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): OCTOBER 31, 2001 FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) OHIO 0-10161 34-1339938 (State or other jurisdiction of (Commission (IRS employer incorporation or organization) file number) identification number) III CASCADE PLAZA, 7TH FLOOR AKRON, OHIO 44308 (330) 996-6300 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) (Telephone Number) Copy to: Kevin C. O'Neil Brouse McDowell LPA 500 First National Tower Akron, Ohio 44308-1471 (330) 434-5207 1 ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS. On October 31, 2001, FirstMerit Corporation announced it was exiting the manufactured housing lending business. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS. (a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired. Not applicable. (b) Pro Forma Financial Information. Not applicable. (c) Exhibits 99 Text of FirstMerit Corporation Press Release dated October 31, 2001 SIGNATURE 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. FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION Dated: October 31, 2001 By: /s/ Terrence E. Bichsel ------------------------------------------- Terrence E. Bichsel, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer