                                             10,993,297             8,253,588
                                                                                     ------------------       ---------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period                                             $      7,660,216         $   9,155,806
                                                                                     ==================       ===============
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
    Cash paid during the period for:
        Interest on deposit accounts                                                 $      4,215,158         $   3,818,906
        Interest on advances and other borrowed money                                $        853,362         $     631,555
                                                                                     ------------------       ---------------
            Total interest paid                                                      $      5,068,520         $   4,450,461
                                                                                     ==================       ===============
        Income taxes, net                                                            $        190,619         $     139,252
                                                                                     ==================       ===============
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
    Transfers from loans to real estate acquired through foreclosure                 $            -           $      40,000
                                                                                     ==================       ===============
</TABLE> 


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

                                       4


<PAGE>
 
            NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                     June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995

1. Summary of significant accounting policies:

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION - The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. (NHTB or Company, a unitary
holding company), Lake Sunapee Bank fsb (LSB), Lake Sunapee Group, Inc. (LSGI),
and Lake Sunapee Financial Services Corp. (LSFSC). LSB is owned by the holding
company and the other entities are wholly-owned subsidiaries of LSB. All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The
financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring
accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the
three months and the six months ended June 30, 1996 and 1995.

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Earnings per share are calculated using the weighted
average number of shares outstanding at the end of the period plus common stock
equivalents, as appropriate, resulting from the granting of incentive stock
options. Common stock equivalents are determined using the treasury method.
Common stock equivalents are included in the computation of earnings per share
if they nave a dilutive effect. As of June 30, 1996 and 1995, there was a
dilutive effect from stock options. The number of shares used in computing
earnings per share was 1,695,931 and 1,694,095 for the periods ended June 30,
1996 and 1995, respectively.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - For purposes of reporting cash flows, the Bank
considers federal funds sold and due from banks to be cash equivalents.

TREASURY STOCK - Treasury Stock is accounted for at cost when purchased. Sales
of Treasury Stock are on a first in first out basis at cost. Any gain on the
sale of Treasury Stock is recorded to Paid-in Capital.

MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS - Effective January 1, 1996, Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb
recorded as a separate asset the rights to service mortgage loans for others
according to FAS No. 122 "Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights." The
accounting standard is effective for loans sold after December 31, 1995. The
mortgage servicing rights (MSR's) are valued at the lower of cost or market on
an aggregate basis. The MSR's are amortized on a straight-line basis over the
anticipated life of the related loans.


                                       5
<PAGE>
 
            NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BALNCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995

2. Securities
   The amortized cost and appropriate market value of securities are summarized
   as follows:


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                 June 30, 1996
                                        ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                             Gross          Gross
                                             Fair          Unrealized     Unrealized         Amortized
                                             Value           Gain            Loss              Cost
                                        ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                     <C>                <C>            <C>               <C> 
Held to Maturity:
  Bonds and notes-
    Municipal bonds                     $    368,054    $    -        $     -          $    368,054
                                        ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total held to maturity                       368,054         -              -               368,054
                                        ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
Available for Sale:                                                                                
  Bonds and notes -                                                                                
   U.S. Treasury Notes                    12,746,404          3,990        209,440       12,951,854
   U.S Government, including                                                                       
     agencies                              2,484,811          7,040         82,824        2,560,595
   Other bonds and debentures              8,658,928         18,617        199,080        8,839,392
                                        ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                          23,890,143         29,648        491,344       24,351,840
  Equity securities                        1,344,250         18,575        154,175        1,479,850
                                        ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total available for sale                  25,234,393         48,223        645,519       25,831,690
                                        ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
Investments at cost:                                                                                 
  Federal Home Loan Bank Stock             1,861,000         -              -             1,861,000
  Other securities                           446,557         -              -               446,557
                                        ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total investments at cost                  2,307,557                                      2,307,557
                                        ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
    Total securities                    $ 27,910,004    $    48,223   $    645,519     $ 28,507,301
                                        ================================================================ 




<CAPTION> 
                                                               December 31, 1995
                                        ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                             Gross          Gross
                                             Fair          Unrealized     Unrealized         Amortized
                                             Value           Gain            Loss              Cost
                                        ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                     <C>                <C>            <C>               <C> 
Held to Maturity:
  Bonds and notes-
    Municipal bonds                     $    393,054    $    -        $     -          $    393,054
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total held to maturity                       393,054         -              -               393,054
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------- 
Available for Sale:                                                               
  Bonds and notes -                                                               
   U.S. Treasury Notes                    12,139,529        147,900          3,166       11,994,795
   U.S Government, including                                                                           
     agencies                              2,724,130         33,249             40        2,690,921
   Other bonds and debentures              9,352,476        104,119         38,416        9,286,773
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                          24,216,135        285,268         41,622       23,972,489
  Equity securities                        1,502,125         11,750        106,800        1,597,175
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total available for sale                  25,718,260        297,018        148,422       25,569,664
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------- 
Investments at cost:                                                                
  Federal Home Loan Bank Stock             1,861,000         -              -             1,861,000
  Other securities                           442,285         -              -               442,285
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total invesment at cost                    2,303,285                                      2,303,285
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------- 
    Total securities                    $ 28,414,599    $   297,018   $    148,422     $ 28,266,003
                                        =============================================================== 
</TABLE> 


                                       6


<PAGE>
 
            NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(continued)
                      June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

3.  Loans

      Loans consisted of the following as of:                   June 30,           December 31,
                                                                  1996                1995
                                                             --------------       ---------------                            
<S>                                                         <C>                 <C>
      Real estate loans -
          Conventional                                       $  180,898,716       $   175,130,966
          Construction                                              693,630             2,456,763
                                                             --------------       ---------------
                                                                181,592,346           177,587,729
      Less: Unadvanced portion                                      321,596             1,434,258
                                                             --------------       ---------------
      Total real estate loans                                   181,270,750           176,153,471
      Collateral loans                                           21,620,233            19,524,706
      Consumer loans                                              4,753,166             5,025,818
      Commercial and municipal loans                              7,998,711             9,301,028
      Other loans                                                    88,536               671,302
                                                             --------------       ---------------
      Total loans                                               215,731,396           210,676,325
      Less:  Reserve for loan losses                              1,507,413             1,828,060
             Deferred loan origination fees                         340,037               382,042
             Non-earning assets                                   1,444,239               297,172
                                                             --------------       ---------------
      Net loans                                               $ 212,439,707       $   208,169,051
                                                             ==============       ===============

A summary of activity in the reserve for loan loss account consisted of the 
following as of:

<CAPTION> 

                                                                June 30,           December 31,
                                                                  1996                1995
                                                             --------------       ---------------                            
<S>                                                         <C>                 <C>

      BALANCE, beginning of period                          $  1,828,060           $    2,752,885
                                                             -----------          ---------------
      Loans charged-off:
      Real estate loans -
          Conventional                                           329,300                  141,541
          Construction                                           649,274                1,014,670
      Collateral and consumer loans                               15,199                   25,568
      Commercial and municipal loans                              75,424                  913,441
                                                             -----------          ---------------
          Total charged-off loans                              1,069,197                2,095,220
                                                             -----------          ---------------
      Recoveries:
      Real estate loans -
          Conventional                                             3,963                    3,300
      Collateral and consumer loans                                  396                    2,099
      Commercial and municipal loans                                 -                      1,286
                                                             -----------          ---------------
          Total recoveries                                         4,359                    6,685
                                                             -----------          ---------------
             Charged-off loans, net of recoveries              1,064,838                2,088,535
                                                             -----------          ---------------
          Provision for loan losses charged to income            744,191                1,163,710
                                                             -----------          ---------------
      BALANCE, end of period                                $  1,507,413           $    1,828,060
                                                             ===========          ===============
      Ratio of net charged-off loans during the period
      to average loans outstanding during the period                0.50%                    1.02%   
                                                             ===========          ===============
</TABLE> 



                                       7
<PAGE>
 
             NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLDIATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
                      June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 3. Loans (continued):
                                                                June 30,              December 31,
                                                                  1996                    1995
                                                                --------              ------------
<S>                                                           <C>                     <C>       
 Non-earning assets                                           $1,444,239              $  297,172
 Amount of interest income which would have been earned           61,426                  55,864
 Amount of interest income that was included in net income        23,001                  13,553
 Troubled debt restructured                                      524,338                 445,417
 In addition to non-earning assets, non-accrual
   loans included the following amount of delinquent loans       856,135               1,144,293

 EFFECT OF FASB NO. 66:
 Loans reclassified to real estate owned                      $  366,316              $  370,672
 Interest income reduced by                                       12,734                  23,063
 
 IMPAIRED LOANS:
 Average recorded investment in impaired loans                $  810,596              $  934,829
 Investment in impaired loans, end of period                     493,645               1,452,049
 Portion of valuation allowance allocated to impaired loans       52,412                 654,663
 Net balance of impaired loans                                   441,232                 797,386
 Interest income recognized on impaired loans                     17,345                 102,449
 Interest income on impaired loans on cash basis                  14,454                  97,401
</TABLE>

There are no impaired loans which do not have a valuation allowance assigned to
them.

Interest income on impaired loans is recognized using the accrual basis
accounting method when the impaired loan is less than 90 days past due and has
not been reclassified to non-accrual status. Interest income on impaired loans
over 90 days past due and on loans placed on non-accrual status is recognized on
the cash basis method. Cash receipts on impaired loans are recorded as both
interest income and a reduction in the impaired loan balance consistent with the
terms of the underlying contractual agreement. The net balance of impaired loans
represents the aggregate fair value or present value of expected cash flows on
individual loans identified as impaired. A loan becomes impaired when it is
probable all amounts due on the loan will not be received. A loan is placed on
non-accrual status when it is likely interest income will not be received. Non-
accrual loans are reviewed for possible impairment. Impaired loans are written-
down or charged-off when it has been determined the asset has such little value
that it no longer warrants remaining on the books. The decision to charge-off is
made on a case-by-case basis.

The Bank had no extensions of credit to affiliated parties in excess of 5% of
shareholders' equity at any time during the six months ended June 30, 1996.

MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS - As of June 30, 1996, the fair value of MSR's was
$48,963. The significant assumptions used to estimate fair value included a
prepayment risk based on current market pricing information, a discount rate of
1% above the U. S. Treasury bond rate, and industry averages for other
significant assumptions. MSR's capitalized were reduced by S2,448 of
amortization during the quarter. For purposes of evaluating and measuring
impairment of MSR's, the Company stratifies the underlying loans by maturity and
by interest rate. As of June 30, 1996, the Company stratified its loans by
maturity into 15 and 30 year loans and stratified loans in each of the maturity
categories by every one-half percent change in interest rates. There is no
impairment to the value of the MSR's recorded during the quarter ended June 30,
1996.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
            NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)

4. Deposits:

   Deposit accounts consisted of the following as of:

                                                June 30,         December 31,
                                                  1996              1995
                                              -----------       --------------
Checking Accounts (non-interest bearing)     $  9,403,790       $  10,934,512
NOW Accounts                                   25,951,723          26,014,007
Ever-Ready Money Market                        12,241,216          13,971,617
Regular Savings Accounts                       10,252,895          11,363,366
Treasury Savings Accounts                      45,878,940          44,388,408
Club Deposits                                     327,829              87,779
Time Deposits:
$100,000 and over                              12,302,412          11,924,585
Other Time Deposits                            83,944,443          81,286,647
                                             ------------        ------------
                                             $200,303,248        $199,970,921
                                             ============        ============

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS - As of June 30, 1996, fifteen repurchase agreements were 
outstanding. Repurchase agreements are secured by U.S. Treasury Notes held by a 
third party in safekeeping with a fair value of $12,746,404. The maturities of 
the repurchase agreements are from July 13, 1996 to June 30, 1997 on the 
anniversary date of the repurchase agreement.


5. Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank:

   Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank consisted of loans, at various 
interest rates ranging from 4.87% to 7.32%, maturing as follows:

                                                June 30,         December 31,
                                                  1996              1995
                                              -----------       --------------

1996 (4.87% - 6.78%)                          $ 11,096,320      $  6,762,143
1997 (4.87% - 7.32%)                             7,927,707         7,927,707
1998 (4.87% - 5.82%)                             7,166,033         7,166,033
1999 (5.78%)                                        56.084            56,085
2000 and after (5.74% - 5.82%)                   5,024,200         5,024,200
                                              ------------      ------------
                                              $ 31,270,344      $ 26,936,168
                                              ============      ============

These advances are secured by Federal Home Loan Bank Stock (Note 2) and 
unspecified first mortgage loans. The Bank is able to borrow up to an additional
$46,000,000 of Federal Home Loan Bank advances.

In addition to the above advances, the Bank has credited available up to 
$5,167,000 under a revolving loan agreement with the Federal Home Loan Bank. As 
of June 30, 1996, $1,143,000 had been borrowed against this line of credit. 
Interest is payable monthly as funds are borrowed.


                                       9
<PAGE>
 
            NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued) 
                      June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995

6.  Shareholders' Equity:

    On May 22, 1986, Lake Sunapee Bank fsb received approval from the Federal
    Home Loan Bank Board and converted from a federally-chartered mutual savings
    bank to a federally-chartered stock savings bank. Net proceeds of the
    conversion (after deducting applicable costs of conversion) were
    $11,889,397.

    At the time of conversion, the Bank established a liquidation account in an
    amount of $4,292,510 (equal to the Bank's net worth as of the date of the
    latest financial statement included in the final offering circular used in
    connection with the conversion). The liquidation account will be maintained
    for the benefit of eligible account holders who maintain their deposit
    accounts in the Bank after conversion. In the event of a complete
    liquidation of the Bank subsequent to conversion (and only in such event),
    each eligible account holder will be entitled to receive a liquidation
    distribution from the liquidation account before any liquidation
    distribution may be made with respect to capital stock. The amount of the
    liquidation account is reduced to the extent that the balance of eligible
    deposit accounts are reduced on any year-end closing date subsequent to the
    conversion.

    The Bank may not declare or pay a cash dividend on or purchase any of its
    stock if the effect would be to reduce the net worth of the Bank below
    either the amount of the liquidation account or the net worth requirements
    of the Office of Thrift Supervision.

    DIVIDENDS - The Board of Directors, at their July meeting, declared a cash
    ---------                                                                 
    dividend of $0.125 per share payable July 29, 1996

7.  Stock Options:

    On January 3, 1995, 30,000 options were granted from previously forfeited
    shares of the 1986 plan at an exercise price of $9.00 per share, the fair
    market value on that date. As of June 30, 1996, 57,880 of previously
    forfeited shares remained available for grant and options to purchase
    30,000 shares were available for exercise under the 1986 plan. At the Annual
    Meeting held on April 15, 1987, the shareholders approved the adoption of
    the "1987 Stock Option Plan." As of June 30, 1996, 27,666 of previously
    forfeited shares remained available for grant and options to purchase 30,290
    shares were available for exercise under the 1987 plan. On January 2, 1996,
    49,900 options were granted and made available from previously ungranted and
    forfeited shares of the 1987 plan at an exercise price of $10.125 per share,
    the fair market value on that date. As of June 30, 1996, none of these
    options had been exercised. At the Annual meeting held on April 10, 1996,
    the shareholders approved the adoption of the "1996 Stock Option Plan."
    Under this plan, an amount equal to 10% of the issued and outstanding common
    stock of the Company has been reserved for future issuance. No options were
    granted in the three month period ended June 30, 1996 and 1995.


                                      10
<PAGE>
 
            NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
                     June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995
 
7.  Stock Options (continued): A summary of the Company's stock option plans as
of June 30, 1996 and 1995 and changes during the six months ended is presented
below:
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                   1996              1995
                                           -------------------  -----------------
                                                      Weighted           Weighted
                                           Number     Average   Number   Average
                                           of         Exercise  of       Exercise
                                           Options    Price     Options  Price
                                           -------    --------  -------  --------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>       <C>      <C> 
 Outstanding, beginning of year            62,590      $  8.22   32,590     $7.50
 Granted                                   49,900       10.125   30,000      9.00
 Exercised                                      0            0        0         0
 Forfeited                                      0            0        0         0
 Expired                                        0            0        0         0
                                          -------      -------   ------     ----- 
 Outstanding, end of period               112,490      $  9.06   62,590     $8.22
                                          =======      =======   ======     =====   
 Exercisable, end of period               112,490                62,590
                                          =======                ======             
</TABLE>

The exercise price of each option equals the market price of the Company's
stock on the date of grant, and an option's maximum term is 10 years. The range
of exercise prices is $7.50 to $10.125 and $7.50 to $9.00 as of June 30, 1996
and 1995, respectively.

The weighted-average fair value of the options granted during the six months
ended June 30, 1996 and 1995 was $2.93 and $2.56, respectively.

The Company applies APB Opinion 25 and related Interpretations in accounting
for its stock option plans. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been
recognized for its stock options. Had compensation cost for the Company plans
been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates consistent with the
method of FASB Statement 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share
would have been reduced to the proforma amounts indicated below:

<TABLE>  
<CAPTION> 
                                                            Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended
                                                              1996       1995       1996       1995
                                                            ---------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net income:                                  As reported   $479,381   $257,176   $828,230   $447,101
                                             Pro forma     $479,381   $257,176   $738,907   $400,301

Primary earnings per share:                  As reported   $   0.28   $   0.15   $   0.49   $   0.27
                                             Pro forma     $   0.28   $   0.15   $   0.44   $   0.24
 
Fully diluted earnings per share:            As reported   $   0.28   $   0.15   $   0.49   $   0.26
                                             Pro forma     $   0.28   $   0.15   $   0.44   $   0.24
</TABLE>

The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-
Scholes option pricing model using the following weighted-average assumptions:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                     June 30, 1996      June 30, 1995
                                     --------------  ----------------
<S>                                  <C>             <C>
 
Weighted risk-free interest rate             6.71%           6.67%
Weighted expected life                  9.25 years      8.75 years
Weighted expected volatility                17.33%         17.33%
Weighted expected dividend yield     5.0% per year   5.0% per year
</TABLE>

No modifications have been made to the terms of the option agreements.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
            NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued) 
                      June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995

8.  Commitments and Contingencies:

    In the normal course of business, LSB has outstanding various commitments
    and contingent liabilities, such as legal claims, which are not reflected in
    the financial statements. Management does not anticipate any material loss
    as a result of these transactions.

    As of June 30, 1996, LSB has entered into commitments to fund loans totaling
    approximately $5 million. The majority of these loans will have adjustable
    rates.

9.  Treasury Stock:

    On April 3, 1990, NHTB announced a Stock Repurchase Program to buy back, on
    the open market, up to a total of 5% of its outstanding common stock or
    107,364 shares. On July 11, 1990, NHTB completed its Stock Repurchase
    Program whereby 107,364 shares were repurchased at an average price of
    $4.37 per share. On August 9, 1990, NHTB announced a second buy back program
    to buy back, on the open market, up to 10%, or 203,992 shares of its total
    outstanding common stock. On June 11, 1991, a third buy back was announced
    to cover an additional 10% of the then outstanding stock or 183,592 shares.
    On July 15, 1993, NHTB announced another buy back program whereby the
    company intends to repurchase, on the open market, 10%, or 165,233 shares of
    its outstanding common stock. As of June 30, 1996, NHTB had repurchased a
    total of 539,148 shares at an average price of $4.98 for all programs while
    121,033 shares remained to be purchased from the 1993 buy back program.

 10. Authorized Shares of Stock:

    The authorized, issued and outstanding stock was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                         June 30,   December 31,
                                                           1996         1995
                                                         --------   ------------
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>
  Preferred stock:
    Authorized shares                                    2,500,000     2,500,000
    Issued shares                                                -             -
    Outstanding shares                                           -             -
  
  Common stock:
    Authorized shares                                    5,000,000     5,000,000
    Issued shares                                        2,147,282     2,147,282
    Outstanding shares                                   1,691,803     1,689,503
</TABLE> 
 

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
 PART 1. ITEM II.
                     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
               OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

General

        New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. (The Company), a Delaware holding
company organized on July 5, 1989, is the parent company of Lake Sunapee Bank,
fsb (The Bank), a federally chartered savings bank. The Bank was originally
chartered by the State of New Hampshire in 1868 as the Newport Savings Bank. On
December 1, 1980, the Bank became the first bank in the United States to convert
from a state chartered mutual savings bank to a federally-chartered mutual
savings bank. In 1981, the Bank changed its name to Lake Sunapee Savings Bank
fsb, and in 1994, changed its name to Lake Sunapee Bank fsb. The Bank is a
member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and its deposits are
insured through the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF). The Bank is
regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS).

        The Company's profitability is derived from its only subsidiary, Lake
Sunapee Bank, fsb. The Bank's earnings in turn are generated from the net income
from the yield on its loan and investment portfolios less the cost of its
deposit accounts and borrowings. These core revenues are supplemented by loan
origination fees, retail banking service fees, gains on the sale of investment
securities, and brokerage fees. The Bank passes its earnings to the Company to
the extent allowed by OTS regulations. Current regulations enable the Bank to
pay to the Company the higher of an amount equal to seventy-five per cent of the
Bank's prior four quarter earnings or up to fifty per cent of excess capital
plus total current year earnings. As of June 30, 1996, the Company had capital
of $ 1,674,446 which the Company plans to use to continue its annual dividend
payout of $0.50 per share. The Bank's core capital position of $17,800,681
results in core capital of 6.89%.

        The United States Congress continues to debate various methods for the
recapitalization of the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF), to
which the Bank pays deposit insurance assessments. As currently proposed, this
legislation will require the Bank to incur a one-time, after-tax expense in the
range of $800,000 to $1,100,000 in order to cover its portion of a one-time
contribution to the SAIF fund. This will be offset by expected, annual, after-
tax expense savings in deposit insurance of approximately $200,000.

        Proposed legislation also provided for the merger of the BIF and SAIF on
January 1, 1998, with such merger being conditioned upon the prior elimination
of the thrift charter. Congressional leaders had also agreed that Congress
should consider and act upon separate legislation to eliminate the thrift
charter as early as possible in 1996. If adopted, such legislation would require
that the Bank as a federal savings association, convert to a bank charter. Such
a requirement to convert to a bank charter could cause the Bank to lose the
favorable tax treatment for its bad debt reserves that it currently enjoys
under section 593 of the Internal Revenue Code and to have all or part of its
existing bad debt reserves recaptured into income.

        On July 29, 1996, the Company announced that the Bank had entered into
a definitive agreement to acquire Landmark Bank located in Lebanon, NH. This
agreement provides that Landmark Bank shareholders may elect to receive $12.00
in cash per share, or to exchange their shares for New Hampshire Thrift
Bancshares, Inc. shares, with a total consideration of sixty per cent in stock
and forty per cent in cash. The total transaction value is $5,676,000.

        The combined banking operation as of June 30, 1996, reflected total
assets of $316 million, deposits of $254 million, capital of $22.5 million, and
a total of 12 branches located in Sullivan, Merrimack, Grafton, and
Hillsborough counties. This transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings
in 1997.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
                     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
         OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

        This acquisition is subject to shareholder approval by both New
Hampshire Thrift Bancshares and Landmark Bank. Approval of applicable
regulatory authorities and the satisfaction of certain other customary
conditions will be required.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

        During the first six months of 1996, total assets increased slightly by
$310,048 or .12% to $258.5 million. The decrease in federal funds sold and loans
held for sale was offset by an increase in loans held in portfolio. In addition,
the decrease in the Bank's deposits held under repurchase agreements was offset
by an increase in advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank.

        Total investments (at fair value) increased by $241,297, or .85% as
sales and maturities of approximately $3.6 million were offset by purchases of
approximately $3.8 million.

        Real estate loans held in portfolio increased 2.90% from year-end.
Proceeds from the sales of loans increased $1,829,369 from March 31, 1996 to
approximately $46 million at June 30, 1996. The Bank from time-to-time sells
fixed-rate loans into the secondary market and retains the servicing on these
loans in order to build fee income. The selling of fixed-rate loans reduces
interest rate risk and creates liquidity.

        Real estate owned totaled $819,679 and accounted for 26.28% of non-
performing assets at June 30, 1996 compared to $984,185, or 40.58% at year-end
1995. Continuing to be included in the real estate owned amount is a real estate
development loan, Blye Hill Landing in Newbury, NH, with a book value of
$615,902 at June 30, 1996. At June 30, 1996, the Bank had recorded no properties
as in-substance foreclosures.

        Non-performing assets amounted to $3,120,133, or 1.21% of assets at June
30, 1996, compared to $2,425,647, or .94% at year-end 1995. The Bank includes
all loans 90 days past due, all real estate owned, and non-earning assets as 
non-performing assets. The increase in non-performing assets resulted from the
transfer of a loan from classified or impaired to a non-performing status.
Impaired loans totaled $440,539 and $807,867 at June 30, 1996 and December 31,
1995, respectively. As of June 30, 1996, the Bank charged-off $1,069,197 of
loans which had been previously reserved for.

        Deposits increased $332,327 for the first six months of 1996, after a
decline of $1.5 million in the first quarter, as customers shifted deposits into
longer-term instruments. Certificates of deposits increased as the Bank priced
its one-year certificates comparable to the one-year Treasury. In addition to
deposits, the Bank funded the growth in loans with advances from the Federal
Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLBB). As stated above, advances increased $4,334,176
million to $31,270,344 during the six months ended June 30, 1996.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

        The Bank is required to maintain a 5.00% ratio of long-term liquid
assets to net withdrawable funds. At June 30, 1996, the Bank's percentage of
10.49% exceeded regulatory requirements.

        The Bank's sources of funds come from net deposit inflows, loan
amortizations, and advances from the FHLBB. At June 30, 1996, the Bank had
approximately $46 million in additional borrowing capacity available from the
FHLBB. The Bank expects to be able to fund loan commitments of approximately $5
million by utilizing the FHLBB advance program, in the event deposit inflows are
not sufficient to cover funding needs. 

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
                     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
         OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

        As of June 30, 1996, net cash inflows from operating activities amounted
to $2,667,943 compared to $2,361,287 for the same period in 1995. Net cash
inflows from financing activities were $43,385 compared to $10,533,584 for 1995.
This change was primarily due to the $8,208,223 decrease in deposits and
repurchase agreements. The net cash inflows from operating activities, when
added to the net cash inflows from financing activities were not sufficient, by
$3,333,081, to cover the investing cash outflow needs of $6,044,409. The Bank
utilized its beginning cash position to cover the balance of its investing
activity needs. Cash and cash equivalents, therefore, declined to $7,660,216 as
of June 30, 1996. Investing activity needs included the purchase of $3,842.459
of securities available for sale and a net increase in loans to customers of
$4,972,842.

        At June 30, 1996, the Company's capital amounted to $19,475,127, or
7.53% of total assets, compared to $19,544,005, or 7.57% of total assets at 
year-end 1995. The change of $68,878 is attributed to retaining income of
$405,762, a change in the unrealized loss on securities available for sale of
$491,891, and a change of $17,251 in paid-in capital and treasury stock due to
the exercise of stock options. An increase in interest rates during the first
six months of 1996 resulted in a drop in bond values. This increased the
unrealized loss on securities available for sale.

        As part of the Financial Institution Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement
Act of 1989 (FIRREA), banks are required to maintain core, leverage, and risk-
based capital of 3.00%, 3.00%, and 8.00%, respectively. As of June 30, 1996, the
Bank's core, leverage and risk-based capital ratios were 6.98%, 6.98%, and
12.57%, respectively, well in excess of the regulators' requirements.

        The Company's book value per share was $11.51 at June 30, 1996, versus
$11.57 at December 31, 1995. The decrease was attributable to the change in the
unrealized loss on securities available for sale.

INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY

        The Bank's one-year interest sensitive gap at June 30, 1996, was
approximately negative eight percent, compared to the December 31, 1995, gap
position of approximately negative seven percent. The Bank continues to offer
adjustable rate mortgages which reprice at one, three, and five year intervals.
In addition, from time-to-time, the Bank sells fixed rate mortgages into the
secondary market in order to minimize interest rate risk. As of June 30, 
1996, adjustable rate mortgages amounted to approximately 83% of total loans.

        The strategy of matching rate-sensitive assets with similar
liabilities stabilizes profitability during periods of interest rate
fluctuations. The Bank's gap, of approximately negative eight percent at June
30, 1996, means earnings would increase if interest rates trended downward. The
opposite would occur if interest rates were to rise. Management feels that
maintaining the gap within ten points of the parity line provides adequate
protection against severe interest rate swings. In an effort to maintain the gap
within ten points of parity, the Bank utilizes the Federal Home Loan Bank
advance program to control the repricing of liabilities.

              NET INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
              AS COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995

        Net income for the second quarter in 1996 was $479,381, or $0.28 per
share as compared to $257,176, or $0.15 per share for the same period in 1995,
an increase of $222,205, or 86%. Net interest income increased by $220,660, or
32.79% due to an increase in loan volume and upward adjustments to the Bank's
variable rate loans.

        Total non-interest income increased $381,156, or 115.74%. Two factors
accounted for this increase. As mentioned in the March 31, 1996, 10-QSB, the
Bank expected to realize an after-tax gain of

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
                     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
         OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

approximately $200,000 from the sale of a piece of land adjacent to the Bank's
New London branch. The sale occurred in June. Fees from customer and brokerage
services increased $125,687 during the three months ended June 30, 1996.

        Operating expenses remained flat, increasing slightly by $27,357, or
1.75%. The Bank expects future operating expenses to increase at approximately
the rate of inflation.

               NET INCOME FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
               AS COMPARED TO THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995

        Net income for the six months ended June 30, 1996 increased $381,129 to
$828,230, or $0.49 per share compared to $447,101, or $0.26 per share at June
30, 1995. The reasons for the increase are explained above.

RESERVE FOR LOAN LOSSES

        The Bank considers many factors in determining the level of loan loss
reserves. These factors include the risk and size characteristics of loans,
prior years' loss experience, the levels of delinquencies, the prevailing
economic conditions, the number of foreclosures, unemployment rates, interest
rates, and the value of collateral securing loans. Additionally, the Bank's
commercial loan officers review the financial condition of commercial loan
facilities and inventories. The Bank also has an internal audit and compliance
program whereby all loans are reviewed and classified to determine appropriate
loan loss reserve levels. Results of the audit and compliance programs are
reported directly to the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors.

        The reserve for loan losses at June 30, 1996, was $1,507,413 including
$7,411 in specific reserves for loans classified as loss, compared to
$1,828,060, including $628,060 in specific reserves, at year-end 1995. The
reserve for loan loss allowance represented 0.70% of total loans at June 30,
1996, compared to 0.87% at December 31, 1995. The allowance for loan losses as a
percentage of non-performing assets was 48.31% at June 30, 1996, compared to
75.36% at December 31, 1995.

        Loans classified for regulatory purposes as loss, doubtful, substandard,
or special mention do not result from trends or uncertainties which the Bank
expects will materially impact future operating results, liquidity, or capital
resources.

        Total classified loans, excluding special mention, as of June 30, 1996,
were $6,739,969 compared to $6,049,066 at December 31, 1995. Of these amounts,
$3,120,133 and $2,425,647, respectively, are included in non-performing
assets.

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.
                          PART II. OTHER 1NFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
        -----------------

        There is no material litigation pending in which the Company or its
        subsidiaries is a party or which the property of the Company or its
        subsidiaries is subject.

Item 2. Changes in Securities
        ---------------------

        None

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
        -------------------------------

        None

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Common Shareholders
        ------------------------------------------------------

Item 5. Other Information
        -----------------

        None

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
        --------------------------------

        A.) Exhibits:

            None

        B.) Reports on Form 8-K:

            (i) Form 8-K regarding change of independent auditors dated July 10,
            1996

            (ii) Form 8-K reporting announcement of agreement to acquire
            Landmark Bank dated July 26, 1996

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
                                  ----------

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

                      
                      

                              NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES. INC.
                              -------------------------------------
                                           (Registrant)
                          
                          
                          
                          
Date: August 14, 1996         /s/ Stephen W. Ensign
      ---------------         ---------------------
                              Stephen W. Ensign
                              President and Chief Executive Officer
                          
Date: August 14, 1996         /s/ Stephen R. Theroux
      ---------------         ----------------------
                              Stephen R. Theroux
                              Executive Vice President and
                              Chief Financial Officer

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 20.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

          Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL"), inter
alia, empowers a Delaware corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a
party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of
the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director,
officer, employee or agent of another corporation or other enterprise, against
expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such
action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interest of the
corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.  Similar indemnity is
authorized for such person against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually
and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of any such
threatened, pending or completed action or suit if such person acted in good
faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the corporation, and provided further that (unless a court of
competent jurisdiction otherwise provides) such person shall not have been
adjudged liable to the corporation.  Any such indemnification may be made only
as authorized in each specific case upon a determination by the stockholders or
disinterested directors or by independent legal counsel in a written opinion
that indemnification is proper because the indemnitee has met the applicable
standard of conduct.

          Section 145 further authorizes a corporation to purchase and maintain
insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or
agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation
as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise,
against any liability asserted against him, and incurred by him in any such
capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the corporation
would otherwise have the power to indemnify him under Section 145.

          Article IX of the Certificate of Bylaws of New Hampshire Thrift
Bancshares, Inc. ("NHTB" or the "Registrant") provides, among other things, that
NHTB shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be
made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding,
and any appeal therein, whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative or
investigate (other than an action by or in the right of NHTB) by reason of the
fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent of
NHTB, or is or was serving at the request of NHTB as a director, officer,
trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, association, partnership,
joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement actually and
reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding,
and any appeal therein, if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of NHTB, and, with
respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe
his conduct was unlawful.

          NHTB shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened
to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
proceeding, and any appeal therein, and against amounts paid in settlement by or
in the right of NHTB to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact he
is or was a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent of NHTB, or is or was
serving at the request of NHTB as a director, officer, trustee, employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably
incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of such action,
suit, or proceeding, and any appeal therein, and against amounts paid in
settlement if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to
be in or not opposed to the best interests of NHTB; provided, however, that no
indemnification shall be made against expenses in respect of any claim, issue or
matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable for
negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duty to NHTB or against
amounts paid in settlement unless and only to the extent that there is a
determination that despite the adjudication of liability or the settlement,

                                      II-1
<PAGE>
 
but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and
reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses or amounts paid in
settlement.

          Article IX also empowers NHTB to purchase and maintain insurance to
protect itself and its directors and officers, among other things, against any
liability, regardless of whether or not NHTB would have the power to indemnify
those persons against such liability under the law or the provisions set forth
in the Bylaws.

                                      II-2
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 21.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

     The exhibits filed as a part of this Registration Statement are as follows:

     (a). LIST OF EXHIBITS. (Filed herewith unless otherwise noted.)
 

EXHIBIT NO.                 DESCRIPTION
- -----------                 -----------

   2.1   Agreement as Plan of Reorganization, dated as of July 26, 1996, by and
         among New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. ("NHTB"), Lake Sunapee
         Bank, fsb (the "Bank") and Landmark Bank ("Landmark"), including Annex
         A, Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 26, 1996, by and
         between Landmark and the Bank, and joined in by NHTB (included as
         Appendix A to the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus) (The Plan of
         Reorganization filed herewith does not included Exhibits B and C
         thereto, releases of NHTB and Landmark to be executed by certain
         employees and officers of Landmark upon termination of their
         employment. Exhibits B and C to the Plan of Reorganization will be
         furnished to the Commission on request.)

   3.1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of NHTB.

   3.2   Amended and Restated Bylaws of NHTB.

   4.1   Stock Certificate of New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. (previously
         filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Form S-4 (file No. 33-27192)
         filed with the Commission on March 1, 1989).

   5.1   Draft opinion of Thacher Proffitt & Wood regarding legality of the
         securities being registered.

   8.1   Draft opinion of Thacher Proffitt & Wood regarding certain federal
         income tax matters.

   8.2   Opinion of Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, P.A. regarding certain
         federal income tax matters (to be filed by amendment).

  10.1   Profit Sharing-Stock Ownership Plan of Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb (to
         be filed by amendment).

  10.2   Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb 1996 Incentive Stock Option Plan (to be
         filed by amendment).

  10.3   Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb 1987 Incentive Stock Option Plan
         (previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Form S-4 (file No.
         33-27192), filed with the Commission on March 1, 1989).

  10.4   Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb 1986 Incentive Stock Option Plan (previously
         filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Form S-4 (file No. 33-27192),
         filed with the Commission on March 1, 1989).

  10.5   Employment Agreement between NHTB and Stephen W. Ensign (to be filed by
         amendment).

                                      II-3
<PAGE>
 
EXHIBIT NO.                     DESCRIPTION
- -----------                     -----------
  10.6   Employment Agreement between the Bank and Stephen R. Theroux (to
         be filed by amendment).

  10.7   Stock Option Agreement, dated as of July 26, 1996, between NHTB
         and Landmark, (included as Appendix C to the Joint Proxy Statement-
         Prospectus).

  13.1   Annual Report to Shareholders and Annual Report on Form 10-KSB of
         NHTB for the year ended December 31, 1995 (included as Appendix E to
         the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus)

  13.2   Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB of NHTB for the quarter ended March 31,
         1996.

  13.3   Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB of NHTB for the quarter ended June 30,
         1996 (included as Appendix E to the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus)
 
  16.1   Letter on Change in Certifying Accountant (previously filed as an
         exhibit to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 10,
         1996).

  21.1   Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

  23.1   Consent of Berry, Dunn, MacNeil & Parker

  23.2   Consent of A.M. Peisch & Company

  23.3   Consent of Thacher Proffitt & Wood (included on Exhibits 5.1 and
         8.1)

  23.4   Consent of Gallagher, Callahan & Gatrell, P.A. (included in
         Exhibit 8.2)

  23.5   Consent of HAS Associates, Inc.

  23.6   Consent of McConnell, Budd & Downes, Inc.

  23.7   Consent of Smith, Batchelder & Rugg

  24.1   Powers of Attorney (included in Signature Page of the
         Registration Statement)

  27.1   Financial Data Schedule (submitted only with filing in electronic
         format)

  99.1   Form of Proxy of New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.

  99.2   Current Report on Form 8-K of NHTB, dated July 10, 1996.

  99.3   Current Report on Form 8-K of NHTB, dated August 7, 1996.

   (B).  FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

   All schedules have been omitted as not applicable or not required.

                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 22.  UNDERTAKINGS.

   Insofar as indemnification by the Registrant for liabilities arising under
the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and
controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

   The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:

          (1)  For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
               Act of 1933, 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 pursuant to 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 it was declared effective.

          (2)  For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
               Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form
               of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
               relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of
               such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
               bona fide offering thereof.

     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the Proxy Statement-
Prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this form, within one
business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents
by first class mail or other equally prompt means.  This includes information
contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the
registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

          The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in this Registration Statement when it became effective.

                                      II-5
<PAGE>
 
CONFORMED                         SIGNATURES
- ---------            

          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Town of
Newport, State of New Hampshire, on September 23, 1996.

                                   New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.


                                   By:   /s/ John J. Kiernan
                                         -------------------
                                         John J. Kiernan, Chairman of the Board


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

          KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints John J. Kiernan, Stephen W. Ensign and
Stephen R. Theroux and each of them, as their true and lawful attorneys-in-fact
and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her
and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign the
Form S-4 Registration Statement and any and all amendments thereto, and to file
the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each
said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done as fully to all
intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying
and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either one of his
or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, this Registration
Statement, or amendment thereto, has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
           Name                              Title                          Date
           ----                              -----                          ----
<S>                          <C>                                     <C>
/s/ John J. Kiernan          Chairman of the Board                   September 23, 1996
- ---------------------------
John J. Kiernan

/s/ Stephen W. Ensign        Director, President and Chief           September 23, 1996
- ---------------------------  Executive Officer
Stephen W. Ensign            (principal executive officer)
 
/s/ Ralph B. Fifield, Jr.    Director                                September 23, 1996
- ---------------------------
Ralph B. Fifield, Jr.

/s/ John A. Kelley, Jr.      Director                                September 23, 1996
- ---------------------------
John A. Kelley, Jr.

/s/ Dennis A. Morrow         Director                                September 23, 1996
- ---------------------------
Dennis A. Morrow
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

     Name                                 Title                         Date
     ----                                 -----                         ----
<S>                          <C>                                     <C> 
/s/ Priscilla W. Ohler       Director                                September 23, 1996
- ---------------------------
Priscilla W. Ohler

/s/ Perry R. Smith, Jr.      Director                                September 23, 1996
- ---------------------------
Perry R. Smith, Jr.

/s/ Stephen R. Theroux       Director, Executive Vice President      September 23, 1996
- ---------------------------  and Chief Financial Officer
Stephen R. Theroux           (principal financial officer)
                             (principal accounting officer)

/s/ Kenneth D. Weed          Director                                September 23, 1996
- ---------------------------
Kenneth D. Weed
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549



                           _________________________


                                    EXHIBITS

                                       TO

                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT

                                  ON FORM S-4



                                 NEW HAMPSHIRE
                            THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT LIST

EXHIBIT NO.                DESCRIPTION
- -----------                -----------

   2.1      Agreement as Plan of Reorganization, dated as of July 26, 1996, by
            and among New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. ("NHTB"), Lake
            Sunapee Bank, fsb (the "Bank") and Landmark Bank ("Landmark"),
            including Annex A, Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July
            26, 1996, by and between Landmark and the Bank, and joined in by
            NHTB (included as Appendix A to the Joint Proxy Statement-
            Prospectus) (The Plan of Reorganization filed herewith does not
            included Exhibits B and C thereto, releases of NHTB and Landmark to
            be executed by certain employees and officers of Landmark upon
            termination of their employment. Exhibits B and C to the Plan of
            Reorganization will be furnished to the Commission on request.)

   3.1      Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of NHTB.

   3.2      Amended and Restated Bylaws of NHTB.

   4.1      Stock Certificate of New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.
            (previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Form S-4 (file
            No. 33-27192) filed with the Commission on March 1, 1989).

   5.1      Draft opinion of Thacher Proffitt & Wood regarding legality of the
            securities being registered.

   8.1      Draft opinion of Thacher Proffitt & Wood regarding certain federal
            income tax matters.

   8.2      Opinion of Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, P.A. regarding certain
            federal income tax matters (to be filed by amendment).

  10.1      Profit Sharing-Stock Ownership Plan of Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb (to
            be filed by amendment).

  10.2      Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb 1996 Incentive Stock Option Plan (to be
            filed by amendment).

  10.3      Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb 1987 Incentive Stock Option Plan (previously
            filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Form S-4 (file No. 33-
            27192), filed with the Commission on March 1, 1989).

  10.4      Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb 1986 Incentive Stock Option Plan (previously
            filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Form S-4 (file No. 33-
            27192), filed with the Commission on March 1, 1989).
<PAGE>
 
EXHIBIT NO.                DESCRIPTION
- -----------                -----------

  10.5      Employment Agreement between NHTB and Stephen W. Ensign (to be filed
            by amendment).

  10.6      Employment Agreement between the Bank and Stephen R. Theroux (to
            be filed by amendment).

  10.7      Stock Option Agreement, dated as of July 26, 1996, between NHTB and
            Landmark, (included as Appendix C to the Joint Proxy Statement-
            Prospectus).

  13.1      Annual Report to Shareholders and Annual Report on Form 10-KSB of
            NHTB for the year ended December 31, 1995 (included as Appendix E to
            the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus)

  13.2      Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB of NHTB for the quarter ended
            March 31, 1996.

  13.3      Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB of NHTB for the quarter ended
            June 30, 1996 (included as Appendix E to the Joint Proxy Statement-
            Prospectus).
 
  16.1      Letter on Change in Certifying Accountant (previously filed as an
            exhibit to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July
            10, 1996)

  21.1      Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

  23.1      Consent of Berry, Dunn, MacNeil & Parker

  23.2      Consent of A.M. Peisch & Company

  23.3      Consent of Thacher Proffitt & Wood (included on Exhibits 5.1 and
            8.1)

  23.4      Consent of Gallagher, Callahan & Gatrell, P.A. (included in
            Exhibit 8.2)

  23.5      Consent of HAS Associates, Inc.

  23.6      Consent of McConnell, Budd & Downes, Inc.

  23.7      Consent of Smith, Batchelder & Rugg

  24.1      Powers of Attorney (included in Signature Page of the Registration
            Statement)
<PAGE>
 
EXHIBIT NO.                DESCRIPTION
- -----------                -----------

  27.1      Financial Data Schedule (submitted only with filing in electronic
            format)

  99.1      Form of Proxy of New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.

  99.2      Current Report on Form 8-K of NHTB, dated July 10, 1996.

  99.3      Current Report on Form 8-K of NHTB, dated August 7, 1996.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.1

                               STATE OF DELAWARE
                          CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
                                       OF
                     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.
                              (THE "CORPORATION")


          The undersigned acting as incorporators of a corporation under the
Delaware General Corporation Law, adopt the following Certificate of
Incorporation:

          ARTICLE 1.  CORPORATE TITLE.  The name of the corporation is New
                      ---------------                                     
Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.

          ARTICLE 2.  REGISTERED OFFICE.  The address of the Corporation's
                      -----------------                                   
initial registered office in the State of Delaware is Corporation Trust Center,
1209 Orange Street, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, and the name of
the initial registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

          ARTICLE 3.  DURATION.  The duration of the Corporation is perpetual.
                      --------                                                

          ARTICLE 4.  PURPOSE AND POWERS.  The purpose for which the Corporation
                      ------------------                                        
is organized is to engage in any lawful act or  activity for which corporations
may be organized under the General Corporation Law of Delaware.

          ARTICLE 5.  CAPITAL STOCK.  The total number of shares of all classes
                      -------------                                            
of the capital stock which the Corporation has the authority to issue is
7,500,000, of which 5,000,000 shall be  common stock, par value $0.01 per share,
and of which 2,500,000  shall be preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share.
The shares  may be issued from time to time as authorized by the board of
directors without further approval of shareholders except as  otherwise provided
in this Article 5 or to the extent that such  approval is required by governing
law, rule, or regulation.  The  consideration for the issuance of the shares
shall be paid in full before their issuance and shall not be less than the par
value.  Neither promissory notes nor future services shall constitute payment or
part payment for the issuance of shares of the Corporation.  The consideration
for the shares shall be cash, tangible or intangible property (to the extent
direct investment in such property would be permitted), labor, or services
actually performed for the Corporation or any combination of the foregoing.  In
the absence of actual fraud in the transaction, the value of such property,
labor, or services, as determined by the board of directors of the Corporation,
shall be conclusive.  Upon payment of such consideration, such shares shall be
deemed to be fully paid and nonassessable.  In the case of a stock dividend,
that part of the surplus of the Corporation which is transferred to stated
capital upon the issuance of shares as a share dividend shall be deemed to be
the consideration for their issuance.
<PAGE>
 
          No shares of capital stock (including shares issuable upon conversion,
exchange, or exercise of other securities) shall be issued, directly or
indirectly, to officers, directors, or controlling persons of the Corporation
other than as part of a general public offering or as qualifying shares to a
director, unless their issuance or the plan under which they would be issued has
been approved by a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast at a legal
meeting.

          Nothing contained in this Article 5 (or in any supplementary sections
hereto) shall entitle the holders of any class of a series of capital stock to
vote as a separate class or series or to more than one vote per share:
Provided, that this restriction on voting separately by class or series shall
- --------                                                                     
not apply:

          (i)  to any provision which would authorize the holders of preferred
               stock, voting as a class or series, to elect some members of the
               board of directors, less than a majority thereof, in the event of
               default in the payment of dividends on any class or series of
               preferred stock;

          (ii) to any provision which would require the holders of preferred
               stock, voting as a class or series, to approve the merger or
               consolidation of the Corporation with another corporation or the
               sale, lease, or conveyance (other than by mortgage or pledge) of
               properties or business in exchange for securities of a
               corporation other than the Corporation if the preferred stock is
               exchanged for securities of such other corporation; and

          (iii) to any amendment which would adversely change the specific terms
                of any class or series of capital stock as set forth in this
                Article 5 (or in any supplementary sections hereto), including
                any amendment which would create or enlarge any class or series
                ranking prior thereto in rights and preferences. An amendment
                which increases the number of authorized shares of any class or
                series of capital stock, or substitutes the surviving
                corporation in a merger or consolidation for the Corporation,
                shall not be considered to be such an adverse change.

          A description of the different classes and series (if any) of the
Corporation's capital stock and a statement of the designations, and the
relative rights, preferences, and limitations 

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
of the shares of each class of and series (if any) of capital stock are as
follows:

          A. COMMON STOCK. Except as provided in this Article 5 (or in any
supplementary sections hereto) the holders of the common stock shall exclusively
possess all voting power. Each holder of shares of common stock shall be
entitled to one vote for each share held by such holder, including the election
of directors. There shall be no cumulative voting rights in the election of
directors. Each share of common stock shall have the same relative rights as and
be identical in all respects with all the other shares of common stock.

          Whenever there shall have been paid, or declared and set aside for
payment, to the holders of the outstanding shares of any class of stock having
preference over the common stock as to the payment of dividends, the full amount
of dividends and of sinking fund, or retirement fund, or other retirement
payments, if any, to which such holders are respectively entitled in  preference
to the common stock, then dividends may be paid on the common stock and on any
class or series of stock entitled to participate therewith as to dividends, out
of any assets legally available for the payment of dividends; but only when and
as declared by the board of directors.

          In the event of any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the
Corporation, the holders of the common stock (and the holders of any class or
series of stock entitled to participate  with the common stock in the
distribution of assets) shall be  entitled to receive, in cash or in kind, the
assets of the  Corporation available for distribution remaining after:  (i)
payment or provision for payment of the Corporation's debts and  liabilities;
and (ii) distributions or provision for distributions to holders of any class or
series of stock having preference over the common stock in the liquidation,
dissolution, or winding up of the Corporation.

          B.   PREFERRED STOCK.  The board of directors of the Corporation is
authorized, by resolution or resolutions from time to time adopted and by filing
a certificate pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Delaware, to
provide for the  issuance of one or more classes of preferred stock, which shall
be separately identified.  The shares of any class may be divided into and
issued in series, with each series separately designated so as to distinguish
the shares thereof from the shares of all other series and classes.  All shares
of the same class shall be identical except as to the following relative rights
and preferences, as to which there may be variations between different series:

          1. the distinctive serial designation and the number of shares
             constituting such series;

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
          2. the dividend rate or the amount of dividends to be paid on the
             shares of such series, whether dividends shall be cumulative and,
             if so, from which date or dates, the payment date or dates for
             dividends, and the participating or other special rights, if any,
             with respect to dividends;

          3. the voting powers, full or limited, if any, of shares of such
             series;

          4. whether the shares of such series shall be redeemable and, if so,
             the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions on
             which, such shares may be redeemed;

          5. the amount or amounts payable upon the shares of such series in the
             event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or
             winding up of the Corporation;

          6. whether the shares of such series shall be entitled to the benefit
             of a sinking or retirement fund to be applied to the purchase or
             redemption of such shares, and if so entitled, the amount of such
             fund and the manner of its application, including the price or
             prices at which such shares may be redeemed or purchased through
             the application of such fund;

          7. whether the shares of such series shall be convertible into, or
             exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes of stock of
             the Corporation and, if so, the conversion price or prices, or the
             rate or rates of exchange, and the adjustments thereof, if any, at
             which such conversion or exchange may be made, and any other terms
             and conditions of such conversion or exchange;

          8. the price or other consideration for which the shares of such
             series shall be issued; and

          9. whether the shares of such series which are redeemed or converted
             shall have the status of authorized but unissued shares of serial
             preferred stock and whether such shares may be reissued as shares
             of the same or any other series of serial preferred stock.

          Each share of each series of serial preferred stock shall have the
same relative rights as and be identical in all respects with all the other
shares of the same series.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
          ARTICLE 6.  PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS.  Holders of the capital stock of the
                      -----------------                                      
Corporation shall not be entitled to preemptive  rights with respect to any
shares of the Corporation which may be issued.

          ARTICLE 7.  APPROVAL FOR ACQUISITIONS OF CONTROL AND OFFERS TO ACQUIRE
                      ----------------------------------------------------------
CONTROL.  The provisions of this Article 7 shall  become effective upon Lake
- -------                                                                     
Sunapee Savings Bank (the "Bank") becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Corporation.  In the event that thereafter the Bank (or any successor
institution) ceases to be a majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, this
Article 7 shall thereupon cease to be effective.

          SUBSECTION 1.  FIVE-YEAR RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITIONS OF CONTROL AND
                         OFFERS TO ACQUIRE CONTROL.

          For a period of five years after the date of incorporation no Person
shall acquire control of the Corporation, or make any Offer to acquire Control
of the Corporation, unless such acquisition or Offer has received the prior
approval of at least two-thirds of the directors then in office at a duly
constituted meeting of the board of directors of the Corporation called for such
purpose.  The terms "Person", "Control" and "Offer" as used in this Article 7
are defined in subsection 5 hereof.

          SUBSECTION 2.  SHAREHOLDER VOTE AND REGULATORY APPROVAL REQUIRED FOR
                         ACQUISITION OF CONTROL AT ANY TIME.

          No Person shall acquire Control of the Corporation at any time, unless
such acquisition has been approved prior to its consummation by the affirmative
vote of the holders of at least  two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Voting
Stock (as defined  in subsection 5 hereof) at a duly constituted meeting of
shareholders called for such purpose; provided, however, that  this provision
shall not apply if such acquisition of Control has been approved by at least
two-thirds of the directors then in office at a duly constituted meeting of the
board of directors called for such purpose.  In addition, no Person shall
acquire Control of the Corporation at any time without obtaining prior thereto
all federal regulatory approvals required under the Change in Savings and Loan
Control Act (the "Control Act") and the Savings and Loan Holding Company Act
(the "Holding Company Act"), or any successor provisions of law, and in the
manner provided by all applicable regulations of the Federal Savings and Loan
Insurance Corporation (the "FSLIC"). In the event that Control is acquired
without obtaining all such regulatory approvals, such acquisition shall
constitute a violation of this Article 7 and the Corporation shall be entitled
to institute a private right of action to enforce such statutory and regulatory
provisions.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
          SUBSECTION 3.  EXCESS SHARES.

          In the event that Control of the Corporation is acquired in  violation
of this Article 7, all shares of Voting Stock owned by the Person so acquiring
Control in excess of the number of shares the beneficial ownership of which is
deemed under subsection 5 hereof to confer Control of the Corporation shall be
considered from and after the date of their acquisition by such Person to be
"excess shares" for purposes of this  Article 7.  Such excess shares shall
thereafter no longer (i) be entitled to vote on any matter, (ii) be entitled to
take other shareholder action, (iii) be entitled to be counted in determining
the total number of outstanding shares for purposes of any matter involving
shareholder action, or (iv) be transferable, except with the approval of the
board of directors or by an independent trustee appointed by the board of
directors for the purpose of having such excess shares sold on the open market
or otherwise.  The proceeds from the sale by the trustee of such excess shares
shall be paid (i) first, to the trustee in an amount equal to the trustee's
reasonable fees and expenses, (ii) second, to the "beneficial owner" (as defined
in Article 8, section C, subsection 3, hereof) of such excess shares in an
amount up to such owner's federal income tax basis in such excess shares, and
(iii) third, to the Corporation as to any remaining balance.

          SUBSECTION 4.  APPROVAL REQUIRED FOR OFFERS TO ACQUIRE CONTROL AFTER
                         FIVE YEARS.

          After five years from the date of incorporation no Person shall make
any Offer to acquire Control of the Corporation, if the common stock is then
traded on a national securities exchange or quoted on the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System, unless such Person has
received prior approval to make such Offer by complying with either of the
following procedures:

          1.   The Offer shall have been approved by at least two-thirds of the
directors then in office at a duly constituted  meeting of the board of
directors of the Corporation called for  such purpose, or

          2.   The Person proposing to make such Offer shall have  obtained
approval from the FSLIC, pursuant to the Control Act, the Holding Company Act,
or any successor provisions of law, to  acquire control of the Corporation.

          SUBSECTION 5.  CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.

          For purposes of this Article 7:

               A. "Control" means the sole or shared power to vote or to direct
                  the voting of, or to dispose or to direct the disposition of,
                  10 

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                  percent or more of the Voting Stock; provided, that the
                  solicitation, holding and voting of proxies obtained by the
                  board of directors of the Corporation pursuant to a
                  solicitation under Regulation 14A of the General Rules and
                  Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
                  amended (the "Exchange Act") shall not constitute "Control."

               B. "Group Acting in Concert" includes Persons seeking to combine
                  or pool their voting or other interests in the Voting Stock
                  for a common purpose, pursuant to any contract, understanding,
                  relationship, agreement or other arrangement, whether written
                  or otherwise; provided, that a "Group Acting in Concert" shall
                  not include the board of directors of the Corporation in its
                  solicitation, holding and voting of proxies obtained by it
                  pursuant to a solicitation under Regulation 14A of the General
                  Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act.

               C. "Offer" means every offer to buy or acquire, solicitation of
                  an offer to sell, tender offer for, or request invitation for
                  tender of, Voting Stock.

               D. "Person" means any individual, firm, corporation or other
                  entity including a Group Acting in Concert.

               E. "Voting Stock" means the then outstanding shares of capital
                  stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the
                  election of directors.

          SUBSECTION 6.  INAPPLICABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFERING.

          This Article 7 shall not apply to the purchase of securities of the
Corporation by underwriters in connection with a public offering of such
securities.

          SUBSECTION 7.  REFERENCES TO FSLIC.

          In the event that the accounts of the Bank (or any successor
institution) become insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
("FDIC") in lieu of the FSLIC, all references in this Article 7 to the FSLIC
shall be deemed to refer to the FDIC, and related references to the Control Act
and the Holding Company Act shall be deemed to be references to applicable
statutes relating to banks, the accounts of which are insured by the FDIC.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
          ARTICLE 8.  CERTAIN BUSINESS COMBINATIONS.
                      ----------------------------- 

          A.   VOTE REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN BUSINESS COMBINATIONS.

               1. HIGHER VOTE FOR CERTAIN BUSINESS COMBINATIONS. In addition to
                  ---------------------------------------------
                  any affirmative vote required by law or this certificate of
                  incorporation, and except as otherwise expressly provided in
                  section B of this Article 8:

                      (a) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any
                          Subsidiary (as hereinafter defined) with (i) any
                          Interested Shareholder (as hereinafter defined) or
                          (ii) any other corporation (whether or not itself an
                          Interested Shareholder) which is, or after such merger
                          or consolidation would be, an Affiliate (as
                          hereinafter defined) of an Interested Shareholder; or

                      (b) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer
                          or other disposition (in one transaction or a series
                          of transactions) to or with any Interested Shareholder
                          or any Affiliate of any Interested Shareholder of any
                          assets of the Corporation or any Subsidiary having an
                          aggregate Fair Market Value (as hereinafter defined)
                          of $1,000,000 or more; or

                      (c) the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or any
                          Subsidiary (in one transaction or a series of
                          transactions) of any securities of the Corporation or
                          any Subsidiary to any Interested Shareholder or any
                          Affiliate of any Interested Shareholder in exchange
                          for cash, securities or other property (or a
                          combination thereof) having an aggregate Fair Market
                          Value of $1,000,000 or more; or

                      (d) the adoption of any plan or proposal for the
                          liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation proposed
                          by or on behalf of an Interested Shareholder or any
                          Affiliate of any Interested Shareholder; or

                      (e) any reclassification of securities (including any
                          reverse stock split), or 

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                          recapitalization of the Corporation, or any merger or
                          consolidation of the Corporation with any of its
                          Subsidiaries or any other transaction (whether or not
                          with or into or otherwise involving an Interested
                          Shareholder) which has the effect, directly or
                          indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of
                          the outstanding shares of any class of equity or
                          convertible securities of the Corporation or any
                          Subsidiary which is directly or indirectly owned by
                          any Interested Shareholder or any Affiliate of any
                          Interested Shareholder;

                    shall require the affirmative vote of (A) the holders of at
                    least 75% of the voting power of the then outstanding shares
                    of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote
                    generally in the election of directors (the "Voting Stock"),
                    voting together as a single class and (B) the holders of at
                    least a majority of the Voting Stock, voting together as a
                    single class, excluding for purposes of calculating both the
                    affirmative vote and the number of outstanding shares of
                    Voting Stock all shares of Voting Stock of which the
                    beneficial owner is an Interested Shareholder or any
                    Affiliate of an Interested Shareholder referred to in
                    clauses (a) through (e) in this paragraph 1. Such
                    affirmative vote shall be required notwithstanding the fact
                    that no vote may be required, or that a lesser percentage
                    may be specified, by law.

               2.   DEFINITION OF "BUSINESS COMBINATION." The Combination" as
                    -----------------------------------
                    used in this Article 8 shall mean any transaction which is
                    referred to in any one or more of clauses (a) through (e) of
                    subsection 1 of this section A.

          B.   WHEN HIGHER VOTE IS NOT REQUIRED.  The provisions of section A of
this Article 8 shall not be applicable to any particular Business Combination,
and such Business Combination  shall require only such affirmative vote as is
required by law and any other provision of this certificate of incorporation, if
all of the conditions specified in either of the following subsections 1 and 2
are met:

               1. APPROVAL BY CONTINUING DIRECTORS. The Business Combination
                  --------------------------------
                  shall have been approved by a majority of the Continuing
                  Directors (as hereinafter defined).

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
               2. PRICE AND PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS. All of the following
                  conditions shall have been met:

                    (a) The aggregate amount of the cash and the Fair Market
                        Value (as hereinafter defined) as of the date of the
                        consummation of the Business Combination of
                        consideration other than cash to be received per share
                        by holders of common stock in such Business Combination
                        shall be at least equal to the highest of the following:

                        (i) (if applicable) the highest per share price
                            (including any brokerage commissions, transfer 
                            taxes and soliciting dealers' fees) paid by the
                            Interested Shareholder for any shares of common
                            stock acquired by it (a) within the two-year period
                            immediately prior to the first public announcement
                            of the proposal of the Business Combination (the
                            "Announcement Date") or (b) the date on which the
                            Interested Shareholders became an Interested
                            Shareholder (the "Determination Date"), whichever is
                            higher; or

                       (ii) the Fair Market Value per share of common stock on
                            the Announcement Date or on the Determination
                            Date, whichever is higher.

                    (b)  The aggregate amount of the cash and the Fair Market
                         Value as of the date of the consummation of the
                         Business Combination of consideration other than cash
                         to be received per share by holders of shares of any
                         other class of outstanding Voting Stock shall be at
                         least equal to the highest of the following (it being
                         intended that the requirements of this subsection 2(b)
                         shall be required to be met with respect to every class
                         of outstanding Voting Stock, whether or not the
                         Interested Shareholder has previously acquired any
                         shares of a particular class of Voting Stock):

                         (i) (if applicable) the highest per share price
                             (including any brokerage commissions, transfer

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
                             taxes and soliciting dealers' fees) paid by the
                             Interested Shareholder for any shares of such class
                             of Voting Stock acquired by it (a) within the two-
                             year period immediately prior to the Announcement
                             Date or (b) the Determination Date, whichever is
                             higher;

                        (ii) (if applicable) the highest preferential amount per
                             share to which the holders of shares of such class
                             of Voting Stock are entitled in the event of any
                             voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution
                             or winding up of the Corporation; and

                       (iii) The Fair Market Value per share of such class of
                             Voting Stock on the Announcement Date or on the
                             Determination Date, whichever is higher.

                    (c) The consideration to be received by holders of a
                        particular class of Voting Stock (including common
                        stock) in the Business Combination shall be in cash or
                        in the same form as the Interested Shareholder has
                        previously paid for shares of such Voting Stock. If the
                        Interested Shareholder has paid for shares of any class
                        of Voting Stock with varying forms of consideration, the
                        form of consideration for such Voting Stock shall be
                        either cash or the form used to acquire the largest
                        number of shares of such Voting Stock previously
                        acquired by it.

