EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FirstMerit Corporation
Analysts: Thomas O’Malley/Investor Relations Officer
Phone: 330.384.7109
Media Contact: Robert Townsend/Media Relations Officer
Phone: 330.384.7075

FirstMerit Reports Fourth Quarter and 2008 Full Year Results

4Q08 EPS of $0.36 and 2008 EPS of $1.48 Per Share

Akron, Ohio (January 27, 2009) — FirstMerit Corporation (Nasdaq: FMER) today announced fourth quarter 2008 net income of $29.1 million, or $0.36 per diluted share. This compares with $29.8 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, for the third quarter 2008 and $31.5 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter 2007. For the full year 2008, the Company reported net income of $119.5 million, or $1.48 per diluted share, compared with $123.0 million, or $1.53 per diluted share in 2007.

Returns on average common equity (“ROE”) and average assets (“ROA”) for the fourth quarter 2008 were 12.47% and 1.08%, respectively, compared with 12.73% and 1.12%, respectively, for the third quarter 2008 and 13.87% and 1.21% for the fourth quarter 2007.

“The fourth quarter and full year 2008 financial results reflect the measured steps we have taken to profitably grow our franchise and maintain the strengths of our balance sheet and integrity of our risk management processes,” said Paul G. Greig, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FirstMerit Corporation. “FirstMerit employees are incented to pursue organic growth opportunities and develop business relationships aligned with our highest standards of credit quality. We have also managed our business to ensure our future growth is supported with ample liquidity and capital levels in the face of uncertain challenges in today’s economy.”

Mr. Greig said, “Our bankers took advantage of growth opportunities in 2008 stemming from severe market disruption in Northeast Ohio and generated robust commercial loan growth. The 11.3% increase in average commercial loans at the end of the fourth quarter of 2008 compared with the prior year quarter was matched with 9.2% growth in our average core deposits for the same time period, highlighting our ability to execute on the super community banking model and to develop deep and profitable banking relationships with new and existing customers.”

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FirstMerit Reports Fourth Quarter 2008 EPS Results/ Page 2

Average loans during the fourth quarter of 2008 increased $83.9 million, or 1.15%, compared with the third quarter of 2008 and increased $414.7 million, or 5.97%, compared with the fourth quarter of 2007. Increases in the respective periods were due to average commercial loan growth of $104.2 million, or 2.50%, and $433.9 million, or 11.30%.

Average deposits were $7.7 billion during the fourth quarter of 2008, up $346.2 million, or 4.73%, compared with the third quarter of 2008, and an increase of $332.7 million, or 4.53%, compared with the fourth quarter of 2007. For the fourth quarter 2008, average core deposits (which are defined as checking accounts, savings accounts and money market savings products) increased $202.6 million, or 4.41%, compared with the third quarter 2008 and $403.0 million, or 9.16%, compared with the fourth quarter 2007. Core deposits represented 62.57% of total average deposits, compared with 62.76% for the third quarter 2008 and 59.92% for the fourth quarter 2007. The increase in both periods reflects success stemming from strategic retail and business marketing campaigns for core deposits within the Company’s regional banking areas.

The Company’s investment portfolio yield increased in the fourth quarter of 2008, to 5.01%, compared with 4.97% in the third quarter of 2008, and increased from 4.99% in the fourth quarter of 2007. The increased investment portfolio yields contributed to net interest margin expansion in both periods.

Net interest margin was 3.82% for the fourth quarter of 2008 compared with 3.78% for the third quarter of 2008 and 3.66% for the fourth quarter of 2007. Lower funding costs supported margin expansion over both periods.

Net interest income on a fully tax-equivalent (“FTE”) basis was $94.9 million in the fourth quarter 2008 compared with $92.7 million in the third quarter of 2008 and $87.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. The increases in FTE net interest income compared with those two periods resulted from expansion in the net interest margin due to decreased liability costs.

Noninterest income net of securities transactions for the fourth quarter of 2008 was $51.2 million, an increase of $4.2 million, or 8.95%, from the third quarter of 2008 and an increase of $2.4 million, or 4.85%, from the fourth quarter of 2007. In the fourth quarter of 2008 the Company recorded $5.8 million of other income from the sale of Class B Visa Inc. stock. Noninterest income, net of securities gains, as a percentage of net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2008 was 35.07% compared with 33.67% for third quarter of 2008 and 35.80% for the fourth quarter of 2007. Net revenue is defined as net interest income, on an FTE basis, plus other income, less gains from securities sales.

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FirstMerit Reports Fourth Quarter 2008 EPS Results/ Page 3

Noninterest expense for the fourth quarter of 2008 was $88.2 million, an increase of $7.6 million, or 9.47%, from the third quarter of 2008 and an increase of $4.9 million, or 5.94%, from the fourth quarter of 2007. In the fourth quarter of 2008 the Company recorded $4.0 million of other expense related to an accrual for litigation, $0.4 million in severance cost from a reduction in force during the quarter and $1.1 million related to foreclosed property. For 2008, operating expenses increased $0.4 million, or 0.12%, compared with 2007, reflecting the success of the Company’s strategy to fully rationalize costs throughout the organization. For the fourth quarter of 2008, the efficiency ratio was 60.34%, compared with 57.64% for the third quarter of 2008 and 60.85% for the fourth quarter of 2007.

