FirstMerit (FMER) 8-K FirstMerit Reports Fourth Quarter 2004 EPS of $0.38 and Full Year EPS of $1.26

Exhibit 99.1

For Release January 20, 2005, 7:30 a.m. EST

Analysts: Tom O’Malley	Media: Jacque Sir Louis
(330) 384-7109	(330) 849-8877

FirstMerit Reports Fourth Quarter 2004
EPS of $0.38 and Full Year EPS of $1.26

AKRON, Ohio, — January 20, 2005 —FirstMerit Corporation (Nasdaq: FMER) today announced full year 2004 net income of $107.0 million, or $1.26 per diluted share. This compares with $121.0 million, or $1.42 per diluted share, for 2003. For the fourth quarter of 2004, FirstMerit reported net income of $32.1 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, compared with $6.5 million or $0.07 per share, for the prior-year quarter.

Returns on average common equity (“ROE”) and average assets (“ROA”) for the full year were 10.9 % and 1.04%, respectively, compared with 12.4% and 1.14% for 2003. Fourth quarter ROE and ROA were 13.02% and 1.26%, respectively, compared with 2.6% and 0.24% for the prior-year quarter.

“Our focus at FirstMerit is on improving our performance. Specifically, we improved the risk profile of our earning assets, increased the productivity and efficiency of our people, improved the quality of the products and services we provide our customers and overall product profitability,” said John R. Cochran, chairman and CEO. “The full value of these initiatives will be apparent when the Ohio economy experiences the economic recovery from which the rest of the country is benefiting.”

Total revenue, defined as net interest income on a fully tax-equivalent (“FTE”) basis plus noninterest income net of securities transactions, totaled $530.8 million for 2004, compared with $588.9 million reported in 2003. FTE net interest income was $353.5 million for 2004, a decline of 10.8% from $396.2 million in 2003, reflecting the impact of a 31 basis point decline in the net interest margin to 3.71% as well as a reduction in earning assets from the sale of the manufactured housing portfolio during the fourth quarter of 2003. For the fourth quarter of 2004, FTE net interest income was $88.0 million, a decline of 7.5% from the prior-year quarter, due to 10 basis points of compression in the net interest margin to 3.76%, and a 4.7% reduction in average earning assets from $9.8 billion to $9.3 billion.

“The changes in the composition of our loan portfolio and higher concentration of investment securities in our earning asset mix impacted the net interest margin in 2004. However, these actions improved the overall risk profile of our balance sheet,” said Mr. Cochran. “We have made significant progress throughout the year improving credit quality, and the net gains from these actions have offset all associated lost net interest income.”

Page 2

The sale of the Corporation’s $621 million manufactured housing portfolio in December 2003 impacts a comparison of net interest income between the fourth quarter of 2004 and the year ago quarter. The sale reduced the level of average earning assets and contributed to a lower-yielding portfolio in the current quarter. However, on a risk-adjusted basis factoring in lower credit-related charges from divesting those loans, FirstMerit’s net interest income after provision for loan loss expenses increased by $16.3 million, or 26.2%, compared with the prior-year quarter.

Noninterest income excluding securities transactions was $177.3 million for 2004, compared with $192.7 million in 2003. Declining revenue related to loan sales and servicing income from mortgage banking activities and a decrease in credit card fees accounted for a majority of the lower fee income reported this year, primarily due to the interest rate environment. For the fourth quarter, noninterest income excluding securities transactions was $43.9 million, a decline of $3.0 million, or 6.4%, from the prior-year fourth quarter. The decline reflects lower levels of service charges, investment service fees and other income, primarily due to the interest rate environment.

Noninterest expense totaled $312.2 million for 2004, compared with $315.1 million for 2003. Salary and benefits expense increased 14.9% for the year but were more than offset by a decrease in all other noninterest expenses, down 15.9%, from the prior year. For the fourth quarter of 2004, noninterest expenses declined 19.6% from the prior-year quarter that included $26.2 million of charges related to the manufactured housing portfolio sale.

Year-over-year, nonperforming assets were reduced by $35.3 million, or 43.5%, to $45.9 million, and loans ninety days past due still accruing interest declined $6.8 million, or 24.8%, to $20.7 million. As a result, nonperforming assets were 0.71% of period-end loans plus other real estate at December 31, 2004, compared with 1.24% at December 31, 2003. Net charge-offs totaled $55.4 million in 2004, compared with $98.0 million for 2003, or 0.85% and 1.37% of loans, respectively.

As of December 31, 2004, the reserve for unfunded lending commitments of $5.8 million has been reclassified from the allowance for loan losses to other liabilities. Amounts presented prior to December 31, 2004, have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The Corporation recorded $73.9 million of loan loss provision expenses in 2004, compared with loan loss provision expenses of $102.3 million in 2003. In the fourth quarter, loan loss provision expenses were $9.4 million, compared with $32.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2003.

The declines in loan loss provision expenses underscore the Corporation’s continued improvement in credit quality. The allowance for loan losses was reduced by $12.7 million for reserves associated with the loan sales in 2004 and $29.4 million in 2003. At December 31 2004, the allowance for loan losses was 1.51% of loans, compared with 1.40% at December 31, 2003. 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 1.60% at December 31, 2004, compared with 1.64% at September 30, 2004, and 1.49% at December 31, 2003.

Assets at December 31, 2004 totaled $10.1 billion, compared with $10.5 billion at year-end 2003, representing a decrease of 3.4%. Deposits totaled $7.4 billion at December 31,

Page 3

2004, a decline of 1.8% from $7.5 billion at December 31, 2003. Over the same time period, time deposits declined 8.7%, while lower-cost core deposits increased 2.5%. Core deposits now account for 63.8% of deposits, compared to 61.1% at December 31, 2003.

Shareholder equity was $981.3 million at December 31, 2004. The Company’s capital position remains strong as tangible equity to assets was 8.39% at quarter-end. The common dividend per share paid in 2004 was $1.06, a $0.04 increase from 2003.

Fourth Quarter 2004 Highlights

The Board of Directors of FirstMerit Corporation declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per share on the Corporation’s Common Stock, payable December 20, 2004, to shareholders of record on November 29, 2004 at its regular meeting held on November 18, 2004.

FirstMerit Corporation announced the appointment of Norman A. Bliss to senior vice president, Corporate Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Officer. Bliss will head FirstMerit Corporation’s CRA compliance in its 24-county market.

Conference Call:FirstMerit Corporation will host a conference call today, January 20, 2005, at 2:00 P.M. EDT.

To participate in the conference, please dial (800) 322-0079 ten minutes before start time. No passcode is necessary. A replay will be available at approximately 4:30 p.m., on January 20, 2005, through 12:00 a.m., February 3, 2005, by dialing (877) 519-4471, reservation number 5589503.

The 2004 earnings release will be available at approximately 7:30 a.m. on the Internet at www.firstmerit.com under the Investor Relations portion of the Web site. Any material non-public information will be posted on the Web site immediately after the conference call ends.

FirstMerit Corporation is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Akron, Ohio, with assets of $10.1 billion as of December 31, 2004 and 163 banking offices in 24 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., FirstMerit Credit Life Insurance Company, 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

Page 4

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.

Page 5

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

	Quarters
	2004			2004			2004			2004			2003
	4th Qtr			3rd Qtr			2nd Qtr			1st Qtr			4th Qtr
EARNINGS
Net interest income FTE (a)	$	87,993			88,051			87,782			89,691			95,118
Provision for loan losses		9,358			9,325			14,850			40,390			32,795
Other income		45,209			44,078			45,719			45,086			45,532
Other expenses		80,279			77,250			77,536			76,864			99,885
FTE adjustment (a)		669			679			675			689			619
Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax		32,144			31,111			31,028			12,706			7,170
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax		—			—			—			—			(688	)
Net income		32,144			31,111			31,028			12,706			6,482
Income per diluted share before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle		0.38			0.37			0.36			0.15			0.08
Per share effect of cumulative effect of change in accounting principle		—			—			—			—			(0.01	)
Diluted EPS		0.38			0.37			0.36			0.15			0.07
PERFORMANCE RATIOS
Return on average assets (ROA)		1.26	%		1.21	%		1.19	%		0.49	%		0.24	%
Return on average common equity (ROE)		13.02	%		12.78	%		12.71	%		5.10	%		2.63	%
Net interest margin FTE (a)		3.76	%		3.71	%		3.66	%		3.74	%		3.86	%
Efficiency ratio		60.69	%		58.31	%		58.53	%		56.89	%		70.17	%
Number of full-time equivalent employees		3,157			3,295			3,336			3,235			3,021
MARKET DATA
Book value/common share	$	11.66			11.62			11.28			11.82			11.65
Period-end common share mkt value		28.49			26.31			26.37			26.05			27.11
Market as a % of book		244	%		226	%		234	%		220	%		233	%
Cash dividends/common share	$	0.27			0.27			0.26			0.26			0.26
Common stock dividend payout ratio		71.05	%		72.97	%		72.22	%		173.33	%		371.43	%
Average basic common shares		84,286			84,544			84,809			84,771			84,642
Average diluted common shares		84,777			84,962			85,149			85,186			85,086
Period end common shares		84,191			84,302			84,829			84,802			84,724
Common shares repurchased		197,235			562,538			—			—			—
Common stock market capitalization	$	2,398,602			2,217,986			2,236,941			2,209,092			2,296,868
ASSET QUALITY
Gross charge-offs	$	17,873			16,119			21,341			23,666			31,896
Net charge-offs		12,553			10,403			14,183			18,276			26,225
Allowance for loan losses (b)		97,296			100,491			101,569			113,573			91,459
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments (b)		5,774			5,619			5,992			6,688			6,094
Nonperforming assets (NPAs)		45,891			47,789			48,819			88,472			81,166
Net charge-off/average loans ratio		0.78	%		0.64	%		0.87	%		1.13	%		1.48	%
Allowance for loan losses/period-end loans		1.51	%		1.56	%		1.56	%		1.75	%		1.40	%
Allowance for credit losses/period-end loans (c)		1.60	%		1.64	%		1.65	%		1.85	%		1.49	%
NPAs/loans and other real estate		0.71	%		0.74	%		0.75	%		1.36	%		1.24	%
Allowance for loan losses/nonperforming loans		240.14	%		240.03	%		247.10	%		139.86	%		124.20	%
Allowance for credit losses/nonperforming loans		254.39	%		253.45	%		261.67	%		148.09	%		132.47	%
CAPITAL & LIQUIDITY
Period-end tangible equity to assets		8.39	%		8.34	%		7.94	%		8.32	%		8.16	%
Average equity to assets		9.70	%		9.43	%		9.38	%		9.57	%		9.28	%
Average equity to loans		15.26	%		14.96	%		15.02	%		15.34	%		13.91	%
Average loans to deposits		86.69	%		86.79	%		87.95	%		87.68	%		92.55	%
AVERAGE BALANCES
Assets (b)	$	10,120,109			10,268,456			10,471,960			10,462,533			10,537,835
Deposits		7,421,815			7,459,927			7,437,054			7,442,121			7,594,040
Loans		6,434,115			6,474,512			6,540,974			6,525,147			7,027,978
Earning assets		9,314,744			9,441,368			9,658,873			9,651,878			9,771,796
Shareholders’ equity		982,147			968,697			982,195			1,001,257			977,429
ENDING BALANCES
Assets (b)	$	10,122,627			10,164,098			10,378,155			10,450,306			10,473,635
Deposits		7,365,447			7,377,108			7,402,800			7,381,722			7,502,784
Loans		6,433,083			6,461,741			6,520,001			6,507,836			6,551,599
Goodwill		139,245			139,245			139,245			139,245			139,245
Intangible assets		4,647			4,869			5,091			5,314			5,536
Earning assets		9,343,491			9,377,760			9,552,721			9,693,976			9,676,415
Total shareholders’ equity		981,257			979,640			957,095			1,002,272			987,175

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.
(b)	- As of December 31, 2004, the reserve for unfunded lending commitments has been reclassified from the allowance for loan losses to other liabilities. Amounts presented prior to December 31, 2004, have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
(c)	- The allowance for credit losses is the sum of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments.

Page 6

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited, except December 31, 2003, which is derived from the
  audited financial statements)

	December 31			December 31			Annual			Annual
	2004			2003			$ Change			% Change
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	169,052			199,049			(29,997	)		-15.07	%
Investment securities (at fair value) and federal funds sold		2,862,015			3,061,497			(199,482	)		-6.52	%
Loans held for sale		48,393			63,319			(14,926	)		-23.57	%
Loans:
Commercial loans		3,285,012			3,352,014			(67,002	)		-2.00	%
Mortgage loans		639,715			614,073			25,642			4.18	%
Installment loans		1,598,588			1,668,421			(69,833	)		-4.19	%
Home equity loans		676,230			637,749			38,481			6.03	%
Credit card loans		145,042			144,514			528			0.37	%
Leases		88,496			134,828			(46,332	)		-34.36	%
Total loans		6,433,083			6,551,599			(118,516	)		-1.81	%
Less allowance for loan losses (a)		(97,296	)		(91,459	)		(5,837	)		6.38	%
Net loans		6,335,787			6,460,140			(124,353	)		-1.92	%
Premises and equipment, net		121,198			119,079			2,119			1.78	%
Goodwill		139,245			139,245			0			0.00	%
Intangible assets		4,647			5,536			(889	)		-16.06	%
Accrued interest receivable and other assets		442,290			431,864			10,426			2.41	%
Total assets	$	10,122,627			10,479,729			(357,102	)		-3.41	%
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
Demand-non-interest bearing	$	1,470,543			1,346,574			123,969			9.21	%
Demand-interest bearing		841,595			773,514			68,081			8.80	%
Savings and money market accounts		2,384,510			2,461,265			(76,755	)		-3.12	%
Certificates and other time deposits		2,668,799			2,921,431			(252,632	)		-8.65	%
Total deposits		7,365,447			7,502,784			(137,337	)		-1.83	%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		1,336,471			1,525,804			(189,333	)		-12.41	%
Wholesale borrowings		300,220			311,038			(10,818	)		-3.48	%
Accrued taxes, expenses, and other liabilities (a)		139,232			152,928			(13,696	)		-8.96	%
Total liabilities		9,141,370			9,492,554			(351,184	)		-3.70	%
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; 0 shares outstanding at December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively		—			—			—			—
Common stock, without par value: authorized 300,000,000 shares; issued 92,026,350 at December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003		127,937			127,937			—			—
Capital surplus		110,513			110,473			40			0.04	%
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(17,983	)		(9,475	)		(8,508	)		89.79	%
Retained earnings		960,577			943,492			17,085			1.81	%
Treasury stock, at cost, 7,835,399 and 7,302,057 shares at December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively		(199,787	)		(185,252	)		(14,535	)		7.85	%
Total shareholders’ equity		981,257			987,175			(5,918	)		-0.60	%
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	10,122,627			10,479,729			(357,102	)		-3.41	%

(a) As of December 31, 2004, the reserve for unfunded lending commitments has been reclassified from the allowance for loan losses to other liabilities. Amounts presented prior to December 31, 2004 have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

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

Page 7

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

	Quarterly Periods
	Dec 31,			Sept 30,			June 30,			March 31,			Dec 31,
	2004			2004			2004			2004			2003
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	198,077			219,025			226,637			212,358			198,302
Investment securities/fed funds sold		2,831,253			2,913,395			3,054,655			3,072,724			2,687,500
Loans held for sale		49,376			53,461			63,244			54,007			56,318
Loans:
Commercial loans		3,272,545			3,286,775			3,368,633			3,355,159			3,395,863
Mortgage loans		642,569			637,796			628,381			616,970			619,574
Installment loans		1,612,132			1,646,826			1,640,665			1,644,343			1,680,752
Home equity loans		670,366			654,882			642,369			638,549			632,369
Credit card loans		141,953			141,751			141,460			143,497			141,333
Manufactured housing loans		—			—			—			—			413,796
Leases		94,550			106,482			119,466			126,629			144,291
Total loans		6,434,115			6,474,512			6,540,974			6,525,147			7,027,978
Less allowance for loan losses (a)		99,675			101,119			112,120			90,939			104,092
Net loans		6,334,440			6,373,393			6,428,854			6,434,208			6,923,886
Total earning assets		9,314,744			9,441,368			9,658,873			9,651,878			9,771,796
Premises and equipment, net		121,147			121,672			120,798			119,728			120,386
Accrued interest receivable and other assets		585,816			587,510			577,772			569,508			551,443
TOTAL ASSETS	$	10,120,109			10,268,456			10,471,960			10,462,533			10,537,835
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Demand-non-interest bearing	$	1,462,830			1,396,593			1,402,273			1,330,056			1,348,374
Demand-interest bearing		829,650			809,707			814,718			767,287			755,093
Savings and money market accounts		2,423,790			2,495,659			2,492,318			2,483,451			2,508,706
Certificates and other time deposits		2,705,545			2,757,968			2,727,745			2,861,327			2,981,867
Total deposits		7,421,815			7,459,927			7,437,054			7,442,121			7,594,040
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		1,262,156			1,394,398			1,589,014			1,547,575			1,340,204
Wholesale borrowings		300,550			300,477			320,222			310,767			462,998
Total funds		8,984,521			9,154,802			9,346,290			9,300,463			9,397,242
Accrued taxes, expenses and other liabilities (a)		153,441			144,957			143,475			160,813			163,164
Total liabilities		9,137,962			9,299,759			9,489,765			9,461,276			9,560,406
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock		—			—			—			—			500
Common stock		127,937			127,937			127,937			127,937			127,937
Capital surplus		110,217			110,297			110,902			110,672			111,219
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(12,559	)		(29,493	)		(13,730	)		(1,457	)		(32,027	)
Retained earnings		953,566			950,094			940,726			948,521			956,770
Treasury stock		(197,014	)		(190,138	)		(183,640	)		(184,416	)		(186,970	)
Total shareholders’ equity		982,147			968,697			982,195			1,001,257			977,429
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	10,120,109			10,268,456			10,471,960			10,462,533			10,537,835

(a)   On December 31, 2004, the reserve for unfunded lending commitments has been reclassified from the allowance for loan losses to other liabilities.

Page 8

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)
(In thousands except per share data)

	Quarters ended						Twelve months ended
	December 31,						December 31,
	2004			2003			2004			2003
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans, including held for sale	$	98,792			109,118			385,919			465,831
Interest and dividends on investment securities and federal funds sold		26,590			24,896			111,476			101,438
Total interest income		125,382			134,014			497,395			567,269
Interest expense:
Interest on deposits:
Demand-interest bearing		704			313			2,152			1,151
Savings and money market accounts		5,310			4,473			19,145			18,981
Certificates and other time deposits		20,463			23,033			81,540			102,955
Interest on securities sold under agreements to repurchase		7,182			4,929			26,259			18,978
Interest on wholesale borrowings		4,399			6,767			17,494			31,591
Total interest expense		38,058			39,515			146,590			173,656
Net interest income		87,324			94,499			350,805			393,613
Provision for loan losses		9,358			32,795			73,923			102,273
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		77,966			61,704			276,882			291,340
Other income:
Trust department income		5,315			5,484			21,595			20,965
Service charges on deposits		15,135			16,256			62,162			63,259
Credit card fees		9,937			9,615			37,728			40,652
ATM and other service fees		2,892			2,905			11,879			12,120
Bank owned life insurance income		3,113			3,245			12,314			12,871
Investment services and insurance		2,560			2,930			12,850			12,189
Manufactured housing income		10			346			165			1,792
Investment securities gains (losses), net		1,299			(1,390	)		2,810			5,574
Loan sales and servicing income		2,033			1,405			6,075			12,070
Other operating income		2,915			4,736			12,514			16,831
Total other income		45,209			45,532			180,092			198,323
Other expenses:
Salaries, wages, pension and employee benefits		40,756			37,462			160,052			139,346
Net occupancy expense		5,468			5,301			22,557			22,118
Equipment expense		3,347			3,377			13,345			14,482
Stationery, supplies and postage		2,821			2,976			10,716			11,542
Bankcard, loan processing and other costs		6,355			6,706			24,307			28,040
Professional services		3,785			3,279			13,688			11,452
Amortization of intangibles		222			222			889			889
Other operating expense		17,525			40,562			66,375			87,198
Total other expenses		80,279			99,885			311,929			315,067
Income before income tax expense		42,896			7,351			145,045			174,596
Federal income taxes		10,752			181			38,056			52,939
Income after taxes but before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax		32,144			7,170			106,989			121,657
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax		—			(688	)		—			(688	)
Net income	$	32,144			6,482			106,989			120,969
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax expense (benefit):
Unrealized securities’ holding gains (losses), net of tax expense (benefit), arising during period		(3,754	)		(6,381	)		(6,679	)		(31,181	)
Minimum pension liability adjustment during the period net of tax expense (benefit)		—			21,404			(2	)		21,405
Less: reclassification adjustment for securities’ gains (losses) realized in net income, net of tax expense (benefit)		844			(904	)		1,827			3,623
Net unrealized income (losses), net of tax expense (benefit)		(4,598	)		15,927			(8,508	)		(13,399	)
Comprehensive income	$	27,546			22,409			98,481			107,570
Net income applicable to common shares	$	32,144			7,153			106,989			121,587
Net income used in diluted EPS calculation	$	32,152			6,489			107,019			121,000
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic		84,286			84,642			84,601			84,533
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted		84,777			85,086			84,996			84,929
Basic earnings per share before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle	$	0.38			0.08			1.26			1.44
Diluted Earnings per Share before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle	$	0.38			0.08			1.26			1.43
Earnings per share effect of cumulative change in accounting principle	$	—			(0.01	)		—			(0.01	)
Basic earnings per share	$	0.38			0.07			1.26			1.43
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.38			0.07			1.26			1.42
Dividend per share	$	0.27			0.26			1.06			1.02