                    (d) After the Determination Date and prior to the
                        consummation of such Business Combination: (i) there
                        shall have been (A) no reduction in the annual rate of
                        dividends paid on the capital stock (except as necessary
                        to reflect any subdivision of the capital stock), except
                        as approved by a majority of the board of directors, and
                        (B) an increase in such annual rate of dividends
                        necessary to reflect any reclassification (including 

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
                        any reverse stock split), recapitalization,
                        reorganization or any similar transaction which has the
                        effect of reducing the number of outstanding shares of
                        common stock, unless the failure so to increase such
                        rate is approved by a majority of the Continuing
                        Directors; and (ii) such Interested Shareholder shall
                        have not become the beneficial owner of any additional
                        share of Voting Stock except as part of the transaction
                        which results in such Interested Shareholder becoming an
                        Interested Shareholder.

                    (e) After such Interested Shareholder has become an
                        Interested Shareholder, such Interested Shareholder
                        shall not have received the benefit, directly or
                        indirectly (except proportionately as a shareholder), of
                        any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other
                        financial assistance or any tax credits or tax
                        advantages provided by the Corporation, whether in
                        anticipation of or in connection with such Business
                        Combination or otherwise.

                    (f) A proxy or information statement describing the proposed
                        Business Combination and complying with the requirements
                        of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
                        thereunder (or any subsequent provisions replacing such
                        Act, rules or regulations) shall be mailed to public
                        shareholders of the Corporation at least 20 days prior
                        to the consummation of such Business Combination
                        (whether or not such proxy or information statement is
                        required to be mailed pursuant to such Act or subsequent
                        provisions).

          C.   CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.  For the purposes of this Article 8:

          1.   A "person" shall mean any individual, firm, corporation or other
               entity.

          2.   "Interested Shareholder" shall mean any person (other than the
               Corporation or any Subsidiary) who or which:

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
               (a) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than
                   10% of the voting power of the outstanding Voting Stock; or

               (b) is an Affiliate of the Corporation and at any time within the
                   two-year period immediately prior to the date in question was
                   the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more
                   of the voting power of the then outstanding Voting Stock; or

               (c) is an assignee of or has otherwise succeeded to any shares of
                   Voting Stock which were at any time within the two-year
                   period immediately prior to the date in question beneficially
                   owned by any Interested Shareholder, if such assignment or
                   succession shall have occurred in the course of a transaction
                   or series of transactions not involving a public offering
                   within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933.

          3.   A person shall be a "beneficial owner" of any Voting Stock:

               (a) which such person or any of its Affiliates or Associates (as
                   hereinafter defined) beneficially owns, directly or
                   indirectly; or

               (b) which such person or any of its Affiliates or Associates has
                   (i) the right to acquire (whether such right is exercisable
                   immediately or only after the passage of time), pursuant to
                   any agreement, arrangement or understanding or upon the
                   exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or
                   options, or otherwise, or (ii) the right to vote pursuant to
                   any agreement, arrangement or understanding; or

               (c) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any
                   other person with whom such person or any of its Affiliates
                   or Associates has any agreement, arrangement or understanding
                   for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of
                   any shares of Voting Stock.

          4.   For the purposes of determining whether a person is an Interested
               Shareholder pursuant to subsection 2 of this section C, the
               number of shares of Voting Stock deemed to be outstanding shall
               include shares deemed owned through application of subsection 3
               of

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
               this section C but shall not include any other shares of
               Voting Stock which may be issuable pursuant to any agreement,
               arrangement or understanding, or upon exercise of conversion
               rights, warrants or options, or otherwise.

          5.   "Affiliate" or "Associate" shall have the respective meanings
               ascribed to such terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and
               Regulations under the Exchange Act.

          6.   "Subsidiary" means any corporation of which a majority of any
               class of equity security is owned, directly or indirectly, by the
               Corporation; provided, however, that for the purposes of the
                            --------  -------
               definition of Interested Shareholder set forth in subsection 2 of
               this section C, the term "Subsidiary" shall mean only a
               corporation of which a majority of each class of equity security
               is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation.

          7.   "Continuing Director" means any member of the board of directors
               of the Corporation who is unaffiliated with the Interested
               Shareholder and was a member of the board of directors of the
               Corporation prior to the time that the Interested Shareholder
               became an Interested Shareholder, and any successor of a
               Continuing Director who is unaffiliated with the Interested
               Shareholder and is recommended to succeed a Continuing Director
               by a majority of Continuing Directors then on the board of
               directors of the Corporation.

          8.   "Fair Market Value" means:

               (a)  in the case of stock, the highest closing sale price during
                    the 30-day period immediately preceding the date in question
                    of a share of such stock on the principal United States
                    securities exchange registered under the Exchange Act on
                    which such stock is listed, or, if such stock is not listed
                    on any such exchange, the highest closing bid quotation with
                    respect to a share of such stock during the 30-day period
                    preceding the date in question on the National Association
                    of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotations System or
                    any system then in use, or if no such quotations are
                    available, the fair market value on the date in question of
                    a share of such stock as determined by the board of
                    directors of the Corporation in good faith; and

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
               (b)  in the case of property other than cash or stock, the fair
                    market value of such property on the date in question as
                    determined by the board of directors of the Corporation in
                    good faith.

          D.   POWERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  A majority of the directors of
the Corporation shall have the power and duty to determine for the purposes of
this Article 8, on the basis of information known to them after reasonable
inquiry, (1) whether a person is an Interested Shareholder, (2) the number of
shares of Voting Stock beneficially owned by any person, (3) whether a  person
is an Affiliate or Associate of another, and (4) whether  the assets which are
the subject of any Business Combination have, or the consideration to be
received for the issuance or transfer of securities by the Corporation or any
Subsidiary in any Business Combination has, an aggregate Fair Market Value of
$1,000,000 or more.

          E.   NO EFFECT ON FIDUCIARY OBLIGATIONS OF INTERESTED SHAREHOLDERS.
Nothing contained in this Article 8 shall be construed to relieve any Interested
Shareholder from any fiduciary obligations imposed by law.

          F.   AMENDMENT.  In addition to any affirmative vote required by law
or this certificate of incorporation, no amendment, addition, alteration, change
or repeal of this Article 8 shall be made unless such is first proposed by the
board of directors and thereafter approved by the shareholders by no less than
75% of the total votes eligible to be cast at a legal meeting.

          ARTICLE 9.  CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING CERTAIN OFFERS.  The board of
                      --------------------------------------               
directors of the Corporation, when evaluating any offer  to (i) make a tender or
exchange offer for the common stock of the Corporation, (ii) merge or
consolidate the Corporation with  another institution, or (iii) purchase or
otherwise acquire all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the
Corporation, shall, in connection with the exercise of its judgment in
determining what is in the best interests of the  Corporation and its
shareholders, give due consideration to all relevant factors, including without
limitation the economic effects of acceptance of such offer on (a) depositors,
borrowers and employees of the insured institution, subsidiary or subsidiaries
of the Corporation, and on the communities in which such subsidiary or
subsidiaries operate or are located and (b) the ability of such subsidiary or
subsidiaries to fulfill the objectives of an insured institution under
applicable federal statutes and regulations.

          ARTICLE 10.  ANTI-GREENMAIL.  Any direct or indirect purchase or other
                       --------------                                           
acquisition by the Corporation of any Voting Stock (as defined in Article 8
hereof) from any Significant Shareholder (as hereinafter defined) who has been
the beneficial owner (as defined in Article 8 hereof) of such Voting Stock for
less than two years prior to the date of such purchase 

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
or other acquisition shall, except as hereinafter expressly provided, require
the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the total number
of outstanding shares of Voting Stock, excluding in calculating such affirmative
vote and the total number of outstanding shares all Voting Stock beneficially
owned by such Significant Shareholder. Such affirmative vote shall be required
notwithstanding the fact that no vote may be required, or that a lesser
percentage may be specified, by law, but no such affirmative vote shall be
required (i) with respect to any purchase or other acquisition of Voting Stock
made as part of a tender or exchange offer by the Corporation to purchase Voting
Stock on the same terms from all holders of the same class of Voting Stock and
complying with the applicable requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 and the rules and regulations thereunder or (ii) with respect to any
purchase of Voting Stock, where the board of directors has determined that the
purchase price per share of the Voting Stock does not exceed the fair market
value of the Voting Stock. Such fair market value shall be calculated on the
basis of the average closing price or the mean of the bid and ask prices of a
share of Voting Stock for the 20 trading days immediately preceding the
execution of a definitive agreement to purchase the Voting Stock from a
Significant Shareholder.

          For the purposes of this Article 10, "Significant Shareholder" shall
mean any person (other than the Corporation or any corporation of which a
majority of any class of Voting Stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by the
Corporation) who or which is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of
five percent or more of the voting power of the outstanding Voting Stock.

          ARTICLE 11.  DIRECTORS.  The Corporation shall be under the direction
                       ---------                                               
of a board of directors.  The board of directors shall consist of not less than
seven directors nor more than 15 directors. The number of directors within this
range shall be as stated in the Corporation's bylaws, as may be amended from
time to time, and shall initially consist of 10 directors.  The board of
directors shall divide the directors into three classes and, when the number of
directors is changed, shall determine the class or classes to which the
increased or decreased number of directors shall be apportioned; provided, that
the directors in each class shall be as nearly equal in number as possible;
provided, further, that no decrease in the number of directors shall affect the
term of any director then in office.

          The classification shall be such that the term of one class shall
expire each succeeding year.  The Corporation's board of directors shall
initially be divided into three classes named  Class I, Class II and Class III,
with Class I initially consisting of four directors, Class II initially
consisting of three directors and Class III initially consisting of three
directors.  The terms, classifications, qualifications and election of the board
of directors and the filling of vacancies thereon shall be as provided herein
and in the bylaws.  The names and addresses of those persons 

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
of each class to serve on the initial board of directors shall be as follows:

CLASS I:  TERMS OF OFFICE EXPIRE AT 1990 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 

          NAME                           ADDRESS
          ----                           -------

Stephen W. Ensign              The Carriage House
                                    P.O. Box 37
                                    New London, NH  03257-0037

Dennis A. Morrow               The Carriage House
                                    P.O. Box 37
                                    New London, NH  03257-0037

Perry R. Smith                 The Carriage House
                                    P.O. Box 37
                                    New London, NH  03257-0037

Kenneth D. Weed                The Carriage House
                                    P.O. Box 37
                                    New London, NH  03257-0037

CLASS II:  TERMS OF OFFICE EXPIRE AT 1991 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

          NAME                           ADDRESS
          ----                           -------

Cleon L. Johnson, Jr.          The Carriage House
                                    P.O. Box 37
                                    New London, NH  03257-0037
 
John A. Kelley, Jr.            The Carriage House
                                    P.O. Box 37
                                    New London, NH  03257-0037

Priscilla W. Ohler             The Carriage House
                                    P.O. Box 37
                                    New London, NH  03257-0037

CLASS III:  TERMS OF OFFICE EXPIRE AT 1992 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

          NAME                           ADDRESS
          ----                           -------

John E. Johannessen            The Carriage House
                                    P.O. Box 37
                                    New London, NH  03257-0037

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
John J. Kiernan                The Carriage House
                                    P.O. Box 37
                                    New London, NH  03257-0037

Stephen R. Theroux             The Carriage House
                                    P.O. Box 37
                                    New London, NH  03257-0037


          Subject to the foregoing, at each annual meeting of shareholders the
successors to the class of directors whose term shall then expire shall be
elected to hold office for a term expiring at the third succeeding annual
meeting and until their successors shall be elected and qualified.

          ARTICLE 12.  CALL OF SPECIAL MEETINGS.  Special meetings of the
                       ------------------------                          
shareholders for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time only by the
chairman of the board or the president of the Corporation, or a majority of the
board of directors of the Corporation.

          ARTICLE 13.  BYLAWS.  The board of directors or the shareholders may
                       ------                                                 
from time to time amend the bylaws of the Corporation.  Such action by the board
of directors shall require the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the
directors then in office at a duly constituted meeting of the board of directors
called for such purpose.  Such action by the shareholders shall require the
affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the total votes eligible to be voted
at a duly constituted meeting of shareholders called for such purpose.

          ARTICLE 14.  AMENDMENT OF CHARTER.  Except as otherwise provided in
                       --------------------                                  
this certificate of incorporation or as otherwise required by law, no amendment,
addition, alteration, change or repeal of this certificate of incorporation
shall be made, unless such is first proposed by the board of directors of the
Corporation, and thereafter approved by the shareholders by a majority of the
total votes eligible to be cast at a legal meeting.

          ARTICLE 15.  INCORPORATORS.  The name and address of each incorporator
                       -------------                                            
are as follows:

          NAME                           ADDRESS
          ----                           -------

J. L. Austin                   1209 Orange Street
                                    Wilmington, Delaware 19801
V. A. Brookens                 1209 Orange Street
                                    Wilmington, Delaware 19801

                                       18

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.2


                                     BYLAWS
                                       OF
                     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.
                              (THE "CORPORATION")


                              ARTICLE I - OFFICES

          SECTION 1.   REGISTERED OFFICE.  The registered office of the
                       -----------------                               
Corporation shall be in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of
Delaware.

          SECTION 2.   OTHER OFFICES.  The Corporation may also have an office
                       -------------                                          
at The Carriage House, P. O. Box 37, New London, New Hampshire 03257-0037 or at
such other places both within and without the State of Delaware as the board of
directors may from time to time determine.


                           ARTICLE II - SHAREHOLDERS

          SECTION 1.   PLACE OF MEETINGS.  All annual and special meetings of
                       -----------------                                     
shareholders shall be held at 9 Main Street, Newport, New Hampshire or at such
other place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as the board of
directors may determine.

          SECTION 2.   ANNUAL MEETING.   A meeting of the shareholders of the
                       --------------                                        
Corporation for the election of directors and for the transaction of any other
business of the Corporation shall be held annually within 150 days after the end
of the Corporation's fiscal year on the date and at the hour determined by the
board of directors.

          SECTION 3.   SPECIAL MEETINGS.   Special meetings of the shareholders
                       ----------------                                        
for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time only by the chairman of
the board or the president of the Corporation, or a majority of the board of
directors of the Corporation.

          SECTION 4.   CONDUCT OF MEETINGS.   Annual and special meetings shall
                       -------------------                                     
be conducted in accordance with the rules specified by the officer presiding at
the meeting unless otherwise prescribed by law.
<PAGE>
 
          SECTION 5.   NOTICE OF MEETING.   Written notice stating the place,
                       -----------------                                     
day, and hour of the meeting and the purposes for which the meeting is called
shall be delivered not less than 20 nor more than 50 days before the date of the
meeting, either personally or by mail, by or at the direction of the chairman of
the board or president, or the directors calling the meeting, to each
shareholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting.  If mailed, such notice
shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the mail, addressed to the
shareholder at the address as it appears on the stock transfer books or records
of the Corporation as of the record date prescribed in Section 6 of this Article
II with postage prepaid.  When any shareholders' meeting, either annual or
special, is adjourned for 30 days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting shall
be given as in the case of an original meeting.  Provided no new record date for
the meeting is set, it shall not be necessary to give any notice of the time and
place of any meeting adjourned for less than 30 days or of the business to be
transacted at the meeting, other than an announcement at the meeting at which
such adjournment is taken.

          SECTION 6.   FIXING OF RECORD DATE.   For the purposes of determining
                       ---------------------                                   
shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders or
any adjournment, or shareholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or
in order to make a determination of shareholders for any other proper purpose,
the board of directors shall fix in advance a date as the record date for any
such determination of shareholders.  Such date in any case shall be not more
than 60 days nor less than 10 days prior to the date on which the particular
action requiring such determination of shareholders is to be taken.  When a
determination of shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders
has been made as provided in this section, such determination shall apply to any
adjournment.

          SECTION 7.   VOTING LISTS.   At least 10 days before each meeting of
                       ------------                                           
the shareholders, the officer or agent having charge of 5the stock transfer
books for shares of the Corporation shall make a complete list of the
shareholders entitled to vote at such meeting, or any adjournment, arranged in
alphabetical order, with the address and the number of shares held by each.
This list of shareholders shall be kept on file either at a place within the
city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be 

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
specified in the notice of meeting, or at the place where the meeting is to be
held and shall be subject to inspection by any shareholder at any time during
usual business hours for a period of at least 10 days prior to such meeting.
Such list shall also be produced and kept open at the time and place of the
meeting and shall be subject to the inspection of any shareholder during the
entire time of the meeting. The original stock transfer book shall constitute
prima facie evidence of the shareholders entitled to examine such list or
transfer books or to vote at any meeting of shareholders.

          SECTION 8.   QUORUM.   One third of the outstanding shares of the
                       ------                                              
Corporation entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, shall
constitute a quorum at a meeting of shareholders.  If less than one third of the
outstanding shares are represented at a meeting, a majority of the shares so
represented may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice.
Subject to Section 5 of this Article II of these bylaws, at such adjourned
meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be
transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally
notified.  The shareholders present at a duly organized meeting may continue to
transact business until adjournment notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough
shareholders to constitute less than a quorum.

          SECTION 9.  VOTING.  Except as otherwise required by law, the
                      ------                                           
certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, any matter brought before any
meeting of shareholders shall be decided by the affirmative vote of the majority
of the votes cast on the matter.  Each shareholder represented at a meeting of
shareholders shall be entitled to cast one vote for each share of the capital
stock entitled to vote thereat held by such shareholder.  The board of
directors, in its discretion, may require that any votes cast at such meeting
shall be cast by written ballot.

          SECTION 10.  PROXIES.  At all meetings of shareholders, a shareholder
                       -------                                                 
may vote by proxy executed in writing by the shareholder or his duly authorized
attorney in fact.  Proxies solicited on behalf of the board of directors shall
be voted as directed by the shareholder or, in the absence of such direction, as
determined by a majority of the board of directors.  No proxy shall be valid
more than three years from its date, unless the 

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
proxy provides for a longer period. A duly executed proxy shall be irrevocable
if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only as long as, it is coupled
with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power.

          SECTION 11.  VOTING OF SHARES IN THE NAME OF TWO OR MORE PERSONS.  If
                       ---------------------------------------------------     
shares or other securities having voting power stand of record in the names of
two or more persons, whether fiduciaries, members of a partnership, joint
tenants, tenants in common, tenants by the entirety or otherwise, or if two or
more persons have the same fiduciary relationship respecting the same shares,
unless the secretary of the Corporation is given written notice to the contrary
and is furnished with a copy of the instrument or order appointing them or
creating the relationship wherein it is so provided, their acts with respect to
voting shall have the following effect:  (1) if only one votes, his act binds
all; (2) if more than one vote, the act of the majority so voting binds all; (3)
if more than one vote, but the vote is evenly split on any particular matter,
each faction may vote the securities in question proportionally, or any person
voting the shares, or a beneficiary, if any, may apply to the Court of Chancery
of the State of Delaware or such other court as may have jurisdiction to appoint
an additional person to act with the persons so voting the shares, which shall
then be voted as determined by the majority of such persons and the person
appointed by the Court.  If the instrument so filed shows that any such tenancy
is held in unequal interests, a majority or even-split for the purposes of this
subsection shall be a majority or even-split in interest.

          SECTION 12.  VOTING OF SHARES BY CERTAIN HOLDERS.  Shares standing in
                       -----------------------------------                     
the name of another corporation may be voted by any officer, agent, or proxy as
the bylaws of such corporation may prescribe, or, in the absence of such
provision, as the board of directors of such corporation may determine.  Shares
held by an administrator, executor, guardian, or conservator may be voted by him
or her, either in person or by proxy, without a transfer of such shares into his
or her name.  Shares standing in the name of a trustee may be voted by him or
her, either in person or by proxy, but no trustee shall be entitled to vote
shares held by him or her without a transfer of such shares into his or her
name.  Shares standing in the name of a receiver 

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
may be voted by such receiver, and shares held by or under the control of a
receiver may be voted by such receiver without the transfer into his or her name
if authority to do so is contained in an appropriate order of the court or other
public authority by which such receiver was appointed.

          A shareholder whose shares are pledged shall be entitled to vote such
shares until the shares have been transferred into the name of the pledgee, and
thereafter the pledgee shall be entitled to vote the shares so transferred.

          Neither treasury shares of its own stock held by the Corporation nor
shares held by another corporation, if a majority of the shares entitled to vote
for the election of directors of such other corporation are held by the
Corporation, shall be voted at any meeting or counted in determining the total
number of outstanding shares at any given time for purposes of any meeting.

          SECTION 13.  INSPECTORS OF ELECTION.  In advance of any meeting of
                       ----------------------                               
shareholders, the board of directors may appoint any persons other than nominees
for office as inspectors of election to act at such meeting or any adjournment.
The number of inspectors shall be either one or three.  Any such appointment
shall not be altered at the meeting.  If inspectors of election are not so
appointed, the chairman of the meeting may, or on the request of not fewer than
10 percent of the votes represented at the meeting shall, make such appointment
at the meeting.  If appointed at the meeting, the majority of the votes present
shall determine whether one or three inspectors are to be appointed.  In case
any person appointed as inspector fails to appear or fails or refuses to act,
the vacancy may be filled by appointment by the board of directors in advance of
the meeting or at the meeting by the chairman of the board.

          Unless otherwise prescribed by law, the duties of such inspectors
shall include:  determining the number of shares and the voting power of each
share, the shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, and the
authenticity, validity and effect of proxies; receiving votes, ballots, or
consents; hearing and determining all challenges and questions in any way
arising in connection with the rights to vote; counting and tabulating all votes
or consents; determining the result; and such 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
acts as may be proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all
shareholders.