Net charge-offs totaled $15.2 million, or 0.82% of average loans, in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared with $11.8 million, or 0.64% of average loans, in the third quarter 2008 and $8.9 million, or 0.51% of average loans, in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Nonperforming assets totaled $57.5 million at December 31, 2008, an increase of $14.0 million, or 32.27%, compared with September 30, 2008. Nonperforming assets at December 31, 2008 represented 0.77% of period-end loans plus other real estate compared with 0.59% at September 30, 2008.

The allowance for loan losses totaled $103.8 million at December 31, 2008, an increase of $1.8 million from September 30, 2008. At December 31, 2008, the allowance for loan losses was 1.40% of period-end loans compared with 1.38% at September 30, 2008. The allowance for credit losses is the sum of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments. For comparative purposes the allowance for credit losses was 1.49% at December 31, 2008 compared with 1.47% at September 30, 2008. The allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans was 211.38% at December 31, 2008, compared with 281.28% at September 30, 2008.

FirstMerit’s total assets at December 31, 2008 were $11.1 billion, an increase of $415.2 million, or 3.89%, compared with September 30, 2008 and an increase of $699.4 million, or 6.72%, compared with December 31, 2007. Investment securities increased $322.6 million, or 13.17%, and commercial loans increased $79.7 million, or 1.86%, compared with September 30, 2008. Commercial loans increased $446.3 million, or 11.42%, compared with December 31, 2007, contributing to the majority of asset growth over the prior year period.

Total deposits were $7.6 billion at December 31, 2008, an increase of $167.1 million, or 2.25%, from September 30, 2008 and an increase of $265.9 million, or 3.63%, from December 31, 2007. Core deposits totaled $4.8 billion at December 31, 2008, an increase of $225.6 million, or 4.91%, from September 30, 2008 and an increase of $310.9 million, or 6.90%, from December 31, 2007.

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FirstMerit Reports Fourth Quarter 2008 EPS Results/ Page 4

Shareholders’ equity was $937.8 million at December 31, 2008, compared with $926.1 million at September 30, 2008, and $917.0 million at December 31, 2007. The Company maintained a strong capital position as tangible common equity to assets was 7.27% at December 31, 2008, compared with 7.45% at September 30, 2008 and 7.56% at December 31, 2007. The common dividend per share paid in the fourth quarter 2008 was $0.29.

On January 9, 2009, FirstMerit completed the sale to the United States Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) of $125.0 million of newly issued FirstMerit non-voting preferred shares as part of the Treasury’s Troubled Assets Relief Program Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”). All of the proceeds from this sale of the Series A Preferred Shares and the Warrant by FirstMerit to the Treasury will qualify as Tier I capital for regulatory purposes. The additional capital would have increased its Tier 1 capital ratio to 11.49% at December 31, 2008, and increased its total capital ratio to 13.09% at December 31, 2008.

Fourth quarter 2008 Conference Call

FirstMerit will host an earnings conference call today at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to provide an overview of fourth quarter results and highlights. To participate in the conference call, please dial (888) 693-3477 ten minutes before start time and provide the reservation number: 79853842. A replay of the conference call will be available at approximately 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), on January 27, 2009 through February 4, 2009, by dialing (800) 642-1687, and entering the PIN: 79853842.

About FirstMerit

FirstMerit Corporation is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Akron, Ohio, with assets of $11.1 billion as of December 31, 2008 and 160 banking offices and 182 ATMs in 25 Ohio and Western Pennsylvania counties. FirstMerit provides a complete range of banking and other financial services to consumers and businesses through its core operations. Principal wholly-owned subsidiaries include: FirstMerit Bank, N.A., FirstMerit Mortgage Corporation, FirstMerit Title Agency, Ltd., and FirstMerit Community Development Corporation.

Forward-Looking Statement: This release contains forward-looking statements relating to present or future trends or factors affecting the banking industry, and specifically the financial condition and results of operations, including without limitation, statements relating to the earnings outlook of the Company, as well as its operations, markets and products. Actual results could differ materially from those indicated. Among the important factors that could cause results to differ materially are interest rate changes, continued softening in the economy, which could materially impact credit quality trends and the ability to generate loans, changes in the mix of the Company’s business, competitive pressures, changes in accounting, tax or regulatory practices or requirements and those risk factors detailed in the Company’s periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements or reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

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FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)


	Quarters
	2008			2008			2008			2008			2007
EARNINGS	4th Qtr			3rd Qtr			2nd Qtr			1st Qtr			4th Qtr

Net interest income FTE (a)	$	94,855		$	92,659		$	88,956		$	85,695		$	87,647
Provision for loan losses		16,986			15,531			14,565			11,521			9,334
Other income		52,795			47,029			48,758			52,854			49,993
Other expenses		88,240			80,609			80,550			81,234			83,295
FTE adjustment (a)		1,617			1,538			1,425			1,396			1,486
Net income		29,136			29,753			29,153			31,443			31,459
Diluted EPS		0.36			0.37			0.36			0.39			0.39

PERFORMANCE RATIOS
Return on average assets (ROA)		1.08	%		1.12	%		1.11	%		1.22	%		1.21	%
Return on average common equity (ROE)		12.47	%		12.73	%		12.31	%		13.56	%		13.87	%
Net interest margin FTE (a)		3.82	%		3.78	%		3.69	%		3.60	%		3.66	%
Efficiency ratio		60.34	%		57.64	%		58.38	%		58.69	%		60.85	%
Number of full-time equivalent employees		2,575			2,614			2,679			2,676			2,688

MARKET DATA
Book value/common share	$	11.58		$	11.44		$	11.43		$	11.59		$	11.39
Period-end common share mkt value		20.59			21.00			16.31			20.66			20.01
Market as a % of book		178	%		184	%		143	%		178	%		176	%
Cash dividends/common share	$	0.29		$	0.29		$	0.29		$	0.29		$	0.29
Common stock dividend payout ratio		80.56	%		78.38	%		80.56	%		74.36	%		74.36	%
Average basic common shares		80,972			80,869			80,855			80,655			80,477
Average diluted common shares		80,981			80,896			80,898			80,722			80,595
Period end common shares		80,960			80,974			80,846			80,879			80,482
Common shares repurchased		61,329			42,429			34,380			5,426			6,066
Common stock market capitalization	$	1,666,966		$	1,700,454		$	1,318,598		$	1,670,960		$	1,610,445

ASSET QUALITY
Gross charge-offs	$	17,932		$	14,957		$	14,830		$	14,669		$	11,768
Net charge-offs		15,236			11,763			10,737			11,315			8,940
Allowance for loan losses		103,757			102,007			98,239			94,411			94,205
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments		6,588			6,493			7,310			7,903			7,394
Nonperforming assets (NPAs)		57,526			43,491			41,639			35,301			37,262
Net charge-offs/average loans ratio		0.82	%		0.64	%		0.60	%		0.65	%		0.51	%
Allowance for loan losses/period-end loans		1.40	%		1.38	%		1.36	%		1.33	%		1.35	%
Allowance for credit losses/period-end loans		1.49	%		1.47	%		1.46	%		1.45	%		1.45	%
NPAs/loans and other real estate		0.77	%		0.59	%		0.57	%		0.50	%		0.53	%
Allowance for loan losses/nonperforming loans		198.76	%		264.45	%		268.52	%		318.89	%		299.70	%
Allowance for credit losses/nonperforming loans		211.38	%		281.28	%		288.50	%		345.59	%		323.22	%

CAPITAL & LIQUIDITY
Period-end tangible equity to assets		7.27	%		7.45	%		7.52	%		7.68	%		7.56	%
Average equity to assets		8.66	%		8.79	%		9.06	%		8.98	%		8.72	%
Average equity to loans		12.62	%		12.76	%		13.34	%		13.27	%		12.94	%
Average loans to deposits		96.01	%		99.40	%		97.29	%		95.82	%		94.71	%

AVERAGE BALANCES
Assets	$	10,731,029		$	10,569,496		$	10,520,469		$	10,388,359		$	10,313,707
Deposits		7,672,560			7,326,364			7,339,506			7,330,097			7,339,827
Loans		7,366,246			7,282,333			7,140,627			7,023,928			6,951,544
Earning assets		9,876,488			9,755,812			9,704,252			9,581,121			9,493,271
Shareholders’ equity		929,788			929,495			952,769			932,405			899,624

ENDING BALANCES
Assets	$	11,100,026		$	10,684,845		$	10,564,752		$	10,516,828		$	10,400,666
Deposits		7,597,679			7,430,556			7,277,184			7,422,678			7,331,739
Loans		7,425,613			7,381,592			7,240,882			7,072,797			7,001,886
Goodwill		139,245			139,245			139,245			139,245			139,245
Intangible assets		1,403			1,490			1,577			1,754			1,977
Earning assets		10,209,602			9,840,951			9,724,859			9,688,270			9,509,680
Total shareholders’ equity		937,843			926,078			924,429			937,439			916,977

NOTES:


(a)		- Net interest income on a fully tax-equivalent (“FTE”) basis restates interest on tax-exempt securities and loans as if such interest were subject to federal income tax at the statutory rate. Net interest income on an FTE basis is not an accounting principle generally accepted in the United States of America.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


	December 31,
	2008			2007
	(In thousands)
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	178,406		$	207,335
Investment securities (at market value) and federal funds sold		2,772,848			2,460,453
Loans held for sale		11,141			47,341
Loans:
Commercial loans		4,352,730			3,906,448
Mortgage loans		547,125			577,219
Installment loans		1,574,587			1,598,832
Home equity loans		733,832			691,922
Credit card loans		149,745			153,732
Leases		67,594			73,733

Total loans		7,425,613			7,001,886
Allowance for loan losses		(103,757	)		(94,205	)

Net loans		7,321,856			6,907,681
Premises and equipment, net		133,184			130,469
Goodwill		139,245			139,245
Other intangible assets		1,403			1,977
Accrued interest receivable and other assets		541,943			506,165

Total assets	$	11,100,026		$	10,400,666


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Deposits:
Demand-non-interest bearing	$	1,637,534		$	1,482,480
Demand-interest bearing		666,615			727,966
Savings and money market accounts		2,512,331			2,295,147
Certificates and other time deposits		2,781,199			2,826,146

Total deposits		7,597,679			7,331,739

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		921,390			1,256,080
Wholesale borrowings		1,344,195			705,121
Accrued taxes, expenses, and other liabilities		298,919			190,749

Total liabilities		10,162,183			9,483,689


Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, without par value: authorized and unissued 7,000,000 shares		—			—
Preferred stock, Series A, without par value: designated 800,000 shares; none outstanding		—			—
Convertible preferred stock, Series B, without par value: designated 220,000 shares; none outstanding		—			—
Common stock, without par value: authorized 300,000,000 shares; issued 92,026,350 at December 31, 2008 and 2007		127,937			127,937
Capital surplus		94,802			100,028
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(54,080	)		(43,085	)
Retained earnings		1,053,435			1,027,775
Treasury stock, at cost, 11,066,108 and 11,543,882 shares, at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively		(284,251	)		(295,678	)


Total shareholders’ equity		937,843			916,977


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	11,100,026		$	10,400,666


FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)


	Quarterly Periods
	December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,			December 31,
	2008			2008			2008			2008			2007

ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	192,804		$	171,370		$	173,044		$	171,028		$	175,164
Investment securities/fed funds sold		2,501,346			2,461,431			2,515,546			2,508,125			2,494,975
Loans held for sale		8,896			12,048			48,079			49,068			46,752
Loans:
Commercial loans		4,273,123			4,168,951			4,069,305			3,941,573			3,839,242
Mortgage loans		555,713			569,293			577,178			584,000			581,370
Installment loans		1,596,053			1,617,265			1,584,825			1,587,267			1,615,035
Home equity loans		722,466			709,365			692,567			686,603			696,259
Credit card loans		150,133			147,924			147,242			150,575			149,466
Leases		68,758			69,535			69,510			73,910			70,172

Total loans		7,366,246			7,282,333			7,140,627			7,023,928			6,951,544
Less allowance for loan losses		100,898			98,091			94,002			93,804			92,667


Net loans		7,265,348			7,184,242			7,046,625			6,930,124			6,858,877

Total earning assets		9,876,488			9,755,812			9,704,252			9,581,121			9,493,271

Premises and equipment, net		130,511			127,267			126,488			128,185			132,129
Accrued interest receivable and other assets		632,124			613,138			610,687			601,829			605,810


TOTAL ASSETS	$	10,731,029		$	10,569,496		$	10,520,469		$	10,388,359		$	10,313,707


LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Demand-non-interest bearing	$	1,607,901		$	1,545,427		$	1,518,841		$	1,446,889		$	1,435,358
Demand-interest bearing		658,208			678,803			709,922			702,115			699,675
Savings and money market accounts		2,534,702			2,373,995			2,366,296			2,318,899			2,262,818
Certificates and other time deposits		2,871,749			2,728,139			2,744,447			2,862,194			2,941,976


Total deposits		7,672,560			7,326,364			7,339,506			7,330,097			7,339,827

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		1,168,438			1,504,011			1,312,436			1,310,364			1,517,241
Wholesale borrowings		766,358			634,226			711,132			618,572			369,685


Total funds		9,607,356			9,464,601			9,363,074			9,259,033			9,226,753
Accrued taxes, expenses and other liabilities		193,885			175,400			204,626			196,921			187,330


Total liabilities		9,801,241			9,640,001			9,567,700			9,455,954			9,414,083

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock		—			—			—			—			—
Common stock		127,937			127,937			127,937			127,937			127,937
Capital surplus		93,761			93,381			92,313			96,048			99,749
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		(62,018	)		(54,000	)		(40,757	)		(32,170	)		(60,430	)
Retained earnings		1,053,992			1,048,452			1,059,840			1,032,036			1,028,170
Treasury stock		(283,884	)		(286,275	)		(286,564	)		(291,446	)		(295,802	)


Total shareholders’ equity		929,788			929,495			952,769			932,405			899,624


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	10,731,029		$	10,569,496		$	10,520,469		$	10,388,359		$	10,313,707

AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
Fully-tax Equivalent Interest Rates and Interest Differential


FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND
SUBSIDIARIES	Three months ended								Year ended								Three months ended
(Dollars in thousands)	December 31, 2008								December 31, 2007								December 31, 2007
	Average					Average			Average					Average			Average					Average
	Balance			Interest		Rate			Balance			Interest		Rate			Balance			Interest		Rate


ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	192,804							$	178,164							$	175,164
Investment securities and federal funds sold:
U.S. Treasury securities and U.S.
Government agency obligations (taxable)		1,971,257			23,984		4.84	%		1,955,049			85,544		4.38	%		1,977,627			22,949		4.60	%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions (tax exempt)		316,220			4,804		6.04	%		255,461			15,595		6.10	%		276,989			4,249		6.09	%
Other securities and federal funds sold		213,869			2,720		5.06	%		244,749			17,127		7.00	%		240,359			4,154		6.86	%


Total investment securities and federal funds sold		2,501,346			31,508		5.01	%		2,455,259			118,266		4.82	%		2,494,975			31,352		4.99	%

Loans held for sale		8,896			100		4.47	%		56,036			3,050		5.44	%		46,752			760		6.45	%
Loans		7,366,246			105,390		5.69	%		6,971,464			521,172		7.48	%		6,951,544			127,343		7.27	%


Total earning assets		9,876,488			136,998		5.52	%		9,482,759			642,488		6.78	%		9,493,271			159,455		6.66	%

Allowance for loan losses		(100,898	)							(92,662	)							(92,667	)
Other assets		762,635								750,527								737,939


Total assets	$	10,731,029							$	10,318,788							$	10,313,707


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
Demand — non-interest bearing	$	1,607,901			—		—		$	1,408,726			—		—		$	1,435,358			—		—
Demand — interest bearing		658,208			370		0.22	%		733,410			6,824		0.93	%		699,675			1,352		0.77	%
Savings and money market accounts		2,534,702			6,764		1.06	%		2,266,070			54,166		2.39	%		2,262,818			12,667		2.22	%
Certificates and other time deposits		2,871,749			23,816		3.30	%		3,045,715			146,559		4.81	%		2,941,976			35,290		4.76	%


Total deposits		7,672,560			30,950		1.60	%		7,453,921			207,549		2.78	%		7,339,827			49,309		2.67	%

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		1,168,438			3,752		1.28	%		1,471,785			71,298		4.84	%		1,517,241			16,994		4.44	%
Wholesale borrowings		766,358			7,441		3.86	%		326,460			20,601		6.31	%		369,685			5,505		5.91	%


Total interest bearing liabilities		7,999,455			42,143		2.10	%		7,843,440			299,448		3.82	%		7,791,395			71,808		3.66	%

Other liabilities		193,885								191,096								187,330

Shareholders’ equity		929,788								875,526								899,624


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	10,731,029							$	10,318,788							$	10,313,707


Net yield on earning assets	$	9,876,488			94,855		3.82	%	$	9,482,759			343,040		3.62	%	$	9,493,271			87,647		3.66	%


Interest rate spread							3.42	%							2.96	%							3.00	%

Note: Interest income on tax-exempt securities and loans has been adjusted to a fully-taxable equivalent basis.
Nonaccrual loans have been included in the average balances.

AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
Fully-tax Equivalent Interest Rates and Interest Differential


FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES	Twelve months ended								Twelve months ended
(Dollars in thousands)	December 31, 2008								December 31, 2007
	Average					Average			Average					Average
	Balance			Interest		Rate			Balance			Interest		Rate


ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	177,089								178,164
Investment securities and federal funds sold:
U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government agency obligations (taxable)		1,985,026			94,260		4.75	%		1,955,049			85,544		4.38	%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions (tax exempt)		294,724			17,910		6.08	%		255,461			15,595		6.10	%
Other securities and federal funds sold		216,794			11,326		5.22	%		244,749			17,127		7.00	%


Total investment securities and federal		2,496,544			123,496		4.95	%		2,455,259			118,266		4.82	%
funds sold
Loans held for sale		29,419			1,602		5.45	%		56,036			3,050		5.44	%
Loans		7,203,946			434,704		6.03	%		6,971,464			521,172		7.48	%


Total earning assets		9,729,909			559,802		5.75	%		9,482,759			642,488		6.78	%

Allowance for loan losses		(96,714	)							(92,662	)
Other assets		739,158								750,527


Total assets	$	10,549,442								10,318,788


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
Demand — non-interest bearing	$	1,530,021			—		—			1,408,726			—		—
Demand — interest bearing		687,160			2,514		0.37	%		733,410			6,824		0.93	%
Savings and money market accounts		2,398,778			29,839		1.24	%		2,266,070			54,166		2.39	%
Certificates and other time deposits		2,801,623			105,853		3.78	%		3,045,715			146,559		4.81	%


Total deposits		7,417,582			138,206		1.86	%		7,453,921			207,549		2.78	%

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		1,343,441			31,857		2.37	%		1,471,785			71,298		4.84	%
Wholesale borrowings		663,109			27,574		4.16	%		326,460			20,601		6.31	%


Total interest bearing liabilities		7,894,111			197,637		2.50	%		7,843,440			299,448		3.82	%

Other liabilities		189,222								191,096

Shareholders’ equity		936,088								875,526


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	10,549,442								10,318,788


Net yield on earning assets	$	9,729,909			362,165		3.72	%		9,482,759			343,040		3.62	%


Interest rate spread							3.25	%							2.96	%

Note: Interest income on tax-exempt securities and loans has been adjusted to a fully-taxable equivalent basis.
Nonaccrual loans have been included in the average balances.