Note: Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

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

Page 9

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

(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

	Quarterly Results
	2004			2004		2004			2004		2003
	4th Q			3rd Q		2nd Q			1st Q		4th Q
Interest and fees on loans, including held for sale	$	98,792			96,374		94,126			96,627		109,118
Interest and dividends - securities and federal funds sold		26,590			27,454		28,221			29,211		24,896
Total interest income		125,382			123,828		122,347			125,838		134,014
Interest on deposits:
Demand-interest bearing		704			579		503			366		313
Savings and money market accounts		5,310			5,009		4,512			4,314		4,473
Certificates and other time deposits		20,463			19,848		19,598			21,631		23,033
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		7,182			6,668		6,271			6,138		4,929
Wholesale borrowings		4,399			4,352		4,356			4,387		6,767
Total interest expense		38,058			36,456		35,240			36,836		39,515
Net interest income		87,324			87,372		87,107			89,002		94,499
Provision for loan losses		9,358			9,325		14,850			40,390		32,795
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		77,966			78,047		72,257			48,612		61,704
Other income:
Trust department income		5,315			5,228		5,696			5,356		5,484
Service charges on deposits		15,135			15,903		15,705			15,419		16,256
Credit card fees		9,937			9,581		9,546			8,664		9,615
ATM and other service fees		2,892			3,168		3,071			2,748		2,905
Bank owned life insurance income		3,113			2,992		3,083			3,126		3,245
Investment services and insurance		2,560			2,931		3,527			3,832		2,930
Manufactured housing income		10			5		5			145		346
Investment securities gains (losses), net		1,299			29		1,412			70		(1,390	)
Loan sales and servicing income		2,033			1,630		334			2,078		1,405
Other operating income		2,915			2,611		3,340			3,648		4,736
Total other income		45,209			44,078		45,719			45,086		45,532
Other expenses:
Salaries, wages, pension and employee benefits		40,756			41,096		39,139			39,061		37,462
Net occupancy expense		5,468			5,546		5,526			6,017		5,301
Equipment expense		3,347			3,140		3,323			3,535		3,377
Stationery, supplies and postage		2,821			2,606		2,577			2,712		2,976
Bankcard, loan processing and other costs		6,355			6,261		5,988			5,703		6,706
Professional services		3,785			2,780		3,977			3,146		3,279
Amortization of intangibles		222			222		222			223		222
Other operating expenses		17,525			15,599		16,784			16,467		40,562
Total other expenses		80,279			77,250		77,536			76,864		99,885
Income before federal income taxes		42,896			44,875		40,440			16,834		7,351
Federal income taxes		10,752			13,764		9,412			4,128		181
Income after taxes but before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle		32,144			31,111		31,028			12,706		7,170
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax		—			—		—			—		(688	)
Net income	$	32,144			31,111		31,028			12,706		6,482
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax expense (benefit)		(4,598	)		28,216		(54,954	)		22,828		15,927
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	27,546			59,327		(23,926	)		35,534		22,409
Net income applicable to common shares		32,144			31,111		31,028			12,706		6,465
Adjusted net income used in diluted EPS calculation		32,152			31,119		31,035			12,713		6,489
Weighted-average common shares - basic		84,286			84,544		84,809			84,771		84,642
Weighted-average common shares - diluted		84,777			84,962		85,149			85,186		85,086
Basic net income per share	$	0.38			0.36		0.37			0.15		0.07
Diluted net income per share	$	0.38			0.37		0.36			0.15		0.07

Note: Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Page 10

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ASSET QUALITY INFORMATION

(Unaudited, except December 31, 2003 annual period which
    is derived from the audited financial statements)
(Dollars in thousands, except ratios)

				Quarterly Periods												Annual Period
	Dec 31			Sep 30			June 30			Mar 31			Dec 31			Dec 31
	2004			2004			2004			2004			2003			2003
Allowance for Credit Losses (a)
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period (b)	$	100,491			101,569			113,573			91,459			114,316			116,634
Allowance related to loans sold		—			—			(12,671	)		—			(29,427	)		(29,427	)
Provision for loan losses		9,358			9,325			14,850			40,390			32,795			102,273
Charge-offs		17,873			16,119			21,341			23,666			31,896			119,877
Recoveries		5,320			5,716			7,158			5,390			5,671			21,856
Net charge-offs		12,553			10,403			14,183			18,276			26,225			98,021
Allowance for loan losses, end of period	$	97,296			100,491			101,569			113,573			91,459			91,459
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, beginning of period (b)	$	5,619			5,992			6,688			6,094			6,156			6,156
Provision for credit losses		155			(373	)		(696	)		594			(62	)		(62	)
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, end of period	$	5,774			5,619			5,992			6,688			6,094			6,094
Allowance for Credit Losses	$	103,070			106,110			107,561			120,261			97,553			97,553
Ratios (a) (b)
Provision for loan losses as a % of average loans		0.58	%		0.57	%		0.91	%		2.49	%		1.85	%		1.43	%
Provision for credit losses as a % of average loans		0.01	%		-0.02	%		-0.04	%		0.04	%		0.00	%		0.00	%
Net charge-offs as a % of average loans		0.78	%		0.64	%		0.87	%		1.13	%		1.48	%		1.37	%
Allowance for loan losses as a % of period-end loans		1.51	%		1.56	%		1.56	%		1.75	%		1.40	%		1.40	%
Allowance for credit losses as a % of period-end loans		1.60	%		1.64	%		1.65	%		1.85	%		1.49	%		1.49	%
Allowance for loan losses as a % of nonperforming loans		240.14	%		240.03	%		247.10	%		139.86	%		124.20	%		124.20	%
Allowance for credit losses as a % of nonperforming loans		254.39	%		253.45	%		261.67	%		148.09	%		132.47	%		132.47	%
Asset Quality
Impaired loans:
Nonaccrual	$	33,831			33,812			33,080			71,596			63,388			63,388
Restructured		—			—			—			—			35			35
Total impaired loans		33,831			33,812			33,080			71,596			63,423			63,423
Other nonperforming loans:
Nonaccrual		6,685			8,054			8,025			9,611			10,216			10,216
Restructured		—			—			—			—			—			—
Total other nonperforming loans		6,685			8,054			8,025			9,611			10,216			10,216
Total nonperforming loans		40,516			41,866			41,105			81,207			73,639			73,639
Other real estate (“ORE”)		5,375			5,923			7,714			7,265			7,527			7,527
Total nonperforming assets (“NPAs”)	$	45,891			47,789			48,819			88,472			81,166			81,166
NPAs as % of period-end loans + ORE		0.71	%		0.74	%		0.75	%		1.36	%		1.24	%		1.24	%
Past due 90 days or more & accruing interest	$	20,703			30,882			18,387			20,995			27,515			27,515

(a)	The allowance for credit losses is the sum of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments.
(b)	As of December 31, 2004, the reserve for unfunded lending commitments has been reclassified from the allowance for loan losses. Amounts presented prior to December 31, 2004 have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Page 11

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION
NONINTEREST INCOME AND NONINTEREST EXPENSE DETAIL

(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

	2004		2004		2004		2004		2003
	4th Qtr		3rd Qtr		2nd Qtr		1st Qtr		4th Qtr
QUARTERLY OTHER INCOME DETAIL
Trust department income	$	5,315		5,228		5,696		5,356		5,484
Service charges on deposits		15,135		15,903		15,705		15,419		16,256
Credit card fees		9,937		9,581		9,546		8,664		9,615
ATM and other service fees		2,892		3,168		3,071		2,748		2,905
Bank owned life insurance income		3,113		2,992		3,083		3,126		3,245
Investment services and insurance		2,560		2,931		3,527		3,832		2,930
Manufactured housing income		10		5		5		145		346
Investment securities gains (losses), net		1,299		29		1,412		70		(1,390	)
Loan sales and servicing income		2,033		1,630		334		2,078		1,405
Other operating income		2,915		2,611		3,340		3,648		4,736
Total Other Income	$	45,209		44,078		45,719		45,086		45,532

	2004		2004		2004		2004		2003
	4th Qtr		3rd Qtr		2nd Qtr		1st Qtr		4th Qtr
QUARTERLY OTHER EXPENSES DETAIL
Salaries, wages, pension and employee benefits	$	40,756		41,096		39,139		39,061		37,462
Net occupancy expense		5,468		5,546		5,526		6,017		5,301
Equipment expense		3,347		3,140		3,323		3,535		3,377
Taxes, other than federal income taxes		908		1,387		1,406		1,448		621
Stationery, supplies and postage		2,821		2,606		2,577		2,712		2,976
Bankcard, loan processing and other costs		6,355		6,261		5,988		5,703		6,706
Advertising		2,984		1,807		1,554		586		1,276
Professional services		3,785		2,780		3,977		3,146		3,279
Telephone		1,204		1,146		1,221		1,147		1,068
Amortization of intangibles		222		222		222		223		222
Other operating expense		12,429		11,259		12,603		13,286		37,597
Total Other Expenses	$	80,279		77,250		77,536		76,864		99,885

Page 12

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

(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

	Quarters ended						Twelve months ended
	December 31,						December 31,
	2004			2003			2004			2003
Allowance for loan losses - beginning of period	$	100,491			114,316			91,459			116,634
Loans charged off:
Commercial		4,245			11,220			25,073			34,093
Mortgage		576			263			1,174			1,016
Installment		9,196			11,068			35,958			42,093
Home equity		763			737			3,085			3,428
Credit cards		2,549			3,403			11,254			12,667
Manufactured housing		—			4,453			443			21,633
Leases		544			752			2,012			4,947
Total		17,873			31,896			78,999			119,877
Recoveries:
Commercial		1,227			794			6,068			2,597
Mortgage		10			228			42			235
Installment		2,757			2,823			11,545			11,872
Home equity		357			328			1,430			1,183
Credit cards		655			633			2,920			2,165
Manufactured housing		192			680			1,088			3,143
Leases		122			185			491			661
Total		5,320			5,671			23,584			21,856
Net charge-offs		12,553			26,225			55,415			98,021
Allowance related to loans sold		—			(29,427	)		(12,671	)		(29,427	)
Provision for loan losses		9,358			32,795			73,923			102,273
Allowance for loan losses - end of period	$	97,296			91,459			97,296			91,459
Average loans outstanding	$	6,434,115			7,027,978			6,493,472			7,138,673
Ratio to average loans:
(Annualized) net charge-offs		0.78	%		1.48	%		0.85	%		1.37	%
Provision for loan losses		0.58	%		1.85	%		1.14	%		1.43	%
Loans outstanding - period-end	$	6,433,083			6,551,599			6,433,083			6,551,599
Allowance for loan losses:
As a percent of period-end loans outstanding		1.51	%		1.40	%		1.51	%		1.40	%
As a multiple of (annualized) net charge-offs		1.95			0.88			1.76			0.93

(a) As of December 31, 2004, the reserve for unfunded lending commitments has been reclassified from the allowance for loan losses to other liabilities. At December 31, 2004 the reserve for unfunded lending commitments was $5.8 million. Amounts presented prior to December 31, 2004 have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Page 13