          SECTION 14.  NOMINATING COMMITTEE.  Only persons who are nominated in
                       --------------------                                    
accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 14 shall be eligible
for election as directors.  Nominations of persons for election to the board of
directors of the Corporation may be made at a meeting of shareholders by or at
the direction of the board of directors or by any shareholder of the Corporation
entitled to vote for the election of directors at the meeting who complies with
the notice procedures set forth in this Section 14.  Such nominations, other
than those made by or at the direction of the board of directors, shall be made
pursuant to timely notice in writing to the secretary of the Corporation.  To be
timely, a shareholder's notice shall be delivered to or mailed and received at
the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than 30 days nor
more than 90 days prior to the meeting; provided, however, that in the event
                                        --------  -------                   
that less than 40 days' notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the
meeting is given or made to shareholders, notice by the shareholder to be timely
must be so received not later than the close of business on the 10th day
following the day on which such notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or
such public disclosure was made.  Such shareholder's notice shall set forth (a)
as to each person whom the shareholder proposes to nominate for election or re-
election as a director, (i) the name, age, business address and residence
address of such person, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of such
person, (iii) the class and number of shares of the Corporation which are
beneficially owned by such person, and (iv) any other information relating to
such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for
election of directors, or as otherwise required, in each case pursuant to
Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (including
without limitation such person's written consent to being named in the proxy
statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); and (b) as to
the shareholder giving the notice, (i) the name and address, as they appear on
the Corporation's books, of such shareholder and (ii) the class and number of
shares of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by such shareholder.  At
the request of the board of directors, any person nominated by the board of
directors for election as a director shall furnish to the secretary of the
Corporation that 

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
information required to be set forth in a shareholder's notice of nomination
which pertains to the nominee. No person shall be eligible for election as a
director of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the procedures
set forth in this Section 14. The chairman of the meeting shall, if the facts
warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in
accordance with the procedures prescribed by the bylaws, and if he should so
determine, he shall declare to the meeting that the defective nomination shall
be disregarded.

          SECTION 15.  BUSINESS AT ANNUAL MEETING.  At an annual meeting of the
                       --------------------------                              
shareholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly
brought before the meeting.  To be properly brought before an annual meeting,
business must be (a) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement
thereto) given by or at the direction of the board of directors, (b) otherwise
properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the board of
directors, or (c) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a
shareholder.

          For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a
shareholder, the shareholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to
the secretary of the Corporation.  To be timely, a shareholder's notice must be
delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the
Corporation not less than 30 days nor more than 90 days prior to the meeting;
provided, however, that in the event that less than 40 days' notice or prior
public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to shareholders,
notice by the shareholder to be timely must be so received not later than the
close of business on the 10th day following the day on which such notice of the
date of the annual meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made.  A
shareholder's notice to the secretary shall set forth as to each matter the
shareholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting (a) a brief description
of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting, (b) the name
and address, as they appear on the Corporation's books, of the shareholder
proposing such business, (c) the class and number of shares of the Corporation
which are beneficially owned by the shareholder, and (d) any material interest
of the shareholder in such business.  Notwithstanding anything in these bylaws
to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at an annual meeting except in

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 15.  The chairman of an
annual meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the annual
meeting that a matter of business was not properly brought before the meeting in
accordance with the provisions of this Section 15, and that such business shall
not be transacted.


                        ARTICLE III - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

          SECTION 1.  GENERAL POWERS.  The business and affairs of the
                      --------------                                  
Corporation shall be under the direction of its board of directors.  The board
of directors shall annually elect a chairman from among its members who shall
preside at all meetings.  In the absence of the chairman, the board of directors
may designate one of its members to preside at such meeting.

          SECTION 2.  NUMBER AND TERM.  The board of directors shall consist of
                      ---------------                                          
10 members and shall be divided into three classes as nearly equal in number as
possible.  The members of each class shall be elected for a term of three years
and until their successors are elected and qualified or until earlier
resignation or removal.  One class shall be elected by ballot annually.  The
size of the board of directors may be increased or decreased only by a two-
thirds vote of the board of directors or by a vote of two-thirds of the shares
eligible to be voted at a duly constituted meeting of stockholders called for
such purpose.

          SECTION 3.  QUALIFICATIONS.  After the Corporation becomes publicly-
                      --------------                                         
owned, each director shall at all times be the beneficial owner of not less than
100 shares of capital stock of the Corporation.

          SECTION 4.  REGULAR MEETINGS.  A regular meeting of the board of
                      ----------------                                    
directors shall be held without other notice than this bylaw immediately after,
and at the same place as, the annual meeting of the shareholders.  The board of
directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place for the holding of
additional regular meetings without other notice than such resolution.

          SECTION 5.  SPECIAL MEETINGS.  Special meetings of the board of
                      ----------------                                   
directors may be called by or at the request of the 

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
chairman of the board, the president, or one-third of the directors.

          SECTION 6.  TELEPHONIC PARTICIPATION.  Members of the board of
                      ------------------------                          
directors may participate in regular or special meetings by means of conference
telephone or similar communications equipment by which all persons participating
in the meeting can hear each other.  Such participation shall constitute
presence in person and shall constitute attendance for the purpose of
compensation pursuant to Section 13 of this Article III.

          SECTION 7.  NOTICE.  Written notice of any special meeting shall be
                      ------                                                 
given to each director at least two days prior thereto when delivered personally
or by telegram or at least five days prior thereto when delivered by mail at the
address at which the director is most likely to be reached.  Such notice shall
be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the mail so addressed, with postage
prepaid if mailed or when delivered to the telegraph company if sent by
telegram.  Any director may waive notice of any meeting by a writing filed with
the secretary.  The attendance of a director at a meeting shall constitute a
waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a director attends a meeting for
the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the
meeting is not lawfully called or convened.  Neither the business to be
transacted at, nor the purpose of, any meeting of the board of directors need be
specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting.

          SECTION 8.  QUORUM.  Two-thirds of the number of directors fixed by
                      ------                                                 
Section 2 of this Article III shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business at any meeting of the board of directors; but if less than two-thirds
of the directors are present at a meeting, two thirds of the directors present
may adjourn the meeting from time to time.  Notice of any adjourned meeting
shall be given in the same manner as prescribed by Section 7 of this Article
III.

          SECTION 9.  MANNER OF ACTING.  The act of the majority of the
                      ----------------                                 
directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of
the board of directors, unless a greater number is prescribed by law or by the
certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
          SECTION 10.  ACTION WITHOUT A MEETING.  Any action required or
                       ------------------------                         
permitted to be taken by the board of directors at a meeting may be taken
without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken,
shall be signed by all of the directors.

          SECTION 11.  RESIGNATION.  Any director may resign at any time by
                       -----------                                         
sending a written notice of such resignation to the Corporation addressed to the
chairman of the board.  Unless otherwise specified, such resignation shall take
effect upon receipt by the chairman of the board.  More than three consecutive
absences from regular meetings of the board of directors, unless excused by
resolution of the board of directors, shall automatically constitute a
resignation, effective when such a resignation is accepted by the board of
directors.

          SECTION 12.  VACANCIES.  Vacancies and newly created directorships
                       ---------                                            
resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled,
for the unexpired term, by the concurring vote of a majority of the directors
then in office, whether or not a quorum, and any director so chosen shall hold
office for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the
new directorship was created or the vacancy occurred and until such director's
successor shall have been elected and qualified.

          SECTION 13.  COMPENSATION.  Directors, as such, may receive a stated
                       ------------                                           
salary for their services.  By resolution of the board of directors, a
reasonable fixed sum, and reasonable expenses of attendance, if any, may be
allowed for actual attendance at each regular or special meeting of the board of
directors.  Members of either standing or special committees may be allowed such
compensation for actual attendance at committee meetings as the board of
directors may determine.

          SECTION 14.  PRESUMPTION OF ASSENT.  A director of the Corporation who
                       ---------------------                                    
is present at a meeting of the board of directors at which action on any matter
is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken unless his
dissent or abstention shall be entered into the minutes of the meeting or unless
he shall file his written dissent to such action with the person 

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
acting as the secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or shall
forward such dissent by registered mail to the secretary of the Corporation
within five days after the date a copy of the minutes of the meeting is
received. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a director who voted in favor
of such action.

          SECTION 15.  REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS.  No director shall be removed
                       --------------------                               
except for cause and then only by an affirmative vote of a majority of the total
votes eligible to be cast by shareholders at a duly constituted meeting of
shareholders called expressly for such purpose.  At least 30 days prior to such
meeting of shareholders, written notice shall be sent to the director whose
removal will be considered at such meeting.

          SECTION 16.  AGE LIMITATION.  No person 75 years of age shall be
                       --------------                                     
eligible for election, reelection, appointment, or reappointment to the board of
directors of the Corporation.  No director shall serve as such beyond the annual
meeting of shareholders of the Corporation immediately following the date on
which the director attained 75 years of age.


                  ARTICLE IV - EXECUTIVE AND OTHER COMMITTEES

          SECTION 1.  APPOINTMENT.  The board of directors, by resolution
                      -----------                                        
adopted by a majority of the full board, may designate the chief executive
officer and four of the other directors to constitute an executive committee.
The designation of any committee pursuant to this Article IV and the delegation
of authority shall not operate to relieve the board of directors, or any
director, of any responsibility imposed by law or regulation.

          SECTION 2.  AUTHORITY.  The executive committee, when the board of
                      ---------                                             
directors is not in session, shall have and may exercise all of the authority of
the board of directors except to the extent, if any, that such authority shall
be limited by the resolution appointing the executive committee; and except also
that the executive committee shall not have the authority of the board of
directors with reference to:  the declaration of dividends; the amendment of the
certificate of incorporation or bylaws of the Corporation, or recommending to
the shareholders a 

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
plan of merger, consolidation, or conversion; the sale, lease or other
disposition of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the
Corporation otherwise than in the usual and regular course of its business; a
voluntary dissolution of the Corporation; a revocation of any of the foregoing;
or the approval of a transaction in which any member of the executive committee,
directly or indirectly, has any material beneficial interest.

          SECTION 3.  TENURE.  Subject to the provisions of Section 8 of this
                      ------                                                 
Article IV, each member of the executive committee shall hold office until the
next regular annual meeting of the board of directors following his or her
designation and until a successor is designated as a member of the executive
committee.

          SECTION 4.  MEETINGS.  Regular meetings of the executive committee may
                      --------                                                  
be held without notice at such times and places as the executive committee may
fix from time to time by resolution.  Special meetings of the executive
committee may be called by any member thereof upon not less than one day's
notice stating the place, date, and hour of the meeting, which notice may be
written or oral.  Any member of the executive committee may waive notice of any
meeting and no notice of any meeting need be given to any member thereof who
attends in person.  The notice of a meeting of the executive committee need not
state the business proposed to be transacted at the meeting.

          SECTION 5.  QUORUM.  A majority of the members of the executive
                      ------                                             
committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any
meeting thereof, and action of the executive committee must be authorized by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the members present at a meeting at which a
quorum is present.

          SECTION 6.  ACTION WITHOUT A MEETING.  Any action required or
                      ------------------------                         
permitted to be taken by the executive committee at a meeting may be taken
without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken,
shall be signed by all of the members of the executive committee.

          SECTION 7.  VACANCIES.  Any vacancy in the executive committee may be
                      ---------                                                
filled by a resolution adopted by a majority of the full board of directors.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
          SECTION 8.  RESIGNATIONS AND REMOVAL.  Any member of the executive
                      ------------------------                              
committee may be removed at any time with or without cause by resolution adopted
by a majority of the full board of directors. Any member of the executive
committee may resign from the executive committee at any time by giving written
notice to the chairman of the board or the secretary of the Corporation.  Unless
otherwise specified, such resignation shall take effect upon its receipt; the
acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

          SECTION 9.  PROCEDURE.  The executive committee shall elect a
                      ---------                                        
presiding officer from its members and may fix its own rules of procedure which
shall not be inconsistent with these bylaws.  It shall keep regular minutes of
its proceedings and report the same to the board of directors for its
information at the meeting held next after the proceedings shall have occurred.

          SECTION 10.  OTHER COMMITTEES.  The board of directors may by
                       ----------------                                
resolution establish an audit committee, a loan committee, and such other
committees composed of directors that are deemed necessary or appropriate for
the conduct of the business of the Corporation and may prescribe the duties,
constitution, and procedures thereof.


                              ARTICLE V - OFFICERS

          SECTION 1.  POSITIONS.  The officers of the Corporation shall be a
                      ---------                                             
president, one or more vice presidents, a secretary and a treasurer, each of
whom shall be elected by the board of directors. The board of directors may also
designate the chairman of the board as an officer.  The president shall be the
chief executive officer, unless the board of directors designates the chairman
of the board as chief executive officer.  The offices of the secretary and
treasurer may be held by the same person and a vice president may also be either
the secretary or the treasurer.  The board of directors may also elect or
authorize the appointment of such other officers as the business of the
Corporation may require.  The officers shall have such authority and perform
such duties as the board of directors may from time to time authorize or
determine.  In the absence of action by the board of directors, 

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
the officers shall have such powers and duties as generally pertain to their
respective offices.

          SECTION 2.   ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE.   The officers of the
                       ---------------------------                       
Corporation shall be elected annually at the first meeting of the board of
directors held after each annual meeting of the shareholders.  If the election
of the officers is not held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon
thereafter as possible. Each officer shall hold office until a successor has
been elected and qualified or until the officer's death, resignation, or removal
in the manner hereinafter provided.  Election or appointment of an officer,
employee or agent shall not of itself create contractual rights.  The board of
directors may authorize the Corporation to enter into an employment contract
with any officer in accordance with applicable law; but no such contact shall
impair the right of the board of directors to remove any officer at any time in
accordance with Section 3 of this Article V.

          SECTION 3.   REMOVAL.   Any officer may be removed by the board of
                       -------                                              
directors whenever in its judgment the best interests of the Corporation will be
served thereby, but such removal, other than for cause, shall be without
prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed.

          SECTION 4.   VACANCIES.   A vacancy in any office because of death,
                       ---------                                             
resignation, removal, disqualification, or otherwise may be filled by the board
of directors for the unexpired portion of the term.

          SECTION 5.   REMUNERATION.   The remuneration of the officers shall be
                       ------------                                             
fixed from time to time by the board of directors.

          SECTION 6.   AGE LIMITATION.   No person 70 years of age shall be
                       --------------                                      
eligible for reelection, appointment, or reappointment as an officer of the
Corporation.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
            ARTICLE VI - CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES AND THEIR TRANSFER

          SECTION 1.   CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES.   Certificates representing
                       -----------------------                             
shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be in such form as shall be
determined by the board of directors pursuant to applicable law.  Such
certificates, which shall represent the number of shares registered in
certificate form, shall be signed by the president of the Corporation, attested
by the secretary or an assistant secretary, and sealed with the corporate seal
or a facsimile thereof.  The signatures upon a certificate may be facsimiles.
In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who had signed or whose
facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be
such officer before such certificate is issued, it may be used by the
Corporation with the same effect as if he were such officer at the date of
issue.  Each certificate for shares of capital stock shall be consecutively
numbered or otherwise identified.  The name and address of the person to whom
the shares are issued, with the number of shares and date of issue, shall be
entered on the stock transfer books of the Corporation.  All certificates
surrendered to the Corporation for transfer shall be cancelled and no new
certificate shall be issued until the former certificate for a like number of
shares has been surrendered and cancelled, except that in case of a lost or
destroyed certificate, a new certificate may be issued upon such terms and
indemnity to the Corporation as the board of directors may prescribe.

          SECTION 2.   TRANSFER OF SHARES.   Transfer of shares of capital stock
                       ------------------                                       
of the Corporation shall be made only on its stock transfer books.  Authority
for such transfer shall be given only by the holder of record or by his legal
representative, who shall furnish proper evidence of such authority, or by his
attorney authorized by a duly executed power of attorney and filed with the
Corporation.  Such transfer shall be made only on surrender for cancellation of
the certificate for such shares.  The person in whose name shares of capital
stock stand on the books of the Corporation shall be deemed by the Corporation
to be the owner for all purposes.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
                    ARTICLE VII - FISCAL YEAR; ANNUAL AUDIT

          The fiscal year of the Corporation shall end on December 31 of each
year.  The Corporation shall be subject to an annual audit as of the end of its
fiscal year by independent public accountants appointed by and responsible to
the board of directors.  The appointment of such accountants shall be subject to
annual ratification by the shareholders.


                            ARTICLE VIII - DIVIDENDS

          Subject to the terms of the Corporation's certificate of incorporation
and the laws of the State of Delaware, the board of directors may, from time to
time, declare, and the Corporation may pay, dividends on its outstanding shares
of capital stock.


                          ARTICLE IX - INDEMNIFICATION

          SECTION 1.   POWER TO INDEMNIFY IN ACTIONS, SUITS OR PROCEEDINGS OTHER
                       ---------------------------------------------------------
THAN THOSE BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE CORPORATION. Subject to Section 3 of this
- ------------------------------------------------                              
Article IX, the Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or
is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, and any appeal therein, whether civil, criminal,
administrative, arbitrative or investigate (other than an action by or in the
right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a
director, officer, trustee, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was
serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, trustee,
employee or agent of another corporation, association, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorney's
fees),  judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement actually and
reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding,
and any appeal therein, if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and,
with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to
believe his conduct was unlawful.  The termination of any action, suit or
proceeding, and any appeal therein, by judgment, 

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its 
                                                 ---- ----------
equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not
act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct
was unlawful.

          SECTION 2.   POWER TO INDEMNIFY IN ACTIONS, SUITS OR PROCEEDINGS BY OR
                       ---------------------------------------------------------
IN THE RIGHT OF THE CORPORATION.   Subject to Section 3 of this Article IX, the
- -------------------------------                                                
Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to
be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
proceeding, and any appeal therein, and against amounts paid in settlement by or
in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of
the fact he is or was a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent of the
Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a
director, officer, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses
(including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in
connection with the defense or settlement of such action, suit, or proceeding,
and any appeal therein, and against amounts paid in settlement if he acted in
good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
best interests of the Corporation; provided, however, that no indemnification
                                   --------  -------                         
shall be made against expenses in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to
which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or
misconduct in the performance of his duty to the Corporation or against amounts
paid in settlement unless and only to the extent that there is a determination
(as set forth in Section 3 of this Article IX) that despite the adjudication of
liability or the settlement, but in view of all the circumstances of the case,
such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses or
amounts paid in settlement.

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
          SECTION 3.   AUTHORIZATION OF INDEMNIFICATION.   Any indemnification
                       --------------------------------                       
under this Article IX (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the
Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that
indemnification of the director, officer, trustee, employee or agent is proper
in the circumstances because such director, officer, trustee, employee or agent
has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 or Section 2
of this Article IX and, if applicable, is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnity as set forth in the proviso in Section 2 of this Article IX, as the
case may be.  Such determination shall be made (i) by the board of directors by
a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to such
action, suit or proceeding, and any appeal therein, (ii) if such a quorum is not
obtainable, or, even if obtainable and a quorum of disinterested directors so
directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (iii) by the
shareholders.  To the extent, however, that a director, officer, trustee,
employee or agent of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or
otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding, and any appeal therein,
described above, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall
be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and
reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith, without the necessity of
authorization in the specific case.  No director, officer, trustee, employee or
agent of the Corporation shall be entitled to indemnification in connection with
any action, suit or proceeding, and any appeal therein, voluntarily initiated by
such person unless the action, suit or proceeding, and any appeal therein, was
authorized by a majority of the entire board of directors.

          SECTION 4.   GOOD FAITH DEFINED.   For purposes of any determination
                       ------------------                                     
under Section 3 of this Article IX, a person shall be deemed to have acted in
good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
best interests of the Corporation, or, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, to have had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful,
if his action is based on (i) the records or books of account of the Corporation
or another enterprise, (ii) information supplied to him by the officers of the
Corporation or another enterprise in the course of their duties, (iii) the
advice of legal counsel for the Corporation or another enterprise, or 

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
(iv) information or records given or reports made to the Corporation or another
enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or
other expert selected with reasonable care by the Corporation or another
enterprise. The term "another enterprise" as used in this Section 4 shall mean
any other corporation or any association, partnership, joint venture, trust or
enterprise of which such person is or was serving at the request of the
Corporation as a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent. The provisions
of this Section 4 shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the
circumstances in which a person may be deemed to have met the applicable
standards of conduct set forth in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article IX, as the
case may be.

          SECTION 5.   INDEMNIFICATION BY A COURT.  Notwithstanding any contrary
                       --------------------------                               
determination in the specific case under Section 3 of this Article IX, and
notwithstanding the absence of any determination thereunder, any director,
officer, trustee, employee or agent may apply to any court of competent
jurisdiction in the State of Delaware for indemnification to the extent
otherwise permissible under Sections 1 and 2 of this Article IX.  The basis of
such indemnification by a court shall be a determination by such court that
indemnification of the director, officer, trustee, employee or agent is proper
in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standards of the conduct
set forth in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article IX, as the case may be.  Notice of
any application for indemnification pursuant to this Section 5 shall be given to
the Corporation promptly upon the filing of such application. Notwithstanding
any of the foregoing, unless otherwise required by law, no director, officer,
trustee, employee or agent of the Corporation shall be entitled to
indemnification in connection with any action, suit or proceeding, and any
appeal therein, voluntarily initiated by such person unless the action, suit or
proceeding, and any appeal therein, was authorized by a majority of the entire
board of directors.

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
          SECTION 6.   EXPENSES PAYABLE IN ADVANCE.   Expenses incurred in
                       ---------------------------                        
connection with a threatened or pending action, suit or proceeding, and any
appeal therein, may be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final
disposition of such action, suit or proceeding, and any appeal therein, as
authorized by the board of directors in the specific case upon receipt of an
undertaking by or on behalf of the director, officer, trustee, employee or agent
to repay such amount unless it shall be determined that he is entitled to be
indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article IX.

          SECTION 7.   CONTRACT, NON-EXCLUSIVITY AND SURVIVAL OF
                       -----------------------------------------
INDEMNIFICATION.  The indemnification provided by this Article IX shall be
- ---------------
deemed to be a contract between the Corporation and each director, officer,
employee and agent who serves in such capacity at any time while this Article IX
is in effect, and any repeal or modification thereof shall not affect any rights
or obligations then existing or any action, suit or proceeding, and any appeal
therein, theretofore or thereafter brought based in whole or in part upon any
such state of facts.  Further, the indemnification provided by this Article IX
shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking
indemnification may be entitled under any certificate of incorporation, bylaw,
agreement, contract, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors or pursuant
to the direction (howsoever embodied) of any court of competent jurisdiction or
otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in
another capacity while holding such office, it being the policy of the
Corporation that, subject to the limitation in Section 3 of this Article IX
concerning voluntary initiation of actions, suits or proceedings,
indemnification of the persons specified in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article IX
shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by law.  The provisions of this
Article IX shall not be deemed to preclude the indemnification of any person who
is not specified in Sections 1 or 2 of this Article IX but whom the Corporation
has the power or obligation to indemnify under the provisions of the law of the
State of Delaware.  The indemnification provided by this Article IX shall
continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, trustee,
employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and
administrators of such person.

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
          SECTION 8.   INSURANCE.   The Corporation may purchase and maintain
                       ---------                                             
insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, trustee, employee or
agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation
as a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation,
association, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any
liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or
arising out of his status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the
power or the obligation to indemnify him against such liability under the
provisions of this Article IX.

          SECTION 9.   MEANING OF "CORPORATION" FOR PURPOSES OF ARTICLE IX.
                       ---------------------------------------------------   
For purposes of this Article IX, references to the "Corporation" shall include,
in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including
any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which,
if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to
indemnify its directors, officers and employees and agents, so that any person
who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation
as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, association,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same
position under the provisions of this Article IX with respect to the resulting
or surviving corporation as he would have with respect to such constituent
corporation if its separate existence had continued.


                           ARTICLE X - CORPORATE SEAL

          The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the
Corporation, the year of its organization and the words "Corporate Seal,
Delaware."  The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be
impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise attached.

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
                            ARTICLE XI - AMENDMENTS

          The board of directors or the shareholders may from time to time amend
the bylaws of the Corporation.  Such action by the board of directors shall
require the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then in
office at a duly constituted meeting of the board of directors called for such
purpose.  Such action by the shareholders shall require the affirmative vote of
at least two-thirds of the total votes eligible to be voted at a duly
constituted meeting of the shareholders called for such purpose.

Revision Date:  January 11, 1996

                                   *   *   *


<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1
 
                    [LETTERHEAD OF THACHER PROFFITT & WOOD]



                                        _____________, 1996


New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.
The Carriage House
P.O. Box 37
New London, New Hampshire 03257


Ladies and Gentlemen:

        We have acted as special counsel for New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares,
Inc., a Delaware corporation ("NHTB"), in connection with the issuance of and
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by NHTB of, an
aggregate of 364,210 shares of NHTB common stock, par value $.01 per share (the
"Merger Shares"), into which certain shares of common stock of Landmark Bank
("Landmark"), par value $1.00 per share, will be converted in accordance with
the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan of
Reorganization"), dated as of July 26, 1996, by and among NHTB, its wholly-owned
subsidiary Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb (the "Bank"), and Landmark, and the Agreement
and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement," together with the Plan of
Reorganization, the "Agreements"), dated as of July 26, 1996, by and between the
Bank and Landmark, and joined in by NHTB, and the related preparation and filing
by NHTB with the Securities and Exchange Commission of a Registration Statement
on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement").  In rendering the opinions set forth
below, we do not express any opinion concerning law other than the federal law
of the United States and the corporate law of the State of Delaware.

        We have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified
to our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records and other instruments,
and have examined such matters of law, as we have deemed necessary or advisable
for purposes of rendering the opinions set forth below.  As to matters of fact,
we have examined and relied upon the representations of NHTB, the Bank and
Landmark contained in the Agreements and the Registration Statement and, where
we have deemed appropriate, representations or certificates of officers of NHTB,
the Bank or Landmark or public officials.  We have assumed the authenticity of
all documents submitted to us as originals, the genuineness of all signatures,
the legal capacity of natural persons and the conformity to the originals of all
documents submitted to us as copies.  In making our examination of any
documents, we have assumed that all parties, other than NHTB and the Bank, had
the corporate power and authority to enter into and perform all obligations
thereunder, and, as to such parties, we have also assumed the due
<PAGE>
 
authorization by all requisite action, the due execution and delivery of such
documents and the validity and binding effect and enforceability thereof.

        Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, upon effectiveness
of the Registration Statement and the approval of the issuance of the Merger
Shares by the NHTB shareholders, the issuance of the Merger Shares in accordance
with the terms of the Agreements will have been duly authorized and, when the
Merger Shares are issued in accordance with the terms of the Agreements and the
Registration Statement, the Merger Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable.

        In rendering the opinions set forth above, we have not passed upon and
do not purport to pass upon the application of "doing business" or securities or
"blue-sky" laws of any jurisdiction (except federal securities laws).

        This opinion is given solely for the benefit of NHTB and Landmark and
the shareholders of Landmark who exchange shares of Landmark common stock for
the Merger Shares pursuant to the Registration Statement, and may not be relied
upon by any other person or entity, nor quoted in whole or in part, or otherwise
referred to in any document without our express written consent.

        We consent to the filing of this opinion as an Exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm under the headings "THE
MERGER -- Background of the Merger" and "Legal Matters" in the Joint Proxy
Statement - Prospectus which is part of such Registration Statement.

                                Very truly yours,

                                THACHER PROFFITT & WOOD


                                By DRAFT
                                   Richard A. Schaberg

<PAGE>
 
                                                         Exhibit 8.1

                    [LETTERHEAD OF THACHER PROFFITT & WOOD]


(212) 912-7633                       ___________ , 199__


New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.
9 Main Street
Newport, New Hampshire 03773

         Re:  Merger of Landmark Bank into Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb
              ---------------------------------------------------

Dear Sirs:

  You have requested our opinion regarding certain federal income tax
consequences of the merger (the "Merger") of Landmark Bank ("Landmark"), a New
Hampshire state chartered bank, into Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb (the "Bank"), a
federally chartered savings bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of New Hampshire
Thrift Bancshares, Inc. ("NHTB"), a Delaware corporation. The Merger will be
effected pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of July
26, 1996 by and among Landmark, NHTB and the Bank (the "Reorganization
Agreement") and the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of July 26, 1996
between Landmark and the Bank and joined in by NHTB (the "Plan of Merger"). The
Merger and related transactions are described in the Reorganization Agreement,
the Plan of Merger and in the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus included in
NHTB's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission in connection with the Merger (the "Proxy Statement"). All capitalize
terms used but not defined in this letter shall have the meanings set forth in
the Reorganization Agreement, the Plan of Merger or in the Proxy Statement.

  In connection with the opinions expressed below, we have examined and relied
on originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction,
of the Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger and of such corporate
records of Landmark, the Bank and NHTB as we have deemed appropriate.  We have
also relied, without independent verification, upon the September 23, 1996
letters of the Landmark, the Bank and NHTB to Thacher Proffitt & Wood and
Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, P.A. containing certain tax representations. We
have assumed that the parties will act, and that the Merger will be effected, in
accordance with the Reorganization Agreement and Plan of Merger, and that the
representations made by Landmark, the Bank and NHTB in the foregoing letters are
true.  In
<PAGE>

New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.
_____________, 199_                                                     Page 2.


addition, we have made such investigations of law as we have deemed appropriate
to form a basis for the opinions expressed below.

       Based on and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, for
       Federal income tax purposes, under current law:

       (1) The Merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of
       section 368(a) of the Code;

       (2) No gain or loss will be recognized by Landmark on the transfer of its
       assets to the Bank pursuant to the Merger;

       (3) No gain or loss will be recognized by NHTB or by the Bank on the
       issuance of shares of NHTB Common Stock to shareholders of Landmark
       pursuant to the Merger;

       (4) No gain or loss will be recognized by a shareholder of Landmark who
       exchanges pursuant to the Merger all of such shareholder's shares of
       Landmark stock solely for shares of NHTB Common Stock, except with
       respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share interest in NHTB
       Common Stock;

       (5) The aggregate tax basis of the shares of NHTB Common Stock received
       by a shareholder of Landmark who exchanges pursuant to the Merger all of
       such shareholder's shares of Landmark stock solely for shares of NHTB
       Common Stock will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the shares of
       Landmark stock surrendered in exchange therefor (reduced by any amount
       allocable to a fractional share interest in NHTB Common Stock for which
       cash is received);

       (6) The aggregate tax basis of the shares of NHTB Common Stock received
       by a shareholder of Landmark who exchanges pursuant to the Merger all of
       such shareholder's shares of Landmark stock for shares of NHTB Common
       Stock and cash will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the shares
       of Landmark stock surrendered in exchange therefor (reduced by any amount
       allocable to a fractional share interest in NHTB Common Stock for which
       cash is received), decreased by the amount of cash received (other than
       cash received in lieu of a fractional share interest) and increased by
       the amount of gain, if any, recognized by such shareholder in the Merger
       (including any portion of such gain that is treated as a dividend); and

       (7) The holding period of the shares of NHTB Common Stock to be received
       by a shareholder of Landmark pursuant to the Merger will include the
       period during which such shareholder held the shares of Landmark stock
       surrendered in exchange therefor, provided that the shares of Landmark
       stock surrendered is held as a capital asset as of the Effective Time.
<PAGE>
 
New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.
_____________, 199_                                                     Page 3.

  Except as set forth above, we express no opinion to any party as to the tax
consequences, whether federal, state, local or foreign, of the Merger or of any
transaction related thereto or contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement or
the Plan of Merger. This opinion is given solely for the benefit of Landmark and
its shareholders, the Bank and NHTB, and may not be relied upon by any other
party or entity or otherwise referred to in any document without our express
written consent. We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Proxy Statement and to the reference thereto under the heading "Material Federal
Income Tax Consequences."

                                       Very truly yours,

                                            DRAFT


                                       By:

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 13.2

                                  FORM 10-QSB
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                   QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


                     For The Quarter Ended March 31, 1996
                                           --------------

                        Commission File Number 0-17859
                                               -------



                              NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT
                               BANCSHARES, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
<S>                                                   <C>
State of Delaware                                             02-0430695
(State of Incorporation)                              (IRS Employer I.D. Number)
 
New London, New Hampshire                                       03257
(Address of principal executive offices)                      (Zip Code)
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code           603-526-2116
 
</TABLE>

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                 Yes X                     No____
                     -                           

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common
stock, $.01 par value per share, as of April 18, 1996 was 1,689,503.
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.
                              INDEX TO FORM 10-QSB
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                     PAGE
<C>       <S>                                                       <C>
 
Item 1    Financial Statements:.................................      1
 
          Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition -
          March 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995...........             1
 
          Consolidated Statements of Income -
          For the Three Months Ended March 31, 1996 and 1995....      2
 
          Consolidated Statements of Changes In
           Shareholders' Equity -
          For the Three Months Ended March 31, 1996 and 1995....      3
 
          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
          For the Three Months Ended March 31, 1996 and 1995....      4
 
          Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements - .........      5
 
Item 2    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
          Condition and Results of Operations - ................     13
 
 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1    Legal Proceedings.....................................     17
 
Item 2    Changes in Securities.................................     17
 
Item 3    Defaults Upon Senior Securities.......................     17
 
Item 4    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Common Shareholders     17
 
Item 5    Other Information.....................................     17
 
Item 6    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K......................     17
 
          Signatures............................................     18
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
Part 1. Item 1.  NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                          March 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995
                                      (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    March 31,      December 31,
                                                                       1996            1995
                                                                  --------------  --------------
<S>                                                               <C>             <C>
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks                                            $  5,908,741    $  7,544,297
Federal funds sold                                                       80,000       3,449,000
Securities held to maturity                                             393,054         393,054
Securities available for sale                                        26,997,635      25,718,260
Other investments                                                     2,302,557       2,303,285
Loans held for sale                                                     877,214       3,095,971
Loans receivable, net                                               203,434,883     205,073,080
Accrued interest receivable                                           1,558,064       1,433,882
Bank premises and equipment, net                                      5,915,321       5,955,394
Real estate owned and property acquired in settlement of loans          840,813         984,185
Non-earning assets                                                    2,277,515         297,172
Other assets                                                          1,895,011       1,968,497
                                                                   ------------    ------------
                                                                   $252,480,808    $258,216,077
       Total assets                                                ============    ============
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
LIABILITIES
Deposits                                                           $198,457,143    $199,970,921
Repurchase agreements                                                 4,173,912       9,552,825
Federal funds purchased                                               1,019,000              --
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank                                 26,537,394      26,936,168
Accrued expense and other liabilities                                 2,876,685       2,212,158
                                                                   ------------    ------------
                                                                    233,064,134     238,672,072
       Total liabilities                                           ------------    ------------
 
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, $.01 par value                                              --              --
Common stock, $.01 par value, 1,689,503 shares outstanding               
  as of March 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995                             21,473          21,473 
Paid-in capital                                                      13,160,382      13,160,382
Retained earnings                                                     8,811,165       8,673,504
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale                (167,398)         97,594
                                                                   ------------    ------------
                                                                     21,825,622      21,952,953
Treasury stock, at cost, 457,779 shares as of March 31, 1996
  and December 31, 1995                                              (2,408,948)     (2,408,948)
                                                                   ------------    ------------
                                                                     19,416,674      19,544,005
       Total shareholders' equity                                  ------------    ------------
 
                                                                   $252,480,808    $258,216,077
       Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                  ============    ============
 
</TABLE>

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

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
             NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
               For the Three Months Ended March 31, 1996 and 1995
                                  (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               March 31,     March 31,
                                                                  1996         1995
                                                              ------------  -----------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>
Interest income
   Interest on loans                                           $4,067,593    $3,687,860
   Interest and dividends on investments                          489,612       357,238
                                                               ----------    ----------
     Total interest income                                      4,557,205     4,045,098
                                                               ----------    ----------
 
Interest expense
   Interest paid to depositors                                  2,132,960     1,862,527
   Interest on advances and other borrowed money                  400,746       283,025
                                                               ----------    ----------
     Total interest expense                                     2,533,706     2,145,552
                                                               ----------    ----------
 
   Net interest income                                          2,023,499     1,899,546
 
Provision for loan losses, net                                    221,637       300,000
                                                               ----------    ----------
 
   Net interest income after provision for loan losses          1,801,862     1,599,546
                                                               ----------    ----------
 
Non-interest income
   Customer service fees                                          236,333       261,375
   Loan origination fees                                           18,439        16,152
   Net gain (loss) on sale of securities and bank property         (2,554)        6,490
   Rental income                                                   55,999        55,805
   Brokerage service income                                        66,714        26,929
   Other income                                                     1,295        15,640
                                                               ----------    ----------
     Total other operating income                                 376,226       382,391
                                                               ----------    ----------
 
Other operating expenses
   Salaries and employee benefits                                 823,940       829,572
   Occupancy expenses                                             327,689       309,948
   Advertising and promotion                                       14,097        58,397
   Depositors insurance                                           113,028       109,882
   Outside services                                                89,622        81,062
   Other expenses                                                 288,563       309,151
                                                               ----------    ----------
     Total other operating expenses                             1,656,939     1,698,012
                                                               ----------    ----------
 
Income before provision for income taxes                          521,149       283,925
 
Provision for income taxes                                        172,300        94,000
                                                               ----------    ----------
 
Net income                                                     $  348,849    $  189,925
                                                               ==========    ==========
 
Earnings per common share                                            $.21          $.11
                                                               ==========    ==========
 
Dividends declared per common share                                 $.125         $.125
                                                               ==========    ==========
 
</TABLE>
    The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral
                           part of these statements.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
             NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               For the Three Months Ended March 31, 1996 and 1995
                                  (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                          March 31,      March 31,
                                            1996           1995
                                        -------------  -------------
<S>                                     <C>            <C>
COMMON STOCK                             $    21,473    $    21,473
Balance, beginning and end of period     ===========    ===========
 
 
PAID-IN CAPITAL                          $13,160,382    $13,103,404
Balance, beginning and end of period     ===========    ===========
 
 
 
 
RETAINED EARNINGS                        
Balance, beginning of period             $ 8,673,504    $ 8,268,094
Net income                                   348,849        189,925
Cash dividends paid                         (211,188)      (208,874)
                                         -----------    -----------
                                         $ 8,811,165    $ 8,249,145
Balance, end of period                   ===========    ===========
 
 
 
 
UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON SECURITIES     
AVAILABLE FOR SALE                       
Balance, beginning of period             $    97,594    $  (728,667) 
Adjustment to fair value                    (401,992)        67,415
Effect of change in deferred taxes           137,000        224,000
                                         -----------    -----------
                                         $  (167,398)   $  (437,252)
Balance, end of period                   ===========    ===========
 
 
 
 
TREASURY STOCK                           $(2,408,948)   $(2,411,430)
Balance, beginning and end of period     ===========    ===========
</TABLE>

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

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
             NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
               For the Three Months Ended March 31, 1996 and 1995
                                  (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  March 31,     March 31,
                                                                     1996          1995
                                                                 ------------  ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
<S>                                                              <C>           <C>
   Net income                                                    $   348,849   $   189,925
                                                                 -----------   -----------
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
       cash provided by operating activities -
       Depreciation and amortization                                 110,828       110,487
       Loans originated for sale                                  (4,475,078)   (1,696,684)
       Proceeds from sale of loans                                 4,480,171     1,694,412
       (Gain) loss from sale of loans                                 (5,093)        2,272
       Loss from sale of debt securities available for sale            1,538         7,376
       Gain from sale of equity securities available for sale              -       (16,138)
       Provision for loan losses                                     221,637       300,000
       Provision for deferred taxes                                        -        70,018
       Increase in accrued interest and other assets                 (38,549)     (396,022)
       Decrease in deferred loan fees                                (23,294)      (37,479)
       Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities            835,605       886,826
                                                                 -----------   -----------
          Net cash provided by operating activities                1,456,614     1,114,993
                                                                 -----------   -----------
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
   Capital expenditures                                              (70,755)     (158,867)
   Proceeds from sale of debt securities available for sale          643,194       490,189
   Proceeds from sale of equity securities available for sale        200,000       342,913
   Purchase of securities available for sale                      (3,537,519)     (604,613)
   Maturities of securities available for sale                     1,000,000       100,000
   Net (increase) decrease in loans to customers                   3,658,611    (5,094,031)
   (Increase) decrease in non-earning assets                      (1,980,343)      695,996
   Decrease in real estate owned                                     143,372        88,970
                                                                 -----------   -----------
          Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities         56,560    (4,139,443)
                                                                 -----------   -----------
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
   Net decrease in deposits and repurchase agreements             (6,892,691)   (5,583,590)
   Increase in advances from Federal Home Loan Bank                  589,054     6,329,447
   Net change in other borrowed money                                 (2,905)       (2,835)
   Dividends                                                        (211,188)     (208,874)
                                                                 -----------   -----------
          Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (6,517,730)      534,148
                                                                 -----------   -----------
                                                                  (5,004,556)   (2,490,302)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period                    10,993,297     8,253,588
                                                                 -----------   -----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period                         $ 5,988,741   $ 5,763,286
                                                                 ===========   ===========
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
   Cash paid during the period for:
     Interest on deposit accounts                                $ 2,135,847   $ 1,836,793
     Interest on advances and other borrowed money                   408,385       230,081
                                                                 -----------   -----------
          Total interest paid                                    $ 2,544,232   $ 2,066,874
                                                                 ===========   ===========
     Income taxes, net                                           $     2,499   $     5,951
                                                                 ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part
                              of these statements.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
             NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      March 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995


1.   Summary of significant accounting policies:


     PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION - The consolidated financial statements include
     the accounts of New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. (NHTB or Company, a
     unitary holding company), Lake Sunapee Bank fsb (LSB), Lake Sunapee Group,
     Inc. (LSGI), and Lake Sunapee Financial Services Corp. (LSFSC). LSB is
     owned by the holding company and the other entities are wholly-owned
     subsidiaries of LSB. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions
     have been eliminated. The financial statements include all adjustments
     (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation
     of the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 1996 and
     1995.


     EARNINGS PER SHARE - Earnings per share are calculated using the weighted
     average number of shares outstanding at the end of the period plus common
     stock equivalents, as appropriate, resulting from the granting of incentive
     stock options. Common stock equivalents are determined using the treasury
     method. Common stock equivalents are included in the computation of
     earnings per share if they have a dilutive effect. As of March 31, 1996 and
     1995, there was a dilutive effect from stock options. The number of shares
     used in computing earnings per share was 1,701,076 and 1,695,740 for the
     periods ended March 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.


     CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - For purposes of reporting cash flows, the Bank
     considers federal funds sold and due from banks to be cash equivalents.


     TREASURY STOCK - Treasury Stock is accounted for at cost when purchased.
     Sales of Treasury Stock are on a first in first out basis at cost. Any gain
     on the sale of Treasury Stock is recorded to Paid-in Capital.


     MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS - Effective January 1, 1996, Lake Sunapee Bank,
     fsb recorded as a separate asset the rights to service mortgage loans for
     others according to FAS No. 122 "Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights."
     The accounting standard is effective for loans sold after December 31,
     1995. The mortgage servicing rights (MSR's) are valued at the lower of cost
     or market on an aggregate basis. The MSR's are amortized on a straight-line
     basis over the anticipated life of the related loans.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
             NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      March 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995


2.    Securities

      The amortized cost and appropriate market value of securities are
      summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             March 31, 1996
                                         ----------------------------------------------------
                                                           Gross       Gross                 
                                               Fair      Unrealized  Unrealized   Amortized  
                                              Value         Gain        Loss         Cost    
                                         ----------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>
Held to Maturity:                                                                             
  Bonds and notes -
    Municipal bonds                         $   393,054  $  -        $  -         $   393,054 
                                         ----------------------------------------------------
Total held to maturity                          393,054           -           -       393,054
                                         ----------------------------------------------------
 
Available for Sale:
  Bonds and notes -
    U.S. Treasury Notes                      13,898,902      45,824      98,716    13,951,794
    U.S. Government, including agencies       2,543,904       5,625      26,099     2,564,378
    Other bonds and debentures                9,189,892      39,626     104,745     9,255,011
                                         ----------------------------------------------------
                                             25,632,698      91,075     229,560    25,771,183
  Equity securities                           1,364,937      24,287     139,200     1,479,850
                                         ----------------------------------------------------
Total available for sale                     26,997,635     115,362     368,760    27,251,033
                                         ----------------------------------------------------
Investments at cost:
    Federal Home Loan Bank Stock              1,861,000           -           -     1,861,000
    Other securities                            441,557           -           -       441,557
                                         ----------------------------------------------------
Total investments at cost                     2,302,557                             2,302,557
                                         ----------------------------------------------------
    Total securities                        $29,693,246    $115,362    $368,760   $29,946,644
                                         ====================================================
 
 
                                                           December 31, 1996
                                         ----------------------------------------------------
                                                           Gross       Gross                
                                               Fair      Unrealized  Unrealized   Amortized 
                                              Value         Gain        Loss         Cost   
                                         ----------------------------------------------------
Held to Maturity:                           
  Bonds and notes -
    Municipal bonds                         $   393,054     $  -        $  -      $   393,054
                                         ----------------------------------------------------
Total held to maturity                          393,054           -           -       393,054
                                         ----------------------------------------------------
 
Available for Sale:
  Bonds and notes -
    U.S. Treasury Notes                      12,139,529     147,900       3,166    11,994,795
    U.S. Government, including agencies       2,724,130      33,249          40     2,690,921
    Other bonds and debentures                9,352,476     104,119      38,416     9,286,773
                                         ----------------------------------------------------
                                             24,216,135     285,268      41,622    23,972,189
  Equity securities                           1,502,125      11,750     106,800     1,597,175
                                         ----------------------------------------------------
Total available for sale                     25,718,260     297,018     148,422    25,569,664
                                         ----------------------------------------------------
Investments at cost:
    Federal Home Loan Bank Stock              1,861,000           -           -     1,861,000
    Other securities                            442,285           -           -       442,285
                                         ----------------------------------------------------
Total investments at cost                     2,303,285                             2,303,285
                                         ----------------------------------------------------
    Total securities                        $28,414,599    $297,018    $148,422   $28,266,003
                                         ====================================================
</TABLE>

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
             NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
                      March 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
3.   Loans
     Loans consisted of the following as of:  March 31,      March 31,
                                                 1996           1995
                                             ------------   ------------
<S>                                         <C>            <C>
Real estate loans -                          
       Conventional                          $174,347,279   $175,130,966
       Construction                               664,523      2,456,763
                                             ------------   ------------
                                              175,011,802    177,587,729
Less: Unadvanced portion                          561,210      1,434,258
                                             ------------   ------------
Total real estate loans                       174,450,592    176,153,471
Collateral loans                               20,483,777     19,524,706
Consumer loans                                  4,796,265      5,025,818
Commercial and municipal loans                  8,354,014      9,301,028
Other loans                                       840,543        671,302
                                             ------------   ------------
Total loans                                   208,925,191    210,676,325
Less: Reserve for loan losses                   1,976,831      1,828,060
       Deferred loan origination fees             358,748        382,042
       Non-earning assets                       2,277,515        297,172
                                             ------------   ------------
Net loans                                    $204,312,097   $208,169,051
                                             ============   ============
 
</TABLE>
A summary of activity in the reserve for loan loss account consisted of the
following as of:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                     March 31,     March 31,
                                                        1996          1995
                                                    ------------  ------------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>
BALANCE, beginning of period                         $1,828,060    $2,752,885
                                                     ----------    ----------
Loans charged-off:
Real estate loans -
    Conventional                                         24,369       141,541
    Construction                                         40,000     1,014,670
Collateral and consumer loans                            11,860        25,568
Commercial and municipal loans                                        913,441
                                                                   ----------
    Total charged-off loans                              76,229     2,095,220
                                                     ----------    ----------
Recoveries:
Real estate loans -
    Conventional                                          3,363         3,300
Collateral and consumer loans                                 -         2,099
Commercial and municipal loans                                -         1,286
                                                     ----------    ----------
    Total recoveries                                      3,363         6,685
                                                     ----------    ----------
      Charged-off loans, net of recoveries               72,866     2,088,535
                                                     ----------    ----------
    Provision for loan losses charged to income         221,637     1,163,710
                                                     ----------    ----------
BALANCE, end of period                               $1,976,831    $1,828,060
                                                     ==========    ==========
Ratio of net charged-off loans during the period
  to average loans outstanding during the period           0.03%         1.02%
                                                     ==========    ==========
</TABLE>

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
             NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
                      March 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
3.   Loans (continued):                                        March 31,   March 31,
                                                                 1996         1995
                                                              -----------  ----------
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>
                                                               
Non-earning assets consisted of the following                  $2,277,515  $  297,172
Amount of interest income which would have been earned             45,760      55,864
Amount of interest income that was included in net income          11,656      13,553
Troubled debt restructured                                        198,172     445,417
In addition to non-earning assets, non-accrual
loans included the following                                      202,594   1,144,293
 
EFFECT OF FASB NO. 66:
Loans reclassified to real estate owned                        $  368,500  $  370,672
Interest income reduced by                                          6,736      23,063
 
IMPAIRED LOANS:
Average recorded investment in impaired loans                  $1,126,897  $  934,829
Investment in impaired loans, end of period                       495,586   1,452,049
Portion of valuation allowance allocated to impaired loans         55,046     654,663
Net balance of impaired loans                                     440,540     797,386
Interest income recognized on impaired loans                        8,684     102,449
Interest income on impaired loans on cash basis                     5,793      97,401
 
</TABLE>

There are no impaired loans which do not have a valuation allowance assigned to
them.

Interest income on impaired loans is recognized using the accrual basis
accounting method when the impaired loan is less than 90 days past due and has
not been reclassified to non-accrual status. Interest income on impaired loans
over 90 days past due and on loans placed on non-accrual status is recognized on
the cash basis method. Cash receipts on impaired loans are recorded as both
interest income and a reduction in the impaired loan balance consistent with the
terms of the underlying contractual agreement. The net balance of impaired loans
represents the aggregate fair value or present value of expected cash flows on
individual loans identified as impaired. A loan becomes impaired when it is
probable all amounts due on the loan will not be received. A loan is placed on
non-accrual status when it is likely interest income will not be received. Non-
accrual loans are reviewed for possible impairment. Impaired loans are written-
down or charged-off when it has been determined the asset has such little value
that it no longer warrants remaining on the books. The decision to charge-off is
made on a case-by-case basis.

The Bank had no extensions of credit to affiliated parties in excess of 5% of
shareholders' equity at any time during the three months ended March 31, 1996.

MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS - As of March 31, 1996, the fair value of MSR's was
$36,510. The significant assumptions used to estimate fair value included a
prepayment risk based on current market pricing information, a discount rate of
1% above the U. S. Treasury bond rate, 7.35% as of March 31, 1996, and industry
averages for other significant assumptions. MSR's capitalized were reduced by
$1,825 of amortization during the quarter. For purposes of evaluating and
measuring impairment of MSR's, the Company stratifies the underlying loans by
maturity and by interest rate. As of March 31, 1996, the Company stratified its
loans by maturity into 15 and 30 year loans and stratified loans in each of the
maturity categories by every one-half percent change in interest rates. There is
no impairment to the value of the MSR's recorded during the quarter ended March
31, 1996.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
             NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
                      March 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995
 
4.   Deposits:
     Deposit accounts consisted of the following as of March 31, 1996 and
     December 31, 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               March 31,    December 31,
                                                 1996          1995
                                             ------------   ------------
<S>                                         <C>            <C>
Checking Accounts (non-interest bearing)     $  8,335,569   $ 10,934,512
NOW Accounts                                   25,362,117     26,014,007
Ever-Ready Money Market                        13,383,210     13,971,617
Regular Savings Accounts                       11,171,841     11,363,366
Treasury Savings Accounts                      46,518,346     44,388,408
Club Deposits                                     250,220         87,779
Time Deposits:
$100,000 and over                              12,191,910     11,924,585
Other Time Deposits                            81,243,930     81,286,647
                                             ------------   ------------
                                             $198,457,143   $199,970,921
                                             ============   ============
 
</TABLE>

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS - As of March 31,1996, thirteen repurchase agreements were
outstanding. Repurchase agreements are secured by U. S. Treasury Notes held by a
third party in safekeeping with a fair value of $13.898.902. The maturities of
the repurchase agreements are from April 10, 1996 to March 21, 1997 on the
anniversary date of the repurchase agreement.


5.                Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank:

     Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank consisted of loans at various
     interest rates ranging from 4.87% to 7.32%, maturing as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                   March 31,    December 31,
                                      1996          1995
                                  ------------  ------------
<S>                               <C>           <C>
1996 (4.87% - 6.78%)               $ 6,332,197   $ 6,762,143
1997 (4.87% - 7.32%)                 7,927,707     7,927,707
1998 (4.87% - 6.78%)                 7,166,033     7,166,033
1999 (5.78%)                            56,084        56,085
2000 and after (5.74% - 5.82%)       5,024,200     5,024,200
                                   -----------   -----------
                                   $26,506 221   $26,936,168
                                   ===========   ===========
 
</TABLE>

These advances are secured by Federal Home Loan Bank Stock (Note 2) and
unspecified first mortgage loans. The Bank is able to borrow up to an additional
$49,000,000 of Federal Home Loan Bank advances.

In addition to the above advances, the Bank has credit available up to
$4,672,000 under a revolving loan agreement with the Federal Home Loan Bank.  As
of March 31, 1996, $1,019,000 had been borrowed against this line of credit.
Interest is payable monthly as funds are borrowed.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
             NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
                      March 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995


6.   Shareholders' Equity:

     On May 22, 1986, Lake Sunapee Bank fsb received approval from the Federal
     Home Loan Bank Board and converted from a federally-chartered mutual
     savings bank to a federally-chartered stock savings bank. Net proceeds of
     the conversion (after deducting applicable costs of conversion) were
     $11,889,397.

     At the time of conversion, the Bank established a liquidation account in an
     amount of $4,292,510 (equal to the Bank's net worth as of the date of the
     latest financial statement included in the final offering circular used in
     connection with the conversion). The liquidation account will be maintained
     for the benefit of eligible account holders who maintain their deposit
     accounts in the Bank after conversion. In the event of a complete
     liquidation of the Bank subsequent to conversion (and only in such event),
     each eligible account holder will be entitled to receive a liquidation
     distribution from the liquidation account before any liquidation
     distribution may be made with respect to capital stock. The amount of the
     liquidation account is reduced to the extent that the balance of eligible
     deposit accounts are reduced on any year-end closing date subsequent to the
     conversion.

     The Bank may not declare or pay a cash dividend on or purchase any of its
     stock if the effect would be to reduce the net worth of the Bank below
     either the amount of the liquidation account or the net worth requirements
     of the Office of Thrift Supervision.

     DIVIDENDS - The Board of Directors, at their January meeting, declared a
     ---------                                                               
     cash dividend of $0.125 per share payable April 29, 1996.

7.   Stock Options:

     On January 3, 1995, 30,000 options were granted from previously forfeited
     shares of the 1986 plan at an exercise price of $9.00 per share, the fair
     market value on that date. As of March 31, 1996, 57,880 of previously
     forfeited shares remained available for grant and options to purchase
     30,000 shares were available for exercise under the 1986 plan. At the
     Annual Meeting held on April 15, 1987, the shareholders approved the
     adoption of the "1987 Stock Option Plan." As of March 31, 1996, 27,666 of
     previously forfeited shares remained available for grant and options to
     purchase 32,590 shares were available for exercise under the 1987 plan. On
     January 2, 1996, 49,900 options were granted and made available from
     previously ungranted and forfeited shares of the 1987 plan at an exercise
     price of $10.125 per share, the fair market value on that date. As of March
     31, 1996, none of these options had been exercised. At the Annual meeting
     held on April 10, 1996, the shareholders approved the adoption of the "1996
     Stock Option Plan." Under this plan, an amount equal to 10% of the issued
     and outstanding common stock of the Company has been reserved for future
     issuance.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
             NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
                      March 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995

7.   Stock Options (continued):

A summary of the Company's stock option plans as of March 31, 1996 and 1995 and
changes during the quarter is presented below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        1996               1995
                                  -----------------  -----------------
                                           Weighted           Weighted
                                  Number   Average   Number   Average
                                    of     Exercise    of     Exercise
                                  Options   Price    Options   Price
                                  -------  --------  -------  --------
<S>                               <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
Outstanding, beginning of year     62,590   $  8.22   32,590     $7.50
Granted                            49,900    10.125   30,000      9.00
Exercised                               0         0        0         0
Forfeited                               0         0        0         0
Expired                                 0         0        0         0
                                  -------   -------   ------     -----
Outstanding, end of quarter       112,490   $  9.06   62,590     $8.22
                                  =======   =======   ======     =====
Exercisable, end of quarter       112,490             62,590
                                  =======             ======
</TABLE>

The exercise price of each option equals the market price of the Company's stock
on the date of grant, and an option's maximum term is 10 years. The range of
exercise prices is $7.50 to $10.125 and $7.50 to $9.00 as of March 31, 1996 and
1995, respectively.

The weighted-average fair value of the options granted during the quarter ended
March 31, 1996 and 1995 was $10.125 and $9.00, respectively.

The Company applies APB Opinion 25 and related Interpretations in accounting for
its stock option plans. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized
for its stock options. Had compensation cost for the Company plans been
determined based on the fair value at the grant dates consistent with the method
of FASB Statement 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share would
have been reduced to the proforma amounts indicated below:
                                            
                                                   1996       1995  
                                                 --------   --------
Net income                         As reported   $349,849   $189,925
                                   Pro forma     $260,526   $143,125
                                 
Primary earnings per share         As reported   $   0.21   $   0.11
                                   Pro forma     $   0.15   $   0.09
 
Fully diluted earnings per share   As reported   $   0.21   $   0.11
                                   Pro forma     $   0.15   $   0.08

The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-
Scholes option pricing model using the following weighted-average assumptions:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                    March 31, 1996   March 31, 1995
                                    ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                 <C>              <C>
Weighted risk-free interest rate          6.71%            6.67%
Weighted expected life                  9.25 years       8.75 years
Weighted expected volatility             17.33%           17.33%
Weighted expected dividend yield      5.0% per year    5.0% per year
</TABLE>

No modifications have been made to the terms of the option agreements.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
             NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
                      March 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995

8.   Commitments and Contingencies:

     In the normal course of business, LSB has outstanding various commitments
     and contingent liabilities, such as legal claims, which are not reflected
     in the financial statements. Management does not anticipate any material
     loss as a result of these transactions.

     As of March 31, 1996, LSB has entered into commitments to fund loans
     totaling approximately $10 million.  The majority of these loans will have
     adjustable rates.

9.   Treasury Stock:

     On April 3, 1990, NHTB announced a Stock Repurchase Program to buy back, on
     the open market, up to a total of 5% of its outstanding common stock or
     107,364 shares. On July 11, 1990, NHTB completed its Stock Repurchase
     Program whereby 107,364 shares were repurchased at an average price of
     $4.37 per share. On August 9, 1990, NHTB announced a second buy back
     program to buy back, on the open market, up to 10%, or 203,992 shares of
     its total outstanding common stock. On June 11, 1991, a third buy back was
     announced to cover an additional 10% of the then outstanding stock or
     183,592 shares. On July 15, 1993, NHTB announced another buy back program
     whereby the company intends to repurchase, on the open market, 10%, or
     165,233 shares of its outstanding common stock. As of March 31, 1996, NHTB
     had repurchased a total of 539,148 shares at an average price of $4.98 for
     all programs while 121,033 shares remained to be purchased from the 1993
     buy back program.

10.  Authorized Shares of Stock:

     The authorized, issued and outstanding stock was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                       March 31,  March 31,
                         1996       1995
                       ---------  ---------
<S>                    <C>        <C>
Preferred stock:
 Authorized shares     2,500,000  2,500,000
 Issued shares                 -          -
 Outstanding shares            -          -
 
Common stock:
 Authorized shares     5,000,000  5,000,000
 Issued shares         2,147,282  2,147,282
 Outstanding shares    1,689,503  1,689,503
</TABLE>

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
Part I. Item II.
                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

GENERAL

  The Company's profitability is derived from its only subsidiary, Lake Sunapee
Bank, fsb (LSB or the Bank). The Bank's earnings in turn are generated from the
difference between the yield on its loan and investment portfolios and the cost
of its deposit accounts and borrowings. These core earnings are supplemented by
loan origination fees, retail banking services, and rental income from the
Bank's various investment properties.

  Net income for the three months ended March 31, 1996, amounted to $348,849, or
$.21 per share compared to $189,925, or $.11 per share, for the same period in
1995. Earnings increased during the first quarter of 1996 compared to 1995, due
to the absence of several non-recurring items experienced during the first
quarter of 1995.

  The United States Congress continues to debate various methods for the
recapitalization of the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF), to which the
Bank pays deposit insurance assessments. As currently proposed, this legislation
will require the Bank to incur a one-time, after-tax expense in the range of
$800,000 to $1,100,000 in order to cover its portion of a one-time contribution
to the SAIF fund. This will be offset by expected, annual, after-tax expense
savings in deposit insurance of approximately $250,000.

  Proposed legislation also provided for the merger of the BIF and SAIF on
January 1, 1998, with such merger being conditioned upon the prior elimination
of the thrift charter. Congressional leaders had also agreed that Congress
should consider and act upon separate legislation to eliminate the thrift
charter as early as possible in 1996. If adopted, such legislation would require
that the Bank, as a federal savings association, convert to a bank charter. Such
a requirement to convert to a bank charter could cause the Bank to lose the
favorable tax treatment for its bad debt reserves that it currently enjoys under
section 593 of the Internal Revenue Code and to have all or part of its existing
bad debt reserves recaptured into income.

  During the second quarter of 1996, the Bank expects to realize an after-tax
gain of approximately $200,000 from the sale of a piece of land adjacent to the
Bank's New London branch.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

  During the first three months of 1996, total assets decreased by $5,735,269,
or 2.22% from $258,216,077 to $252,480,808. Decreases totaling $5,587,757 in
federal funds sold and loans held for sale accounted for the drop in assets.
This was offset by a decrease of $5,378,913 in the Bank's deposits under
repurchase agreements On December 31, 1995, repurchase agreements had balances
of $9,552,825 compared to $4,173,912 at March 31, 1996. Typically, these
agreements experience withdrawals during the first quarter as the several
governmental agencies who utilize these agreements expend tax revenues received
during December.

  Total investments (at fair value) increased by $1,278,647, or 4.50% from
$28,414,599 to $29,693,246 Investments in U.S. Treasury Notes increased by
$1,759,373 accounting for the increase in investments.

  Total loans decreased during the first quarter by $1,751,134, to $208,925,191
from $210,676,325. The Bank sold $4,480,171 of fixed rate loans, of which
$2,218,757 had been available for sale on December 31, 1995. The Bank intends to
originate and hold in portfolio fixed rate mortgages in an effort to build the
loan portfolio and balance the portfolio. Currently, adjustable rate mortgages
comprise 84% of total loans and the Bank intends to lower this mix to
approximately 75%.

  Real estate owned and property acquired in settlement of loans decreased by
$143,372 to $840,813. Continuing to be included in the real estate owned amount
is one real estate development loan, Blye Hill Landing,

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
in Newbury, NH with a book value of $627,036 at March 31, 1996. At March 31,
1996, the Bank had recorded no properties as in-substance foreclosures.

  At March 31, 1996, the Bank's non-performing assets amounted to $3,320,923
compared to $2,425,647 at December 31, 1995. The Bank includes all loans 90 days
past due, all real estate owned, and non-earning assets as non-performing
assets. The increase in non-performing assets resulted from the reclassification
of a real estate development loan in the amount of $934,786 from the impaired
loans category. When added together, non-performing assets and impaired loans
amounted to $3,761,462 and $3,233,514 on March 31, 1996, and December 31, 1995,
respectively.

  Deposits decreased by $1,513,778, or 0.76% from $199,970,921 to $198,457,143.
The Bank's transaction and money market type accounts typically experience
outflows during the first quarter due to customers' needs to pay bills
associated with holiday spending, fuel, and property taxes.