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME


(Unaudited)	Quarters ended						Twelve months ended
(In thousands except per share data)	December 31,						December 31,
	2008			2007			2008			2007

Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans, including held for sale	$	105,463		$	128,078		$	436,194		$	524,103
Interest and dividends on investment securities and federal funds sold		29,918			29,891			117,632			112,891

Total interest income		135,381			157,969			553,826			636,994

Interest expense:
Interest on deposits:
Demand-interest bearing		370			1,352			2,514			6,824
Savings and money market accounts		6,764			12,667			29,839			54,166
Certificates and other time deposits		23,816			35,290			105,853			146,559
Interest on securities sold under agreements to repurchase		3,752			16,994			31,857			71,298
Interest on wholesale borrowings		7,441			5,505			27,574			20,601

Total interest expense		42,143			71,808			197,637			299,448

Net interest income		93,238			86,161			356,189			337,546
Provision for loan losses		16,986			9,334			58,603			30,835

Net interest income after provision for loan losses		76,252			76,827			297,586			306,711

Other income:
Trust department income		5,291			5,896			22,127			23,245
Service charges on deposits		15,450			17,067			62,862			67,374
Credit card fees		11,667			12,012			47,054			46,502
ATM and other service fees		2,613			3,055			10,894			12,621
Bank owned life insurance income		2,451			3,283			12,008			13,476
Investment services and insurance		1,949			3,121			10,503			11,241
Investment securities gains, net		1,555			1,122			2,126			1,123
Loan sales and servicing income		2,294			1,551			6,940			10,311
Gain on Visa Inc.		5,768			—			13,666			—
Other operating income		3,757			2,886			13,256			11,030

Total other income		52,795			49,993			201,436			196,923

Other expenses:
Salaries, wages, pension and employee benefits		46,991			43,087			179,463			170,457
Net occupancy expense		5,950			6,284			24,649			25,679
Equipment expense		6,139			6,239			24,137			25,401
Stationery, supplies and postage		2,458			2,388			9,372			9,436
Bankcard, loan processing and other costs		7,359			7,482			29,456			29,781
Professional services		3,261			3,588			11,695			15,865
Amortization of intangibles		87			222			573			889
Other operating expense		15,995			14,005			51,288			52,718

Total other expenses		88,240			83,295			330,633			330,226

Income before federal income tax expense		40,807			43,525			168,389			173,408
Federal income tax expense		11,671			12,066			48,904			50,381

Net income	$	29,136		$	31,459		$	119,485		$	123,027


Other comprehensive income, net of taxes
Unrealized securities’ holding gain, net of taxes	$	30,296		$	11,271		$	10,808		$	22,716
Unrealized hedging gain (loss), net of taxes		209			(340	)		1,342			(1,249	)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of taxes		(24,384	)		13,065			(21,763	)		15,686
Less: reclassification adjustment for securities’ gain realized in net income, net of taxes		1,011			729			1,382			730

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes		5,110			23,267			(10,995	)		36,423

Comprehensive income	$	34,246		$	54,726		$	108,490		$	159,450

Net income applicable to common shares	$	29,136		$	31,459		$	119,485		$	123,027

Net income used in diluted EPS calculation	$	29,136		$	31,463		$	119,490		$	123,043

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic		80,972			80,477			80,839			80,372

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — diluted		80,981			80,595			80,876			80,510

Basic earnings per share	$	0.36		$	0.39		$	1.48		$	1.53

Diluted earnings per share	$	0.36		$	0.39		$	1.48		$	1.53

Dividend per share	$	0.29		$	0.29		$	1.16		$	1.16


FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME—LINKED QUARTERS


(Unaudited)	Quarterly Results
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)	2008		2008			2008			2008		2007
	4th Q		3rd Q			2nd Q			1st Q		4th Q

Interest and fees on loans, including held for sale	$	105,463	$	107,927		$	106,516		$	116,288	$	128,078
Interest and dividends — securities and federal funds sold		29,918		29,223			29,255			29,236		29,891

Total interest income		135,381		137,150			135,771			145,524		157,969

Interest on deposits:
Demand-interest bearing		370		589			591			964		1,352
Savings and money market accounts		6,764		6,932			6,500			9,643		12,667
Certificates and other time deposits		23,816		23,463			26,587			31,987		35,290
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		3,752		8,244			8,319			11,542		16,994
Wholesale borrowings		7,441		6,801			6,243			7,089		5,505

Total interest expense		42,143		46,029			48,240			61,225		71,808

Net interest income		93,238		91,121			87,531			84,299		86,161
Provision for loan losses		16,986		15,531			14,565			11,521		9,334

