Filed by National City Corporation
                              pursuant to Rule 425 and the
                              Securities Act of 1933 and deemed
                              filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under
                              the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                              Subject Company: Provident Financial Group, Inc.
                              Commission File Number: 001-08019






[National City Logo]


INTER-OFFICE CORRESPONDENCE

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

DATE:             February 17, 2004

TO:               Southwest Ohio Employees

FROM:             Jim Hoehn

RE:               Provident Acquisition

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

Today we announced that National City has signed a definitive agreement to
acquire Provident Financial Group, Inc. As you may know, Provident provides a
diverse line of banking and financial products, services and solutions through
65 retail banking offices located in Southwestern Ohio and Northern Kentucky and
through commercial lending offices located throughout Ohio and surrounding
states.

This announcement is exciting news for National City in Southwest Ohio and is a
clear demonstration of the strategy we're following to ensure that we continue
to be a winning organization. The acquisition of Provident represents an
exciting opportunity for us to broaden our reach in Southwest Ohio and truly
lead this market. We have never been better positioned for growth in this area,
and this acquisition of the #2 Cincinnati area bank, combined with our current
market strengths, positions us to succeed. We firmly intend to be the leader in
Southwest Ohio.

National City and Provident share not only geography but also similar values of
commitment to our customers, investors, employees and communities. We intend to
leverage momentum with consumers and small businesses, as well as in middle
market lending and credit processes. We will continue to be a strong and visible
competitor in this market, and we will take full advantage of opportunities to
service customers through the Provident acquisition. As we move forward, I will
involve appropriate business unit representatives to work with our current and
prospective customers and clients to fully capitalize on these new
opportunities.

I know that this announcement may raise questions and concerns for you, as well
as for our customers and the community. I can assure you that I am absolutely
committed to keeping everyone informed as the details of the transition are
finalized.




The acquisition of Provident is possible because National City is in a position
of financial and operational strength, which is a direct result of your hard
work and efforts to make us the best. I hope you'll share in the excitement
about today's announcement and the opportunities that lie ahead for us to
achieve even greater success in our market.


In connection with the proposed transaction, a registration statement on Form
S-4 will be filed with the SEC. Shareholders of Provident are encouraged to read
the registration statement, including the final proxy statement prospectus that
will be part of the registration statement, because it will contain important
information about the proposed merger.