EXHIBIT 99.1--FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT FOR
              FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
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The annual financial statements and independent auditor's report thereon for
First Merchants Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan for the year ending
December 31, 1999, will be filed as an amendment to the 1999 Annual Report on
Form 10-K no later than March 30, 2000.