Net interest income after provision for loan losses		76,252		75,590			72,966			72,778		76,827

Other income:
Trust department income		5,291		5,562			5,824			5,450		5,896
Service charges on deposits		15,450		16,648			16,028			14,736		17,067
Credit card fees		11,667		12,084			12,146			11,157		12,012
ATM and other service fees		2,613		2,717			2,770			2,794		3,055
Bank owned life insurance income		2,451		3,139			3,217			3,201		3,283
Investment services and insurance		1,949		2,899			2,790			2,865		3,121
Investment securities gains (losses), net		1,555		—			47			524		1,122
Loan sales and servicing income		2,294		1,370			1,885			1,391		1,551
Gain on Visa Inc.		5,768		—			—			7,898		—
Other operating income		3,757		2,610			4,051			2,838		2,886

Total other income		52,795		47,029			48,758			52,854		49,993

Other expenses:
Salaries, wages, pension and employee benefits		46,991		45,043			44,364			43,065		43,087
Net occupancy expense		5,950		5,741			6,204			6,754		6,284
Equipment expense		6,139		5,962			5,842			6,194		6,239
Stationery, supplies and postage		2,458		2,347			2,242			2,325		2,388
Bankcard, loan processing and other costs		7,359		7,497			7,356			7,244		7,482
Professional services		3,261		3,966			2,581			1,887		3,588
Amortization of intangibles		87		86			177			223		222
Other operating expense		15,995		9,967			11,784			13,542		14,005

Total other expenses		88,240		80,609			80,550			81,234		83,295

Income before income tax expense		40,807		42,010			41,174			44,398		43,525
Federal income taxes		11,671		12,257			12,021			12,955		12,066

Net income	$	29,136	$	29,753		$	29,153		$	31,443	$	31,459

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes		5,110		(7,756	)		(19,858	)		11,509		23,267

Comprehensive income	$	34,246	$	21,997		$	9,295		$	42,952	$	54,726

Net income applicable to common shares	$	29,136	$	29,753		$	29,153		$	31,443	$	31,459

Adjusted net income used in diluted EPS calculation	$	29,136	$	29,753		$	29,154		$	31,447	$	31,463

Weighted-average common shares — basic		80,972		80,869			80,855			80,655		80,477

Weighted-average common shares — diluted		80,981		80,896			80,898			80,722		80,595


Basic net income per share	$	0.36	$	0.37		$	0.36		$	0.39	$	0.39


Diluted net income per share	$	0.36	$	0.37		$	0.36		$	0.39	$	0.39


FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES ASSET QUALITY INFORMATION


(Unaudited, except December 31, 2007 annual period which
is derived from the audited financial statements)
(Dollars in thousands, except ratios)
	Quarterly Periods															Annual Period
	Dec 31			Sept 30			Jun 30			Mar 31			Dec 31			Dec 31
	2008			2008			2008			2008			2007			2007

Allowance for Credit Losses

Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period	$	102,007		$	98,239		$	94,411		$	94,205		$	93,811		$	91,342
Provision for loan losses		16,986			15,531			14,565			11,521			9,334			30,835
Charge-offs		17,932			14,957			14,830			14,669			11,768			44,148
Recoveries		2,696			3,194			4,093			3,354			2,828			16,176

Net charge-offs		15,236			11,763			10,737			11,315			8,940			27,972

Allowance for loan losses, end of period	$	103,757		$	102,007		$	98,239		$	94,411		$	94,205		$	94,205

Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, beginning of period	$	6,493		$	7,310		$	7,903		$	7,394		$	7,409		$	6,294
Provision for credit losses		95			(817	)		(593	)		509			(15	)		1,100

Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, end of period	$	6,588		$	6,493		$	7,310		$	7,903		$	7,394		$	7,394


Allowance for Credit Losses	$	110,345		$	108,500		$	105,549		$	102,314		$	101,599		$	101,599


Ratios

Provision for loan losses as a % of average loans		0.92	%		0.85	%		0.82	%		0.66	%		0.53	%		0.44	%
Provision for credit losses as a % of average loans		0.01	%		-0.04	%		-0.03	%		0.03	%		0.00	%		0.02	%
Net charge-offs as a % of average loans		0.82	%		0.64	%		0.60	%		0.65	%		0.51	%		0.40	%
Allowance for loan losses as a % of period-end loans		1.40	%		1.38	%		1.36	%		1.33	%		1.35	%		1.35	%
Allowance for credit losses as a % of period-end loans		1.49	%		1.47	%		1.46	%		1.45	%		1.45	%		1.45	%
Allowance for loan losses as a % of nonperforming loans		198.76	%		264.45	%		268.52	%		318.89	%		299.70	%		299.70	%
Allowance for credit losses as a % of nonperforming loans		211.38	%		281.28	%		288.50	%		345.59	%		323.22	%		323.22	%