  No new advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) were incurred during
the first quarter. However, the Bank purchased Federal funds in the amount of
$1,019,000 and expects to utilize the FHLB advance programs during the second
quarter.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

  The Bank is required to maintain a 5.00% ratio of long-term liquid assets to
net withdrawable funds. At March 31, 1996, the Bank's ratio of 11.13% exceeded
regulatory requirements.

  The Bank's source of funds comes primarily from net deposit inflows, loan
amortizations, principal pay downs from loans, sold loan proceeds, and advances
from the FHLB. At March 31, 1996, the Bank had approximately $49 million in
additional borrowing capacity from the FHLB. The Bank expects to be able to fund
the approximate total of $10 million in loan commitments during the second
quarter by utilizing its customary sources of funds.

  As of March 31, 1996, cash flows from operations provided $1,456,614 versus
$1,114,993 at March 31, 1995. The majority of this change was due to a decrease
in the provision for loan losses and accrued expenses and other liabilities.

  Cash flows from investing activities amounted to $56,560 during the first
three months of 1996 versus negative $4,139,443 for the same period last year.
Most notably, the Bank's net decrease in total loans in the amount of
$3,658,611, due to the sale of $2,218,757 of loans held for sale and a net
decrease of $1,439,854 in total loans, created the positive cash flow.

  As of March 31, 1996, cash flows from financing activities were negative
$6,517,730, reflecting a need to fund a decrease of $6,892,691 in customer
deposits and repurchase agreements.

  At March 31, 1996, the Company's capital totaled $19,416,674, or 7.69% of
total assets, compared to $19,544,005, or 7.57% of total assets at year-end
1995. The net change in capital of $127,331 is attributed to retaining income of
$137,661, and a decrease in the unrealized gain on securities available for sale
in the amount of $264,992. Interest rates increased during the first quarter of
1996 causing a drop in bond values.

  As part of the Financial Institution Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of
1989 (FIRREA), banks are required to maintain core, leverage, and risk-based
capital of 3.00%, 3.00%, and 8.00%, respectively. As of March 31, 1996, the
Bank's core, leverage and risk-based capital ratios were 6.97%, 6.97%, and
11.77%, respectively, well in excess of the regulators' requirements.

  Book value per share was $11.49 at March 31, 1996, versus $11.57 per share at
December 31, 1995. The decrease was attributable to the change in the unrealized
loss on securities available for sale.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY

  The Bank's one-year interest sensitive gap at March 31, 1996, was
approximately negative seven percent, compared to the December 31, 1995, gap
position of approximately negative seven percent. The Bank continues to offer
adjustable rate mortgages which reprice at one, three, and five year intervals.
In addition, the Bank sells fixed rate mortgages into the secondary market in
order to minimize interest rate risk. As of March 31, 1996, adjustable rate
mortgages amounted to approximately 84% of total loans.

  The strategy of matching rate-sensitive assets with similar liabilities
stabilizes profitability during periods of interest rate fluctuations. The
Bank's gap, of approximately negative seven percent at March 31, 1996, means
earnings would increase if interest rates trended downward. The opposite would
occur if interest rates were to rise. Management feels that maintaining the gap
within ten points of the parity line provides adequate protection against severe
interest rate swings. In an effort to maintain the gap within ten points of
parity, the Bank utilizes the Federal Home Loan Bank advance program to control
the repricing of liabilities.

              NET INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996
              AS COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1995

  Net income for the first quarter ended March 31, 1996, was $348,849, or $0.21
per share compared to $189,925, or $0.11 per share for the same period last
year, an increase of approximately 84%. As mentioned above, the increase was due
to the savings resulting from several non-recurring items experienced during
last year's first quarter.

  Net interest income increased $123,953, or 6.53% to $2,023,499 from $1,899,546
as the volume of loans outstanding increased over last year's first quarter.

  Total interest income increased by $512,107, or 12.66%. This increase was the
result of rising interest rates on the Bank's adjustable rate mortgages as well
as the increased amount of outstanding loans as compared to March 31, 1995.
Interest on investments increased $132,374, or 37.05%, due to the increase in
investments over last year.

  Total interest expense increased $388,154, or 18.09%. Interest on deposits
increased $270,433, or 14.52%. The Bank's cost of deposits, increased from 4.03%
at March 31, 1995, to 4.48% at March 31, 1996.

OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE

  Total non-interest income remained flat, decreasing slightly by $6,165, to
$376,226. Total non-interest expense decreased $41,073, or 2.42%, to $1,656,939.
Non-recurring items in the amount of approximately $90,000 incurred during the
first quarter of 1995 accounted for a decrease in expenses for the first quarter
in 1996.

RESERVE FOR LOAN LOSSES

  LSB considers many factors in determining the level of loan loss reserves.
These factors include the risk and size characteristics of the loans, the prior
years' loss experience, the levels of delinquencies, the prevailing economic
conditions, the number of foreclosures, unemployment rates, interest rates, and
the value of collateral securing the loans. Additionally, the Bank's commercial
loan officers review the financial condition of commercial loan facilities and
inventories. The Bank also has an internal audit and compliance program whereby
all loans are reviewed and classified to determine appropriate loan loss reserve
levels. Results of the audit and compliance programs are reported directly to
the Audit Committee of the Bank's Board of Directors.

  The reserve for loan losses at March 31, 1996, was $1,976,831 compared to
$1,828,060 at year-end 1995. The reserve as of March 31, 1996, included $741,083
in specific reserves for loans classified as loss and $1,235,748 in general
reserves as compared to $628,060 and $1,200,000, respectively, at December 31,
1995. The reserve for loan loss allowance represented 0.95% of total loans at
March 31, 1996, compared to 0.87% at

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
December 31, 1995. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-
performing assets was 59.53% at March 31, 1995, compared to 75.36% at December
31, 1995.

  Loans classified for regulatory purposes as loss, doubtful, substandard, or
special mention do not result from trends or uncertainties which the Bank
reasonably expects will materially impact future operating results, liquidity,
or capital resources.

  Total classified loans, excluding special mention, as of March 31, 1996, were
$7,298,103 compared to $6,049,066 at December 31, 1995. Of these amounts,
$3,320,923 and $2,425,647, respectively, are included in non-performing assets.

  The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued Statement No. 114,
"Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan."  The Statement became
effective for LSB as of January 1, 1995. Note 3, pp. 7-8, to the Financial
Reports presents a discussion relative to impaired loans.

The following table shows the Bank's breakdown of non-performing loans (dollars
in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                  3-31-96        12-31-95
                                -------------   -------------
<S>                            <C>      <C>    <C>      <C>
90 days delinquent              $  203  0.08%   $1,144  0.54%
Non-earning assets               2,277  0.90%      297  0.14%
Real estate owned                  841  0.33%      984  0.47%
                                ------  ----    ------  ----
Total non-performing assets     $3,321  1.31%   $2,425  1.15%
                                ======  ====    ======  ====
                                $  441  0.17%   $  808  0.38%
Impaired loans                  ======  ====    ======  ====
</TABLE>

(1)  All loans 90 days or more delinquent are placed on a non-accruing status

(2)  Loans considered to be uncollectible, pending foreclosure, or in bankruptcy
     proceeding are placed on a non-earning status

The following table sets forth the allocation of the loan loss valuation
allowance and the percentage of loans in each category to total loans:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                    3-31-96            12-31-95
                              -----------------  ------------------
<S>                          <C>           <C>   <C>           <C>
Real estate loans -
Conventional                  $1,125,085    83%   $  687,547    83%
Construction                     557,162             201,257
Collateral and Consumer            6,602    12%        8,067    12%
Commercial and Municipal         212,936     4%      276,526     4%
Impaired Loans                    55,046     1%      654,663     1%
                              ----------   ---    ----------   ---
Valuation allowance           $1,976,831   100%   $1,828,060   100%
                              ==========   ===    ==========   ===
Valuation allowance as a
percentage of total loans           0.95%               0.87%
                              ==========   ===    ==========   ===
 
</TABLE>

          As of March 31, 1996, there were no other loans not included in the
table or discussed above where known information about the possible credit
problems of borrowers caused management to have doubts as to the ability of the
borrowers to comply with present loan repayment terms and which may result in
disclosure of such loans in the future.

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.
                           PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.  Legal Proceedings
         -----------------

         There is no material litigation pending in which the Company or its
         subsidiaries is a party or which the property of the Company or its
         subsidiaries is subject.

Item 2.  Changes in Securities
         ---------------------

         None

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities
         -------------------------------

         None

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Common Shareholders
         ------------------------------------------------------

         At the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on April 10, 1996, the
         Shareholders voted to: re-elect Directors Stephen W. Ensign, Dennis A.
         Morrow, and Kenneth D. Weed for three year terms, ratify the adoption
         of the 1996 Stock Option Plan, and ratify the appointment of Berry,
         Dunn, McNeil and Parker as the Company's independent auditors for the
         fiscal year 1996 .

Item 5.  Other Information
         -----------------

         None

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
         --------------------------------

         A.)  Exhibits:

              None

         B.)  Reports on Forms 8-K:

              None

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES
                                   ----------


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



                                    NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES. INC.
                                    -------------------------------------
                                              (Registrant)



Date:   May 9, 1996                   /s/ Stephen W. Ensign
     --------------------             --------------------------------------
                                      Stephen W. Ensign
                                      President and Chief Executive Officer


Date:   May 9, 1996                   /s/ Stephen R. Theroux
     --------------------             --------------------------------------
                                      Stephen R. Theroux
                                      Executive Vice President and
                                      Chief Financial Officer

                                       18

<PAGE>
 
                                                                Exhibit No. 21.1


                     New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.
                          Subsidiary of the Registrant


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           Percentage             State of
       Subsidiary         of Ownership          Incorporation
       ----------         -------------         -------------
<S>                       <C>                <C>
                                             Incorporated under the laws
Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb        100%           of the United States
</TABLE>


Subsidiaries of Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb:  Lake Sunapee Group, Inc. and Lake
Sunapee Financial Services Corp.  Both subsidiaries are 100% owned by Lake
Sunapee Bank and are incorporated in the State of New Hampshire.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

           [LETTERHEAD OF BERRY, DUNN, MCNEIL & PARKER APPEARS HERE]

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
                         -----------------------------

The Board of Directors
New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.


We consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form 
S-4 of New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc., of our report dated January 19, 
1996, relating to the consolidated statement of financial condition of New 
Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc., and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995, and
the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash 
flows for year ended December 31, 1995, which report is included in the December
31, 1995, annual report on Form 10-KSB of New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.

We also consent to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the 
Proxy Statement-Prospectus.


        /s/ Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker


Lebanon, New Hampshire
September 24, 1996








  [LOWER SECTION OF LETTERHEAD OF BERRY, DUNN, MCNEIL & PARKER APPEARS HERE]



<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2



                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



The Board of Directors
Landmark Bank
Lebanon, New Hampshire  03766


We consent to the use in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of New Hampshire
Thrift Bancshares, Inc. of our report included herein dated February 23, 1996
relating to the consolidated balance sheet of Landmark Bank and subsidiaries as
of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and the related consolidated statements of income,
changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1995. 

We also consent to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the
Joint Proxy Statement - Prospectus.



September 23, 1996
White River Junction, Vermont                   /s/ A.M. Peisch & Company

<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.5

                     [LETTERHEAD OF HAS ASSOCIATES, INC.]


September 24, 1996



     HAS Associates, Inc. hereby consents to the inclusion of its fairness
opinion (the "Opinion") in the Joint Proxy Statement of New Hampshire Thrift
Bancshares, Inc. and Landmark Bank (the "Registration Statement"). In addition,
HAS Associates, Inc. also consents to the inclusion of the related discussion of
the Opinion in the Registration Statement.


Sincerely,


/s/ HAS Associates, Inc.

HAS Associates, Inc.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.6




                          CONSENT OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR


     We hereby consent to the inclusion of the Opinion of McConnell, Budd &
Downes, Inc. as an Annex to the Proxy Statement-Prospectus filed as part of the
Form S-4 Registration Statement (Registration No. ______) of New Hampshire
Thrift Bancshares, Inc. and to the references to our firm as Financial Advisor
to Landmark Bank in the text of said Proxy Statement-Prospectus. In giving such
consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons
whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933 or the
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                McConnell, Budd & Downes, Inc.


                                By:/s/ David A. Budd      
                                   ------------------------
September 24, 1996                     David A. Budd
                                       Managing Director

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.7

             [LETTERHEAD OF SMITH, BATCHELDER & RUGG APPEARS HERE]

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
                         -----------------------------

The  Board of Directors
New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.


We consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form 
S-4 of New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc., of the report dated January 24, 
1995, relating to the consolidated statement of financial condition of New 
Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc., and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1994 and 
1993 and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity 
and cash flows for years ended December 31, 1994, 1993, and 1992, which report 
is included in the December 31, 1995, annual report on Form 10-KSB of New 
Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc.

We also consent to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the
Proxy Statement-Prospectus.


                                                /s/ Smith, Batchelder & Rugg


Lebanon, New Hampshire
September 24, 1996

    [LOWER SECTION OF LETTERHEAD OF SMITH, BATCHELDER & RUGG APPEARS HERE]


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 9
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1996
<CASH>                                       7,660,216
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                               0
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                                     0
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                     0
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                 25,234,393
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                         368,054
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                           368,054
<LOANS>                                    215,731,396
<ALLOWANCE>                                  1,507,413
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             258,526,125
<DEPOSITS>                                 200,303,248
<SHORT-TERM>                                         0
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                          2,133,405
<LONG-TERM>                                          0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        21,473
<OTHER-SE>                                  19,453,654
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>              19,475,127
<INTEREST-LOAN>                              8,243,982
<INTEREST-INVEST>                              953,543
<INTEREST-OTHER>                                     0
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                             9,197,525
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                           4,198,985
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                           5,054,805
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                        4,142,720
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                  744,191
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                                   0
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                              3,248,992
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              1,236,230
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                           0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   828,230
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.49
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.49
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                       0
<LOANS-NON>                                  1,444,239
<LOANS-PAST>                                         0
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                               524,338
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                      0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                             1,828,060
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                1,069,197
<RECOVERIES>                                     4,359
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                            1,507,413
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                         1,507,413
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                  0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                              0
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.
                                                            REVOCABLE PROXY

    SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT
BANCSHARES, INC. FOR A SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO
                         BE HELD ON DECEMBER 19, 1996

          The undersigned hereby acknowledges prior receipt of the Notice of
Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "NHTB Special Meeting") and the Joint Proxy
Statement-Prospectus describing the matters set forth below, and indicating the
date, time and place of the NHTB Special Meeting and hereby appoints
________________________, with full powers of substitution, the Proxies of the
undersigned, to cast all votes to which the undersigned is entitled at the NHTB
Special Meeting, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof, on the matters
referred to below in the manner specified on the reverse side hereof:

          1.The adoption and approval of an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
     dated as of July 26, 1996, by and among New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares,
     Inc. ("NHTB"), Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb (the "Bank") and Landmark Bank
     ("Landmark") and an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 26,
     1996, by and between Landmark and the Bank and joined in by NHTB (together,
     the "Agreements"), and the transactions contemplated thereby.

          2.The adoption of a proposal to adjourn the NHTB Special Meeting for
     any reason.

          3.In their discretion, upon any other matters that may properly come
     before the NHTB Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
     NOTE: The Board of Directors is not aware of any other matter that may come
     before the NHTB Special Meeting.

     This Proxy will be voted as directed by the undersigned shareholder.
UNLESS OTHERWISE MARKED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR APPROVAL OF THE AGREEMENTS
AND FOR APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSAL TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.  If any other business
is presented at the NHTB Special Meeting, this Proxy will be voted in accordance
with the best judgment of the Board of Directors. This Proxy may be revoked at
any time before it is voted either by a written revocation of the proxy filed
with the Secretary of NHTB or by submitting a later dated proxy or voting in
person. The mere presence of a shareholder at the NHTB Special Meeting shall not
revoke a proxy.

(IMPORTANT: PLEASE VOTE, DATE AND SIGN ON REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CARD)
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.

IMPORTANT:     Please sign your name exactly as it appears hereon.  Joint
accounts need only one signature.  When signing as an attorney, administrator,
agent, corporation, officer, executor, trustee, guardian or similar position,
please add your full title to your signature.


     1.   The adoption and approval of an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
dated as of July 26, 1996, by and among NHTB, the Bank and Landmark and an
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 26, 1996, by and between Landmark
and the Bank and joined in by NHTB, and the transactions contemplated thereby.

                    FOR ____                                AGAINST ____

     2.   The adoption of a proposal to adjourn the NHTB Special Meeting for any
reason.


                    FOR ____                                AGAINST ____


               Please Vote by Marking one of the Boxes as shown:     X
                                                                   -----

                 Signature:  _____________________________ Date: _________,1996



                 Signature:  _____________________________ Date: _________,1996


PLEASE RETURN THIS PROXY CARD USING THE ENCLOSED,  POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.



     Note: If you receive more than one proxy card, please sign and return all
     cards in the accompanying envelope.

<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.2

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT

                       Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                      the Securities Exchange Act of 1934



        Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 10, 1996



                     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.


             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
                    (Address of principal executive offices)
                                        



New Hampshire                     0-17859                  02-0430695  
- -----------------               ------------             ---------------        
State or other jurisdiction       Commission file        I.R.S. Employer
 of Incorporation                 Number                     Number



Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 603-526-2116
                                                    ------------



                      Not Applicable
- -------------------------------------------------------------
(Former name or former address, if changes since last report)

<PAGE>
 
Items 1 through 3.  Not applicable.

Item 4.

     (a)  New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. ("Registrant") declined to
reappoint its former accountant, Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker ("BDMP") to be
effective retroactive to January 1, 1996.

     BDMP's reports on the financial statements for the past two years did not
contain an adverse opinion, disclaimer of opinion, or a qualifier as to
uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principals.

     The decision to change accountants was ratified by the Board of Directors
of the Registrant on July 10, 1996.

     During Registrant's two most recent fiscal years and the subsequent interim
period prior to dismissing BDMP, there were no disagreements with BDMP on any
matter of accounting principals or practices, financial statement disclosure, or
auditing scope or procedure, which if not resolved to the satisfaction of BDMP
would have caused BDMP to make reference to the subject matter of the
disagreement in connection with its reports.

     The Registrant has engaged Shatswell, MacLeod & Company as its principal
accountant effective January 1, 1996.

Items 5 through 6.  Not applicable.

Item 7.  Financial Statements and Exhibits

     The following Exhibit is filed as part of this report:

     Exhibit 1:  Letter from BDMP regarding their termination as independent
auditors for the Registrant.

Items  8.  Not applicable.

                                       2

<PAGE>
 
 
                                   SIGNATURES


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



                     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.



                    By: /s/ STEPHEN W. ENSIGN 
                        ----------------------------------
                            Stephen W. Ensign
                     President and Chief Executive Officer



                             Date:   July 15, 1996

                                       3

<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT 1

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                          Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker
                          Certified Public Accountants
                             Management Consultants
                                 900 Elm Street
                      Manchester, New Hampshire 03101-2024



Securities and Exchange Commission

We have read the statements made by New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc., which
we understand will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant
to Item 4 of Form 8-K.  We agree with the statements concerning our firm in such
Form 8-K.


                                             Very truly yours,

                                             /s/ BERRY, DUNN, McNEIL & PARKER
                                             ----------------------------------
                                             Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker
                                                     July 15, 1996

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.3


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT

                       Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                      the Securities Exchange Act of 1934



        Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 26, 1996



                     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.


             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
                    (Address of principal executive offices)
                                        



    New Hampshire                      0-17859                   02-0430695
    -----------------                ------------             ---------------
    State or other jurisdiction        Commission file      I.R.S. Employer
     of Incorporation                  Number                    Number



       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 603-526-2116
                                                           ------------



                                Not Applicable
         ------------------------------------------------------------
         (Former name or former address, if changes since last report)
<PAGE>
 
Items 1 through 4.  Not applicable.

Item 5.

     On July 29, 1996, New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company")
announced that it had entered into a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger and
a definitive Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, both dated July 26, 1996
("Agreements"), with Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb, the Company's wholly-owned
subsidiary and Landmark Bank.  Under the Agreements, the Company will acquire
Landmark Bank by merger of Landmark Bank with and into Lake Sunapee Bank.
Holders of Landmark Bank's stock may elect to receive $12.00 in cash per share,
or to exchange their Landmark Bank stock for stock in the Company pursuant to an
exchange ratio.  The total consideration to Landmark stockholders shall be
comprised of 60% in stock and 40% in cash.  Consummation of the merger is
subject to customary conditions, including approval of the shareholders of each
of Landmark Bank and the Company and the approval of all applicable regulatory
authorities.

     In addition, Landmark Bank has granted Lake Sunapee Bank an option to
purchase, under certain conditions, newly issued common stock of Landmark Bank
in an amount of up to 19.9% of Landmark Bank's outstanding shares at an exercise
price of $9.00 per share.

Item 6.  Not applicable.

Item 7.  Financial Statements and Exhibits

     The following Exhibits are filed as part of this report:

     Exhibit 1:  Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of July 26, 1996, by and
between the Company, Landmark Bank and Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb.

     Exhibit 2:  Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of July 26, 1996,
by and between the Company, Landmark Bank and Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb.

     Exhibit 3:  News Release of the Company dated July 29, 1996, announcing the
Agreement to Acquire Landmark Bank.

Items  8.  Not applicable.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES


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



                     NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIFT BANCSHARES, INC.



                 By:  /s/ Stephen W. Ensign
                      -----------------------------------------
                               Stephen W. Ensign
                     President and Chief Executive Officer



                             Date:   July 29, 1996

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