Asset Quality

Impaired loans:
Nonaccrual	$	40,195		$	29,245		$	26,702		$	19,777		$	21,513		$	21,513
Other nonperforming loans:
Nonaccrual		12,007			9,328			9,884			9,829			9,920			9,920


Total nonperforming loans		52,202			38,573			36,586			29,606			31,433			31,433

Other real estate (“ORE”)		5,324			4,918			5,053			5,695			5,829			5,829


Total nonperforming assets (“NPAs”)	$	57,526		$	43,491		$	41,639		$	35,301		$	37,262		$	37,262


NPAs as % of period-end loans + ORE		0.77	%		0.59	%		0.57	%		0.50	%		0.53	%		0.53	%


Past due 90 days or more & accruing interest	$	23,928		$	16,241		$	10,654		$	10,931		$	11,702		$	11,702


FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION NONINTEREST INCOME AND NONINTEREST EXPENSE DETAIL


(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
	2008		2008		2008		2008		2007
	4th Qtr		3rd Qtr		2nd Qtr		1st Qtr		4th Qtr

QUARTERLY OTHER INCOME DETAIL

Trust department income	$	5,291	$	5,562	$	5,824	$	5,450	$	5,896
Service charges on deposits		15,450		16,648		16,028		14,736		17,067
Credit card fees		11,667		12,084		12,146		11,157		12,012
ATM and other service fees		2,613		2,717		2,770		2,794		3,055
Bank owned life insurance income		2,451		3,139		3,217		3,201		3,283
Investment services and insurance		1,949		2,899		2,790		2,865		3,121
Investment securities gains (losses), net		1,555		—		47		524		1,122
Loan sales and servicing income		2,294		1,370		1,885		1,391		1,551
Gain on Visa Inc.		5,768		—		—		7,898		—
Other operating income		3,757		2,610		4,051		2,838		2,886


Total Other Income	$	52,795	$	47,029	$	48,758	$	52,854	$	49,993


	2008		2008		2008		2008		2007
	4th Qtr		3rd Qtr		2nd Qtr		1st Qtr		4th Qtr

QUARTERLY OTHER EXPENSES DETAIL

Salaries, wages, pension and employee benefits	$	46,991	$	45,043	$	44,364	$	43,065	$	43,087
Net occupancy expense		5,950		5,741		6,204		6,754		6,284
Equipment expense		6,139		5,962		5,842		6,194		6,239
Taxes, other than federal income taxes		1,463		1,714		1,701		1,702		1,274
Stationery, supplies and postage		2,458		2,347		2,242		2,325		2,388
Bankcard, loan processing and other costs		7,359		7,497		7,356		7,244		7,482
Advertising		1,863		2,476		2,489		2,666		2,989
Professional services		3,261		3,966		2,581		1,887		3,588
Telephone		978		956		994		1,019		1,006
Amortization of intangibles		87		86		177		223		222
Other operating expense		11,691		4,821		6,600		8,155		8,736


Total Other Expenses	$	88,240	$	80,609	$	80,550	$	81,234	$	83,295


FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES — Net Charge-off Detail


(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)	Quarters ended						Year ended
	December 31,						December 31,
	2008			2007			2008			2007
Allowance for loan losses — beginning of period	$	102,007		$	93,811		$	94,205		$	91,342
Loans charged off:
Commercial		5,591			2,969			16,318			7,856
Mortgage		1,025			958			4,696			5,026
Installment		7,276			4,745			24,740			18,343
Home equity		707			758			4,153			4,151
Credit cards		2,506			2,104			9,821			8,497
Leases		6			—			26			41
Overdrafts		821			234			2,634			234

Total		17,932			11,768			62,388			44,148

Recoveries:
Commercial		402			357			2,388			4,351
Mortgage		35			36			76			44
Installment		1,473			1,705			7,071			8,021
Home equity		125			182			851			1,265
Credit cards		376			390			1,831			1,842
Manufactured housing		77			71			247			323
Leases		7			43			104			286
Overdrafts		201			44			769			44

Total		2,696			2,828			13,337			16,176


Net charge-offs		15,236			8,940			49,051			27,972
Provision for loan losses		16,986			9,334			58,603			30,835

Allowance for loan losses — end of period	$	103,757		$	94,205		$	103,757		$	94,205


Average loans outstanding	$	7,366,246		$	6,951,544		$	7,203,946		$	6,971,464

Ratio to average loans:
(Annualized) net charge-offs		0.82	%		0.51	%		0.68	%		0.40	%

Provision for loan losses		0.92	%		0.53	%		0.81	%		0.44	%


Loans outstanding — period-end	$	7,425,613		$	7,001,886		$	7,425,613		$	7,001,886


Allowance for credit losses:	$	110,345		$	101,599		$	110,345		$	101,599

As a multiple of (annualized) net charge-offs		1.82			2.86			2.25			3.63

Allowance for loan losses:
As a percent of period-end loans outstanding		1.40	%		1.35	%		1.40	%		1.35	%

As a multiple of (annualized) net charge-offs		1.71			2.66			2.12			3.37